JPH09200713A - Video telephone system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic answering function with which a response in a message with picture and the recording/reproducing of a message with picture from a party can be performed at a video telephone. SOLUTION: The video telephone for transmitting/receiving a voice and a data compressed image through a telephone line is provided with memories 61 and 62 for the response message and incoming message in voice and memories 71 and 72 for the response message and incoming message in the data compressed image and corresponding to the transmission mode setting on the opposite side detected by an automatic response control circuit 27, either the transmission of response message just in voice and the recording of incoming message or the transmission of response message with picture and the recording of incoming message are selected.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a videophone device with an answering machine function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a so-called videophone capable of transmitting and receiving image information through an analog telephone line of a voice frequency band.

At present, as a telephone used on a telephone network, a conventional analog voice telephone and a video telephone using a modem coexist, and basically, mutual connectivity must be ensured.

Therefore, the videophone is initially connected in the normal telephone mode, and then the modem is activated by a predetermined operation to shift to the videophone mode, thereby maintaining compatibility.

First, a conventional videophone compatible with an analog line will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4, the voice signal from the transmitter 11 is supplied to the line interface 14 through the analog signal processing circuit 12 and the selector 13 and sent from the line connection terminal LN. The voice signal from the other party is supplied to the handset 18 through the line interface 14, the selector 16 and the analog signal processing circuit 17, and the other party's voice is output.

Although not shown, the system control circuit (CPU) 21 has an RO in which a required program is written.
M and a RAM as a work area are connected, and a dial key 22 and various function keys 23a-23
n are connected.

In response to the operation of an off-hook key (not shown) of the function keys 23a to 23n and the dial key 22, a tone signal of the telephone number of the other party is output from the dial signal forming circuit 24 and the selector 13 and the line. It is sent from the line connection terminal LN through the interface 14, and when the other party picks up the receiver, a call is placed and the telephone becomes a normal telephone in the voice mode in the signal path as described above.

When an incoming call arrives, the tone ringer 26 operates under the control of the incoming call detection circuit 25, and a bell (not shown) rings.

On the other hand, the videophone mode is realized by operating the video key (not shown) of the function keys 23a to 23n on both the transmitting side and the receiving side.

In the videophone mode, the data from the CPU 21 is directly supplied to the multiplexer 31, and the video signal from the video camera 41 is supplied to the AD converter 43 via the analog signal processing circuit 42. Then, the data is compressed by the image encoder (compression circuit) 44 and supplied to the multiplexer 31. Further, the audio signal from the analog signal processing circuit 12 is supplied to the AD converter 45 and digitized,
In the audio encoder (compression circuit) 46, data is compressed and supplied to the multiplexer 31.

In the multiplexer 31, the compressed digital video signal and audio signal and the data from the CPU 21 are rearranged into a serial bit stream, and the output of the multiplexer 31 is supplied to the modem 32 for modulation. The modulation output of the modem 32 passes through the selector 13 and the line interface 14 to the line connection terminal L.
Sent from N.

The modulated output of the modem as described above is also sent from the other party through the line interface 14 to the modem 3
2 is reached and demodulated. The demodulated output of the modem 32 is divided into a compressed digital video signal and audio signal and data in the demultiplexer 33, and this data is supplied to the CPU 21.

The compressed digital video signal is supplied to an image decoder (expansion circuit) 51 for data expansion and D
The analog signal is supplied to the -A converter 52 to be converted back into an analog signal, and is supplied to the display 54 through the analog signal processing circuit 53 to display a corresponding image.

The compressed digital audio signal is supplied to an audio decoder (expansion circuit) 55 for data expansion, and is supplied to a DA converter 56 to be converted back into an analog signal, which is then processed by the selector 16 and analog signal processing. It is supplied to the handset 18 through the circuit 17 and the voice of the other party is output.

In order to perform the required control in each of the above-mentioned modes, the selectors 13, 16,
Dial signal forming circuit 24, multiplexer 31 and demultiplexer 33, modem 32, image encoder 4
Control signals are supplied from the CPU 21 to the audio encoder 46, the image decoder 51, and the audio decoder 55.

