JPH10210178A - Composite communication terminal equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the cost by the share of a communication terminal equipment side that eliminates the need for storage of a voice reply message signal by configuring a voice reply function in the communication terminal equipment such that the voice reply message signal is stored in a storage device of a computer. SOLUTION: On the occurrence of an event of transmission of a reply message, a system conversion section 6 of a facsimile equipment 1 informs it to a personal computer (PC) 20 via a centronics I/F 12. An MPU receives the notice, extracts selected reply message data from a hard disk unit and transfers the data to the facsimile equipment (FAX) 1 via the centronics I/F 12. The system control section 6 expands the message data transferred from the personal computer 20 at a DSP section 11, uses an A/D.D/A converter 10 to convert the data into an analog signal and sends a reply message continuously while no line is interrupted and the transmission of the reply message is not finished.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a composite communication terminal device in which a communication terminal device and a computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a communication terminal device, for example, a facsimile device, and a computer device such as a personal computer (personal computer) are connected via an interface to exchange data with each other, thereby enabling mutual use of data. The complex communication terminal device that enables it is becoming popular.

Conventionally, data exchange via an interface in such a composite communication terminal device is performed by transferring facsimile message data received by a facsimile device or image data read by a facsimile device with a reading device to a computer device. To store the image data on a hard disk device, display it on a display device such as a display monitor, or transfer image data created by a computer device to a facsimile device and record it on recording paper with a recording device. The purpose of the present invention is to achieve mutual use of hardware resources related to image processing, such as transmission to another facsimile machine.

On the other hand, not only a conventional facsimile apparatus which operates independently but also a facsimile apparatus which constitutes the above-mentioned composite communication terminal apparatus has a so-called answering machine function.

[0005] In such a facsimile apparatus having such an answering machine function, the answering machine function sets the facsimile apparatus to an answering machine mode by, for example, pressing a "answering" key or the like by a user who is about to answer. It is activated by

A facsimile apparatus in the answering machine mode (in this case, a G3 facsimile) receives an incoming call, and if a call is indicated by a call tone (CNG: 1100 Hz), a called station identification signal (CED: By responding to the call at 2100 Hz), a transition is made to facsimile communication. If the calling tone CNG is not received for a certain period of time, the incoming call is made by telephone, and the line is connected in response,
For example, "This is xxxxx of xxxx. I'm just out of the office. If you become a beeper, please talk about your name and requirements. If you can send a fax, please send it as is." Outgoing voice response message to the line.

[0007] Thereafter, if the line remains connected until the facsimile machine sends out a beep,
This means that the other party wants the facsimile apparatus to record a voice message, that is, the facsimile apparatus needs to record a voice message from the line. Therefore, the facsimile apparatus starts recording a voice message signal from the line, and records the voice message signal until a predetermined time limit is reached or the line is disconnected.

[0008] Thereafter, when the user who has been away is returned and the "play" key of the facsimile apparatus is pressed, the facsimile apparatus transmits one or a plurality of recorded voice messages to a speaker or the like. An audible output is provided by an audio output device.

[0009]

