JPH0565142U - Pager message dialer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] Messages can be sent in a short time without error. [Structure] When one of the address designation keys 17a and the DIAL key 25 are pressed at the same time and the pager ID number of the other party is operated by inputting the key 17, the address designated by the key 17a in the ID memory 36 is entered. The ID number is stored. After pressing one of the keys 17a and the MESS key 26 at the same time, when a message is created and input using the key 17, the message is stored in the designated address of the message memory 37. When one of the keys 17a and the ID transmission key 28 are pressed at the same time, the ID number in the designated address is read from the ID memory 36, converted into a tone signal and emitted from the speaker 41, and this sound is output. Key 1 after the line is connected by sending it to the mouthpiece of
When one of 7a and the message transmission key 29 are pressed at the same time, the message at the designated address in the message memory 37 is read out, converted into a tone signal and supplied to the speaker 41, which is transmitted through the mouthpiece. To be done.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 This invention relates to a pager message dialer capable of transmitting messages.

[0002]

[Prior Art]

 The use of pagers (pagers) to carry messages has become widespread. This is because pagers are significantly smaller and cheaper than mobile phones. Traditionally, autodialers that automatically send messages have never been pagers. Enter (register) a person's name (institution name) and phone number as an electronic phonebook, memorize it, search for a specific person's name (institution) if necessary, and then enter the send key to enter the corresponding phone number. Some transmit the number as a tone signal (DTMF signal). If the pager's ID number is registered to this, the pager can be automatically dialed, but messages cannot be sent.

An auto dialer (automatic dial transmitter) having 12 keys for operating a tone dial in a normal telephone is commercially available. For example, Sony RM-A60. It has 6 kinds of phone number memory for one operation (one-touch) transmission and 10 kinds of phone number memory for two operations (two-touch) transmission. In addition, when connecting from inside to outside the company, for example, a PAUSE key is provided to wait for the time from entering "0" until the in-house switch connects to the outside line. One PAUSE key input waits for 3 seconds. And wait 3 x n seconds with n PAUSE key input. Each memory can be registered up to 64 digits and can store long numbers such as calling from outside the company, dialing overseas, dialing to communication networks of telephone companies other than NTT. The key has 13 function keys in addition to the 12 keys and is complicated.

Although such an auto dialer is completely unaware of pager message registration and its automatic transmission, it can be considered to use the function for pager message transmission by diverting its function. For example, the pager ID number is stored in the memory M ₁ and the message is stored in the memory SSC, so that the pager transmits the message. However, such a general-purpose dialer includes many unnecessary keys, is complicated to operate, and is too large to carry in a pocket. For this reason, it is not suitable for widespread page message transmission.

It is desirable to have a dialer that is smaller, has a minimal number of keys, and is simple to operate, that is, dedicated to pager messages. In general, after dialing, the line is connected to the service station, and after the service station announces the message "Please put a message.", A person sequentially presses the keys on the telephone keyboard (12Key) to send a message. Enter. During this time, the telephone line remains connected, the sentiment is unstable, and erroneous operation is likely to occur. When the place of call is at home or at the office where you work, you can still send it while looking at the message code table relatively calmly, but especially when the place of call is a telephone or public telephone when you are out. It takes a long time to compose a message, and during that time, the phone is used exclusively, annoying the third party, and being aware of the fact that the telephone charge of oneself becomes expensive. Therefore, I try to input as quickly as possible, and inevitably cause an error. Environmental noise in the surrounding area also causes psychological errors.

For this reason, a message can be prepared in advance at an arbitrary place, and when actually making a call, the message can be automatically sent from the mouthpiece of the telephone with a simple key operation of 1-2. A pager message dialer that is small, lightweight and easy to carry is desired. The present invention aims to provide such a pager message dialer.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 According to this invention, it is equipped with a message input means, a storage means for storing the message input to the input means, and a means for reading the stored messages and sequentially sending out as tone signal sounds, and as a power source. Batteries are used. Further, at least one pager calling number (ID number) is stored, and the stored ID number is read out and sequentially transmitted as a tone signal sound.

