JP3059089B2 - Voice response device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates are those which relate to voice response equipment for the information service system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, information service systems using telephones and facsimile machines as operation terminals for extracting and registering information have become widespread. Information service systems include those that provide voice services by incorporating a voice response device, those that provide facsimile services by incorporating a facsimile server device, and those that incorporate both devices to provide telephone and facsimile services. Some offer both services.

[0003] A typical method of using this information service system is, for example, in the case of a voice retrieval (speech) service, a user makes a call using a nearby telephone or the like as a terminal, and a voice guidance issued by a voice response device of the information service system. By sequentially inputting the PB button of the terminal in accordance with the instruction, the type attribute of the information to be extracted is specified. In the case of a facsimile service, in addition to the above operation, the user must perform an operation of switching to the facsimile procedure by pressing a start button or the like.

[0004] As a function of the voice response device used in the information service system, in addition to the sequential input of inputting the PB after listening to the voice guidance, a preceding input for receiving the PB input even during the reproduction of the voice guidance, and a voice guidance are provided. A device that supports batch input, in which PBs are input collectively at the beginning, has also been developed. A technique for detecting a PB input during playback of voice guidance is disclosed in
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 299563/1992, which uses directional coupling means, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-172356, which detects a frequency component of PB, have already been proposed and are known technologies.

[0005] Some telephones and facsimile machines on the market take a little time before the voice of the other party can be heard again after inputting the PB.

Further, the performance and speed of computers, facsimile boards and the like constituting information service systems have been increasing year by year.

[0007]

However, in the above-described conventional voice response apparatus, when a telephone or the like which takes a little time to be able to hear the voice from the other party again after the PB input is used as a terminal, voice guidance is not provided. The first part of the voice response cannot be heard, and the speed of the computer and the facsimile board constituting the voice response device has increased. As a result, the interval from the detection of the input of the PB signal to the start of the reproduction of the next voice guidance is too short. However, the first problem is that the user feels uncomfortable. It should be noted that simply adding delay processing to solve this problem will cause a delay in processing due to the delay processing even during preceding input or batch input.

Further, in the conventional voice response apparatus which also supports advance input or batch input, when an input error occurs, an error message reproduced by sequential input is skipped by advance input or batch input, and where the error occurs. There was a second problem that the user could not understand the situation whether it occurred.

Further, in the conventional facsimile server device, after listening to the voice guidance to switch to the facsimile procedure, the user must switch to the facsimile procedure. It takes a long time to start the exchange in the procedure, and if the terminal side takes time to switch to the facsimile procedure after the voice guidance ends, the user hears CNG and CED and it is annoying. In addition, there is a third problem that if the user takes time to set a document at the time of registration, the facsimile procedure on the system side times out and transmission becomes impossible.

[0010] The present invention is intended to solve the conventional problems described above, and an object thereof is to <br/> provide excellent voice response equipment of the user interface.

[0011]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the first object is to provide an appropriate time gap between the input of the PB and the reproduction of the next voice guidance at the time of sequential input. In the same way as the voice guidance, this time gap can be terminated midway by preceding input, and can be skipped by batch input, thereby realizing a voice response device with an excellent user interface.

[0012] A second object of the present invention is to reproduce an error message to the end of an input error even if a preceding input or a batch input is performed. Can be realized.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A voice response apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a PB signal detection unit, a voice reproduction unit, and monitoring of a further input of a PB signal before the next voice reproduction after detecting the PB signal. In parallel with this, a process for creating a silence period is performed, and if there is a further input of a PB signal, the process for creating a silence period is terminated halfway, and further performed before the process for creating a silence period starts.
If a PB signal is input, the system control unit skips the reproduction and reflects the next process. If the voice guidance is reproduced, the PB signal detection unit accepts the input of the PB and scrutinizes it. An appropriate silence period is created later by the system control unit. This allows
In the case of the sequential input, a silence period of an appropriate length can be provided, and in the case of the preceding input, even during the silent period, the silence period due to the preceding input of the PB can be terminated halfway. In the case of batch input, the next moment after scrutiny is completed, a further PB
Are continuously input, so that the processing during the silent period can be skipped.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voice response device, comprising: a PB signal detection unit; a voice reproduction unit capable of immediately terminating reproduction when a PB signal is detected during voice reproduction; A system control unit that does not stop the reproduction even if the input of the PB signal is detected during the reproduction of the error message. By operating the audio reproduction unit by the function of the system control unit, it is possible to prevent the reproduction from being stopped halfway even if the input of the PB signal is detected during the reproduction of the error message.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voice response device, comprising: a PB signal detection unit; and a voice reproduction unit capable of immediately terminating reproduction when a PB signal is detected during reproduction of voice. And a system control unit that does not detect the input of the PB signal during the reproduction of the error message.
At the time of general voice reproduction, it is possible to accept preceding input or batch input, and at the time of PB input error, operate the PB signal detection unit so that the PB input is not detected by the function of the system control unit, and detect PB during reproduction of the error message Without letting
That is, it is possible not to end the reproduction in the middle.

Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of an information service including a voice response device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a telephone;
Is a network, 13 is an information service system,
A telephone call can be made with the telephone 11 through the network 12. Reference numeral 14 denotes a voice response device which constitutes a part of the information service system, and includes a system control unit 15 and a PB signal detection unit 16 which records a PB in a FIFO buffer when the PB is detected.
And start playback only when the FIFO buffer is empty.
If the FIFO buffer is not empty, the playback is skipped, and during audio playback, the FIFO buffer is constantly monitored.
An audio reproducing unit 17 which terminates the reproduction halfway when the buffer is no longer empty, and a data recording unit 18 which stores audio data provided with a silence portion of an appropriate length at the beginning of the audio data. Reference numeral 19 denotes a communication control unit which performs call control for outgoing and incoming calls.

The operation of the information service system configured as described above will be described with reference to the internal processing of the voice response device 14, in the case of the sequential input in FIG. 4, in the case of the preceding input in FIG. Each case will be described. In addition, as a premise, the telephone 11 is already used as a terminal,
It is assumed that the user has a line connected to the information service system through the line network 12.

