JP3305096B2 - Answering machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an answering machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of digital signal processing technology in recent years, DSPs using digital memories such as RAM as recording media
2. Description of the Related Art An answering machine for recording and reproducing by a digital signal processor has been put to practical use.

According to this method, to record a message sent from a communication line, the message is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter, and compressed and stored in a digital memory such as a RAM by a DSP.

[0004] When the message is reproduced, the voice data in the digital memory is expanded by the DSP, converted to an analog signal by the D / A converter, and output to the speaker.

For a plurality of message messages in the digital memory, attributes (storage address, memory capacity, etc.) of each message are stored in a management table or the like.

Therefore, by obtaining attributes such as a storage address from the management table, it becomes possible to reproduce and delete an arbitrary message.

[0007] In addition, by switching the reproduction address during reproduction of a certain message, it is possible to reproduce another message.

[0008] Generally, a message message is an "incoming message" in which an incoming call is automatically made when the user is absent and the message of the caller is recorded.
And a "call message" that records the content of the conversation during a call.

[0009] Each of them is stored and managed as one business message.

[0010]

However, when there are a large number of message messages in which the incoming message and the call message are mixed, there is a problem that the operator cannot manage the message.

[0011] For example, in a case where only a certain message is to be left and all the remaining messages are to be deleted,
The user performs an erasing operation (e.g., pressing an erasing button) while playing back the messages one by one.

At that time, if the incoming message and the call message are mixed, a great deal of effort is required to identify the desired business message.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided an answering machine for storing an incoming message recorded when an automatic incoming call is received and a call message recorded by an instruction operation of an operator during a call. Storage means for storing the recording time of the message, a first selection message indicating that an incoming message is selected when a first number is input, and a calling message being selected when a second number is input. Display means for displaying a second selection message; ten-key means for inputting a first number for selecting an incoming message and a second number for selecting a call message; numbers input by the ten-key means By providing an output means for outputting the recording time of one of the incoming message and the call message selected by the operator. Is the effort that has been reduced.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment.

Hereinafter, each member will be described. 101: Main control unit for controlling the entire apparatus, MP
U, ROM, RAM, etc. 102: an operation unit including operation keys, a display, and the like. 103: a reading unit for optically reading a document. 104: an encoding unit for encoding image data. 105: Image memory for storing received images and the like. 106: a timekeeping unit that measures time and provides a timer counter and the like necessary for device control. 107: a recording unit for recording a received image and the like. 108: a decoding unit for decoding encoded image data. 109: A communication unit for connecting and disconnecting a call to a network, modulating transmission data, demodulating received data, and exchanging data with a partner station. It should be noted that a digital answering machine for recording / reproducing a business message is also included in the communication unit. 110: A system bus connecting the main control unit and each member. 111: Line.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication unit 109 in the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, each member will be described. 201: A switch for connecting a line to the telephone 202 or the facsimile machine. 202: Telephone. It has a call function, a dial function, an incoming call notification function (ringing of a bell sound), and the like. 203: A paging signal detector for detecting a paging signal coming from the line 218. Note that the impedance of the call signal detector is sufficiently large as compared with the terminal impedance of the telephone 202, so that the influence on the call and the like can be ignored. 204: a call signal detector that monitors to record the contents of the call. Since the impedance of the call signal detector is sufficiently large compared to the terminal impedance of the telephone 202, the influence on the call and the like can be ignored. 205: A hybrid circuit for switching a 2-wire signal from the line 218 to a 4-wire signal. In the figure, "Line
"Out" is a transmission path, and "Line In" is a reception path.

Most of the transmission signals on the transmission path are
The signal is transmitted to the line 218 through the hybrid circuit 205, and some of the
The light is reflected at 05 and flows into the receiving path.

