JPS62263745A - Data communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently send/receive lots of data in a short time by adopting a constitution that a required sound signal is sent automatically from a master equipment to plural slave equipments stored in advance and the signal is sent to slave equipments not stored by operating the key of a computer or a telephone set. CONSTITUTION:A computer 1 outputs a DTMF signal corresponding to a telephone number of a slave equipment stored in its memory to an originating receiver 33 of the master equipment, and when the slave equipment responds to within a prescribed time, the operation of outputting the sound signal to a recording/reproducing device 24 is repeated automatically and continuously to a different slave equipment. When the key of the input device 3 of the computer or the key of the telephone set 22 connected to the master equipment is operated, the sound signal from the device 24 or from a telephone set is outputted to a slave equipment having a telephone number not stored in the memory, the data sent in the DTMF signal from the slave equipment is received by the master equipment and inputted to a computer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a data communication device that transmits and receives data via a telephone line.

[Summary of the invention]

In the present invention, necessary audio signals are automatically sent from the base unit to a plurality of slave units stored in advance, and
For handsets that are not stored, the message is sent by operating keys on the computer or telephone.

[Conventional technology]

FIG. 9 shows a configuration for transmitting and receiving data between computers via a telephone line.

For example, a relatively small computer 1 such as a personal computer includes a main body 2, an input device 3 such as a keyboard,
It is composed of a display device 4 such as a CRT. 5 is a modem telephone, and as shown in FIG. 10, for example, data sent from the computer 1 to the telephone line 6 is transmitted via FSX,
a modem 11 that modulates using a predetermined method such as PSK and demodulates the modulated signal from the telephone line 6 into high-level and low-level digital signals and outputs them to the computer 1;
It is integrated with the telephone unit 12. NCU (Netw)
Ork Control Unit) section 13 switches and connects telephone line 6 to modem 11 and telephone section 12 . The audio signal to the telephone unit 12 is sent to the monitor speaker 14.
It is now possible to monitor. Reference numeral 15 denotes an auto-dial device, which outputs a signal corresponding to a predetermined telephone number to the telephone line 6.

SMs with such a configuration are installed at locations A and B, and for example, the auto-dial device 15 at location A (or location B) calls the telephone of the device at location B (or location A), and the device at location B calls the telephone of the device at location B (or location A). Upon response, the digital signal from the computer 1 at location A is modulated by the modem 5 and sent via the telephone line 6 to the modem 5 at location B (or location A). The modem 5 at location B (or location A) demodulates the modulated signal from the telephone line 6 to the original signal and supplies it to the computer 1.

When performing data communication via a telephone line in this way, there is a drawback that a computer 1 and a modem 11 are required on both the sending and receiving sides. Using a telephone of the type,
A system has been proposed as a non-store sales system in which a voice signal input from each telephone is recognized by a voice recognition device on the receiving side, and the recognized signal is input as a digital signal to a computer on the receiving side. In this system, data can also be input by key operations on a so-called telephone, and it is also possible to call a telephone from the computer side and request input of data from the telephone, a so-called request.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

Such a system uses a telephone installed in each home as the receiving device, which can lighten the burden on the receiving side, but the sending device requires a relatively large and expensive computer. , the disadvantage is that the burden becomes large. Therefore, it has been difficult to apply this method to a case where, for example, a small or medium-sized store receives orders from relatively nearby households. Further, although there is no problem when sending information to regular customers who have been stored in advance in a computer, it is difficult to send information to secure new customers.

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention provides a data communication device that includes a relatively small computer that processes input data according to a predetermined program, a recording and reproducing device that outputs a predetermined audio signal to a telephone line, and a transmitter that transmits and receives a DTMF signal. A base unit that has a receiving device and a control device that controls the recording and reproducing device, and a plurality of slave units that have at least a transmitting device that transmits DTMF signals and are connected to the i device via a plurality of telephone lines. In preparation, the computer causes the transmitter/receiver device of the base unit to output a DTMF signal corresponding to the telephone number of the slave unit stored in its memory, and causes the recording/reproducing device to output an audio signal when the slave unit responds within a predetermined time. The operation is repeated continuously and automatically for different handsets, and when a key on a computer input device or a key on a telephone to which the base unit is connected is operated, a phone number that is not stored in memory is generated. The present invention is characterized in that an audio signal from a recording/reproducing device or an audio signal from a telephone is outputted to a slave unit, and data sent from the slave unit as a DTMF signal is received by the base unit and input to the computer.