As described above, in a communication terminal device such as a conventional facsimile device and a communication terminal device such as a facsimile device constituting the above-mentioned conventional composite communication terminal device, an answering machine function is provided. Such as
In order to realize the voice response function and the voice recording / playback function, the voice response message signal for the voice response function must be stored in advance, and the voice message for the voice recording / playback function must be stored. It is necessary to prepare a storage area for signal recording, and a storage device such as a memory is required for the storage area, and the cost of the communication terminal device is increased accordingly.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to provide a composite communication terminal device capable of realizing a voice response function and a voice recording / reproduction function at low cost.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a composite communication terminal device according to the present invention has a voice response function for transmitting a voice response message signal to a line as required. In a composite communication terminal device in which the device and the computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other, the computer device transmits the voice response message signal,
On the other hand, when it is necessary to transmit a voice response message signal to the line, the communication terminal device notifies the computer device via the interface when the communication terminal device needs to send a voice response message signal to the communication device. Then, the computer device that has received the notification retrieves the voice response message signal from the storage device and transfers the voice response message signal to the communication terminal device via the interface, and the communication terminal device transmits the voice response message signal. A signal is transmitted to the line.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a communication terminal having a voice response function for transmitting a voice response message signal to a line as required and a computer are interconnected via an interface. In the composite communication terminal device having a configuration capable of exchanging data with each other, the computer device stores in advance a voice response message signal group that is a candidate of the voice response message signal in a storage device included in the device itself, While one of the voice response message groups is selectively set in response to the selection operation input, the communication terminal device, when it becomes necessary to send a voice response message signal to the line, informs that fact. The computer device notifies the computer device via the interface, and the computer device receiving the notification notifies the computer device of the The voice response message signal selected and set is taken out from the device and transferred to the communication terminal device via the interface, and the communication terminal device sends the transferred voice response message signal to the line. It is characterized by the following.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite communication terminal device having a configuration in which the communication terminal device and the computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other. When it becomes necessary to record a voice message signal from a line, the voice message signal from the line is transferred after notifying the computer device via the interface that recording of the voice message signal has started, and When the device receives the notification of the start of the recording, the device stores the voice message signal transferred thereafter in the storage device provided in the device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite communication terminal device having a configuration in which the communication terminal device and the computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other. On the other hand, when it is necessary to record the voice message signal from the line while the timer means is provided, the recording start time of the voice message signal and the current time read from the clock means are used as the recording start time via the interface. Transfer the voice message signal from the line after notifying the computer device, the computer device,
When the notification of the start of the recording is received, the voice message signal transferred thereafter is stored in a storage device included in the own device as a file having the notified recording start time as a file name. I do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite communication terminal device having a configuration in which the communication terminal device and the computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other. When it becomes necessary to record a voice message signal from a line, the voice message signal from the line is transferred after notifying the computer device via the interface that recording of the voice message signal has started, and When the device receives the notification of the start of the recording, the device stores the voice message signal to be transferred thereafter in the storage device provided in the device itself, and thereafter, the communication terminal device transmits the voice message signal from the recorded line. If it becomes necessary to play back the voice message signal, the above-mentioned input indicates that playback of the voice message signal has started. The computer device receives the voice message signal from the storage device and transfers the voice message signal to the communication terminal device via the interface, and the communication terminal device receives the notification from the storage device. The transferred voice message signal is audibly output by a voice output device provided in the own device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite communication terminal device having a configuration in which the communication terminal device and the computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other. On the other hand, when it is necessary to record the voice message signal from the line while the timer means is provided, the recording start time of the voice message signal and the current time read from the clock means are used as the recording start time via the interface. Transfer the voice message signal from the line after notifying the computer device, the computer device,
When the notification of the start of the recording is received, the voice message signal to be transferred thereafter is stored in a storage device included in the own device as a file having the notified recording start time as a file name, and thereafter, the When it becomes necessary to reproduce the recorded voice message signal from the line, the communication terminal device notifies the computer device via the interface of the start of reproduction of the voice message signal, and receives the notification. The computer device extracts the voice message signal from the storage device and transfers the voice message signal to the communication terminal device via the interface, and the communication terminal device transmits the transferred voice message signal to a voice included in the own device. An audible output is provided by an output device.

[0017]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a facsimile machine 1 which is one of the communication terminals constituting the composite communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 2 shows a block configuration of a personal computer 20 which is one of computer devices constituting a composite communication terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention together with the facsimile device 1 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus 1 is a G (group) 3 facsimile provided with a so-called answering machine function, and includes a scanner 2, a plotter 3, an operation display unit 4, an encoding / decoding unit 5, a system control unit 6, ROM7, RAM
8, network control section 9, speaker 9a, A / D / D / A converter 10, DSP (digital signal processor) section 1
1. Centronics I / F 12, clock circuit 13, and
And a system bus 14.