First, the case of the sequential input shown in FIG. 4 will be described. Step 100: The system control unit 15 specifies a voice guidance message number and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 101: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproducing unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 102: The sound reproducing section 17 recognizes the end of the reproduction of the voice guidance message, notifies the end to the system control section 15, and the system control section 15 enters a state of monitoring the input of the FIFO buffer. Step 103: When the user inputs the PB from the terminal telephone 11, Step 104: The PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of the PB and inputs the detected characters (0 to 9, A to D, *, #). F
Record in the IFO buffer. Step 105: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, when the input is valid and the input of the second digit is required, the input of the FIFO buffer is monitored. Step 106: When the user inputs the PB from the terminal phone 11, Step 107: the PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB and records the detected several characters in a FIFO buffer. Step 108: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Step 109: Check whether the extracted character string is a valid character string, and perform a digit inspection for determining an operation to be performed next according to the value of the character string. Next, assuming that the operation to be performed is reproduction of a voice guidance message, the voice guidance message number is designated, and the voice reproduction unit 17 is requested to reproduce the voice guidance message. Step 110: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
Since the data to be reproduced has an appropriate silent part at the beginning, the reproduction of the audio part starts after the time when the voice guidance cannot be heard after the PB input on the telephone 11 of the terminal. Can hear all of the audio parts. After step 111, steps 102 to 1
Since the processing is the same as the processing in step 09, the description is omitted.

Next, the case of the preceding input shown in FIG. 5 will be described. Step 200: The system control unit 15 specifies a voice guidance message number and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 201: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 takes out the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 202: When the user inputs PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the reproduction of the voice guidance message, Step 203: the PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. . Step 204: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that data has entered the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Step 205: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out several characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and the input of the second digit is required, the input of the FIFO buffer is monitored. Step 206: When the user inputs the PB from the terminal telephone 11, Step 207: the PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB, and records the detected several characters in a FIFO buffer. Step 208: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Step 209: Check whether the extracted character string is a valid character string, and perform a digit scrutiny to determine the next operation according to the value of the character string. Next, assuming that the operation to be performed is the reproduction of the voice guidance message, the voice guidance message number is designated, and the reproduction is requested to the voice reproduction unit 17. Step 210: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproducing unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
Here, the data to be reproduced has an appropriate silent portion at the beginning. Step 211: When a user inputs a PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal while reproducing a silent portion of the voice guidance message, a step 212: the PB signal detecting unit 17 detects the input of the PB and stores the detected characters in a FIFO buffer. To record. Step 213: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that there is data in the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Step 214: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that a valid one-digit input is required. Step 215: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform an operation to be performed next according to the value of the numeric character string Digit scrutiny to determine.

Next, the case of batch input shown in FIG. 6 will be described. Step 300: The system control unit 15 specifies a voice guidance message number and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 301: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 302: When the user inputs PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the reproduction of the voice guidance message, Step 303: the PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of the PB, and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. . Step 304: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that data is present in the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Step 305: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and the input of the second digit is required, the input of the FIFO buffer is monitored. Step 306: When the user inputs the PB from the terminal telephone 11, Step 307: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB and records the detected several characters in a FIFO buffer. Step 308: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Step 309: Check whether the extracted character string is a valid character string, and perform a digit inspection for determining the next operation according to the value of the character string. Next, assuming that the operation to be performed is the reproduction of the voice guidance message, the voice guidance message number is designated, and the reproduction is requested to the voice reproduction unit 17. Step 310: When the user inputs the PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the digit inspection in the step 309, the step 311: the PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB, and the detected several characters are recorded in the FIFO buffer. You. Step 312: The audio reproduction unit 17 skips reproduction because there is data in the FIFO buffer. Step 313: The system control unit 15 detects that there is data in the FIFO buffer, extracts a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and one digit input is required. Step 314: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform an operation to be performed next according to the value of the numeric character string Digit scrutiny to determine.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the case of sequential input, even if the telephone takes a long time before the voice of the other party can be heard again after inputting the PB, the user can transmit the guidance message. All sounds can be heard from the beginning. In the case of prior input, P
Upon receiving the input of B, the process can proceed to the next process. Even in the case of batch input, the reproduction can be skipped and proceed to the next process.

It is considered that the simplest method is to make the length of the silent portion constant for each voice guidance message. However, it is generally considered that the time required for processing varies depending on the contents of the detailed inspection, for example, accessing a database. It is desirable to adjust the length of the silence period for each voice guidance message so that is constant. The practical upper limit of the total time is up to about 3 seconds, and empirically, about 0.5 to 1.5 seconds is a value that does not give a user a sense of discomfort.

Further, in the present embodiment, the terminal is assumed to be a telephone, but it goes without saying that a facsimile apparatus or the like may be used as long as it can make a telephone call. Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the voice response device is temporarily incorporated in the information service system has been described. However, it is not necessary to stick to the information service system. For example, the voice response device may be incorporated in a smaller answering machine. For these,
The same applies to other embodiments.

Further, in the present embodiment, the device for recording the PB is assumed to be a FIFO buffer, and the audio playback device determines the start / stop of playback based on the presence or absence of data in the FIFO buffer. For this purpose, a flag or the like can be used, so that the audio playback unit can terminate playback immediately upon detection of a PB signal, and can skip playback if a PB signal is input in advance. Any implementation method may be used.

Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the voice response apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
8, only the data structure will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a telephone;
Is a network, 13 is an information service system,
A telephone call can be made with the telephone 11 through the network 12. Reference numeral 14 denotes a voice response device which constitutes a part of the information service system, and includes a system control unit 15 and a PB signal detection unit 16 which records a PB in a FIFO buffer when the PB is detected.
And start playback only when the FIFO buffer is empty.
If the FIFO buffer is not empty, the playback is skipped, and during audio playback, the FIFO buffer is constantly monitored.
An audio reproducing unit 17 that terminates reproduction when the buffer is no longer empty, and a data recording unit 18 that stores silence audio data of an appropriate length in addition to general audio data. Reference numeral 19 denotes a communication control unit which performs call control for outgoing and incoming calls.

The operation of the information service system configured as described above will be described with reference to the internal processing of the voice response device, in the case of the sequential input in FIG. Each case will be described. It is assumed that the user has already connected the line to the information service system through the line network 12 with the telephone set 11 as a terminal.