[0017]

Some conventional telephones have an answering machine function. In the answering machine recording mode, if there is an incoming call from the telephone line and the bell rings for a preset number of times, but there is no response, the line is automatically closed and the tape or semiconductor memory is used. A pre-recorded outgoing message (OGM) to the effect that "I will record the message because I am out" is sent to the other party (sender), and the incoming message (ICM) sent from the other party according to the OGM. Is newly recorded on tape or semiconductor memory.

[0018] Then, the receiving side can know the message of the call received while he / she is absent by playing the recorded IGM.

However, since the conventional telephone with an answering machine is assumed to be used only for analog voice calls, even if the conventional telephone answering machine is applied to a videophone as it is, the image is not displayed. That communication is possible,
There was a problem that the characteristics of videophones could not be fully utilized.

In view of the above point, an object of the present invention is to provide a videophone device having an answering machine function capable of responding with a picture message and recording / reproducing the picture message from the other party.

[0021]

In order to solve the above problems, a videophone device according to the present invention is a videophone device for transmitting and receiving voice information and compressed image information through a telephone line of a predetermined voice frequency band. Storage means for storing a response message based on compressed image information, recording means for recording an incoming message based on the compressed image information, automatic response control means for automatically responding to an incoming call from a telephone line, Message sending control means which is controlled by the response control means and reads the response message from the storage means and sends it to the telephone line; and message recording control means which is controlled by the automatic response control means and records the incoming message from the telephone line in the recording means. Is provided.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a videophone device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

[Structure of Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows the structure of an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, portions corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a part of the description will be omitted.

Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the voice signal from the transmitter 11 is supplied to the line interface 14 through the analog signal processing circuit 12 and the selector 13 as in the conventional example shown in FIG. , From the line connection terminal LN. The voice signal from the other party is supplied to the handset 18 through the line interface 14, the selector 16 and the analog signal processing circuit 17, and the other party's voice is output.

Although not shown, the system control circuit (CPU) 21 has an RO in which a required program is written.
M is connected to the RAM as a work area, and the dial key 22 and the function keys 23a to 23n are connected. In this embodiment, an automatic response control circuit 27 is inserted between the CPU 21 and the line interface 14 to detect an incoming call and a line disconnection, detect a videophone mode, and control on-hook and on-hook.

The multiplexer 31 is directly supplied with data from the CPU 21, and the video signal from the video camera 41 is passed through an analog signal processing circuit 42, an AD converter 43 and an image encoder (compression circuit) 44. , Digitized, data compressed and supplied. Further, the audio signal from the analog signal processing circuit 12 is A-
After passing through the D converter 45 and the audio encoder (compression circuit) 46, it is digitized, data compressed, and supplied to the multiplexer 31.

In the multiplexer 31, the compressed digital video and audio signals and the data from the CPU 21 are rearranged into a serial bit stream, and the output of the multiplexer 31 is supplied to the modem 32 through the switch 34. The modulated output of the modem 32 is sent from the line connection terminal LN through the selector 13 and the line interface 14.

The modulated output of the modem as described above is also sent from the other party through the line interface 14 to the modem 3
2 is reached and demodulated. The demodulated output of the modem 32 is supplied to the demultiplexer 33 through the switch 35, and the compressed digital video signal and audio signal,
It is divided into data. This data is supplied to the CPU 21.

The compressed digital video signal is supplied to an image decoder (decompression circuit) 51 to be data-decompressed and D
The analog signal is supplied to the -A converter 52 to be converted back into an analog signal, and is supplied to the display 54 through the analog signal processing circuit 53 to display a corresponding image.

The compressed digital audio signal is supplied to the audio decoder (expansion circuit) 55 for data expansion, supplied to the DA converter 56 through the switch 57 and returned to the analog signal, and the selector 16 is selected. And the analog signal processing circuit 17 are supplied to the handset 18 and the voice of the other party is output.

In this embodiment, the voice OGM (outgoing message) memory 61 and the voice ICM are used to realize the answering machine function in the videophone.
(Incoming message) Memory 62 and OGM with image
A memory 71 and an ICM memory 72 with an image are provided, and in order to control these memories 61 to 72,
Memory control circuits 81 and 82 that cooperate with the CPU 21 are provided.

The voice signal from the transmitter 11 is supplied to the voice OGM memory 61 through the analog signal processing circuit 12 and the AD converter 45, and the output signal of the voice OGM memory 61 is DA converted. It is supplied to the line interface 14 through the device 63 and the selector 13.