Hereinafter, a signal reflected by the hybrid circuit 205 and flowing into the receiving path is referred to as a reflected signal. 206: a switch for switching between inputting to the digital answering machine directly from the line and inputting from the call signal detector 204; 207: an adder for adding the transmission signal from the modem 210 and the transmission signal from the digital answering machine 212 and transmitting the added signal to the line 218. 208: Whether to connect the digital answering section 212 or the transmission path / reception path coupling section 211 to the transmission path to the line,
Switch for switching. 209: The input to the digital answering machine 212 is sent to the line 21
A switch for switching from 8 or from the microphone 215. 210: A modem for modulating a transmission signal and demodulating a reception signal. 211: A transmission path / reception path coupling unit for guiding an audio signal from a partner station coming from the line 218 to the speaker 214 and guiding an audio signal from the microphone 215 to the line. As a result, it is possible to transmit from the microphone attached to the device to the partner station, and to receive a call from the partner station via the speaker 214 attached to the device. By the way, the transmission path and the reception path may be combined in a full-duplex system or a half-duplex system. 212: Digital answering machine for recording / reproducing an audio signal. 213: a switch for switching between connection to the speaker 214 directly to the reception path from the line 218 and connection through the transmission path / reception path coupling unit 211. 214: speaker. 215: Microphone. 216: Off-hook detector for detecting the hook state of telephone 202. Note that the impedance of the off-hook detector is sufficiently large compared to the terminal impedance of the telephone 202, so that the influence on the telephone conversation and the like can be ignored. 217: corresponds to the system bus 110 in FIG. 218: corresponds to the line 111 in FIG.

In addition, there are members for generating a dial signal, but they are omitted because they do not directly relate to the description of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital answering machine 212 in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, each member will be described.

In the figure, "Line Out" indicates a transmission path to the line, and "Line In" indicates a reception path from the line. 301: a transmission amplifier for adjusting the gain of the output signal of the DA converter 302. 302: DA converter for converting a digital audio signal generated by the DSP 303 into an analog signal. 303: DSP for performing compression and decompression processing of digitized audio data. This processing is performed by the MPU (main control unit 101).
) Is started by a command sent from the inside) via the system bus 308. 304: an AD converter for converting an analog audio signal coming from the line into a digital signal and supplying the digital signal to the DSP. 305: a receiving amplifier for adjusting the gain of the input signal to the DA converter. 306: RAM for storing audio data compressed by the DSP. 307: an audio data bus for exchanging audio data between the DSP and the RAM 306. 308: Corresponds to the system bus 110 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 102 in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, each member will be described. 401: a display for displaying a guidance message, a status of the apparatus, and the like. 402: Answering key for setting the incoming mode of the device to the home mode or the answering mode. Here, the home mode is a mode in which a person is present near the device so that a call can be answered immediately when an incoming call is received. The answering mode is a mode in which an incoming call is automatically received, a response message is transmitted, and then an incoming message is recorded. It is. 403: A reproduction key for starting the reproduction of the business message. 404: A skip key for skipping to the reproduction of the next message while a certain message is being reproduced. 405: A repeat key for playing back from the beginning of the message while the message is being played. 406: Stop key for stopping the operation. 407: Recording key for starting recording operation. 408: Delete key for deleting the message. 409: A call key for shifting to a call operation using a microphone and a speaker attached to the device without using a telephone. 410: numeric keypad. 411: Report key for starting report output.

FIG. 5 shows the main control unit 101 and the DSP 303
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a format of a management table for managing a business message. The main control unit 101 assigns numbers to the message messages such that the message messages can be uniquely identified in the order of recording, such as 0th, 1st,. Then, the management information is stored in the R in the main control unit 101 for each message number.
Generated in AM. This is a message message management table 501, which stores information on the first memory block in the RAM 306 managed by the DSP, recording start time, mode (indicating that the message is an incoming message or a call message), and the like. Each entry is hereinafter referred to as a block entry, a time entry, and a mode entry.

On the other hand, the DSP converts the compressed audio information into RA
The data is stored in the M306. At this time, the data is divided and stored in units called memory blocks. Each memory block is assigned a number such as 0th, 1st, etc. so that it can be uniquely identified. The memory block management table 502 manages each memory block, and is arranged in the RAM in the DSP. Each memory block is assigned a number such as 0, 1, 2, etc. in ascending order of address, and the memory block management table 502 indicates the connection state of the memory blocks.