First, the case of the sequential input shown in FIG. 7 will be described. Step 400: The system control unit 15 specifies the voice guidance message number and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 401: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 takes out the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 402: The sound reproducing unit 17 recognizes the end of the reproduction of the voice guidance message and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end, and the system control unit 15 enters a state of monitoring the input of the FIFO buffer. Step 403: When the user inputs the PB from the terminal telephone 11, Step 404: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB and records the detected several characters in a FIFO buffer. Step 405: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, extracts a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, when the input is valid and the input of the second digit is required, the input of the FIFO buffer is monitored. Step 406: When the user inputs the PB from the terminal telephone 11, Step 407: the PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB and records the detected several characters in a FIFO buffer. Step 408: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Step 409: Check whether the extracted number character string is a valid number character string, and perform a digit inspection for determining the next operation according to the value of the number character string. Next, assuming that the operation to be performed is the reproduction of the voice guidance message, the voice guidance message number is stored, the silent voice data is designated, and the voice reproducing unit 17 is requested to reproduce. Step 410: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 retrieves the specified silent data from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction. While the silent data is being reproduced, the time during which the voice guidance cannot be heard after the PB input on the telephone 11 of the terminal has passed. Step 411: When recognizing the end of the silence data reproduction, the audio reproduction unit 17 notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Upon receiving the notification, the system control unit 15 specifies the voice guidance message number stored in step 409 and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce the voice guidance message number. Step 412: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. When the reproduction of the voice guidance message starts, the user can hear the voice from the terminal by the silence data reproduced before that, so that the user can hear all of the voice guidance message. After step 413, steps 402 to 4
Since the processing is the same as the processing in step 09, the description is omitted.

Next, the case of the preceding input shown in FIG. 8 will be described. Step 500: The system control unit 15 specifies the voice guidance message number and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 501: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 takes out the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 502: When the user inputs a PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the reproduction of the voice guidance message, a step 503: the PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of the PB, and records the detected several characters in a FIFO buffer. . Step 504: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that data has entered the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Step 505: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out several characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and the input of the second digit is required, the input of the FIFO buffer is monitored. Step 506: When the user inputs the PB from the terminal telephone 11, Step 507: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB, and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. Step 508: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out several characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Step 509: Check whether the extracted character string is a valid character string, and perform a digit inspection for determining the next operation according to the value of the character string. Next, assuming that the operation to be performed is the reproduction of the voice guidance message, the voice guidance message number is stored, and the reproduction of the voice reproduction unit 17 is requested by specifying the silent voice data. Step 510: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproducing unit 17 retrieves the specified silent data from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction. Step 511: When the user inputs PB from the terminal telephone 11 during the reproduction of the silent data, Step 512: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of PB, and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. Step 513: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that data has entered the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Upon receiving the notification, the system control unit 15 specifies the voice guidance message number stored in step 509 and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce the voice guidance message number. Step 514: The audio reproduction unit 17 skips reproduction because there is data in the FIFO buffer. Step 515: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and one digit input is required. Step 516: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform an operation to be performed next according to the value of the numeric character string Digit scrutiny to determine.

Next, the case of batch input shown in FIG. 9 will be described. Step 600: The system control unit 15 specifies a voice guidance message number and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 601: The audio reproduction unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction because the FIFO buffer is empty.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 602: When the user inputs PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the reproduction of the voice guidance message, Step 603: The PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of the PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. . Step 604: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that data has entered the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Step 605: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out several characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and the input of the second digit is required, the input of the FIFO buffer is monitored. Step 606: When the user inputs the PB from the terminal telephone 11, Step 607: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. Step 608: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Step 609: Check whether the extracted character string is a valid character string, and perform digit inspection for determining the next operation according to the value of the character string. Next, assuming that the operation to be performed is the reproduction of the voice guidance message, the voice guidance message number is stored, and the reproduction of the voice reproduction unit 17 is requested by specifying the silent voice data. Step 610: When the user inputs PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the digit inspection in Step 609, Step 611: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of PB, and the detected several characters are recorded in the FIFO buffer. You. Step 612: The audio reproduction unit 17 skips reproduction of silence data because there is data in the FIFO buffer. Next, the system control unit 15 specifies the voice guidance message number stored in step 509, and
It requests the audio reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 613: The audio reproduction unit 17 skips reproduction because there is data in the FIFO buffer. Step 614: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and one digit input is required. Step 615: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform an operation to be performed next according to the value of the numeric character string Digit scrutiny to determine.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the case of sequential input, even if the telephone takes a long time until the voice of the other party can be heard again after inputting the PB, the user can transmit the guidance message. You can hear everything from the beginning. In the case of the preceding input, the input of the PB can be received even during the reproduction of the silent sound, and the process can proceed to the next processing. Furthermore, in the case of batch input, reproduction of silence and sound can be skipped and the process can proceed to the next processing.

It should be noted that it is considered that the simplest method is to prepare one having an appropriate length for the silent data. However, it is considered that the time required for processing depends on the contents of the inspection, for example, whether the database is accessed or not, and therefore, the total time required for this processing and the length of silence data are considered. It is desirable to prepare a plurality of silent data so that the time is constant, and switch the silent data to be reproduced according to the time required for digit inspection.

In the present embodiment, a device for recording PB is assumed to be a FIFO buffer, and
Although the start / stop of reproduction is determined based on the presence or absence of data in the IFO buffer, a flag or the like can be used for this control. After that, as long as the audio reproducing unit can continue to skip the reproduction of the audio for a necessary period, any realizing method may be used.

[0034] Next (Embodiment 3), a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the voice response apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
8, only the data structure will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a telephone;
Is a network, 13 is an information service system,
A telephone call can be made with the telephone 11 through the network 12. Reference numeral 14 denotes a voice response device constituting a part of the information service system. After detecting the PB signal, before performing the next voice reproduction, the voice response device performs a process of generating silence in parallel with monitoring of a further PB signal input. If a PB signal is input, the process for creating a silence period is terminated halfway, and if a further PB signal is input in advance, the system control unit 15 skips playback and proceeds to the next process. A PB signal detection unit 16 that records in the FIFO buffer when detected
And start playback only when the FIFO buffer is empty.
If the FIFO buffer is not empty, the reproduction is skipped, and the audio buffer is constantly monitored during the audio reproduction. If the FIFO buffer is not empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 which terminates the reproduction halfway and the audio data for the audio guidance message are stored. And a data recording unit 18. Reference numeral 19 denotes a communication control unit which performs call control for outgoing and incoming calls.

The operation of the information service system configured as described above will be described with reference to the internal processing of the voice response apparatus. Each will be described. It is assumed that the user has already connected the line to the information service system through the line network 12 with the telephone set 11 as a terminal.