[Effect]

The computer remembers the given phone number.

Automatically calls the customer at that phone number and automatically sends a predetermined message. A message is similarly sent when a key on the computer's input device or an attached telephone is operated. In response to the message, data input from the handset as a DTMF signal is input to the computer.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 represents a network of data communication devices according to the present invention. As in the case described above, a relatively small computer 1 such as a personal computer consisting of a main body 2, an input table r113 and a display device 4 is prepared as a parent device.

A controller 21 is connected to the telephone line 6 of the attached telephone Ia 22 and controls the computer 1, modem 23, recording/reproducing device 24, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows a more detailed block diagram of the controller 21. 31 is a line interface, which includes a closing part that closes and opens the telephone line, a calling signal detecting part that detects an incoming calling signal, a polarity detecting part that detects the polarity of the DC loop of the telephone line, and CPC (Calling Party
Control) detection unit, attached telephone 2
The telephone line 6 has a hook detection section that detects the hook state of the telephone line 6, and a voice detection section that detects the presence or absence of a voice signal on the telephone line 6. 32 is an interface for a computer such as R5232C. 33 is a transmitting/receiving device, which is an HDTMF (Dual T.

ne Multi-frequency) signals and receives them. When the controller 21 is configured integrally with the attached telephone 22, the transmitting/receiving device 33 can also be used as an original device of the telephone that generates the DTM F signal when a key of the telephone 22 is operated. 34
is a switch, which switches the signal flow path (indicated by a thick line in the figure). 35 is a CPU such as a microprocessor as a control device, which sends control signals (
(indicated by a thin line in the figure) is emitted and controlled.

For base units installed at locations A and B (of course, location A may be the only location), calls are made to location C via predetermined telephone stations 41 such as terminal stations, centralized stations, central stations, general offices, etc., and their telephone lines 6. , a plurality of slave units are connected to locations B and E. The handset at ground C receives the dial type telephone 42 and the dial pulse output when dialing the telephone 42, and transmits the corresponding DTMF.
It is composed of an adapter 43 that outputs a signal. E
The handset on the ground is composed of a button 44 that outputs a DTMF signal. On the other hand, the handset installed in a land includes a telephone 47, a dedicated terminal 45 connected thereto for carrying out the data communication of the present invention, and a printer 46 (necessary) that prints information as characters on paper and outputs it. (included according to the requirements) and more.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the terminal 45.

51 is a line interface, which closes the telephone line;
A closing part that opens, a calling signal detecting part that detects an incoming calling signal, a polarity detecting part that detects the polarity of the direct current loop of the telephone line, a CPC detecting part that detects on-hook of the other party, and an attached telephone set. 47, and a voice detection section that detects the presence or absence of a voice signal at the telephone port tlA6. Reference numeral 52 denotes a transmitting/receiving device that transmits and receives DTMF signals, and as in the case described above, when it is integrated with the attached telephone 47, it can also be used as the original transmitting/receiving device of the telephone 47. can. 53 is an input device such as a keyboard, and 54 is a display device such as an LED, LCD, or CRT.

55 is a memory such as a RAM that stores data to be communicated;
56 is a CPU such as a microprocessor as a control device.
It is. 57 is an interface for the printer 46; 58
is an interface for an external memory 59 that is provided as necessary. As the external memory 59, for example, a tape recorder, a magnetic disk recording/reproducing device, a solid state memory, etc. are used.

Data communication is between the base units at locations A and B (in this case, one base unit can be considered a slave unit for the other base unit)
, is carried out between the base unit at location A or B and the slave unit at location C, B, or E. The former case is similar to conventional modem-modem communication (the modem 23 is necessary in this case, but unnecessary in the following cases), so its explanation will be omitted.

The present invention relates to the latter case, and is particularly concerned with the case where the parent device calls the child device, which will be explained below.6 When the parent device calls the child device, the operation follows the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, for example. will be held.

That is, the operation is started by first specifying the telephone number (selected number) of the handset to be called, and this start can be performed manually or automatically. In the case of manual operation, the user operates a predetermined key on the input device 53. In the case of automatic operation, the operation is started, for example, when a predetermined time is measured by a timer built in the CPU 56 or when a predetermined alarm is detected.