In order to determine whether a certain memory block is in use, a memory block search map 503 is used.
Are prepared in the RAM in the DSP. An area is statically secured for each memory block, one bit at a time.
Used / unused is represented by 1/0.

A message is identified between the main control unit and the DSP using the block number. That is,
After issuing a recording start command to the DSP, the main control unit obtains a head memory block number in which the message to be recorded is stored. Thereafter, in order to reproduce the message, a reproduction command including the head block number information is issued. The DSP can sequentially access message data from the memory block management table 502 based on the head block number information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a command interface between the MPU in the main control unit 101 and the DSP 303 in the digital answering unit 212.

Reference numeral 601 denotes a command interface for an incoming message recording operation.

When the call signal is detected by the detector 203, the MPU controls the switch 201 to connect the line 218 and the hybrid circuit 205 and respond. After answering the incoming call,
The MPU issues a response message playback command to the DSP and sends out a response message. As the response message, the DSP expands fixed voice data compressed and stored in the built-in ROM, for example, “Tadaimarus Nisoteorimasuyouken”, converts it to an analog signal by the DA converter 302, and communicates. Send to line. The response message is also managed in the same format as that shown in the memory block management table 502, and when the data of the last memory block has been output, an end status is returned to the MPU.

In response to this, the MPU issues a recording start command to the DSP. Then, the incoming message is entered in the message management table 501. At this time, data “ICM” indicating that the message is an incoming message is written in the mode entry.

When the recording start command is issued, DS
P uses the message search table 503 to search for an empty block. The DSP obtains a digital signal from the audio signal coming from the line through the AD converter 304, and stores the digitized audio signal in the same format as that shown in the memory block management table 502 while performing compression processing. To go.

When the timer 210 detects that a certain predetermined time has elapsed, or when the modem 210 detects from the exchange that a tonal signal indicating that the other calling station has hung up, the MPU sends a signal to the DSP. Issue a stop command.

In response to the issuance of the stop command, the DSP ends the entry of the incoming message in the memory block management table 502 (writes a TERM code indicating that to the last block). Thereafter, the DSP notifies the main control unit of the head memory block number.

Then, the main controller writes the head memory block number into a block entry in the message management table 501.

Thereafter, the incoming message is processed according to the contents of the entry in the message management table.

Reference numeral 602 denotes a command interface during a call recording operation.

First, the operator is talking with the other party using the telephone 202 or the speaker 214 and the microphone 215. At that time, pressing the call key 409 shifts to a call recording operation.

In response, the MPU issues a recording start command to the DSP. Then, the incoming message is entered in the message management table 501. At this time, data “TALK” indicating that the message is a call message is written in the mode entry.

Upon receiving the recording start command, DS
P uses the message search table 503 to search for an empty block. Then, the DSP obtains a digital signal from the audio signal coming from the line through the AD converter 304, and stores the digitized audio signal in a format similar to that shown in the memory block management table 502.

When the timer 210 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed, or when the modem 210 detects a tonal signal indicating that the other party's calling station hangs up from the exchange, the MPU sends a signal to the DSP. Issue a stop command.

In response to the issuance of the stop command, the DSP ends the entry of the incoming message in the memory block management table 502 (writes a TERM code indicating that to the last block). Thereafter, the DSP notifies the main control unit of the head memory block number.

Then, the main control unit writes the head memory block number into a block entry in the message management table 501.

Thereafter, the incoming message is processed according to the contents of the entry in the message management table.

Reference numeral 603 denotes a command interface for reproducing a business message.

The MPU selects a desired message from the entries in the message management table 501, and issues a playback start command including the head block number information stored in the block entry of the message to the DSP.

In response to this, the DSP obtains the address in the RAM 306 from the head block number information, expands the address therefrom, converts it into an analog signal by the DA converter 302, and sends it to the speaker 214. When the last address of the memory block is reached, the next block information is obtained from the memory block management table 502, and the same processing is performed up to the last memory block (up to the end code TERM).

If only one item is reproduced, the reproduction process is terminated. However, if a plurality of messages are to be reproduced continuously, the same process may be performed by issuing a reproduction start command again.

Reference numeral 604 denotes a command interface for deleting a business message.