First, the case of the sequential input shown in FIG. 10 will be described. Step 700: The system control unit 15 designates the voice guidance message number and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 701: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 702: The sound reproduction unit 17 recognizes the end of the reproduction of the voice guidance message, notifies the end to the system control unit 15, and the system control unit 15 monitors the input of the FIFO buffer. Step 703: When the user inputs a PB from the terminal telephone 11, Step 704: the PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB and records the detected characters in a FIFO buffer. Step 705: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, when the input is valid and the input of the second digit is required, the input of the FIFO buffer is monitored. Step 706: When the user inputs the PB from the terminal telephone 11, Step 707: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB, and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. Step 708: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Step 709: Check whether the extracted character string is a valid character string, and perform a digit inspection for determining an operation to be performed next according to the value of the character string. Next, assuming that the operation to be performed is the reproduction of the voice guidance message, Step 710: A delay process for generating a silent period by not reproducing the voice for an appropriate time is started. After the end of the delay processing, the voice guidance message number is designated, and the voice reproducing unit 17 is requested to reproduce. Step 711: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
Since an appropriate silence time is provided by the delay processing,
The user can hear everything from the beginning of the voice. After step 712, steps 702 to 7
Since the processing is the same as the processing in step 09, the description is omitted.

Next, the case of the preceding input shown in FIG. 11 will be described. Step 800: The system control unit 15 specifies the voice guidance message number and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 801: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the audio reproduction unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 802: When the user inputs PB from the terminal telephone 11 during the reproduction of the voice guidance message, Step 803: The PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of the PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. . Step 804: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that data has entered the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Step 805: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and the input of the second digit is required, the input of the FIFO buffer is monitored. Step 806: When the user inputs the PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal, Step 807: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB, and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. Step 808: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Step 809: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform a digit scrutiny to determine the next operation according to the value of the numeric character string. Next, assuming that the operation to be performed is the reproduction of the voice guidance message, Step 810: A delay process for generating a silent period by not reproducing the voice for an appropriate time is started. Step 811: The user operates the terminal phone 1 during the delay processing.
When PB is input from 1, Step 812: The PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer.
Even during the delay processing, the system controller 15 monitors the presence or absence of data in the FIFO buffer, and thus immediately ends the delay processing. Further, the audio guidance message number determined in step 809 is designated, and the audio reproduction unit 17 is requested to reproduce. Step 813: Since there is data in the FIFO buffer, the audio reproduction unit 17 skips the reproduction and immediately notifies the system control unit 15 of the end of the reproduction. Step 814: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and one digit input is required. Step 815: Check whether the extracted numerical character string is a valid numerical character string, and perform the next operation according to the value of the numerical character string. Digit scrutiny to determine.

Next, the case of batch input shown in FIG. 11 will be described. Step 900: The system control unit 15 specifies a voice guidance message number and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 901: In the audio reproduction unit 17, since the FIFO buffer is empty, the specified audio guidance message is extracted from the data storage unit 18 and reproduction is started.
The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 902: When the user inputs PB from the terminal telephone 11 during the reproduction of the voice guidance message, Step 903: The PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of the PB, and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. . Step 904: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that data is present in the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Step 905: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and the input of the second digit is required, the input of the FIFO buffer is monitored. Step 906: When the user inputs the PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal, Step 907: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB, and records the detected several characters in a FIFO buffer. Step 908: The system control unit 15 detects the input of the FIFO buffer, extracts a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Step 909: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform digit scrutiny to determine the next operation according to the value of the numeric character string. Step 910: When the user inputs PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the digit inspection in Step 909, Step 911: The PB signal detecting unit 17 detects the input of PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. .
In the system control unit 15, after the digit scrutiny in step 909,
Since there is data in the FIFO buffer, the delay processing is skipped, and the voice guidance message number determined by the digit scrutiny in step 909 is designated, and the voice reproducing unit 17 is requested to reproduce. Step 912: Since there is data in the FIFO buffer, the audio reproduction unit 17 skips the reproduction and immediately notifies the system control unit 15 of the end of the reproduction. Step 913: The system control unit 15 detects that there is data in the FIFO buffer, takes out a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that a valid one-digit input is required. Step 914: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform an operation to be performed next according to the value of the numeric character string Digit scrutiny to determine.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the case of sequential input, even if the telephone takes a long time after the PB is input until the voice of the other party can be heard again, the user can transmit the guidance message. You can hear everything from the beginning. In the case of preceding input, PB even during delay processing
, And the process can proceed to the next process. In the case of batch input, the delay process can be skipped and the process can proceed to the next process.

It should be noted that it is considered that the simplest method is to make the length of silence a fixed length. But,
It is considered that the time required for processing, for example, accessing a database, varies depending on the details of the digit inspection, so that the total time of the time estimated to be required for this processing and the time of silence due to the delay processing becomes constant. Furthermore, it is desirable to adjust the silence time of the delay processing according to the time required for digit inspection. The practical maximum value of the total time is up to about 3 seconds, and empirically, about 0.5 to 1.5 seconds is a value range that does not give a user a sense of incompatibility.

Next (Embodiment 4) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the voice response apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
8, only the data structure will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a telephone;
Is a network, 13 is an information service system,
A telephone call can be made with the telephone 11 through the network 12. Reference numeral 14 denotes a voice response device which constitutes a part of the information service system. A system control unit 15 for controlling the PB signal so that the reproduction is not interrupted even if an input of the PB signal is detected during the reproduction of the error message. FI when detected
The reproduction is started only when the FIFO buffer is empty according to the setting of the PB signal detector 16 to be recorded in the FO buffer,
If the FIFO buffer is not empty, the playback is skipped, and during audio playback, the FIFO buffer is constantly monitored.
An audio reproducing unit 17 capable of terminating reproduction when the buffer is no longer empty and a data recording unit 18 storing audio data for an audio guidance message are provided. Reference numeral 19 denotes a communication control unit which performs call control for outgoing and incoming calls.

In the information service system configured as described above, the operation when the preceding input is performed at the time of reproducing the error message will be described with reference to the processing flow of FIG. 13, and the operation when the batch input is performed will be described using the processing flow of FIG. I do. In addition,
As a premise, it is assumed that the user has already connected the line to the information service system through the line network 12 using the telephone 11 as a terminal.