The scanner 2 is a reading device that reads a document image to obtain image data. The plotter 3 is a recording device that records and outputs image data on recording paper.

The operation display unit 4 is provided with a numeric keypad and other various keys for accepting an operation input by an operator, and has a display for displaying an operation state of the apparatus and a message to the operator. For the answering machine function, a "answering" key for setting the facsimile machine 1 to an answering machine mode, a "play" key for playing back a recorded voice message, and the like are also provided.

The encoding / decoding section 5 encodes and compresses image data, and decodes and expands encoded image data. The system control unit 6 controls each unit of the apparatus. The ROM 7 stores programs and data tables describing control procedures of the system control unit 6. The RAM 8 serves as a work area for the system control unit 6 and temporarily stores data such as image data as needed. The RAM 8 is backed up by a backup power supply (not shown). Keep the stored contents.

The network control unit 10 controls the line connection with the telephone line, switches the connection of the attached telephone 30 to the telephone line, and requires the analog signal from the A / D / D / A converter 10. The connection is switched to a telephone line or a speaker 9a in response.

The A / D / D / A converter 10 converts an analog signal from a telephone line into a digital signal and converts the analog signal into a digital signal.
1, while converting a digital signal from the DSP unit 11 into an analog signal and outputting it to a telephone line or a speaker 9a. Analog signals from the telephone line include a voice message signal recorded in the answering machine mode and a modulated signal in G3 facsimile communication, and an analog signal output to the telephone line is a voice response message transmitted in the answering machine mode. Signal and a modulated signal at the time of G3 facsimile communication.

Therefore, the signals processed by the DSP unit 11 are also different between the voice signal processing in the answering machine mode and the facsimile signal processing in the G3 facsimile communication. That is, during G3 facsimile communication, original control signals and facsimile data are converted from digital modulated signals received from a telephone line via the network control unit 9 and A / D converted by the A / D / D / A converter 10. While being restored and passed to the system control unit 6 for the next processing, the control signal and the facsimile data encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 5 passed from the system control unit 6 are converted into a digital modulation signal. The signal is converted and D / A-converted by the A / D / D / A converter 10 and transmitted to the telephone line as an analog modulated signal. That is, at the time of G3 facsimile communication, the A / D / D / A converter 10 and the DSP unit 11 realize a G3 facsimile modem function.

On the other hand, at the time of voice signal processing in the answering machine mode, the DSP unit 11 receives a digital signal received from the telephone line via the network control unit 9 and A / D converted by the A / D / D / A converter 10. The voice message signal is encoded and passed to the system control unit 6 for the next processing, while the digital voice response message signal passed from the system control unit 6 is decoded and decompressed to A / D / D / A conversion. D / A with vessel 10
A / D / D by converting the analog voice response message signal and sending it to the telephone line as an analog voice response message signal, or by decoding and expanding a digital voice message signal passed from the system control unit 6.
The signal processing for D / A conversion by the / A converter 10 and output to the speaker 9a as an analog voice message signal is performed.

The Centronics I / F 12 is an interface paired with a Centronics I / F 24 of the personal computer 20 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later, and serves as an interface for exchanging data between the facsimile machine 1 and the personal computer 20. It is.

The clock circuit 13 counts the time including the date, and the system control section 6 can read the clock circuit 13 to obtain the time at the time of reading.
The system bus 14 is used for the above-mentioned units to exchange signals.

On the other hand, the personal computer 20 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a keyboard control unit 21, an MPU 22, an RS232C interface 23, a Centronics I / F 24, a display control unit 25, a ROM 26, a RAM 27, a hard disk device 28, and a system bus 29. Further, a keyboard 40, a display monitor 50, and a mouse device 30 are provided as peripheral devices.