Further, the analog voice signal from the line interface 14 is stored in the voice ICM memory 62 as AD.
The output of the audio ICM memory 62 supplied through the converter 64 is the switch 57 → the DA converter 56 → the selector 1
The signal is supplied to the handset 18 through the route of 6 → analog signal processing circuit 17.

On the other hand, the output of the multiplexer 31 is supplied to the OGM memory with image 71, and the OGM memory 71 with image is supplied.
Output is supplied to the modem 32 through the switch 34.

Then, the demodulated output of the modem 32 is supplied to the image-added ICM memory 72, and the output of the image-added ICM memory 72 is passed through the switch 35 to the demultiplexer 33.
Is supplied to.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the automatic response control circuit 27, as indicated by the dotted line in the figure, is used for performing necessary control as will be described later in the voice mode and the videophone mode.
Control signals are supplied from the CPU 21 to the multiplexer 31 and the demultiplexer 33, the modem 32, the image encoder 44, the audio encoder 46, the image decoder 51, the audio decoder 55, and the memory control circuits 81 and 82.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the selectors 13 and 16 and the switches 34, 35 and 57 are shown for simplicity.
The illustration of the control signal path for is omitted.

[Operation of the Embodiment] Next, the operation relating to the answering machine function of the embodiment of FIG. 1 will be described.

The answering machine function of this embodiment can be applied not only to the analog voice message in the voice mode but also to the picture message in the videophone mode in which the modem is activated.

<< 1.1 Registration of Voice OGM and OGM with Image >> The voice OGM is registered in the voice mode from the CPU 21 to the memory control circuit 81 based on the depression of a registration key (not shown) of the function keys 23a to 23n. It is started by instructing message registration in.

The voice message input from the transmitter 11 is not compressed by the analog signal processing circuit 12 and the A / D converter 45, and is stored in the memory control circuit 8.
It is stored in the audio OGM memory 61 under the control of 1.

The function key 23 is used to register the OGM with image.
It is started by the CPU 21 instructing the memory control circuit 81 to register a message in the videophone mode based on pressing of a registration key and a video key (neither of which is shown) among a to 23n.

Under the control of the memory control circuit 81, the voice message input from the transmitter 11 is converted into the analog signal processing circuit 12 → A / D converter 45 → voice encoder 46 →
The image message from the video camera 41 is stored in the image-added OGM memory 71 through the path of the multiplexer 31, and the image message from the video camera 41 is converted from the analog signal processing circuit 42 to the AD converter 43.
→ Image encoder 44 → Multiplexer 31
It is stored in the OGM memory with image 71.

In this case, in the multiplexer 31, the data-compressed voice and image messages and the data supplied from the CPU 21 are converted into the transmission bit stream as described above. The contents of the voice message can be changed between the voice mode and the videophone mode.

<< 1.2 Sending of voice OGM and OGM with image >> The answering machine mode is set according to the pressing of the answering machine key (not shown) among the function keys 23a to 23n.

When an incoming call is received, the automatic answer control circuit 27 and the CPU 21 control the incoming call automatically.

At first, since the connection is made in the voice mode, the control by the CPU 21 and the memory control circuit 81 causes
The audio OGM is read from the memory 61 and sent to the line via the D / A converter 63 → selector 13 → line interface 14.

When the transmitting side presses a video key in accordance with this audio OGM, a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequen) assigned to the key for designating a videophone mode is assigned.
cy) signal is detected by the automatic response control circuit 27 and the CPU
The modem 32 is activated by 21 and a call is established by the modem between the transmitting side and the receiving side to enter the videophone mode.

In the videophone mode, the image from the memory 71 is displayed under the control of the CPU 21 and the memory control circuit 81.
The GM is read and sent to the line through the route of switch 34 → modem 32 → selector 13 → line interface 14.

<< 1.3 Recording of voice ICM and image-added ICM >> When the receiving side is in the voice mode for the OGM as described above, the message arriving from the transmitting side is controlled by the CPU 21 and the memory control circuit 82. It is recorded in the voice ICM memory 62 through the path from the interface 14 to the AD converter 64.

When the receiving side enters the videophone mode, the message coming from the transmitting side is controlled by the CPU 21 and the memory control circuit 82, and the message from the transmitting side is routed from the line interface 14 to the modem 32 to the ICM memory 7 with the image.
It is recorded in 2.