First, the case of the preceding input shown in FIG. 13 will be described. Step 1000: The system control unit 15 specifies the voice guidance message number, turns on the FIFO buffer check setting, and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 1001: Since the FIFO buffer check setting is ON, the audio reproduction unit 17 checks that the FIFO buffer is empty, and then retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction. . The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 1002: The sound reproduction unit 17 recognizes that the reproduction of the voice guidance message has ended, and the system control unit 15
And the system control unit 15 enters a state of monitoring the input of the FIFO buffer. Step 1003: The user enters PB from the terminal telephone 11
Step 1004: The PB signal detector 17 detects the input of the PB, and records several detected characters in the FIFO buffer. Step 1005: In the system control unit 15, the FIFO
Detects buffer input, fetches a few characters and examines it for validity. Step 1006: Check whether the extracted character string is a valid character string, and perform a digit inspection for determining an operation to be performed next according to the value of the character string. If an input error occurs here, the FIFO buffer is cleared, the voice guidance message number of an error message indicating that an input error has occurred is specified, the FIFO buffer check setting is turned off, and the audio playback unit 17 is requested to play. I do. Step 1007: In the audio reproducing unit 17, since the FIFO buffer check setting is OFF, the specified error message is taken out from the data storage unit 18 and the reproduction is started without checking the FIFO buffer. Step 1008: When the user inputs PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal while reproducing the error message, Step 1009: The PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. Since the FIFO buffer check setting is off in the audio reproduction unit 17, the reproduction of the error message is continued as it is. Step 1010: When the reproduction of the error message is completed by the audio reproducing section 17, the end is notified to the system control section 15. Step 1011: The system control unit 15 specifies a message prompting re-input, turns on the FIFO buffer check setting, and requests the audio reproduction unit 17 to reproduce.
The audio reproduction unit 17 skips reproduction because there is data in the FIFO buffer. Step 1012: In the system control unit 15, the FIFO
Detects buffer input, fetches a few characters and examines it for validity. Here, assuming that the input is valid and one digit input is required. Step 1013: It is checked whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and an operation to be performed next is determined according to the value of the numeric character string. Scrutinize the digits to be determined.

Next, the case of batch input shown in FIG. 14 will be described. Step 1100: The system control unit 15 specifies the voice guidance message number, turns on the FIFO buffer check setting, and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 1101: Since the FIFO buffer check setting is ON in the audio reproduction unit 17, it is checked that the FIFO buffer is empty, and then the specified audio guidance message is taken out from the data storage unit 18 and reproduction is started. . The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 1102: The audio reproduction unit 17 recognizes that the reproduction of the audio guidance message has ended, and the system control unit 15
And the system control unit 15 enters a state of monitoring the input of the FIFO buffer. Step 1103: The user enters PB from the terminal telephone 11
Is input, Step 1104: the PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB, and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. Step 1105: In the system control unit 15, the FIFO
Detects buffer input, fetches a few characters and examines it for validity. Step 1106: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform a digit scrutiny to determine the next operation according to the value of the numeric character string. If an input error is detected here, the FIFO buffer is cleared,
The voice guidance message number of the error message indicating that an input error has occurred is designated, the FIFO buffer check setting is turned off, and the audio reproduction unit 17 is requested to reproduce. Step 1107: When the user inputs the PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the digit inspection in the step 1106, the step 1108: the PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB, and the detected several characters are recorded in the FIFO buffer. However, since an input error is detected by the digit inspection in step 1106, the FIFO buffer is cleared and this input becomes invalid. Step 1109: Since the FIFO buffer check setting is OFF in the audio reproduction unit 17, the specified error message is taken out from the data storage unit 18 and reproduction is started without performing the FIFO buffer check. Step 1110: When the user inputs PB from the terminal telephone 11 while reproducing the error message, Step 1111: The PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. Since the FIFO buffer check is off in the audio reproduction unit 17, the reproduction of the error message is continued as it is. Step 1112: When the reproduction of the error message is completed by the audio reproducing unit 17, the system control unit 15 is notified of the end. Step 1113: The system control unit 15 specifies a message prompting re-entry, turns on the FIFO buffer check setting, and requests the audio reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Since the audio reproduction unit 17 has data in the FIFO buffer, Skip playback. Step 1114: The system control unit 15 executes the FIFO
Detects the presence of data in the buffer, retrieves a few characters, and examines whether it is within the valid range. Here, assuming that the input is valid and one digit input is required. Step 1115: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform an operation to be performed next according to the value of the numeric character string Digit scrutiny to determine.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the error message can be reproduced to the end even if the preceding input or the batch input is performed.

[0048] (Embodiment 5) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the voice response apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
8, only the data structure will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a telephone;
Is a network, 13 is an information service system,
A telephone call can be made with the telephone 11 through the network 12. Reference numeral 14 denotes a voice response device which constitutes a part of the information service system.
And a PB signal detection unit 1 that records a PB in a FIFO buffer when a PB is detected.
6 and start playing only when the FIFO buffer is empty,
If the FIFO buffer is not empty, playback is skipped, and during audio playback, the FIFO buffer is always monitored.
The audio playback unit 17 includes an audio playback unit 17 that can end playback when the O-buffer is no longer empty, and a data recording unit 18 that stores audio data for an audio guidance message. Reference numeral 19 denotes a communication control unit which performs call control for outgoing and incoming calls.

In the information service system configured as described above, the operation when the preceding input is performed at the time of reproducing the error message will be described with reference to the processing flow of FIG. I do. In addition,
As a premise, it is assumed that the user has already connected the line to the information service system through the line network 12 using the telephone 11 as a terminal.