When the ID transmission key is operated, the ID transmission means is activated, and when the message transmission key is operated, the message transmission means is activated. A means for selecting either the tone dial or the rotary dial is provided, and when the send key is operated while this is set in the tone dial, the ID number is automatically sent out, and after a predetermined time elapses, When the message transmission means is activated and the transmission key is operated while the selection means is set to the rotary dial, the message transmission means is activated.

The maximum number of digits of the storable message is set for each pager, the number of digits of the input message is compared with the set maximum number of digits by the comparison means, and an alarm means for issuing an alarm when the input exceeds the limit. Is provided.

[0010]

[Action]

 According to the invention of claim 1, a complicated storage operation for a large number of conventional telephone numbers, a long overseas telephone number, a telephone number for using a special service station, and a sending operation are performed. Since many operation keys and complicated operation procedures can be eliminated considerably, and a dedicated dialer specialized for storing and sending pager messages can be realized, a dialer that is simple in operation, small in size, and portable. It becomes possible to provide.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the pager call can be automatically made by using the tone telephone among a limited group of pager owners (such as fellow travelers). According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to deal with both tone dial telephones and rotary pulse telephones. That is, first call the desired pager for the tone dial telephone by the ID number sending means or manually for the rotary dial telephone, and the line is connected to the service station. If there is a guidance message “Please insert”, the message is automatically sent by operating the message send key.

According to the invention of claim 4, when the transmission key is pressed with the tone dial and rotary dial selecting means selecting the tone dial, the pager ID number is transmitted first, and then the line is connected to the service station, A message is automatically sent out after a pause for a time T _W until the guidance announcement "Please enter a message" is completed. The time of the guidance announcement in T _W is constant every time, but the time to connect to the service station after transmitting the ID number varies depending on the region, the time zone, the date and time, and the call generation status. .. Therefore, T _W with a sufficient margin is set in advance.

For the rotary dial telephone, if the rotary dial is selected as the selecting means, the ID number is manually dialed to connect and the message is automatically displayed when the send key is pressed after the guidance announcement is completed. Sent out. The maximum number of digits that can be entered in a message varies depending on the type of service station and the pager model of the same service station. If you enter more than the maximum number of digits, the extra digits will be cut. Therefore, according to the invention of claim 5, when sending a message to a specific service station or a specific type pager, the maximum number of digits is always input in advance and the number of digits of the input message is monitored. If exceeded, an alarm will be issued. If you always send messages to different companies or pagers with different digit lengths, enter the maximum number of digits in the message in relation to the pager ID number and remember it so that you can enter more than the maximum number of digits. Yes (claim 10). The alarm may be generated by sound, for example, a beep sound may be generated when the maximum digit length is input or when the maximum digit length is input.

When the service station is divided into the NTT and the TTM system as in Japan, the pager ID number and the address for storing the message are divided into two groups so that the regular message length is increased. It is good for TTM system, but it prevents things that are not possible for NTT. According to the invention of claim 6, 12 keys of "0, 1, 2, ... 9, *, #" used in the lowest tone dial telephone are required as the input keys, and the others are stored. A "correction (CLEAR) key", "memory key", etc. used at times and a "transmission key" used for sending are required.

Although it is not desirable because it becomes complicated and large, a character key such as a kana or alphabet is provided separately or in combination so that the corresponding two digits of 12 kinds of keys can be input by operating one character key. Then the operability will be improved. Fortunately, each service station uses a common "character-to-key, two-digit 12-key" conversion table. If a different conversion table appears in the future, the service station is judged from the pager ID number and the conversion table to be used is selected.

