JPH1155399A - Communication device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To send a voice message processed as desired by its destination side by receiving and storing the voice message and its destination information sent via a circuit, retrieving the destination terminal connected to a data communication network based on the destination information and processing the voice message in response to an instruction by the destination side to send the processed message to its destination. SOLUTION: When a voice message is sent to a specific opposite party, the sender dials the telephone number of the opposite party via a telephone set 301 to secure connection to a message distribution store device 303 via a public circuit 302. Then the voice message is transmitted together with its destination information on an extension number, etc., to designate the opposite party. The device 303 is connected to the outside via the circuit 302 and also connected to a LAN 304. Then the device 303 functions to notify the storage of the voice message and its destination information and the presence of the voice message to be sent to the destination connected to the LAN 304.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication apparatus and a communication method therefor. For example, a voice message sent from outside through a public line or the like is transmitted to a local area network (hereinafter referred to as "LAN"), a token ring network or the like. The present invention relates to a communication device for delivering to a designated partner via a data communication network and a method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are communication terminals such as exchanges and telephones having a voice mail system which has a function of storing voice signals of voice messages sent from outside through a public line or the like.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a general voice mail system using an exchange.

When it is desired to send a voice message such as a message to a specific party using a communication device such as a telephone,
The user dials the telephone number of the other party from 1 and connects to the exchange 103 with the message storage function (hereinafter referred to as "exchange 103"). Then, destination information such as an extension number for specifying the other party and a voice message are recorded.

[0005] For example, if the destination of the voice message is the owner of the extension telephone 104, the exchange 103 sends a call command to the extension telephone 104. Extension telephone 10
4 notifies the destination party of the presence of the voice message by blinking a lamp or the like based on a call command from the exchange 103.

After confirming the existence of the message, the destination of the voice message sends an ID or the like certifying the identity to the exchange 103 and sends the voice message to the extension telephone 10.
Listen through the handset 4.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining a communication procedure example of a general voice mail system using an exchange.

FIG. 2A shows an example of a communication procedure between a sender of a voice message and an exchange having a message storage function.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a sender of a voice message (hereinafter, referred to as "sender 201"), and reference numeral 202 denotes an exchange having a message storage function for storing a voice message (hereinafter, referred to as "exchange 202").

In step 203, the sender 201 makes a call to the other party (exchange 202) to transmit a voice message. In step 204, the exchange 202 sends the voice message "Please specify the destination to put the message" to the sender 20 to request the transmission destination of the voice message.
Send to 1. In step 205, the sender 201 proceeds to step 20
According to the message 4, the extension number of the other party, for example, "1234" is entered by the ten key of the telephone.

[0011] In step 206, the exchange 202 executes step 2
After confirming the extension number obtained in step 05, the sender 20 sends a message "Please leave a message" to start recording voice.
Send to 1. In step 207, the sender 201 proceeds to step 20
In accordance with the message No. 6, a voice message "A meeting will be held at 10:00" is sent to the exchange 202.

In step 208, the sender 201 presses the "#" key to indicate the end of the voice message. Step 2
In step 09, the exchange 202 confirms that the tone signal of the “#” key indicating the end of the voice message has been received from the sender 201, and then sends “transfer the message” to the sender 2.
Send to 01.

FIG. 2B shows an example of a communication procedure between the exchange having the message storage function and the destination of the voice message.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a destination of the voice message (hereinafter referred to as "destination 211").

In step 212, the destination 211 calls the exchange 202 to confirm the contents of the voice message. In step 213, the exchange 202 sends a message “Please ID” to the destination 211 requesting the input of the extension number and the password.

In step 214, the destination 211 includes the extension number “1234” as the ID and the password, for example, “7”.
777 "to the exchange 202. In step 215, after confirming the password of the destination 211, the exchange 202 sends a message “there is a message” or “there is no message” to the destination 211, telling the existence of the voice message.
If there is no message, the process ends according to step 220.