First, the case of the preceding input shown in FIG. 15 will be described. Step 1200: The system control unit 15 turns on the PB signal detection, specifies the voice guidance message number, and requests the voice reproduction unit 17 to reproduce. Step 1201: The audio reproduction unit 17 checks that the FIFO buffer is empty, and then retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction. The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 1202: The voice reproducing unit 17 recognizes that the reproduction of the voice guidance message has ended, and the system control unit 15
And the system control unit 15 enters a state of monitoring the input of the FIFO buffer. Step 1203: The user enters PB from the terminal phone 11
Step 1204: Since PB signal detection is on, P
The B signal detection unit 17 detects the input of the PB, and records several detected characters in a FIFO buffer. Step 1205: In the system control unit 15, the FIFO
Detects buffer input, fetches a few characters and examines it for validity. Step 1206: Check whether the extracted character string is a valid character string, and perform a digit inspection for determining the next operation according to the value of the character string. Here, assuming that an input error has occurred, the FIFO buffer is cleared and the PB signal detection is turned off, and a voice guidance message number of an error message indicating that an input error has occurred is designated, and a request is made to the voice reproducing unit 17 for reproduction. I do. Step 1207: The audio reproduction unit 17 checks that the FIFO buffer is empty, and then retrieves the specified error message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction. Step 1208: Even if the user inputs PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal while reproducing the error message, Step 1209: The PB signal detection unit 17 detects the input of PB because the PB signal detection is off. First, FIFO
Not recorded in the buffer. Therefore, the audio playback unit 1
At 7, playback of the error message is continued. Step 1210: When the reproduction of the error message is completed by the audio reproduction unit 17, the completion is notified to the system control unit 15, and the system control unit 15 returns the PB signal detection to ON, and specifies a message prompting re-input. Audio playback unit 1
When the reproduction is requested to Step 7, the audio reproduction unit 17 retrieves the specified audio guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproduction because the FIFO buffer is empty. Step 1212: When the user inputs PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the reproduction of the voice guidance message, Step 1213: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of the PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. . Step 1214: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that data has entered the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Step 1215: In the system control unit 15, the FIFO
Detects buffer input, fetches a few characters and examines it for validity. Here it is valid and 1
If the input of a digit is required, step 1216: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform a digit scrutiny to determine the next operation according to the value of the numeric character string.

Next, the case of batch input shown in FIG. 16 will be described. Step 1300: The system controller 15 turns on the PB signal detection, specifies the voice guidance message number, turns on the FIFO buffer check setting, and requests the voice reproducer 17 to reproduce. Step 1301: Since the FIFO buffer check setting is turned on in the audio reproduction unit 17, it is checked that the FIFO buffer is empty, and then the specified audio guidance message is taken out from the data storage unit 18 and reproduction is started. . The user hears the voice guidance message from the telephone 11 of the terminal. Step 1302: The voice reproducing unit 17 recognizes that the reproduction of the voice guidance message has ended, and the system control unit 15
And the system control unit 15 enters a state of monitoring the input of the FIFO buffer. Step 1303: The user enters PB from the terminal phone 11
Step 1304: Since PB signal detection is on, P
The B signal detection unit 17 detects the input of the PB, and records several detected characters in a FIFO buffer. Step 1305: In the system control unit 15, the FIFO
Detects buffer input, fetches a few characters and examines it for validity. Step 1306: Check whether the extracted number character string is a valid number character string, and perform a digit scrutiny to determine the next operation according to the value of the number character string. If an input error occurs here, clearing of the FIFO buffer and P
The B signal detection is turned off, and a voice guidance message number of an error message notifying that an input error has occurred is designated, and the voice reproducing unit 17 is requested to reproduce. Step 1307: When the user inputs the PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the digit inspection in the step 1306, the PB signal detection unit 17 turns on the PB signal detection unit 17 because the PB signal detection is on. Is detected and several characters detected are recorded in the FIFO buffer. However, since the FIFO buffer is cleared in the digit inspection in step 1306, this input is discarded without being used. Step 1309: In the audio reproducing unit 17, since there is no data in the FIFO buffer, the specified error message is output without checking the FIFO buffer.
And start playback. Step 1310: Even if the user inputs PB from the terminal telephone 11 while reproducing the error message, Step 1311: Since the PB signal detection is off, the PB signal detection unit 17 detects the PB input. First, FIFO
Not recorded in the buffer. Therefore, the audio playback unit 1
At 7, playback of the error message is continued. Step 1312: When the reproduction of the error message is completed by the audio reproduction unit 17, the system control unit 15 is notified of the end, and the system control unit 15 turns on the PB signal detection, specifies a message prompting re-input, and specifies the voice. Playback unit 17
Step 1313: Since the FIFO buffer is empty, the voice reproducing unit 17 retrieves the specified voice guidance message from the data storage unit 18 and starts reproducing. Step 1314: When the user inputs PB from the telephone 11 of the terminal during the reproduction of the voice guidance message, Step 1315: The PB signal detecting section 17 detects the input of PB and records the detected several characters in the FIFO buffer. . Step 1316: The audio reproduction unit 17 detects that data has entered the FIFO buffer, ends the reproduction of the audio guidance message, and notifies the system control unit 15 of the end. Step 1317: The system control unit 15 executes the FIFO
Detects buffer input, fetches a few characters and examines it for validity. Here it is valid and 1
If the input of a digit is required, step 1318: Check whether the extracted numeric character string is a valid numeric character string, and perform a digit scrutiny to determine the next operation according to the value of the numeric character string.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if an input error occurs during pre-input or batch input, the pre-input can be prohibited during the reproduction of the error message, so that the error message is reproduced to the end. You can make it.

Next (Embodiment 6), a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows a system configuration of an information service system including a facsimile server device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a facsimile machine, reference numeral 22 denotes a line network, and reference numeral 23 denotes an information service system. Reference numeral 24 denotes a facsimile server device which constitutes a part of the information service system 23. When a CED is detected during voice reproduction, a system control unit 25 for immediately interrupting voice reproduction and switching to a facsimile procedure, and detecting a CED even during voice reproduction. CED that can be
It comprises a detecting unit 26, a voice reproducing unit 27, a modem unit 28 for transmitting and receiving a facsimile in a facsimile procedure, and a data storage unit 29 storing a voice guidance message. Reference numeral 30 denotes a communication control unit which performs call control for outgoing / incoming calls.

The operation of the information service system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that an operation in which a user makes a call to the information service system 23 through the line network 22 using the facsimile apparatus 21 as a terminal and performs facsimile removal by interactive processing by inputting a voice guidance message and PB. Shall be

Step 1401: System control unit 25
Specifies the number of a message such as pressing the start button in order to have the user switch the terminal to the facsimile procedure, requests the audio reproduction unit 27 to reproduce, and the audio reproduction unit 27 The data of the message number is extracted from the data storage unit 29 and the reproduction is started. Step 1402: The CED detection unit 26 sends a C
Always monitor for ED input. If an input is detected, the system controller 25 is notified. Step 1403: System control unit 2 receiving this notification
In step 5, if the voice guidance message is being reproduced, step 1404: request the audio reproduction unit 27 to suspend reproduction and interrupt it. Step 1405: The system control unit 25 transfers control to the modem unit 28, and the facsimile server switches to the facsimile procedure.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when guidance is given to switch the terminal to the facsimile procedure, the terminal attempts to switch to the facsimile procedure by the CE.
When D is transmitted, the CED is detected, and the facsimile server can immediately switch to the facsimile procedure.