Although not necessarily required, a display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display device) is provided as in the invention of claim 7, and is used for monitoring whether the input key operation is correct or reconfirming the input contents when a message is input. can do. From the viewpoint of compactness and portability, the number of characters to be displayed is appropriately 1 to 4, and all message contents can be displayed by scrolling. When inputting characters with two digits of the 12 key, it is desirable to display “A” for input of “1,1” and “I” for input of “1,2”. When inputting with the character keys, it is desirable to display the characters as they are. When a four-character display is used, the dialer can have a built-in clock function and the time can be displayed when the dialer is not used, but it is not always desirable from the viewpoint of simplicity.

[0017]

【Example】

 As described above, the message input means, the message storage (registration) means, and the message sending means are newly provided to realize simple and easy operation, a small number of keys, and a small size and light weight. Fig. 1 shows the key arrangement and Fig. 2 shows the electrical configuration.

In the embodiment, six pager ID numbers can be registered (stored), and six frequently used messages can be registered (stored). The memory addresses are numbered 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, and the addresses can be specified by pressing the corresponding keys. Of course, if all keys are used, it is possible to specify 12 kinds, and even a 2-digit address, respectively. However, an explanation will be given of an example in which 6 kinds are assigned to each pager, emphasizing simplicity.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a speaker sound emission hole 13 is formed in the center of a back surface 12 of a pager 11 of the present invention, and a battery replacement cover 14 is attached to the lower portion of the sound emission hole 13, and a battery 15 is provided in correspondence therewith. Is built in. 12 keys (123 ... 7890 * #) 17 on the surface 16 of the pager 11, a correction key CLEAR storage key MARY, a message key MESS, an ID number key DIAL, an ID transmission key DIAL SE ND for transmission, a message transmission key MESS SEND. Is provided.

The key operations and functions are as follows. X indicates simultaneous pressing. n is any one of the memory address numbers (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8). DIAL × n Power is turned on, dial memory address n is specified, and that address is cleared. n = 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 6 types If you use an unused number, you can expand to 10 types.

MESS × n The power is turned on, the message memory address is specified, and the content of the address is cleared. n is as described above. 12Keys (1 to #) Enter the ID number and the maximum number of digits, or message contents in order and compose. MERRY 12 Key input contents are stored in the designated address.

After that, the power is turned off. n × DIAL SEND Send the ID number of the nth address when the power is turned on. Then turn off the power. n × MESS SEND Sends the message at address n when the power is turned on. Then turn off the power.

The key group 17a corresponding to the numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 in the 12 keys is located at the center of the surface 16. A contact pad 18 made of rubber or the like having a large friction is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the sound output hole 13 on the back surface 12 at a portion to be in contact with the peripheral portion of the mouthpiece of the telephone. This is because when the memory addresses 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 are selected and transmitted, the pressure on one of the key groups 17a for specifying the memory addresses is dynamically stabilized. It was done. That is, at the time of transmission, the sound output hole 13 of the dialer (pager) 11 is applied to the mouthpiece with one hand (left), and any one of the memory addresses of the pager 11 is pressed with the finger of the hand, the mouthpiece is held by the palm. It is held in a stable manner while being held, and the operability is improved by pressing DIAL SEND or MESS SEND with the fingers of the other hand (right) (claim 8).

The reason and effect of using the simultaneous pressing of the keys during operation are as follows (claim 9). (1) Separating the address designation and the function (memory, transmission) and operating them by pressing both at the same time ergonomically simplifies the operation and prevents erroneous operation. (2) It is possible to prevent the stored ID number or regular message from being erased or changed due to accidental contact with other items while being carried in a pocket. (3) Similarly, the power is prevented from being turned on due to inadvertent contact with another object, and the deterioration of battery life is prevented. (4) Simultaneous pressing at the time of sending has the effect of reconfirming the sent contents, preventing erroneous sending. (5) The power switch and various function keys can be omitted, which is useful for reducing the number of keys, downsizing, and portability.