The MPU selects a desired message from the entries in the message management table 501, and issues an erasure command including the head block number information stored in the block entry of the message to the DSP.

In response, the DSP releases message data starting from the head block number information in the memory block management table. At the same time, the corresponding bit of the memory block search table is also turned off. After this processing is completed, an end status is returned to the MPU.

In response to this, the MPU deletes the corresponding message entry from the message management table.

FIG. 7 is a table showing the states of the switches of the communication unit shown in FIG. 2 in each operation.

By operating each switch according to this table, a connection state required for a desired operation can be obtained. However, a hatched portion indicates that any state is acceptable.

Based on the above, the erasing and reproducing operations of the business message and the printing operation of the business message report in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 shows the MP of the main control unit 101 of this embodiment.
Erasing and playing back the message in U
It is a flowchart of the operation when instructed from 02. For convenience of explanation, this flowchart combines an erasing operation and a reproducing operation. This operates like a common program having an operation mode (reproduction or erasure) as an argument. In the middle of the process, where processing branches between reproduction and erasure, judgment is made based on the value of the argument and each process is performed. .

Hereinafter, description will be made in accordance with this flowchart. S801: A mode entry in the message management table 501 is searched to group the message into an incoming message and a call message. At this time, a management table for each message is temporarily created in the format of the business message management table 501 for each of the incoming message and the call message. These are called an incoming message management table and a call message management table. S802: A menu for selecting a message group desired by the operator is displayed. FIG. 9 shows a display example of the display unit.
Reference numeral 901 denotes a selection menu during a reproducing operation, and 902 denotes a selection menu during an erasing operation. According to this, numeric keypad 1,
By pressing 2, 3 respectively, an incoming message, a call message, an incoming message and a call message are selected. Here, a message group that does not exist is not displayed as a selection menu. For example, when there is only an incoming message, the call message selection menu is not displayed. S803: Accept a key action by the operator. S804: The process branches depending on the operation mode. If the mode is the erase mode, the process proceeds to S805; if the mode is the reproduction mode, the process proceeds to S806. S805: Batch delete the selected message groups. That is, an erasing operation is performed on the corresponding entry of the business message management table 501 as described in 604. S806: The selected message groups are reproduced collectively. That is, if the selected group is an incoming message, an entry in the incoming message management table if it is a call message, an entry in the call message management table if it is a call message, or an entry in the message message management table if it is an all-message message, as described in 603. Perform a playback operation.

FIG. 10 shows the M of the main control unit 101 of the present embodiment.
6 is a flowchart of an operation of printing a message message in a PU.

Hereinafter, description will be made in accordance with this flowchart. S1001: The mode message in the message management table 501 is searched to group the message into an incoming message and a call message. At this time, a management table for each message is temporarily created in the format of the business message management table 501 for each of the incoming message and the call message. this,
These are called an incoming message management table and a call message management table. S1002: A menu for selecting a message group desired by the operator is displayed. 9 and 903 are display examples of a selection menu. According to this, numeric keys 1, 2,
Pressing 3 selects an incoming message, a call message, an incoming message and a call message, respectively.

Here, a message group that does not exist is not displayed as a selection menu. For example, when there is only an incoming message, the call message selection menu is not displayed. The message group selected here is printed on the report in S1003 and S1004. S1003: The entry contents (recording time and recording time) of the message management table are printed for one group. This printing is performed by the recording unit 107. Incidentally, one of the recording time and the recording time may be printed. S1004: The next message group is obtained. If there is no next, it ends.

FIG. 11 shows a printing example.

When the number of the caller is notified in the management table for the service of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), it may be printed including the caller's number.

Next, application examples of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration. (Parts unnecessary for description are omitted.) 1201: Telephone A. 1202: Telephone B. 1203: Line. 1204: Facsimile machine. 1205: A connection part between the telephone A and the facsimile machine. Here, the hook state of the telephone A can be detected. 1206: A connection unit between the telephone B and the facsimile machine. Here, the hook state of the telephone B can be detected. 1207: A connection part between the line and the facsimile machine. Here, the ON / OFF of the call signal from the line 1203 can be detected. 1208: speaker. 1209: Microphone. 1210: switch. Select the connection destination (telephone, line, microphone and speaker) to the digital answering machine. 1211: Digital answering machine. 1212: Main control unit.