The keyboard control unit 21 includes a keyboard 40
The control is performed to decode the key operation input from the MPU 22 and notify the MPU 22 of the key operation. The MPU 22 controls each unit of the device. RS232C-I / F23
Is an interface for the mouse device 60, and performs control for receiving coordinate information from the mouse device 60 and notifying the MPU 22 of the coordinate information. The Centronics I / F 24 is an interface paired with the Centronics I / F 12 of the facsimile machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, and serves as an interface for exchanging data between the facsimile machine 1 and the personal computer 20. The display control unit 25 includes an MPU
An image signal to the display monitor 50 is generated in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 22. Display monitor 50
Is for visually displaying the image signal from the display control unit 25. The ROM 7 stores a program describing a control procedure of the MPU 22. RAM
Reference numeral 8 denotes a work area of the MPU 22.

The hard disk device 28 stores a program in which a control procedure of the MPU 22 is described and various data. As shown in FIG. 3, a response message storage area 28a and a recorded message storage area 28b are secured in the hard disk device 28 for the answering machine function of the facsimile machine 1. In the response message storage area 28a, a plurality of selectable response message data are prepared, and a selection operation input from the keyboard 40 by the user or a mouse device 60 by the user.
In response to the selection operation input by clicking a predetermined icon on the selection screen of the display monitor 50, only the specific response message data is selected as the response message data to be transferred to the facsimile machine 1. Which response message is selected is determined by the value of the selection flag (1 if selected, 0 if not selected).

With the above configuration, the facsimile apparatus 1 converts the original image data read by the scanner 2 and the image data transferred from the personal computer 20 via the Centronics I / F 12 into a facsimile message by the encoding / decoding section 5. A facsimile message is received by receiving a facsimile message while encoding and compressing, calling a transmission destination number designated from the operation display unit 4 or the keyboard 40, connecting to a line, modulating by the DSP unit 11 and transmitting to the receiving facsimile apparatus. Is performed as a facsimile device constituting a composite communication terminal device similar to the conventional one, such as recording and outputting the same on a recording paper by the plotter 3 and transferring the same to the personal computer 20 via the Centronics I / F 12.

The personal computer 20 displays the image data created by the personal computer 20 on the display monitor 50, stores the image data in the hard disk device 28, transfers the image data to the facsimile device 1 via the Centronics I / F 24, and transmits the image data to the facsimile device 1. 1 transfers the original image data read by the scanner 2 or the received image data via the Centronics I / F 24, edits the transferred image data, displays it on the display monitor 50, and stores it in the hard disk device 28. The operation as a computer device constituting a composite communication terminal device similar to that of the related art is performed.

Further, the composite communication terminal device comprising the facsimile machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the personal computer 20 shown in FIG. 2 performs a response message sending process shown in FIG. 4 and a message shown in FIG. And the reproduction process of the recorded message shown in FIG.

These processes are processes for the answering machine function in the facsimile machine 1, and the answering machine function is the same as the conventional one when viewed from the user side.

That is, the user of the facsimile machine 1
While the facsimile machine 1 is in the answering machine mode while the user is out of the office by pressing the "answering" key of the operation display unit 4, a response message is sent to the telephone line when there is an incoming telephone call. An event to be transmitted has occurred, and a response message is transmitted to the telephone line.

If the telephone call line is connected after the response message is transmitted until a further "peep" sound is transmitted, a recording message reception event has occurred, and the received message is received via the telephone line. Start recording a voice message from the other party.

Thereafter, when the user who has gone out returns and presses the "play" key of the operation display unit 4, a playback event of the recorded message occurs, and the recorded message is reproduced and output to the speaker 9a. I do.

As described above, the answering machine function in the composite communication terminal device of the present embodiment is similar to the conventional one when viewed from the user side, but an event occurs in which a response message is transmitted to the telephone line. The processing in the case where the event has occurred, the processing in the case where a recording message reception event has occurred, and the processing in the case where a recording message playback event has occurred are different from those in the related art. A message sending process, a message recording process shown in FIG. 5, and a recorded message playback process shown in FIG. 6 are performed.