The phone number of the handset is stored in advance in the memory of the computer 1, and a predetermined number is searched from among the stored numbers, and the interface 32, C of the controller 21 is searched for.
It is output to the transmitter/receiver device 33 via the PU 35. The transmitting/receiving device 33 transmits a DTMF signal corresponding to the designated number.

This signal is sent to the telephone line 6 via the switch 34 and the interface 31.

When the calling operation is performed automatically, the designation of the number to be called is performed according to the program of the computer 1. When manually making a call, the keys on the filling machine 22 are operated using the keys on the input device 3 of the computer 1 or the attached button. When this key is operated, a DTMF signal of the number specified by the operation is outputted from the transmitting/receiving device 33.

Therefore, calling operations can be performed at any time even to slave units that are not stored in the memory of the computer 1. The telephone number once manually operated is automatically stored in the memory of the computer 1, and automatic calls can be made from the next time onwards.

When a calling operation is being performed, data stored in the memory of the computer 1 associated with the telephone (selected) number is displayed on the display device 4. This data may include, for example, the sex, age, date of birth, hobbies, family, etc. of the customer being called. Therefore, especially when the user speaks directly as a message, which will be described later, it becomes possible for the user to have a conversation that suits the customer he/she is calling. For example, if it is the new school season and the recipient of the call has a child of the age who is about to enter the school, it is possible to make an advertisement about new school products. If you don't have such a child, you can talk about formal wear, for example. Furthermore, in this case, data about not only the customer who is making the call but also multiple customers who are calling one after another will be displayed at the same time.
It is possible to skip the calling operation and make calls only to customers who need the information.

When the calling operation is started, the CPtJ35 starts a built-in timer. Then, the polarity detection section of the interface 31 detects the response of the slave device.

When the handset does not respond (the polarity of the telephone line 6 is not reversed), it is determined whether or not a call is in progress. When the call is not in progress, it is determined whether the timer has counted a predetermined time (it may be configured to count a ring back tone, etc.) (whether or not the time is up). If the time has not yet expired, the timer is incremented (timekeeping operation continues).

When the called party is on the phone or when the timer has counted a predetermined time and timed out, the CPU 35 sends a command to the computer 1 via the interface 32 and stores the number in the memory of the computer 1.

Next, it is determined whether or not all numbers have been called (or not), and if there are no uncalled numbers, the calling operation is ended.

If not, then input device 3 or ' of computer 1
It is determined whether or not a call is to be made by operating a key on the filling machine 22. If the call is made by operating a key, a call is made to the number specified and input by the next key operation. Even if the call is not made by key operation, the next number is automatically specified (according to the program) in a pre-specified order. When it is input that the specified number should be skipped, the next number is further specified. If no skip is entered for a specified number, that number is searched in the same manner as described above. Since the number to be skipped among the stored numbers differs depending on the message to be sent, it is specified in advance in accordance with the message to be sent.

On the other hand, when the polarity detection section of the interface 3 detects the reversal of the DC loop of the telephone line 6 (response from the other party), the CP
The U35 sends a predetermined information message (audio signal) recorded in the recording/reproducing device 24 to the interface 31,
It is sent to the handset via the telephone line 6. Recording/playback device 2
4 can be composed of a tape recorder, a voice synthesis IC, a floppy disk, etc.

When the information being sent to the called party has not yet been completed, it is determined whether there has been a manual input for termination from the input device 3, and if there is no input, the system waits until the information is completed. When the information is finished, the voice detection section of the interface 31
Determine whether there is a message from. If there is no message from the handset, the process moves to the termination determination step described above. When there is a message from the handset, does the CPU 35 function as a recording/playback device? 124 to record the audio signal from the slave device. Of course, in this case, it is possible to record not only messages from the child device but also information from the parent device. The signal from the telephone line 6 is also input to the transmitting/receiving device 33, and when a DTMF signal is input from the handset side, it is received. The received DTMF signal is converted into high-level and low-level digital signals by the transmitting/receiving device 33 and input to the computer 1 via the CPU 35 and interface 32.

The computer 1 stores the input data in a memory and performs aggregation and other predetermined processing according to a program.

Next, it is determined whether the hook switch of the telephone 22 is on or off. When off-hook (the handset is lifted), data entry from the input device 3 of the computer 1 is allowed. That is, for example, the user can directly listen to a voice order from a customer using the telephone 22, and immediately enter the order into the computer 1 by operating the keys of the input device 3. In this way, the customer can place an order by voice without having to perform unfamiliar operations (key operations on the handset). Furthermore, the user does not have to accept an erroneous order due to a customer's erroneous operation, and can eliminate unnecessary troubles with the customer. Furthermore, since the computer 1 automatically processes the input data as data from the currently calling party, the user does not need to make any special input regarding the orderer. Since the operation is performed by an experienced user, there is less risk of erroneous input.