In any case, when the line disconnection signal is detected by the automatic response control circuit 27, the ICM goes off-hook and the ICM
Stop recording.

<< 1.4 Reproduction of voice ICM and image-added ICM >> The ICM recorded as described above has function keys 23a ...
Of the 23n, in response to pressing the playback key (not shown),
It is reproduced under the control of the CPU 21 and the memory control circuit 82. In this case, reproduction in the audio mode is given priority.

First, the voice I read from the memory 62
CM is switch 57 → DA converter 56 → selector 1
The route of 6 → analog signal processing circuit 17 is supplied to the handset 18 and output as voice.

Next, the image-added ICM in the bit stream format read from the memory 72 is sent to the demultiplexer 33 via the switch 35, and is separated into compressed image and sound and data. .

The image ICM is the image decoder 51 → DA
The signal is supplied from the converter 52 to the analog signal processing circuit 53 to the display 54 and displayed. Also, voice IC
M is supplied to the handset 18 through the path of the voice decoder 55 → switch 57 → DA converter 56 → selector 16 → analog signal processing circuit 17, and is output as voice.

As described above, in the present embodiment, depending on the telephone set or the intention of the transmitting side, it is possible to respond and record with a voice-only message or a message with a picture, and the absence is convenient for the receiving side. Even when it is set to, for example, it is possible to leave a message with an image such as showing a meeting place on a map, make full use of the characteristics of the videophone, and improve its utility value or usability.

[Structure of Another Embodiment] Next, another embodiment of the videophone device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The structure of another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and a description thereof is partially omitted.

In FIG. 2 as well, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the voice signal from the transmitter 11 is supplied to the line interface 14 through the analog signal processing circuit 12 and the selector 13, and the line connection is established. It is sent from the terminal LN. Further, the voice signal from the other party is transmitted to the line interface 14 and the selector 16 and the analog signal processing circuit 1.
It is supplied to the handset 18 through 7 and the voice of the other party is output.

The system control circuit (CPU) 21
Although not shown, a ROM in which a required program is written and a RAM as a work area are connected to the dial key 22 and the function keys 23a to 23a.
n are connected.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the automatic response control circuit 27 cooperating with the CPU 21 is the line interface 14
Connected to perform incoming call and line disconnection detection, videophone mode detection, on-hook and on-hook control.

The multiplexer 31 is directly supplied with the data from the CPU 21, and the video signal from the video camera 41 is passed through the analog signal processing circuit 42, the AD converter 43 and the image encoder (compression circuit) 44. , Digitized and data compressed, and supplied.

Further, the audio signal from the analog signal processing circuit 12 is subjected to digitization / data compression processing via a switch 47, an AD converter 45, and an audio encoder (compression circuit) 46, and is then sent to the multiplexer 31. Supplied.

In the multiplexer 31, the compressed digital video signal and audio signal and the data from the CPU 21 are rearranged into a serial bit stream, and the output of the multiplexer 31 is supplied to the modem 32 through the switch 34. The modulated output of the modem 32 is sent from the line connection terminal LN through the selector 13 and the line interface 14.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the modulated signal of the modem from the other party is transmitted through the line interface 14.
It arrives at the modem 32 and is demodulated. The demodulated output of the modem 32 is supplied to the demultiplexer 33 through the switch 35, and is divided into a compressed digital video signal and audio signal and data.

The data from the demultiplexer 33 is CP
The compressed digital video signal supplied to U21 is supplied to an image decoder (expansion circuit) 51 for data expansion, and is supplied to a DA converter 52 to be converted into an analog signal, and an analog signal processing circuit. It is supplied to the display 54 through 53, and the corresponding image is displayed.

The compressed digital audio signal is supplied to the audio decoder (expansion circuit) 55 through the selector 58 for data expansion, supplied to the DA converter 56 and returned to the analog signal, and the selector 16 And the analog signal processing circuit 17 are supplied to the handset 18 and the voice of the other party is output.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 as well, in order to realize the answering machine function in the videophone, the voice OGM memory 6 is used.
1 and voice ICM memory 62, and OGM memory with image 7
1 and an ICM memory 72 with an image are provided.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, for simplification, illustration of the memory control circuit for controlling these memories 61 to 72 is omitted and various control signal paths are omitted.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the voice signal from the transmitter 11 is stored in the voice OGM memory 61 in the route of the analog signal processing circuit 12-> switch 47-> AD converter 45-> voice encoder 46. Supplied. The output of the audio OGM memory 61 is selector 58 → audio decoder 55 → D-
The signal is supplied to the line interface 14 via the path from the A converter 56 to the selector 13.