In step 216 (when a voice message exists), the destination 211 presses the "*" key of the extension telephone to reproduce the voice message. In step 217,
The exchange 202 reproduces the voice message of the sender 201, "A meeting will be held at 10:00".

In step 218, the exchange 202 checks the destination 2
A message “There is next” or “End” is sent to the destination 211 to notify the presence or absence of the voice message to the destination 11. If there is another voice message to the destination 211, the user presses the "*" key of the extension telephone again, and the procedure 2
Returning to step 16, playback of the message is continued. Also, there are no more messages to be played or the destination 21
If the "#" key of the extension telephone has been pressed by 1, the processing is terminated.

[0019]

However, the above technique has the following problems. When notifying the destination that there is a voice message sent from the outside, only the specific telephone used by the destination can be notified of the presence of the message.

Further, when confirming the content of the sent voice message, it can only be confirmed by voice, and the voice message is converted into character data by voice recognition (hereinafter referred to as "character conversion"). Cannot be applied.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and as long as a terminal of a destination of a voice message transmitted via a line is connected to a data communication network, the voice message is transmitted to the terminal. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device and a method for transmitting a message.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a communication apparatus and a communication method capable of sending a voice message to which a destination of the voice message has been subjected to a desired process.

[0023]

The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

[0024] A communication device according to the present invention comprises a storage means for receiving and storing a voice message and destination information sent via a line, and a destination terminal connected to a data communication network based on the destination information. A processing unit for processing the voice message according to an instruction from the destination of the voice message, and a voice message processed by the processing unit to the destination via the data communication network. Transmitting means for transmitting.

A communication method according to the present invention receives and stores a voice message and destination information transmitted via a line, and searches for a destination terminal connected to a data communication network based on the destination information. Processing the voice message in response to an instruction from the destination of the voice message;
The voice message processed by the processing means is transmitted to the destination via the data communication network.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a communication device and a method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When it is desired to transmit a voice message such as a message to a specific party by using a communication device such as a telephone, the sender of the voice message dials the telephone number of the destination from the telephone 301 and the public line 302 or the private line. Is connected to the message delivery storage device 303 via the. Then, it transmits destination information such as an extension number for designating a party to which the voice message is to be transmitted, and the voice message.

The message delivery storage device 303 is connected to the outside through the public line 302 and is a data communication network such as an Ethernet type or a token ring type.
It is connected to AN304. In addition, this device can store voice message destination information and voice message, LA
Processing such as notifying the presence of a voice message to the destination connected to N304 is performed.

For example, the destination of the voice message is the PC 30
5, when it is connected to the LAN 304, it notifies the destination using the PC 305 of the presence of the message. The destination of the voice message is a plurality of PCs 30.
If using 5, 306, 307, all PCs
Can be notified of the presence of a message, and only those PCs dedicated to message reception can be notified.

Further, if necessary, all the users connected to the LAN 304 and a specific user group can be notified of the existence of the message.

The message delivery / storage device 303 reproduces a voice message or operates the voice message on another PC 305, 306, 307 by operating the destination of the message.
For example, the voice message is transferred to a text file or a file format such as a voice file.

In response to a message confirming the presence of a message from a user connected to the LAN 304, and for a message that cannot be delivered, such as an unknown destination, the system administrator also has a function of using the system administrator as the destination of the message. Have.

FIG. 4 is a configuration example of a message delivery storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The main body 401 and the LAN 412 are directly connected by an interface cable 414 such as an Ethernet cable or a token ring cable, or are connected by interface cables 408 and 413 via an information device 411 such as a server. You.

When the information device 411 is not used, the LAN
Processing such as a communication procedure with the 412 is performed by the microprocessor unit 407 of the main body 401 (hereinafter, referred to as “MPU 407”). When the information device 411 is used, processing such as a communication procedure is performed by the information device 411. This allows
The main body 401 and the information device 411 establish a session between the telephone 415 connected via a public line and a terminal such as a PC or W / S (workstation) on the LAN 413.