First, the response message sending process shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In the figure, a process or a determination in which “F” is added to the head of a number assigned to a process or a determination indicates a process or a determination in the facsimile apparatus 1 side, and a process or a determination in which “P” is added. Indicates processing or judgment on the personal computer 20 side, which is the same in FIG. 5 and FIG.

In FIG. 4, the system control unit 6 of the facsimile machine 1 monitors the occurrence of a response message transmission event (No loop in decision F101). When a response message sending event occurs (Yes in decision F101)
s), and notifies the personal computer (PC) 20 via the Centronics I / F 12 (processing F102). The MPU 22 of the personal computer 20 receives the notification via the Centronics I / F 24, retrieves the selected response message data (message 2 in FIG. 3) from the hard disk device 28, and receives the notification message data via the Centronics I / F 24. (FAX) 1 (Process P
103), the system control section 6 of the facsimile apparatus 1 expands the message data transferred from the personal computer 20 via the Centronics I / F 12 by the DSP section 11 (processing F104), and converts the message data into an analog signal by the D / A converter 10. After conversion (process F105), the data is transmitted to the telephone line via the network control unit 9 (process F106).
In the processing up to 6, the line is not disconnected (judgment F10
7), while the transmission of the response message is not completed (No loop of decision F108), the transmission is continuously performed, or the transmission of the response message is completed or the other party forcibly forcibly transmits the response message. Until the line is disconnected
A response message is sent.

Whether the line is disconnected (Yes in decision F107)
s) When the transmission of the response message is completed (decision F10)
8: Yes), the process returns to the judgment F101, and returns to the monitoring of the occurrence of the response message sending event.

As described above, even in the configuration in which the response message data is stored in the hard disk device 28 of the personal computer 20, when viewed from the user, the same response message transmission processing can be performed as in the related art, and not the facsimile device 1 side,
For storing the response message data on the personal computer 20 side,
The cost of the facsimile machine 1 can be reduced. On the other hand, on the personal computer 20 side, at present, only a part of the storage area of the hard disk device 28, which can be provided by the personal computer, is used for storing the response message data, and hardly causes a cost increase. .

Next, the message recording process shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

In the figure, the system control unit 6 of the facsimile machine 1 monitors the occurrence of a recording message reception event (No loop in decision F201). When a recording message receiving event occurs (decision F)
In step F203, the timer circuit 13 is read to obtain the current time as the recording start time. And
The recording start time is notified to the personal computer (PC) 20 via the Centronics I / F 12 (process F203). The MPU 22 of the personal computer 20 has a Centronics I / F 24
Is notified of the recording start time via the PC, the recording of the message is started, and a file having the notified recording start time as a file name is stored in the hard disk drive 28 as shown in FIG. It is created in the area 28b and is prepared for storing message data transferred from the facsimile machine 1 from here.

System control unit 6 of facsimile machine 1
Converts the message received via the telephone line into a digital signal by the A / D converter 10 (processing F204),
The message data encoded by the P unit 11 (processing F205) and transferred to the personal computer (PC) 20 via the Centronics I / F 12 (processing F206), and the personal computer 20 starts recording as notified by the processing F203. Using the time as a file name, the message data transferred from the facsimile machine 1 via the Centronics I / F 24 is stored in the recorded message storage area of the hard disk device 28 (Process P207), and the processes from Process F204 to Process P207 are executed by a line. Is not disconnected (No in decision F208), and is continuously performed (No loop in decision F209) during a period of time that does not exceed a predetermined time limit (for example, one minute) in which one message can be recorded. Recording time exceeds the time limit, or the message Until the line is cut, the message is recorded.

Whether the line is disconnected (Ye in decision F208)
s) If the time limit is exceeded (Yes in decision F209),
Returning to decision F201, the process returns to monitoring the occurrence of a recorded message reception event.