Further, the analog voice signal from the line interface 14 is supplied to the voice ICM memory 62 through the path of the switch 47, the AD converter 45 and the voice encoder 46, and the output of the voice ICM memory 62 is the selector. 58 → voice decoder 55 → DA converter 56 → selector 16 → analog signal processing circuit 17 through the handset 18
Is supplied to.

On the other hand, the output of the multiplexer 31 is supplied to the OGM memory with image 71, and the OGM memory with image 71 is supplied.
Output is supplied to the modem 32 through the switch 34.

Then, the demodulated output of the modem 32 is supplied to the image-added ICM memory 72, and the output of the image-added ICM memory 72 is passed through the switch 35 to the demultiplexer 33.
Is supplied to.

[Operation of Another Embodiment] Next, the operation of the answering machine function of the embodiment of FIG. 2 will be described.

The answering machine function of the embodiment of FIG. 2 can support only analog voice messages in the voice mode as in the above-described embodiment, and can also be used in the videophone mode in which the modem is activated. It is also possible to deal with attached messages.

<< 2.1 Registration of Voice OGM and OGM with Image >> The registration of the voice OGM is instructed by the CPU 21 in the voice mode based on the pressing of the registration key (not shown) of the function keys 23a to 23n. It is started by doing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the voice message input from the transmitter 11 is converted into the analog signal processing circuit 12.
→ switch 47 → A / D converter 45 → audio decoder 46
Data is compressed and stored in the voice OGM memory 61 through the path.

To register the OGM with image, the function key 23 is used.
It is started by the CPU 21 instructing the registration in the videophone mode based on the pressing of the registration key and the video key (neither of which is shown) among a to 23n.

The voice message input from the transmitter 11 is converted into the analog signal processing circuit 12 → switch 47 → AD.
Converter 45 → voice encoder 46 → multiplexer 31
In addition to being stored in the OGM memory 71 with the image,
The image message from the video camera 41 is converted from the analog signal processing circuit 42 to the AD converter 43 to the image encoder 4.
4 → OGM memory 7 with image on the path of multiplexer 31
1 is stored.

In this case, in the multiplexer 31, the data-compressed voice and image messages and the data supplied from the CPU 21 are converted into the transmission bit stream form as described above.

<< 2.2 Sending Out of Voice OGM and OGM with Image >> The answering machine mode is set according to the pressing of the answering machine key (not shown) among the function keys 23a to 23n. When an incoming call is received, an automatic incoming call is automatically received by the control of the automatic response control circuit 27 and the CPU 21. At first, the connection is made in the voice mode, and the voice OGM is read from the memory 61 under the control of the CPU 21.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the read audio OGM is supplied to the audio decoder 55 via the selector 58 to be decompressed and the path of the DA converter 55 → selector 13 → line interface 14 is passed. Will be sent to the line.

When the transmitting side presses the video key in response to the audio OGM, the DTMF signal for designating the videophone mode assigned to the key is sent to the automatic response control circuit 2
7, the CPU 21 activates the modem 32, and a call is established by the modem between the transmitting side and the receiving side.
The videophone mode is set.

In the videophone mode, the image-added OGM is read from the memory 71 under the control of the CPU 21 and sent to the line through the route of switch 34 → modem 32 → selector 13 → line interface 14.

<< 2.3 Recording of voice ICM and image-added ICM >> For the OGM as described above, when the receiving side is in the voice mode, the message coming from the transmitting side is controlled by the line interface 14 → switch under the control of the CPU 21. 47 →
Data is compressed in the path from the A / D converter 45 to the audio encoder 46 and recorded in the audio ICM memory 62.

When the receiving side enters the videophone mode, the message arriving from the transmitting side is sent under the control of the CPU 21 from the line interface 14 to the modem 32.
It is recorded in the ICM memory 72 with an image through the path of.

In any case, when the line disconnection signal is detected by the automatic response control circuit 27, it goes off-hook and the ICM
Stop recording.