The main body 401 includes a network control unit 402 (hereinafter referred to as "NCU 402"), a dial control unit 403, an incoming call detection unit 404, a modem 405 having a voice response function, a storage unit 406, an MPU 407, an interface control unit 409, and a computer. It is constituted by a bus 410.

The NCU control unit 402 includes a public line and a main unit 4.
01, and controls the entire network. The dial control unit 403 follows the instruction from the MPU 407,
Control dialing. The incoming call detection unit 404 detects that an outside line has been received, and notifies the MPU 407 of it.

The modem 405 A / D converts a voice signal from a public line and sends it to the MPU 407. Also, MPU40
7 is D / A converted and sent to a public line. Furthermore, adaptive difference pulse code modulation (ADPC)
M / D conversion or A / D conversion is performed to perform an encoding process such as M).

The storage unit 406 comprises a RAM for storing the voice message sent from the sender of the voice message, destination information, and the like, and a ROM and an EEPROM for storing the program code and the like of the present invention. I have. The MPU 407 controls the entire main body 401 and also performs processes such as character recognition for voice recognition of a voice message and conversion to character data. However, the characterization of the voice message can be performed by software or hardware.

The interface control unit 409 controls the exchange of data and instructions between the main unit 401 and the LAN 412 and between the main unit 401 and the information device 411 and the LAN 412 via an interface cable. The computer bus 410 interfaces with each control unit constituting the main unit 401.

FIG. 5A shows that the MPU 407 that controls the message delivery storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention exchanges between the sender of the voice message and the message delivery storage device according to the program code stored in the storage unit 406. An example of a processing procedure will be described. Reference numeral 501 denotes a voice message sender (hereinafter, referred to as “sender 501”), and reference numeral 502 denotes a message delivery storage device that stores voice messages (hereinafter, referred to as “delivery storage device 502”). In step 503,
The sender 501 makes a call to the destination (delivery storage device 502) to transmit a voice message.

In step 504, the delivery storage device 502
A voice message “Please specify the destination to put the message” is sent to the sender 501 to request the transmission destination of the voice message. In step 505, the sender 501 enters a mail address for specifying a destination by a DTMF signal (using a 10 key) of the telephone, for example, “TANAKA” in accordance with the message in step 504. Further, the destination information may be a name, an employee number, or the like in addition to the mail address.

The information such as the mail address and the name of the destination is defined in a table or the like by the system administrator in advance and stored in the storage unit 406. Further, the destination partner is the distribution storage device 502 on the data communication network.
At the time of connection, the information of the terminal address (IP address and the like) of the PC used by the destination is stored in the storage unit 406. For example, based on the destination information specified by the sender of the voice message, the distribution storage device 502 refers to the above table, confirms the existence of the destination, and acquires the terminal address of the destination connected to the data communication network.

In step 506, the distribution storage device side 502
After confirming the mail address acquired in step 504, sends a voice message “Please message” to the sender 501 to start recording voice. In step 507, the sender 501 sends a voice message “Make a meeting at 10:00” to the distribution storage device 502 in accordance with the message in step 506.

In step 508, the sender 501 presses the "#" key to indicate the end of the voice message. Step 5
At 09, the delivery storage device 502 confirms that the tone signal of the “#” key indicating the end of the voice message has been received from the sender 501, and then sends “Transfer the message” to the sender 501. In step 510, the delivery storage device 50
2 is the PC used by the destination partner from the storage unit 406
And notifies that the voice message has arrived.

FIG. 5B shows that the MPU 407 that controls the message delivery storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention exchanges the message delivery storage device with the destination of the voice message according to the program code stored in the storage unit 406. An example of a processing procedure will be described.

Reference numeral 512 denotes a PC (hereinafter, referred to as "PC 512") used by the destination of the voice message.

In step 513, the destination of the voice message confirms that a message addressed to itself has arrived on the screen of the PC 512. In step 514, the PC 512
Is requested to the distribution storage device 502 to send a message. At this time, the processing conditions such as converting the voice message sent to the user into the voice message or converting the voice message into characters are set.
2 can be sent.