As described above, even in the configuration in which the recording message data is stored in the hard disk device 28 of the personal computer 20, the recording message reception process similar to the conventional one can be performed from the user's point of view.
As long as the recorded message data is stored in the personal computer 20,
The cost of the facsimile machine 1 can be reduced. On the other hand, on the personal computer 20 side, at present, only a part of the storage area of the hard disk device 28, which can be provided by a personal computer, is dedicated to storing the recorded message data, and hardly causes a cost increase. .

The recorded message data stored in the hard disk device of the personal computer 20 is stored as a file having the current time including the date as a file name, as shown in FIG. There are advantages. In the recorded message storage area 28b of FIG. 3, “Message A” is stored with the file name “0”.
1101530 ”is stored. After "message B", the file names are stored with the recording start time of those messages as the file name. Note that the file name "011015
"30" indicates that the recording start time is "15:30 on January 10"
And the file name “01101921”
Indicates that the recording start time is “Jan. 10, 19:21”, and the file name “01110111” indicates that the recording start time is “Jan. 11, 1:11”. .

Next, the reproduction process of the recorded message shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

In the figure, the system control unit 6 of the facsimile machine 1 monitors the occurrence of a recorded message playback event (No loop in decision F301). When a playback event of a recorded message occurs (Yes in decision F301)
s), and notifies the personal computer (PC) 20 via the Centronics I / F 12 (processing F302). The MPU 22 of the personal computer 20 receives the notification via the Centronics I / F 24, extracts the data of the unplayed recorded message file (message A in FIG. 3) from the hard disk device 28, and
4 to the facsimile machine (FAX) 1 (process P303), and the system controller 6 of the facsimile machine 1
Expands the message data transferred from the personal computer 20 via the Centronics I / F 12 by the DSP unit 11 (process F304), converts it into an analog signal by the D / A converter 10 (process F305), and 9 to the speaker 9a (processing F306), and the processing from processing P303 to processing F306 is performed in one file (the file “01101530” in which the message A is stored at present).
This is repeated until the reproduction of is completed (Yes in decision P307) (No loop in decision P307).

When the reproduction of one file is completed, the reproduction end file (currently, the file “01101530”)
Is deleted (process P308), and if there is the next file (Yes in decision P309), the next file is selected (in FIG. 3, the file "011019" of the message B).
21 ") (Process P310), the process from Process P303 is performed again on the selected file. Judgment P309
, When there is no next file (No in decision 309)
Returns to the judgment F301, and returns to monitoring of the occurrence of the playback event of the recorded message. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the files of the recorded message data stored in the recorded message storage area 28b are sequentially reproduced, and the unnecessary files after the reproduction are deleted are sequentially deleted to open the storage area. To prepare for the next recording message reception event.

As described above, even with the configuration in which the recorded message data is stored in the hard disk device 28 of the personal computer 20, when viewed from the user, the same recorded message reproduction processing as that of the related art can be performed.

The recorded message data stored in the hard disk device 28 of the personal computer 20 by the message recording process shown in FIG. 5 is transferred to the facsimile device 1 by the recorded message reproduction process shown in FIG. Instead of audible output from the speaker 9a, the personal computer 2
It is also conceivable that an audio processing circuit is added to an extension interface (not shown) on the 0 side and output from a speaker connected to the audio processing circuit. In this case, since the transfer of the recorded message data to the facsimile machine 1 becomes unnecessary, the message can be reproduced quickly. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the response message storage area 28a
May be recorded from a microphone connected to the voice processing circuit. Moreover, at present, there is an advantage that the cost of the personal computer is hardly increased by using the function of the audio processing circuit, which is not an exaggeration to say that it is a standard feature in most personal computers.

