JPH02222354A - Communication terminal equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute an answer conforming to an operator's schedule, etc, and to improve the use convenience by registering plural answer voice message information, and also, storing each answer time zone, and answering an answer voice message corresponding to time of the time of detecting an incoming. CONSTITUTION:Plural answer voice messages are registered in a voice encoding synthesizing device 9, and the respective answer time zones are set. A CPU 1 forms answer message management information in order to store each answer time zone of these plural answer voice messages, and stores it in a prescribed area of a RAM 3. In this state, when time of the time of detecting an incoming is contained in time of one answer time zone information, the answer voice message corresponding to its answer time zone information is reproduced and answered. In such a way, in accordance with an operator's schedule, a suitable voice message is answered, and the use convenience is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a communication terminal device having an answering machine function.

[Prior Art] Among communication terminal devices that use a telephone line as a transmission path, there are devices in practical use that share the telephone line with a telephone set and are equipped with an answering machine function.

Since such a communication terminal device can share one telephone line for telephone calls and data communication, communication costs can be significantly reduced, especially when installed in a private home.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Conventionally, such communication terminal devices use a single response voice message, and therefore, the effectiveness of the message is limited by time, such as a message according to an operator's schedule. Even if a response voice message limited to 1 is no longer effective, it will still be responded to by the other party, which may cause a misunderstanding on the part of the other party who hears the response voice message.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a communication terminal device that can solve the problems of the conventional devices and change the response voice message as appropriate.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing a plurality of response voice message information and absent recorded voice message information;
A storage means for storing response time zone information for each response voice message information, and a response voice corresponding to the response time zone information when the time of incoming call detection is included in any of the response time zone information. The apparatus is equipped with a control means for responding by reproducing a message from a recording and reproducing means.

[Operation] Therefore, since the content of the response voice message changes over time, it is possible to respond with a response voice message that is compatible with the operator's schedule and the like.

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a communication terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which shares a telephone line with a telephone and is equipped with an answering machine function.

In the figure, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 is for performing communication control processing and other data processing for this communication terminal device, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2 is for performing communication control processing and other data processing for this communication terminal device. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 3 stores processing programs and various information necessary for the processing programs.
This constitutes the work area of the CPUI.

The operation display unit 4 is for operating this communication terminal device, and includes various operation keys necessary for operation, various display devices such as a liquid crystal display, and a call tone for calling an operator when an incoming call is detected. It consists of a tone generator, etc.

The clock circuit 5 is for outputting time information such as current time information, and the input/output device 6 is for connecting this communication terminal device to an external device.

The modem 7 is for performing predetermined modulation/demodulation processing so that digital data can be transmitted and received via the telephone line, and the network control device 8 is for connecting this communication terminal device to the telephone line.

Furthermore, this network control device 8 is equipped with an automatic call origination/reception function.

The audio encoding/synthesizing device 9 encodes audio signals to form audio information, and synthesizes the audio information into the original audio signal. The audio memory 10 is for storing audio information. Yes, the handset 11 is used for making calls, inputting response voices, and outputting voice recordings when absent, and its on-hook/off-hook status is determined by the CPU.
I have been notified.

The two-circuit switch 12 is for switching the connection destination of the network control device 8, and the two-circuit switch 13 is for switching the connection destination of the handset 11.
The circuit switch 14 is for switching the connection destination of the speech encoding/synthesizing device 9.

One common terminal 12ac of the switch 12 is connected to the network control device 8.
One switching @ 12ab of the common terminal 12ac is connected to the transmission signal output terminal of the modem 7, and the other switching terminal 12aa is connected to the switching terminal 13 of the switch 12.
ba and the switching end 14ab of the switch 14.

The other common terminal 12bc of the switch 12 is connected to the network control device 8.
One switching end 12bb of the common terminal 12bc is connected to the receiving signal input end of the modem 7, and the other switching end 12ba is connected to the switching end 13 of the switch 12.
aa and the switching end 14bb of the switching device 14.

One common terminal 13ac of the switch 13 is connected to the speaker connection end of the handset 11, and the common terminal 13ac is connected to the speaker connection end of the handset 11.
The other switching end 13ab of 38c is the switching end 1 of the switch 14.
Connected to 4aa.

The other common terminal 13bc of the switch 13 is connected to the microphone connection end of the handset 11.
The other switching end 13bb of bc is the switching end 14 of the switch 14.
connected to ba.

One common terminal of the switch 14 is connected to the audio encoding/synthesizing device 9.
The other common terminal is connected to the audio signal input end of the audio encoding/synthesizing device 9.