<< 2.4 Reproduction of Audio ICM and Image-added ICM >> The ICM recorded as described above has function keys 23a ...
Of the 23n, in response to pressing the playback key (not shown),
It is played back under the control of the CPU 21. In this case, reproduction in the audio mode is given priority.

First, the voice I read from the memory 62
The CM is supplied to the audio decoder 55 through the selector 58 to be decompressed, and the DA converter 56 → selector 1
The route of 6 → analog signal processing circuit 17 is supplied to the handset 18 and output as voice.

Next, the image-added ICM in the bit stream format read from the memory 72 is sent to the demultiplexer 33 via the switch 35, and is separated into compressed image and sound and data. .

The image ICM is the image decoder 51 → DA
The signal is supplied from the converter 52 to the analog signal processing circuit 53 to the display 54 and displayed. Also, voice IC
M is supplied to the handset 18 through the path of the selector 58 → voice decoder 55 → DA converter 56 → selector 16 → analog signal processing circuit 17, and is output as voice.

As described above, also in the embodiment of FIG. 2, it is possible to respond and record with a voice-only message or a message with a picture, depending on the telephone set or the intention of the transmitting side. Can be fully utilized, and its utility value or usability is improved.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the audio signal is compressed and stored in the memories 61 and 62 by utilizing the audio compression / expansion function possessed by the videophone, and is expanded at the time of output from the memory. Both memory 6
The capacity of 1, 62 can be reduced.

Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the switch 47 is provided in the preceding stage of the audio encoder 46 and the audio decoder 55.
By providing the selector 58 and the selector 58, as compared with the embodiment of FIG.
The A converter and the AD converter in the preceding stage of the audio ICM memory 62 can be omitted.

[Structure of Still Another Embodiment] Next, still another embodiment of the videophone device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The structure of still another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be partially omitted.

Also in FIG. 3, the voice signal from the transmitter 11 is supplied to the line interface 14 through the analog signal processing circuit 12 and the selector 13 as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 described above. The line connection terminal LN
Sent from. The voice signal from the other party is supplied to the handset 18 through the line interface 14, the selector 16 and the analog signal processing circuit 17, and the other party's voice is output.

Then, the system control circuit (CPU) 21
Although not shown in the figure, a ROM in which a required program is written and a RAM as a work area are connected to the dial key 22 and various function keys 23a.
23n are connected to each other, and an automatic response control circuit 27 cooperating with the CPU 21 is connected to the line interface 14 to perform detection of incoming call and line disconnection, detection of videophone mode, on-hook and on-hook control.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the data from the CPU 21 is directly supplied to the multiplexer 31, and the video signal from the video camera 41 is converted into the analog signal processing circuit 42, the AD converter 43, and the image encoder. It is subjected to digitization / data compression processing through (compression circuit) 44, and is supplied to the multiplexer 31 through the switch 48.

Further, the audio signal from the analog signal processing circuit 12 is digitized / compressed by the switch 47, the AD converter 45 and the audio encoder (compression circuit) 46, and is passed through the switch 49. It is supplied to the multiplexer 31.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the multiplexer 3
In 1, the compressed digital video signal and audio signal and the data from the CPU 21 are rearranged into a serial bit stream, and the output of the multiplexer 31 is supplied to the modem 32 for modulation and modulation of the modem 32. Output is selector 13 and line interface 14
It is transmitted from the line connection terminal LN through and.

Further, the modulated signal of the modem from the other party is
The signal arrives at the modem 32 through the line interface 14 and is demodulated. The demodulated output is supplied to the demultiplexer 33, and is divided into a compressed digital video signal and audio signal and data.

The data from the demultiplexer 33 is CP
The compressed digital video signal supplied to the U21 is also supplied to the image decoder (expansion circuit) 51 through the switch 59 to be expanded in data, and the DA converter 5
2 is supplied to the analog signal processing circuit 53 and is supplied to the display 54 through the analog signal processing circuit 53.
The corresponding image is displayed.

The compressed digital audio signal is supplied to the audio decoder (expansion circuit) 55 through the selector 58 for data expansion, supplied to the DA converter 56 and returned to the analog signal, and the selector 16 And the analog signal processing circuit 17 are supplied to the handset 18 and the voice of the other party is output.