As described above, in the composite communication terminal device of the present embodiment, the voice response processing for the answering machine function,
The voice recording / playback processing can be realized by a configuration in which a response message or a recorded message is stored in the personal computer 20. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the case where the voice response processing and the voice recording / playback processing according to the present invention are used only for realizing the answering machine function has been described as an example. The recording / playback processing is not limited to this. For example, a message for guidance is transmitted in a remote operation by a user from outside (for example, when a message recorded by the answering machine function is heard from outside), and a conversation during a call is performed. Various applications are possible, such as use for a so-called call recording / reproducing function for recording / reproducing, and a memo recording / reproducing function for recording / reproducing a message or memo.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the composite communication terminal according to the present invention is described as an example in which a facsimile apparatus and a personal computer are connected.
It goes without saying that the computer device connected to the facsimile device 1 is not limited to a personal computer, and the facsimile device is not limited to a telephone line G3 facsimile, which is an analog line, but is a digital line. The present invention is applicable to a G4 facsimile apparatus for ISDN and the like. Further, the present invention is not limited to a facsimile apparatus, and it can be said that the present invention can be similarly applied to a telephone or a complex communication terminal apparatus combining another communication terminal apparatus such as a data communication terminal apparatus for transmitting and receiving a binary file with a computer apparatus. Not even.

[0057]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the voice response function of the conventional communication terminal device can be realized by a configuration in which a voice response message signal is stored in the storage device of the computer device. There is no need to store the voice response message signal for the voice response function on the side, and the cost of the communication terminal device can be reduced accordingly.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the voice response function of the conventional communication terminal device can be realized by a configuration in which a voice response message signal is stored in the storage device of the computer device. There is no need to store a voice response message signal for the voice response function, and the cost of the communication terminal device can be reduced accordingly. In addition, the computer device stores in advance a voice response message signal group that is a candidate for the voice response message signal in a storage device provided in the computer device, and stores the voice response message group in response to a selection operation input by a user. In order to select and set one of the above, an optimal voice response message according to the user's situation, for example, whether the user is away for a few hours or not in the long term can be sent to the other party via the line. .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the voice recording function of the conventional communication terminal device can be realized by a configuration in which a voice message signal is stored in the storage device of the computer device. There is no need to provide a storage device for recording a voice message signal in the recording function, and the cost of the communication terminal device can be reduced accordingly.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the voice recording function of the conventional communication terminal device can be realized by a configuration in which a voice message signal is stored in the storage device of the computer device. There is no need to provide a storage device for recording a voice message signal in the recording function, and the cost of the communication terminal device can be reduced accordingly. In addition, the computer device stores the voice message signal transferred from the previous communication terminal device in the storage device as a file having the current time as a file name, so that the file message of the voice message signal can be searched more efficiently. There is.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the voice recording / reproducing function in the conventional communication terminal device can be realized by a configuration in which a voice message signal is stored in the storage device of the computer device. It is not necessary to provide a storage device for recording a voice message signal in a voice recording / reproducing function, and the cost of the communication terminal device can be reduced accordingly.

According to the invention of claim 6, since the voice recording / reproducing function in the conventional communication terminal device can be realized by a configuration in which a voice message signal is stored in the storage device of the computer device, the communication terminal device side It is not necessary to provide a storage device for recording a voice message signal in a voice recording / reproducing function, and the cost of the communication terminal device can be reduced accordingly. In addition, the computer device stores the voice message signal transferred from the previous communication terminal device in the storage device as a file having the current time as a file name, so that the file message of the voice message signal can be searched more efficiently. There is.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a facsimile apparatus constituting a composite communication terminal apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a personal computer that constitutes the composite communication terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention together with the facsimile device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a response message storage area and a recorded message storage area secured in the hard disk device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a response message sending process procedure in the composite communication terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a message recording processing procedure in the composite communication terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a recording message reproducing process procedure in the composite communication terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile apparatus 2 Scanner 3 Plotter 4 Operation display part 5 Encoding / decoding part 6 System control part 7 ROM 8 RAM 9 Network control part 9a Speaker 10 A / D / D / A converter 11 DSP part 12 Centronics I / F 13 Clock circuit 14 System bus 20 Computer device 21 Keyboard control unit 22 MPU 23 RS232C-I / F 24 Centronics I / F 25 Display control unit 26 ROM 27 RAM 28 Hard disk drive 28a Response message storage area 28b Recorded message storage area 29 System bus 30 Attached telephone 40 Keyboard 50 Display monitor 60 Mouse device