As shown in this embodiment, there are only 6 keys other than the 12-key 17, which is about 1/2 of the conventional product and the key area is also about 1/2. .. The key tops are small, and the key intervals are almost the same to avoid pressing adjacent keys at the same time. Also, a hole 21 for attaching a string, a hook, a key ring, etc. is provided to improve portability. These points enhance the practicality.

Next, in order to explain the invention of claim 10, the maximum number of digits and its input will be described. Since the maximum number of digits differs depending on the service station and pager model (model), the maximum number of digits at the same address when storing different ID numbers (dial numbers) when handling different types of stations and models It is desirable to register (remember). In order to show the method of inputting the longest digit in this embodiment, an operation example is shown below including general key operations. (1) The ID number (03-3456-7890), the service station and the longest message digit number (eg, NTT = 12, TTM = 16) are stored in the ID memory addresses 4 and 5, respectively.

NTT: DIAL × 4 0334567890 ## 12 MERY TTM: DIAL × 5 0334567890 # 16 MERRY where ## is NTT, 12 is the maximum digit length, # is the TTM, and 16 is the maximum. Indicates the digit length. (2) Input of messages (below) are registered in message memory addresses 4 and 5, respectively (addresses 1 and 2 are for free composition, and addresses 4,5, 7, and 8 are for fixed texts) ).

NTT: “Please call me as soon as possible. 123-4567” * 05 10 * 00 123 * 2 4567 ## TTM: “Kinkyu TEL Seyo 123-4567” * 4 * 4 01 * 4 * 4 02 123 * 2 4567 # NTT: MESS × 4 * 0510 * 00123 * 24567 # # MERY TTM: MESS × 5 * 4 * 401 * 4 * 402123 * 24567 # MERY (3) Stored at address 4 of the ID memory through the tone dial telephone Send an outgoing ID number.

4 × DIAL SEND (4) After the line is connected, the message stored at address 4 of the message memory is sent. 4 × MESS SEND (5) Wrong input correction (2) When inputting, the CLEAR key can be used to erase the wrong input.

The capacity of each address for registering (storing) the ID number is the minimum number of digits of the ID number, and the longest number of digits (usually 2 digits is sufficient) can be stored if necessary. Normally, 16 digits is enough. The capacity of each address for registering (storing) messages is currently on the market with pagers of about 40 digits, but considering the future, it may be around 64 (up to 128) digits, and its character is different from that for ID numbers. ..

If the message becomes complicated and lengthened, a display (LCO etc.) for input confirmation will be required. The display capacity is limited in order to make the whole compact. The 4-digit format is convenient when it is also used to display the time. You will have to scroll to see the full message length. Currently, all service stations use two-digit 12-key numbers to display kana, romaji, etc., and their conversion tables are the same. In this case, the input display has the effect of preventing erroneous input by converting the input 2 digits of the 12 key into a 1 digit character. From the perspective of preventing erroneous operation, it is desirable to have all keys of Kana (Roman characters) so that the corresponding 2 digits (12 keys) can be registered (stored) by the operation of one character key. The number increases, the size becomes large, and the portability deteriorates.

For the tone dial telephone, the dialer side automatically transmits the message after the ID number is transmitted by one transmission operation. This is the time until the line is connected after sending the ID number (this time may be long or short depending on the situation of the call), and then the service announcement announcement "... please insert message" ends. It is sufficient to send a message after sending the ID number for a time T _W , which is a sum of the time up to this time (this time is constant) and a little extra time, and then send the message. However, since this pause time T _W is generally long, about 30 seconds, it is convenient to separate the ID number transmission and the message transmission.

Although not shown in the figure, a means for selecting a tone dial or a rotary dial is provided in order to automatically send a message after the ID number is sent, and this selection means is set in the tone dial. If it is, the message is automatically sent after sending the ID number. One of the DIAL key and the MESS key is used as a selection means, and the other key is used as a transmission key, whereby the automatic transmission signal of the ID number and the message and the transmission of only the message at the time of rotary dialing are performed.