In addition, the CPUI, ROM2, RAM3, operation display section 4,
clock circuit 5, input/output device 6, modem 7, network control device 8,
The speech encoding/synthesizing device 9 is connected to a system bus 15, and information is exchanged between these elements via the system bus 15.

In this embodiment, a plurality of response voice messages can be registered in the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9, and a response time period can be set for each response voice message.

In order to memorize the response time period for each of the plurality of response voice messages, the CPUI forms response message management information as shown in FIG. 2(a) for each response voice message, and The message is stored in a predetermined area of RAM3.

This response message management information includes time zone information indicating the time period for responding to the response voice message, a voice message number added to identify the response voice message (described later), and whether or not to record the voice message. Hail, it consists of a voicemail flag.

In this case, the voice memo IJIO also includes a voice encoding and synthesis device that converts voice messages such as response voice messages input by the operator and voice mail messages recorded by the answering machine function, as shown in FIG. A plurality of voice message data encoded by 9 are stored.

The voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 forms voice message management information as shown in FIG. 2(b) for each voice message data and stores it internally.

This voice message management information includes a voice message number for identifying the voice message, voice type information that stores whether the voice message is a response voice message or an absentee recording voice message, and information corresponding to the voice message. The voice message data to be sent consists of voice message storage area information that occupies a storage area occupied in the voice memory 10.

FIG. 3 shows an example of processing executed by the CPUI during off-hook.

When the handset 11 goes off-hook in the communication standby state (result of judgment 100 is YES), the CPU
At the same time, the switch 13 is switched to the switching terminals 12aa and 12ba, and the handset 11 is connected to the line via the network control device 8 (step 101). In this state, the operation display section 4, it is monitored whether a message registration command is input, a message playback command is input, an on-hook is performed, or a communication start command is input (determination 102,
No loop of 103, 104, 105).

When the operator inputs the message registration and the result of judgment 102 is YES, first, for example, input the voice message to which you want to respond.Please specify the time to respond first.''The time zone input guidance is displayed. is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation display unit 4 (process 106).

As a result, when the operator operates the operation display section 4 and inputs the time zone, the time zone information is stored and processed (107).
Next, for example, the process 1o8) is performed to display a voice message input guidance such as "Following the beep sound, please input a voice message to respond to" on the liquid crystal display of the operation display section (1o8), and the switch 13 is activated. Switching @13ab, 1
3bb and the switch 14 to the switching end 14aa.
, 14 ha, and the audio signal output end and the audio signal output end of the audio encoding/synthesizing device 9 are connected to the microphone connection end and the speaker connection end of the handset 11. A beep sound consisting of tones is synthesized and output (processing A109), and the recording operation of the speech encoding/synthesizing device 9 is started (processing 110).

Thereby, the operator speaks the content of the voice message to be responded to, and the voice signal is output from the handset 11 and applied to the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9, where it is converted into corresponding voice information and stored in the voice memory 10. Stored in empty space.

Then, in this state, the process waits until the preset maximum recording time elapses or on-hook is detected (No loop of judgments 111 and 112).

When the maximum recording time has elapsed and the result of the judgment 111 becomes YES, the recording operation of the speech encoding/synthesizing device 9 is terminated (
Process 113), synthesize and output a beep sound from the speech encoding/synthesizing device 9 (Process 114), and wait until on-hook (
NO loop of decision 115).

Also, before the maximum recording time elapses, the handset 11
is returned and goes on-hook, and when the result of judgment 112 becomes YES, the recording operation of the speech encoding/synthesizing device 9 is ended (processing 116).

In this way, when the end of the recording operation is commanded, the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 forms and stores voice message management information corresponding to the voice information stored at that time. At the same time, the voice encoding/synthesizing bag @9 notifies the CPUI of the voice message information assigned to the voice information stored at that time.

When you finish recording the voice message in this way, for example, the message "Do you want to record your answering machine when you answer this response message?" appears. ” is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation display section 4 (processing 117).

As a result, when the operator inputs the setting/non-setting of the answering machine from the operation display section 4, the contents are memorized (118), and the time zone information, voice message information, and setting/non-setting of the answering machine stored up to that point are stored. Corresponding to the configuration information,
The response message management information described above is formed and stored in the RAM3.
(processing 119).

Further, when a message reproduction command is input and the result of judgment 103 is YES, the switch 13 is switched to the switch end 13.
ab, 13bb, and the switch 14 is connected to the switching ends 14aa, 14ba, so that the speech encoding/synthesizing device 9
With the audio signal input end and audio signal output end of the handset 11 connected to the microphone connection end and speaker connection end, the audio encoding/synthesizing device 9 is made to start the playback operation (
Process 120).