In step 515, the delivery storage device 502
The processing conditions obtained in step 514 are confirmed, and a data file is created by converting the voice signal of the voice message into a desired file format according to the processing conditions. In this processing, for example, processing such as converting a voice signal of a voice message into a text format file can be performed.

In step 516, the delivery storage device 502
The created data file is delivered to the PC 512. Here, when there are a plurality of voice messages, all the messages may be sent at once. In step 517, the PC 512 can confirm the contents of the transmitted data file by using a tool such as audio playback software or a text editor, and can further edit the contents. In addition, the data file is directly used for another P
It can also be transferred to C or the like.

In step 518, the destination partner using the PC 512 selects an ID for designating the transfer destination partner in order to transfer the data file created in step 517 to another user. In step 519, the destination information of the transfer destination and the created data file are sent to the distribution storage device 502.

In step 520, the delivery storage device 502
The created data file is transferred based on the destination information of the transfer destination obtained in step 519. In step 521, when the transfer is completed, the distribution storage device 502 notifies the transfer result to a destination partner using the PC 512.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process in which the MPU 407 controlling the message delivery storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention delivers a voice message in accordance with the program code stored in the storage unit 406.

Step 601 proceeds to step 602 when a call is received from outside through a public line or the like. Otherwise, go to step 603. Step 6
02 accepts a voice message and destination information of a caller.

In step 603, the presence of the voice message is determined based on the destination information acquired in step 602.
The destination connected to 412 is notified. Step 604
Checks whether there is a message transmission request from the destination connected to the LAN 412. If there is a request, the process proceeds to step 605 to transmit a message. Otherwise, go to step 606.

In step 606, it is checked whether or not the user connected to the LAN 412 has sent a request to send a message to another terminal. If there is a transmission request, the process proceeds to step 607. Otherwise, go to step 608.
A step 607 accepts a message transmission request from a user connected to the LAN 412 to another terminal.

In step 608, the transmission result is notified to the user who has requested transmission if necessary. Step 609 is:
The user connected to the LAN 412 responds to the confirmation of the existence of the message addressed to the user. Thereafter, the process returns to step 601 to continue the process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process in which the MPU 407 controlling the message delivery storage device of one embodiment according to the present invention acquires a voice message and destination information in accordance with the program code stored in the storage unit 406. .

In step 701, an incoming telephone call is confirmed and a line is captured. Step 702 provides voice instructions or responses to the sender of the voice message.
Step 703 proceeds to step 704 if the sender has requested the recording of a voice message, otherwise to step 707.

Step 704 checks the mail address and the like based on the destination information of the voice message sent from the sender. Step 705 records the voice message sent by the sender. In step 706, after the recording of the voice message is completed, the fact is notified to the sender, and the line is disconnected. Step 707 receives the communication data from the sender by e-mail, fax or the like.

FIG. 8 shows that the MPU 407 for controlling the message delivery / storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention executes the LAN operation according to the program code stored in the storage unit 406.
412 is a flowchart for notifying a destination connected to 412 of the presence of a message.

In step 801, the message delivery / storage device determines whether or not there is destination information of a destination to be notified of the presence of the message. If it is necessary to notify, the process proceeds to step 802; otherwise, the process ends. Step 802 determines search conditions such as whether there are a plurality of message destinations. If there is a message whose destination cannot be specified, the destination is set to the system administrator.

Step 803 is that the destination partner is LAN4
A search is made to determine whether or not the connection is made to the T.12. Step 804
Proceeds to step 805 if the destination partner is connected to LAN 412, otherwise proceeds to step 806. A step 805 notifies the destination partner connected to the LAN 412 that there is a message to the destination partner.

In step 806, it is determined whether or not to continue the process of transmitting the message. If the process is to be continued, the process returns to step 802 to continue the process. Otherwise, the process ends.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process in which the MPU 407 controlling the message delivery storage device of one embodiment according to the present invention transmits a message in accordance with the program code stored in the storage unit 406. In step 901, the message delivery / storage device receives information such as an ID, a password, and a data file format necessary for transmission from the destination that has requested transmission of the message. In step 902, it is determined whether there is a message that can be transmitted on the message delivery storage device based on the information received from the destination partner. If there is a message that can be transmitted, the process proceeds to step 903;
Proceed to 08.