Since it is not possible to wait indefinitely for detection of CED, if there is no input of CED even after waiting for an appropriate time of about several minutes, the line is disconnected and the processing is terminated. .

[0059] (Embodiment 7) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the facsimile server device according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and the only difference is the control by the system control unit 25.
The configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a facsimile machine, 22 denotes a line network, and 23 denotes an information service system which allows a call with the facsimile machine 21 through a line 22. Reference numeral 24 denotes a facsimile server device which constitutes a part of the information service system 23. The facsimile server device continuously reproduces voice guidance so as to switch to the facsimile procedure to the partner facsimile device 21 without transmitting CNG, and immediately detects CED during voice reproduction. A system control unit 25 for interrupting voice reproduction and switching to a facsimile procedure, a CED detection unit 26 capable of detecting a CED even during voice reproduction, a voice reproduction unit 27, a modem unit 28 for transmitting and receiving facsimile in the facsimile procedure, and a voice guidance message And a data storage unit 29 storing the data. Reference numeral 30 denotes a communication control unit which performs call control for outgoing / incoming calls.

The operation of the information service system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that an operation is performed in which the user uses the facsimile apparatus 21 as a terminal, makes a call to the information service system 23 through the line network 22, and performs facsimile removal by interactive processing by inputting a voice guidance message and PB. It is assumed that

Step 1501: System control unit 25
Specifies the number of a message such as pressing the start button in order to have the user switch the terminal to the facsimile procedure, requests the audio reproduction unit 27 to reproduce, and the audio reproduction unit 27 The data of the message number is retrieved from the data storage unit 29 and reproduction is started. Step 1502: In the CED detecting section 26, the C
Always monitor for ED input. If an input is detected, the input is notified to the system control unit 25 and step 150 is performed.
Move to 4. Step 1503: When the voice reproducing unit 27 recognizes the end of the reproduction of the voice guidance message,
Returning to step 1, the reproduction of the voice guidance message is repeated. Step 1504: The system control unit 25 requests the audio reproduction unit 27 to suspend reproduction and suspends the reproduction. Step 1505: The system control unit 25 transfers the control to the modem unit 28, and the facsimile server switches to the facsimile procedure.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the terminal sends out the CED to switch to the facsimile procedure without letting the user hear the unpleasant CNG, the CED is detected and immediately detected. The facsimile server can also switch to the facsimile procedure.

The contents of the voice guidance message that is repeatedly sent need not always be the same. For example, a simple message might be played at first, and then gradually changed to a more detailed message.

[0065] (Embodiment 8) Next, the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 shows a system configuration of an information service system including a facsimile server device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 31 denotes a facsimile machine, 32 denotes a circuit network, and 33 denotes an information service system. Reference numeral 34 denotes a facsimile server device which constitutes a part of the information service system 33. When a CNG is detected during the sound reproduction, the sound reproduction is interrupted immediately, the CED is sent out, and a system control unit 35 for switching to the facsimile procedure is provided. CED even during audio playback
A CNG detection unit 36 that can detect
A facsimile transmission / reception modem unit 38 and a data storage unit 39 for storing voice guidance messages are provided. Reference numeral 40 denotes a communication control unit which performs call control for outgoing and incoming calls.

The operation of the information service system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that an operation in which a user makes a call to the information service system 33 through the line network 32 using the facsimile apparatus 31 as a terminal and performs facsimile registration by interactive processing by inputting a voice guidance message and PB. Shall be

Step 1601: System control unit 35
Specifies the number of a message such as setting a document and pressing a start button in order to have the user switch the terminal to the facsimile procedure, requests the audio reproduction unit 37 to reproduce, and Then, the data of the designated message number is retrieved from the data storage unit 39 and the reproduction is started. Step 1602: In the CNG detecting section 36, C
Always monitor for NG input. If an input is detected, the system controller 25 is notified. Step 1603: System control unit 3 receiving this notification
In step 5, if the voice guidance message is being reproduced, step 1604: request the audio reproducing unit 27 to interrupt the reproduction and interrupt it. Step 1605: The system control unit 35 sends CED as a reply to CNG. Step 1606: Control is transferred to the modem unit 38, and the facsimile server switches to the facsimile procedure.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even during guidance to switch the terminal to the facsimile procedure, the terminal tries to switch to the facsimile
When G is transmitted, the CNG is detected, and the facsimile server can immediately switch to the facsimile procedure. In addition, since it is naturally impossible to wait for detection of CNG indefinitely, if there is no input of CED, the line is cut off and the process is terminated if there is no input of CED.

[0069] (Embodiment 9) Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the facsimile server device in the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 3, and the only difference is the control by the system control unit 35.
The configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 31 denotes a facsimile machine, 32 denotes a line network, and 33 denotes an information service system. 34 is an information service system 33
Facsimile server device that constitutes a part of
Continue to play voice guidance to switch the other party facsimile machine 31 to the facsimile procedure without sending D
When a CNG is detected during the sound reproduction, the sound reproduction is interrupted immediately, the CED is sent out and the CED is switched to the facsimile procedure. A modem unit 38 for transmitting and receiving facsimile in accordance with a procedure, and a data storage unit 39 for storing voice guidance messages.
And Reference numeral 40 denotes a communication control unit which performs call control for outgoing and incoming calls.

The operation of the information service system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that an operation in which a user makes a call to the information service system 33 through the line network 32 using the facsimile apparatus 31 as a terminal and performs facsimile registration by interactive processing by inputting a voice guidance message and PB. Shall be

Step 1701: System control unit 35
Specifies the number of a message such as setting a document and pressing a start button in order to have the user switch the terminal to the facsimile procedure, requests the audio reproduction unit 37 to reproduce, and Then, the data of the designated message number is retrieved from the data storage unit 39 and the reproduction is started. Step 1702: In the CNG detecting section 36, C
Always monitor for NG input. If an input is detected, the input is notified to the system control unit 35, and step 170 is performed.
Move to 4. Step 1703: When the voice reproducing unit 37 recognizes the end of the reproduction of the voice guidance message,
Returning to step 1, the reproduction of the voice guidance message is repeated. Step 1704: The system control unit 35 requests the audio reproduction unit 27 to suspend reproduction and suspends the reproduction. Step 1705: The system control unit 35 sends and outputs CED as a reply of CNG. At this time, since the terminal has been switched from the call mode to the facsimile mode, the user does not have to listen to the CED. Step 1706: The control is transferred to the modem unit 38, and the facsimile server is switched to the facsimile procedure.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the user does not hear the unpleasant CED, and even if he / she takes time to set the original for registration, the facsimile procedure does not time out. When sending a CED to switch to the facsimile procedure,
Upon detection of D, the facsimile server can immediately switch to the facsimile procedure.