As a result, the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 searches for voice messages whose voice message management information includes voice message information stored at that time, and if there is one or more voice messages, , based on the content of voice message storage area information of each voice message management information, reads voice message data, and outputs a voice signal synthesized from the voice message data.

Therefore, the operator is sequentially notified of the recorded voice messages.

In this way, when playing a voice message that has been recorded, the CPUI monitors for on-hook (decision 121), and when the operator calls the handset 11.
When the result of judgment 121 becomes YES, the playback operation of the speech encoding/synthesizing device 9 is terminated (
Process] 22), this process ends.

Further, if the operator picks up the handset 11 to make a call, the result of judgment 104 becomes YES when the call ends and on-hook is detected, and the switch 12.13 is restored to resume this process. finish.

Further, when the preparation for communication with the destination is completed by a telephone call, the operator inputs a command to start communication from the operation display section 4, and the result of judgment 105 becomes YES, the switch 12 is switched to the switching terminals 1.2ab and 12bb. With the modem 7 connected to the telephone line via the network control device 8, the process moves to manual communication start processing.

Therefore, when the operator picks up the handset 11 and inputs message registration from the operation display section 4 in order to register a response voice message, a guidance message is displayed asking him to input the time period in which he will respond to the message. The operating instructions displayed at that time (explanation omitted)
Enter the time zone according to the instructions.

In this way, when you finish entering the time zone to respond,
Next, in order to input the contents of the message, the user speaks a message in response after hearing a beep, and when the message is finished speaking, the handset 11 is returned.

When the input of the message is completed, guidance on whether or not to record the message will be displayed.Follow the displayed operating procedure to input whether or not to record the message.

In this manner, the response voice message is registered, and the data of the voice message at that time is encoded by the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 and stored in the voice memory 10. At the same time, response message management information is formed and stored in the RAM 3.

When the operator picks up the handset 11 and inputs a command to play a message on the operation display section 4 in order to play back the voicemail messages, the voicemail messages stored in the voice memory 10 are sequentially played back and the operator will be notified.

Furthermore, when the operator picks up the handset 11 to make a call, the operator can make a normal call, and when the operator is able to arrange communication with the destination through the call,
By operating the start key etc. from that state,
Data transmission to and from the destination communication terminal device can be started.

In this case, it goes without saying that the communication function of the own terminal and the communication function of the destination communication terminal device need to be the same.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) show an example of processing executed by this communication terminal device when an incoming call is detected.

First, when the network control device 8 detects an incoming call (result of judgment 200 is Y [ES), the network control device! 8 to establish a line connection (process 201), and check whether a predetermined communication procedure is started at that time and the communication mode is entered (determination 202).
.

If the result of the judgment 202 is NO, the incoming call is for a telephone conversation, so the current time information is obtained from the clock circuit 5 (process 203), and the time zone information including the time at that time is stored. It is checked whether there is response message management information (decision 204).

If the time is included in the time zone of the time zone information of any of the response message management information and the result of determination 204 is YES, the switch 12 is switched to the switching end 12aa.

12ba and connect the switch 14 to the switching end 14a.
b, 14bb and connect the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 to the telephone line via the network control device 5 (process 205), specifying the voice message number of the response message management information found at that time, The audio encoding/synthesizing device 9 is instructed to perform a reproduction operation (processing 20G).

As a result, the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 searches for the voice message management information having the specified voice message number, refers to the voice message storage area information of the voice message management information, and generates the voice message data of the voice message to be responded to. The voice message data is sequentially taken out from the voice memory 10, and a voice signal is synthesized and output based on the voice message data.

Therefore, the response message specified by the operator at that time is responded to to the caller.

When the response to the voice message is finished, it is checked whether the answering message flag in the response message management information found at that time is set (decision 207);
When the result of step 7 is YES, the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 synthesizes and outputs a beep sound, and when the output of the beeping sound is finished, the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 starts recording operation (process 208).

Thereby, the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 encodes the voice signals inputted from then on to form voice message data, and stores the voice message data in the empty area of the voice memory 10.

When the CPUI starts the recording operation of the audio encoding/synthesizing device 9, the CPU determines whether a predetermined maximum recording time has elapsed or
It monitors whether the other party goes on-hook and detects a busy tone (No loop of judgments 209 and 210).

When the maximum recording time has elapsed and the result of the judgment 209 becomes YES, the recording operation of the audio encoding/synthesizing device 9 is ended (processing 211), and the audio encoding/synthesizing device 9 is made to synthesize and output a beep sound (processing 212). ).