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A communication terminal device having a voice response function for transmitting a voice response message signal to a line as required and a computer device are interconnected via an interface so that data can be exchanged with each other. In the composite communication terminal device, the computer device stores the voice response message signal in a storage device of the device in advance,
The communication terminal device, when it is necessary to send a voice response message signal to the line, notifies the computer device via the interface to that effect, and the computer device receiving the notification notifies the computer device of the storage. Extracting the voice response message signal from the device, transferring the voice response message signal to the communication terminal device via the interface, and the communication terminal device transmitting the transferred voice response message signal to the line. Composite communication terminal device. 2. A communication terminal device having a voice response function for transmitting a voice response message signal to a line as required, and a computer device are interconnected via an interface so that data can be exchanged with each other. In the composite communication terminal device, the computer device stores in advance a voice response message signal group that is a candidate for the voice response message signal in a storage device provided in the own device, and the voice response message signal in response to a selection operation input. While one of the message groups is selected and set, the communication terminal device, when it becomes necessary to send a voice response message signal to the line,
The computer device notifies the communication device via the interface, and the computer device that has received the notification extracts the voice response message signal that has been selectively set from the storage device, and the communication terminal via the interface. Transfer to the device, the communication terminal device,
A composite communication terminal device for transmitting the transferred voice response message signal to the line. 3. A composite communication terminal device in which a communication terminal device and a computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other, wherein the communication terminal device records a voice message signal from a line. When the necessity arises, the voice message signal from the line is transferred after notifying the computer device of the start of the recording of the voice message signal via the interface, and the computer device transmits the voice message signal indicating the start of the recording. When receiving the notification, the composite communication terminal device stores a voice message signal transferred thereafter in a storage device provided in the own device. 4. A composite communication terminal device having a configuration in which a communication terminal device and a computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other. If you need to record a voice message signal,
Transferring the voice message signal from the line after notifying the computer device via the interface that the recording of the voice message signal has been started and the current time read from the timer as the recording start time, When receiving the notification of the start of recording, storing the voice message signal transferred thereafter as a file having the notified recording start time as a file name in a storage device provided in the own device. Characteristic composite communication terminal device. 5. A composite communication terminal device in which a communication terminal device and a computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other, wherein said communication terminal device records a voice message signal from a line. When the necessity arises, the voice message signal from the line is transferred after notifying the computer device of the start of the recording of the voice message signal via the interface, and the computer device transmits the voice message signal indicating the start of the recording. When the notification is received, the voice message signal transferred thereafter is stored in the storage device provided in the own device, and thereafter, the communication terminal device needs to reproduce the voice message signal from the recorded line. The playback of the voice message signal is informed by the computer via the interface. The computer device receiving the notification retrieves the voice message signal from the storage device and transfers the voice message signal to the communication terminal device via the interface, and the communication terminal device A composite communication terminal device for audibly outputting a voice message signal by a voice output device provided in the device. 6. A composite communication terminal device having a configuration in which a communication terminal device and a computer device are interconnected via an interface and can exchange data with each other. If you need to record a voice message signal,
Transferring the voice message signal from the line after notifying the computer device via the interface that the recording of the voice message signal has been started and the current time read from the timer as the recording start time, When the notification of the start of the recording is received, the voice message signal transferred thereafter is stored in a storage device provided in the own device as a file having the notified recording start time as a file name, and thereafter, When the communication terminal device needs to reproduce a voice message signal from the recorded line, the communication terminal device notifies the computer device of the start of reproduction of the voice message signal to the computer device via the interface. Receiving the voice message signal from the storage device Through the interface and transferred to the communication terminal apparatus Te, the communication terminal apparatus, the transferred voice message signals, a composite communication terminal apparatus, characterized in that the audible output by the audio output device itself apparatus.