The telephone A,
There is a telephone B, a microphone and a speaker.

It is conceivable that the users of the telephone A, the telephone B, the microphone and the speaker are different from each other. In this embodiment, the communication messages are grouped for each communication means and processed collectively. That is, when a recording key (not shown) is pressed while the telephone A is off-hook, and when a recording key (not shown) provided on the operation unit is pressed while the telephone B is off-hook, a humb free (not shown) is provided. The call messages are grouped depending on whether the record key is pressed after the call key for the call is pressed.

This can be identified by the data of the mode entry in the message management table. Then, as described above, S803 in FIG. 8 and S803 in FIG.
By selecting any group at 1002,
Achieve batch erasure, batch playback, and report printing for each group.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 1 or FIG.
More detailed cases can be classified under the following conditions.

In the call message, the case where the own station is the calling station and the case where the own station is the called station (when the telephone is off-hook during the detection of the incoming call and when the telephone is off-hook other than during the detection of the incoming call) In the case of starting with a different call signal pattern For example, if the terminal is connected to a PBX, the call signal pattern differs between an incoming call from an extension and an incoming call from an outside line. FIG.
FIG. 3 shows a call signal pattern. 1301 is a pattern that becomes a pause section after one signal wave peak appears 1302.
Is a pattern in which a pause section occurs after two signal wave peaks appear, one of which is assigned as an extension incoming call and the other as an external call arrival. Therefore, the message is divided into groups according to the respective patterns. Therefore, a message from an extension or an outside line can be selectively deleted, reproduced, and a report can be output.

Further, there is a service in which a plurality of telephone numbers are assigned to one line and the pattern of each call signal is changed depending on the exchange. Again, the messages are grouped for each call signal pattern. Therefore, deletion, reproduction, and report output for each telephone number are possible.

Similarly, in the case of a call message, the case where the local station is the called station can be classified according to the pattern of the call signal.

FIG. 14 is a table summarizing this in the example of FIG. The selection code is a code for inputting from a dial key to select one of the groups. FIG. 15 shows a management table in this case.

In these cases also, S803 in FIG.
By selecting one of the groups in S1002, batch erase, batch reproduction, and report printing are realized for each group.

FIG. 16 shows mode abbreviations and selection codes according to another embodiment of the present invention.

A means for registering abbreviations for each group is provided, and the abbreviations are displayed as a selection menu on the display unit at the time of reproduction by group, deletion by group, and report printing by group.

[0078]

According to the present invention, a first selection message indicating that an incoming message is selected when a first number is input, and a call message is selected when a second number is input. Display means for displaying a second selection message to be displayed, and output means for outputting the recording time of one of the incoming message and the call message selected by the numeral input by the ten-key means, so that the ten-key means can communicate with the incoming message. One of the messages can be selected, and the trouble of managing the message can be reduced by the recording time.

[0079]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital answering machine in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit 102 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a format of a management table for the main control unit and the DSP to manage the business message in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a command interface between an MPU and a DSP in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of a switch of a communication unit in each operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of deleting and reproducing a business message according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a display device at the time of erasing and reproducing a business message according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation of a business message report according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a print example of a business message report according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a facsimile apparatus in an application example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a call signal pattern.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of mode division in an application example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a management table of an application example.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing mode abbreviations and selection codes according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 Main control unit 102 Operation unit 103 Reading unit 104 Encoding unit 105 Image memory 106 Clock unit 107 Recording unit 108 Decoding unit 109 Communication unit 110 System bus 111 Line

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An answering machine for storing an incoming message recorded when an automatic call is received and a call message recorded by an instruction operation of an operator during a call, storage means for storing a recording time of each message, Display means for displaying a first selection message indicating that an incoming message is selected by inputting a first number, and a second selection message indicating that a call message is selected by inputting a second number Ten key means for inputting a first number for selecting an incoming message and a second number for selecting a call message; and an incoming message and a call message selected by the numbers input by the ten key means. An answering machine having output means for outputting one recording time.