Also in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the voice OGM memory 6 is used in order to realize the answering machine function in the videophone.
1 and a sound ICM memory 62 are provided, and an image OGM memory 73 and an image ICM memory 74 are provided.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3 as well, for simplification, the memory control circuit for controlling these memories 61 to 74 is omitted and various control signal paths are omitted.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the voice signal from the transmitter 11 is transferred to the voice OGM memory 61 in the route of the analog signal processing circuit 12 → switch 47 → AD converter 45 → voice encoder 46. Supplied.

The output of the audio OGM memory 61 is supplied to the multiplexer 31 through the switch 49 and
Selector 58 → Voice Decoder 55 → DA Converter 56 →
It is supplied to the line interface 14 via the path of the selector 13.

The audio ICM memory 62 is supplied with the compressed digital audio signal from the demultiplexer 33, and the analog audio signal from the line interface 14 is supplied to the switch 47 → AD converter 45 → audio encoder. It is supplied through the route of 46 → switch 49.

The output of the voice ICM memory 62 is routed through the selector 58 → voice decoder 55 → DA converter 56 → selector 16 → analog signal processing circuit 17, and the receiver 18
Is supplied to.

On the other hand, in the image OGM memory 73, the output of the video camera 41 is converted into the analog signal processing circuit 42 → A−.
The signal is supplied from the D converter 43 to the image encoder 44,
The output of the image OGM memory 73 is supplied to the multiplexer 31 through the switch 48.

The image ICM memory 74 is supplied with the compressed digital video signal from the demultiplexer 33, and the output of the image ICM memory 74 is the switch 5
9 → image decoder 51 → DA converter 52 → analog signal processing circuit 53, and is supplied to the display 54.

[Operation of Still Another Embodiment] Next, the operation of the answering machine function of the embodiment of FIG. 3 will be described.

The answering machine function of the embodiment of FIG. 3 can support only analog voice messages in the voice mode as in the above-mentioned embodiments, and can also be used in the videophone mode in which the modem is activated. It can also support image messages.

<< 3.1 Registration of Audio OGM and Image OGM >> The registration of the audio OGM is instructed by the CPU 21 in the audio mode based on the pressing of a registration key (not shown) of the function keys 23a to 23n. It is started by

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the voice message input from the transmitter 11 is converted into the analog signal processing circuit 12.
→ switch 47 → A / D converter 45 → audio decoder 46
Data is compressed and stored in the voice OGM memory 61 through the path.

The image key OGM is registered by the function key 23.
It is started by the CPU 21 instructing the registration in the videophone mode based on the pressing of the registration key and the video key (neither of which is shown) among a to 23n.

The image message from the video camera 41 is stored in the image OGM memory 73 along the route of the analog signal processing circuit 42 → A / D converter 43 → image encoder 44.

<< 3.2 Sending of Audio OGM and Image OGM >> The answering machine mode is set according to the pressing of the answering machine key (not shown) of the function keys 23a to 23n.

When an incoming call is received, the automatic answer control circuit 27 and the CPU 21 control the incoming call automatically.

At first, the connection is made in the voice mode, and C
Under the control of the PU 21, the audio OGM is read from the memory 61. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the read audio OGM is supplied to the audio decoder 55 via the selector 58 to be decompressed, and is transferred to the line via the D / A converter 55 → selector 13 → line interface 14. Sent out.

When the transmitting side presses the video key in response to the voice OGM, the DTMF signal for designating the videophone mode assigned to the key is sent to the automatic response control circuit 2.
7, the CPU 21 activates the modem 32, and a call is established by the modem between the transmitting side and the receiving side.
The videophone mode is set.

In the videophone mode, under the control of the CPU 21, the image OGM is read out from the memory 73 and the audio OGM is read out from the memory 61, and both OGMs are read out.
Are supplied to the multiplexer 31 through the switches 48 and 49, respectively.

Then, in the multiplexer 31,
The data-compressed voice and image messages and the data supplied from the CPU 21 are converted into a transmission bit stream, as described above, and the modem 32
→ Selector 13 → Sent to the line via the line interface 14.

<< 3.3 Recording of Audio ICM and Image ICM >> When the receiving side is in the voice mode for the OGM as described above, the message arriving from the transmitting side is controlled by the CPU 21 under the control of the line interface 14 → switch 47. →
A-D converter 45 → audio encoder 46 → switch 49
The data is compressed and recorded in the voice ICM memory 62 through the path.