Note that the content of the voice guidance message that is repeatedly sent need not always be the same. For example, a simple message might be played at first, and then gradually changed to a more detailed message.

[0075]

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the first embodiment, the PB signal detection unit terminates reproduction immediately upon detection of a PB signal during audio reproduction,
An audio reproducing unit capable of skipping reproduction when there is a signal input, and a data storage unit storing audio data provided with a silent part at the beginning of audio data to start reproducing after detecting a PB signal. Therefore, it is possible to realize an excellent voice response device that allows the user to listen to the voice guidance from the beginning without feeling uncomfortable, and can also respond to prior input or batch input.

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the second embodiment, the PB signal detecting unit and the PB signal
When a signal is detected, the sound reproduction section is capable of immediately terminating the reproduction and continuing to skip the reproduction of the sound for a necessary period of time. It has a data storage unit that stores silence data for playback, so that the user can hear the voice guidance from the beginning without discomfort, and can also respond to prior input or batch input. An excellent voice response device can be realized.

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the third embodiment, a PB signal detecting section and a PB signal
Before detecting the signal and before performing the next sound reproduction, a process for generating a silence time is performed in parallel with the monitoring of the further PB signal input.
A system control unit for terminating the process of generating a silence period when a further PB signal is input, and skipping the reproduction and proceeding to the next process when a further PB signal is input in advance. Therefore, it is possible to realize an excellent voice response device that allows the user to listen to the voice guidance from the beginning without feeling uncomfortable, and can also respond to prior input or batch input.

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the fourth embodiment, the PB signal detecting section and the PB signal
An audio playback unit capable of immediately terminating reproduction when a signal is detected, and a system control unit that does not terminate reproduction halfway even when an input of a PB signal is detected during reproduction of an error message. Therefore, prior input or batch input is accepted at the time of reproducing a general message, but an excellent voice response device capable of reproducing an error message to the end even when PB is input can be realized.

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the fifth embodiment, the PB signal detecting section and the PB signal
A sound reproducing unit capable of immediately terminating reproduction when a signal is detected;
The system has a system control unit that does not detect the input of the B signal, so that an advanced voice response can be made so that prior input or batch input is accepted during general message playback, but not during error message playback. The device can be realized.

As is clear from the sixth embodiment, the present invention also relates to a sound reproducing unit and a CED during sound reproduction.
And a system control unit for immediately interrupting audio playback when a CED is detected during audio playback and switching to the facsimile procedure. An excellent facsimile server device can be realized.

As is clear from the seventh embodiment, the present invention also relates to a sound reproducing unit and a CED during sound reproduction.
Since the voice guidance is provided, the voice guidance includes a CED detection unit that can detect the CED and a voice guidance to switch to the facsimile procedure to the other party facsimile machine without sending CNG, and to switch to the facsimile procedure when the CED is detected. A CN that can immediately switch to the facsimile procedure even during playback and is unpleasant to the user
It is possible to realize an excellent facsimile server device that does not hear G.

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the eighth embodiment, the sound reproducing unit and the CNG during the sound reproducing are also provided.
A CNG detection unit capable of detecting the CNG, and a system control unit for immediately interrupting the sound reproduction when the CNG is detected during the sound reproduction and switching to the facsimile procedure, so that it is possible to immediately switch to the facsimile procedure even during the voice guidance reproduction. An excellent facsimile server device can be realized.

According to the present invention, as is apparent from the ninth embodiment, the sound reproducing unit and the CNG during sound reproduction are also provided.
A CNG detection unit that can detect the voice guidance, and a system control unit that continuously reproduces the voice guidance to switch to the facsimile procedure to the other party facsimile machine without sending out the CED, and switches to the facsimile procedure when CNG is detected. A CE that can immediately switch to the facsimile procedure even during playback and is unpleasant to users
It is possible to realize an excellent facsimile server device that does not fail in registration even if it takes time to set a document without asking D.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an information service system including a voice response device according to first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of an information service system including a facsimile server device according to sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of an information service system including a facsimile server device according to the eighth and ninth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of sequential input according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of preceding input according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of batch input according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of sequential input according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of preceding input according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of batch input according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of sequential input according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of preceding input according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of batch input according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of preceding input according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of batch input according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of preceding input according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation at the time of batch input according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Telephone 12, 22, 32 Circuit network 13, 23, 33 Information service system 14 Voice response device 15, 25, 35 System control unit 16 PB signal detection unit 17, 27, 37 Voice reproduction unit 18, 29, 39 Data storage unit 19, 30, 40 Communication control unit 21, 31 Facsimile device 24, 34 Facsimile server device 26 CED detection unit 28, 38 Modem unit 36 CNG detection unit

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. In a dialogue process with sound reproduction and PB input, a PB signal detection unit, a sound reproduction unit, and silence in parallel with monitoring of a further PB signal input before performing the next sound reproduction after detecting the PB signal. To make more time, and further P
When the B signal is input, the process for generating the silence time is terminated halfway, and the process is further performed before the process for generating the silence time is started.
And a system control unit for skipping reproduction when a PB signal is input and displaying the next process. 2. A PB signal detection unit in a voice reproduction and an interactive process by a PB input, and a voice reproduction unit capable of immediately terminating reproduction when a PB signal is detected during reproduction of the voice, A voice response device comprising: a system control unit that does not stop reproduction while detecting an input of a PB signal during reproduction of an error message. 3. A PB signal detection unit in a voice reproduction and an interactive process by a PB input, and a voice reproduction unit capable of terminating reproduction immediately upon detection of a PB signal during reproduction of the voice, A voice response device comprising: a system control unit that does not detect the input of a PB signal during reproduction of an error message.