Also, if the other party is on-hook and the busy tone is detected, judgment 21
If the result of 0 becomes YES, the recording operation of the speech encoding/synthesizing device 9 is terminated (process 213).

In this way, when the end of the recording operation is commanded, the voice encoding/synthesizing device 9 forms and stores voice message management information corresponding to the voice information stored at that time.

And when you finish recording the answering machine message.

Switch 12 The switch 12 is restored (process 214), and the telephone line is opened by the network control device 8 (process 215).
, this process ends.

Further, if the answering message flag of the response message management information found at that time is not set and the result of judgment 207 is NO, the switch 12 is reset (process 216) to open the telephone line. (Process 218), this process ends.

In addition, if no voice message to respond to is found at that time and the result of judgment 204 is No, the switch 1
2 to the switching terminals 12aa and 12ba, and switching the switching device 13 to the switching terminals 13aa and 13ba, thereby connecting the handset 11 to the line via the network control device 8 (process 218).

Then, does the handset 11 go off-hook?

Alternatively, until the other party goes on-hook and a busy tone is detected, a calling tone is generated from the operation display section 4 to call the operator (processing 219, judgment 220, 221).
processing loop).

When the operator hears the ringing tone and picks up the handset 11 and the result of decision 220 is YES,
Is the handset 11 returned to the on-hook state?
Alternatively, a command to start communication is issued from the operation display section 4 (NO loop of judgments 223 and 224).

When the handset 11 is returned to the on-footer state and the result of the judgment 223 becomes YES, the switching device 12 is returned and the process moves to process 215, and this process ends.

When a command to start communication is input, the switch 12 is switched to the switching terminals 12ab and 12bb, and the modem 7 is connected to the telephone line via the network control device 8 (processing 225).
, move to manual response processing.

In addition, if the operator does not respond to the call tone due to absence, etc., and the calling party goes on-hook after a considerable period of time and the busy tone is responded, and the result of the judgment 221 becomes YES, the switching device 12 is reset. do.

The process moves to process 215.

In addition, the communication control procedure was started immediately after the incoming call was detected.
When the result of determination 202 is YES, the process moves to automatic response processing.

Therefore, when a call is made and an incoming call is detected, and the time at that time falls within the response time period for any response voice message, the response voice message is responded to the calling party.

If an answering voice message is set for the answered voice message, the operation for answering the answering message is performed.

Further, when the incoming call detection time is not included in the response time period of any response voice message, a ringing tone is generated to call the operator, and when the operator responds to the ringing tone, a conversation with the calling party is carried out.

When a data communication meeting with the other party's communication terminal is discussed during the call and the start key is turned on from the operation display unit 4, communication control during manual response is started and data communication with the calling party is started. Communication takes place.

Also, if the operator does not answer the call tone,
When the calling party gives up on the call and goes on-hook, the original standby state is restored.

In this way, the operation at the time of receiving a call is performed.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the time period of the voice message to be answered is set, it is possible to respond with an appropriate voice message according to the operator's schedule, and the usability of the communication terminal device is greatly improved. improves.

By the way, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to a communication terminal device having a data communication function, but the present invention can also be similarly applied to a communication terminal device having only a telephone function, that is, a telephone. Can be done.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, a voice encoding/synthesizing device is used as a device for voice response, but other recording and reproducing devices, such as a tape recorder, may be used.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, a plurality of pieces of response voice message information are registered, the response time period of each of the response voice message information is stored, and the time when an incoming call is detected is recorded. When the time is included in any of the response time information, the corresponding voice response message is responded, so it is possible to respond with a voice response message that fits the operator's schedule, etc., greatly improving the usability of the device. This has the effect of improving.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of response message management information, and FIG. 2(b) is a data storage state of the voice memory. FIG. 4(C) is a schematic diagram showing an example of voice message management information, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of off-hook processing, FIG. 4(a) (
b) is a flowchart showing an example of processing when an incoming call is detected. 1...CPU (central processing unit), 2...ROM (read only memory), 3...RAM (random memory)
Access Memo January, 9...Speech coding/synthesizing device, 1
0...Audio memory, 12, 13, 14...Switcher.

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a communication terminal device equipped with an answering machine function, recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing a plurality of answering voice message information and answering recorded voice message information, and storing response time zone information for each of the plurality of answering voice message information. a storage means, and when an incoming call is detected and the time at that time is included in the time of any of the response time zone information, the response voice message corresponding to the response time zone information is reproduced by the recording and reproducing means to respond. A communication terminal device comprising a control means.