When the receiving side enters the videophone mode, the bitstream type image-added ICM coming from the transmitting side is controlled by the CPU 21, and the demultiplexer 3 is provided in the path from the line interface 14 to the modem 32.
3 and the data and audio data are separated into data and voice.

The compressed voice message is recorded in the voice ICM memory 62, and the compressed image message is recorded in the image ICM memory 74.

In any case, when the line disconnection signal is detected by the automatic response control circuit 27, the off-hook operation is performed and the ICM
Stop recording.

<< 3.4 Reproduction of Audio ICM and Image ICM >> The ICM recorded as described above has function keys 23a ...
Of the 23n, in response to pressing the playback key (not shown),
It is played back under the control of the CPU 21. In this case, reproduction in the audio mode is given priority.

First, the voice I read from the memory 62
The CM is supplied to the audio decoder 55 through the selector 58 to be decompressed, and the DA converter 56 → selector 1
The route of 6 → analog signal processing circuit 17 is supplied to the handset 18 and output as voice.

Next, the image I read from the memory 74
The CM is supplied to the display 54 and displayed on the path of the switch 59, the image decoder 51, the DA converter 52, and the analog signal processing circuit 53.

As described above, also in the embodiment of FIG. 3, it is possible to respond and record with a voice-only message or a message with a picture, depending on the telephone set or the intention of the transmitting side. Can be fully utilized, and its utility value or usability is improved.

Further, similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 2 described above,
The audio signal is compressed and stored in the memories 61 and 62,
By expanding at the time of output from the memory, both memories 6
The capacity of 1, 62 can be reduced.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the voice and the image are stored in separate memories, so that only the voice, only the image, or both the voice and the image can be freely selected and output. .

By the way, in order to respond by voice only,
In the conventional voice mode or even in the videophone mode, it is sufficient not to send the packets for the image, and when responding only with the image, it is recommended not to send the packets for the audio in the videophone mode. Good.

[Other Embodiments] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the OGM and ICM of the voice and the OGM with the image are added.
The ICM and the OGM and ICM of the image are stored or recorded in independent memories, but these messages may be separately stored or recorded in a plurality of areas set in the same memory. .

[0138]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to respond and record with a voice-only message or a message with a picture depending on the telephone set or the intention of the transmitting side. The characteristics can be fully utilized, and the utility value or usability is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a videophone device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional videophone device.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 transmitter 14 line interface 18 receiver 21 system control circuit (CPU) 22 dial key 31 multiplexer 32 modem 33 demultiplexer 41 video camera 44 image encoder (compression circuit) 46 audio encoder (compression circuit) 51 image decoder (decompression circuit) 54 Display 55 Audio Decoder (Expansion Circuit) 61 Audio OGM (Outgoing Message) Memory 62 Audio ICM (Incoming Message) Memory 71 OGM with Image (Outgoing Message) Memory 72 ICM with Image (Incoming Message) Memory 73 Image OGM (Outgoing message) Memory 74 Image ICM (Incoming message) Memory LN Line connection terminal

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A video telephone device for transmitting and receiving voice information and compressed image information through a telephone line having a predetermined voice frequency band, a storage means for storing a response message based on the compressed image information, and the compression means. Recording means for recording an incoming message according to the image information, automatic response control means for automatically responding to an incoming call from the telephone line, and reading the response message from the storage means under the control of the automatic response control means. A television provided with message sending control means for sending to the telephone line, and message recording control means for controlling the automatic response control means to record the incoming message from the telephone line in the recording means. Telephone device. 2. The storage means stores a response message based on the compressed image information and a response message based on compressed audio information, and the recording means stores an incoming message based on the compressed image information. The videophone device according to claim 1, wherein an incoming message based on compressed audio information is recorded. 3. A response message based on the voice information is stored in a compressed or uncompressed state and is controlled by the message sending control means, and an incoming message based on the voice information is compressed or uncompressed. The video telephone device according to claim 1, further comprising: audio information recording means which is recorded and controlled by the message recording control means. 4. The automatic response control means detects the presence or absence of an instruction from the transmitting side regarding sending of a response message and recording of an incoming message by the compressed image information.
The videophone device according to.