In step 903, if there is a message that can be transmitted, transmission conditions are checked. Step 904
Finds the message to send. Step 905
Converts the voice signal of the voice message based on the request of the destination and creates a data file.

In step 906, it is determined whether or not to continue transmitting untransmitted messages. Step 907
Transmits the data file to the terminal used by the destination partner connected to the LAN 412. Step 908
When there is no message to be transmitted, notifies the destination that there is no message and ends the process.

FIG. 10 shows that the MPU 407 for controlling the message delivery / storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention executes the LA in accordance with the program code stored in the storage unit 406.
It is a flow chart which shows processing which transmits a message to other users according to directions of a user connected to N412.

In step 1001, the message delivery storage device receives a message transmission request from a user connected to the LAN 412 to another user. Step 1
In step 002, the message delivery storage device receives and stores destination information and a message to be transmitted to another user. Thereafter, a terminal used by the user to whom the message is to be transmitted is searched from the received destination information, and the presence of the message is notified.

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to data communication networks such as Ethernet, token ring, and WAN.

Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can handle file formats such as text files, audio files, and sound files.

[0073]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention,
As long as the terminal of the destination of the voice message sent via the line is connected to the data communication network, it is possible to provide a communication device and a method capable of transmitting the voice message.

Further, it is possible to provide a communication device and a communication device capable of sending a voice message subjected to a process desired by a destination of the voice message.

[0081]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a general voice mail system using an exchange;

FIG. 2A is a diagram for explaining a communication procedure example of a general voice mail system using an exchange;

FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining a communication procedure example of a general voice mail system using an exchange;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a message delivery storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication procedure of the message delivery storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication procedure of the message delivery storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a voice message transmission process of the message delivery storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process in which the message delivery storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention acquires a voice message and destination information;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process in which the message delivery storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention notifies a destination connected to a LAN of the presence of a message;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a message transmission process of the message delivery storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process in which the message delivery / storage device of one embodiment according to the present invention transmits a message to another user according to an instruction of a user connected to the LAN.

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A storage means for receiving and storing a voice message and destination information transmitted via a line, and a search means for searching for a destination terminal connected to a data communication network based on the destination information. Processing means for processing the voice message in accordance with an instruction from the destination of the voice message; and transmission means for transmitting the voice message processed by the processing means to the destination via the data communication network. A communication device comprising: 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the destination terminal connected to the data communication network of the presence of the voice message. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the destination information is at least one of a name, an employee number, and a mail address unique to the other party. 4. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search unit acquires a terminal address of the destination connected to the data communication network from a storage unit based on the destination information. . 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said notifying means can notify a plurality of users connected to said data communication network of the existence of said voice message. 6. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said notifying means is capable of notifying a specific user group connected to said data communication network of the presence of said voice message. 7. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit can notify a user of a transmission result of the voice message as needed. 8. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit converts the voice message into a file format desired by the destination. 9. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the file format is a text file or an audio file. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search unit sets the destination of the voice message to a system administrator when the destination is unknown.
The communication device described in any one of the above. 11. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the data communication network is a local area network of an Ethernet type or a token ring type. 12. Receiving and storing a voice message and destination information sent via a line, searching for a destination terminal connected to a data communication network based on the destination information, A communication method, wherein the voice message is processed according to an instruction from a destination, and the voice message processed by the processing unit is transmitted to the destination via the data communication network. 13. A storage medium in which a program code for communication processing is stored, wherein the program code includes a step of receiving and storing a voice message and destination information sent via a line; A program code for searching for a terminal at a destination connected to a data communication network; a program code for processing the voice message in response to an instruction from the destination of the voice message; And a program code for transmitting the transmitted voice message to the destination via the data communication network.