FIG. 2 shows an electrical functional configuration of this embodiment. A 4-bit system is sufficient for the microcomputer (referred to as a microcomputer) 23, and a group of 12 keys (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, *, #) 17, CLEAR key 24, DIAL and MESS keys 25 and 26 for registering (storing) memory selection, MERRY key 27 for registering (storing) command, DIAL SEND key 28 for sending ID number, MESS for sending messages The SEND key 29 is housed. The address specifying key 17a (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8) of the 12 keys 17 is also connected to the AND circuit 32 through the OR circuit 31, and the keys 25, 26, 28, 29 are also connected to the OR circuit 33. Through the AND circuit 32, and the output side of the AND circuit 32 is connected to the ON command side of the ON-OFF circuit 35 that controls the power supply from the battery 34 to the power supply terminal of the microcomputer 23.

Since the ON-OFF circuit 35 is OFF when not in use, the microcomputer 23 is not operating. However, if any of the address designation keys 17a and any of the function keys DIAL25, MESS26, DIAL SEND28, and MESS SEND29 are pressed at the same time, the ON-OFF circuit 35 is turned on by the output of the AND circuit 32, and the battery 34 The power supply is supplied from the microcomputer 23, and the microcomputer 23 starts operating. In the illustrated example, each key is directly input to the microcomputer 23 by 18 lines, but in general, the keys 17, 24, and 27 are a group of 4 bit (4) signal lines a by a matrix circuit, and the key 25 , 26, 28, 29 are similarly input to the microcomputer 23 as two signal line b groups, but the matrix circuit is omitted in the illustrated example.

When the ON-OFF circuit 35 is turned ON, the microcomputer 23 performs an initial sequence and sequentially scans the input terminals to check the input situation. From the situation between the signal line a group and the signal line b group, the microcomputer 23 can determine which address of the ID memory 36 or the message memory 37 the user intends to perform. For example, when it is detected that the 4 key in the address designating key 17a and the ID memory designating key 25 are pressed, the data to be inputted to the 4th address of the ID memory 36 is written. The program will be started. Therefore, the subsequent input of the key group 17 is sequentially written in the input / output register (not shown) and displayed on the display 38, and if there is an error in the middle and the CLEAR key 24 is pressed, the input is re-executed. When the input is completed and the MERY key 27 is pressed, the data in the input / output register is moved to the address 4 of the ID memory 36. When the transfer of data to the address 4 of the ID memory 36 is completed by the MERY key 27, the microcomputer 23 sends an OFF signal to the ON-OFF circuit 35 to turn off the ON-OFF circuit 35. Similarly, a message can be written and registered in a desired address of the message memory 37.

Next, the case of transmission will be described. For example, when the microcomputer 23 detects that the 4 key of the address designation keys 17a is pressed and the DIAL SEND key 28 is pressed, the contents of the address 4 of the ID memory 36 are read out to the input / output register. It is sent to the tone generation circuit 39 digit by digit by the program and becomes a tone (DTMF signal) signal and is emitted from the speaker 41. Only the 10 digits of the ID number are sent, and the succeeding station code (** or *) and the maximum number of digits are not sent. This can be achieved by counting the transmitted digits and stopping at 10 digits.

Regarding the ID number (final call) used last, at least the station code and the maximum number of digits are stored in the last call memory 42, and the stored contents are turned on and off together with the ID memory 36 and the message memory 37. Even when the circuit 35 is OFF, it is kept at a low voltage and a low electric power, or it is prevented from disappearing by using an EEPROM or the like. The last call memory 42 (Claim 11) stores the station code of the last used ID address content and the maximum number of digits (and pager number if necessary), and the format of the station used when creating a message. Is specified. That is, when creating a message to the NTT pager user and using the check function with a maximum length of 12 digits, first, the address of the ID memory 36 in which the ID number of the message sender using NTT is stored. The ID number transmission operation is performed without actually transmitting. At that time, the contents of that address of the ID memory, ## 12 (which may include the pager number), are stored in the last call memory 42. Next, when the message preparation is started, the microcomputer 23 reads from the contents of the last call memory 42 that it is in the NTT station format and has the maximum number of digits of 12 digits, and monitors the manual input of the message to check for erroneous input or excessive input. At the time of long input, an alarm sound is emitted through the tone generating circuit 39 and the speaker 41.

In order to avoid an erroneous operation such as sending a TTM format message to an NTT destination, the address designation key group 17a is divided into two parts. For example, the keys 1, 4 and 7 are 2 for NTT. , 5,8 keys should be grouped like TTM. By doing so, the microcomputer 23 can prohibit misuse and give an alarm.

[0040]

[Effect of the device]

 According to this invention, a message is prepared in advance before sending the ID number through the telephone in order to send the message from the pager, and when the ID number is sent, the message is automatically sent in a short time. Since no error occurs, there is little time to hold the telephone line for message transmission, message transmission is accurate and easy. ・ Easy to perform and line charges are low.

Since it is a pager-dedicated machine, unnecessary keys, functions, and operations are eliminated, and the device can be made compact, lightweight, and inexpensive, and the operation is simple and clear. Furthermore, it is possible to have pager-specific functions such as the function to check the maximum message digit length.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment of the present invention, in which A is a front view,
B is a back view.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electrical functional configuration thereof.

Claims (11)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A pager message dialer, which is a device for transmitting a message to a pager via a telephone, and which has at least the following means. Message input means Storage means for storing the message input by the message input means Message sending means for reading out the messages stored in the storage means and sending them in sequence as tone signal sounds Battery as power source 2. The pager message dialer according to claim 1, wherein at least one pager number (hereinafter referred to as an ID number) is stored, and the stored ID number is read to sequentially output a tone signal tone. It is characterized in that it is provided with an ID sending means for sending in. 3. An ID transmission key for activating the ID transmission means when operated in the pager message dialer according to claim 2, and a message transmission key for activating the message transmission means when operated. It is characterized by having. 4. The pager message dialer according to claim 2, wherein a transmission key for activating the transmission means, a selection means for selecting one of a tone dial and a rotary dial, and the selection means is a tone dial. When the transmission key is operated in the selected state, the ID transmission means is activated, and when the predetermined delay time T _W elapses after the transmission of the ID number is finished, the message transmission means is activated. When the transmission key is operated in a state where the selection means is selected by the rotary dial, the message transmission means is activated. 5. The pager message dialer according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, wherein the setting means for setting the maximum number of digits of the message for each pager and the number of digits of the input message are It is characterized in that means for comparing whether or not the set maximum number of digits is exceeded and means for issuing an alarm when the maximum number of digits is exceeded in the comparison are provided. 6. The pager message dialer according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, wherein the message input means is any of the following. 12 keys of tone dial telephone. In addition to the above-mentioned 12 keys, a character input key other than numbers is provided, and means for converting the character input into a 2-digit 12-key code by a conversion code when the character input key is input. 7. A pager message dialer according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, comprising at least one of the following display means. Means for displaying key input Means for displaying each character corresponding to two-digit input of 12 keys Means for scrolling key input Means for displaying time with 4 or more digits being displayed 8. The pager message dialer according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, which has a sound emission hole portion to be brought into contact with a mouthpiece of a telephone, on the back surface thereof, and which corresponds thereto. The first selection key group is provided in the surface area to be operated, and the second key group is provided in the other area. 9. The pager message dialer according to claim 1, wherein when a function key and a numeric key are simultaneously input, a memory corresponding to the number of the input numeric key is stored. It is characterized in that it includes means for storing or reading the address of the means in correspondence with the inputted function key. 10. The pager message dialer according to claim 5, wherein the maximum number of digits is stored in a pager ID number storage address together with a service company code. 11. The pager message dialer according to claim 5, further comprising a last call memory in which at least a service company code and the maximum number of digits in the final call are stored.