When a user is on the phone 22 on the base unit side.

Instead of reproducing information for the other party from the recording/reproducing device 24, the user can directly talk to the other party. In this case, the CPU 35 automatically makes a call only to a number stored in the computer 1 or a manually input number. Therefore, the user can concentrate on providing information tailored to the other party as needed while viewing the other party's data displayed on the display device 4.

When the telephone set 22 is in an on-hook state (the handset is taken down), it is determined whether one call is to be ended or not. When the handset enters an on-hook state (end of call), the cPc detection unit detects the pulse generated at that time, or the polarity detection unit detects re-inversion of the direct current loop of the telephone line. When the call has not ended, the process moves to a message recording step, and when it has ended, the process moves to an end determination step.

This detection of the end of a call is always performed, and even if the end of a call is detected while information is being sent, the telephone line 6 is opened and the process moves to the end determination step.

When it is determined that the calling operation has ended in the end determination step, the calling operation can be ended there, but it is also possible to carry out further processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, for example. In other words, when the calling operation is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a number that was called but could not be contacted due to being busy or due to a time amplifier (absentee), and if there is such a number, If redial is specified, a call is made again to that number stored in the memory. If there is no number that could not be contacted or if redial is not specified, it is necessary to print it on the printer 61 (Fig. 2) that is added to the base unit as necessary (if there is no printer, it is displayed on the display device 4). The presence or absence of is determined. If printout is not specified, it will remain as is; if it is specified, the number will be printed and then exit.

The printout can be the number that could not be contacted or conversely the number that could be contacted. For the handset that could not be contacted, the date and time of subsequent calls, day of the week and time, etc. can be changed.

The above operations are continuously and automatically repeated for different numbers, and orders from each number are entered using the DTMF number.

The slave device called by the parent device transmits necessary data in response to the information sent from the parent device by operating keys on the slave device.

When a key is operated, a DTMF signal is output from the telephone's original transmitting/receiving device (or adapter). For example, the DTMF signal is the HF signal and LF signal corresponding to each key, as shown in the table below.
It is composed of the double signal ↓.

When the front slave unit is a general-purpose telephone such as a dial telephone 42 or a telephone 44, the base unit sends out information in the form of audio signals. However, if the child device is a dedicated terminal device 45 and a printer 46 is attached, the parent device outputs information to the printer 46 as text information rather than an audio signal. In this way, the called party does not have to answer the telephone in response to a call from the base unit, and can simply read the information output on the printer 46 at his leisure.

Further, when the slave device is the dedicated terminal device 45, predetermined data can be stored in the memory 55 in advance by operating keys. When the CPU 56 detects a calling signal from the base unit, the interface 51 detects the calling signal.

Read the data stored in the memory 55.

The transmitting/receiving device 52 is caused to output a corresponding DTMF signal. This DTMF signal is sent to the base unit via the interface 51. This will be convenient if, for example, it is necessary to regularly receive predetermined orders from regular customers.

The base unit can attach a dial pulse generator to the transmitting/receiving device 33 or 52 of the slave unit, so that the calling operation is performed using the dial pulse signal, and the data sending operation is performed using the DTMF signal.

In this way, a dial line can be used instead of a bush line, and costs can be lowered.

The data communication device according to the present invention is basically configured with one computer 1 and a plurality of slave devices connected to it, as shown in FIG. When the number of child devices increases, one parent device that controls a plurality of 151 devices may be increased in parallel, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, it is also possible to sequentially and serially manage a plurality of base units using one base unit. Note that the slave units are omitted in these figures.

Furthermore, in the above description, the number of telephone lines controlled by the base unit is one, but it may be possible to manage a plurality of telephone lines. In this case, the number of recording and reproducing devices 24 is also plural in accordance with the number of telephone lines, and it is possible to send a predetermined number of messages in parallel to the plurality of telephone lines, or to receive data from a plurality of handsets in parallel. You can Further, if the telephone line called from a predetermined handset is in use, the controller 21 can control the call to be routed to a vacant telephone line and accepted. In this way, a large amount of data can be efficiently transmitted and received in a short period of time.

〔effect〕

As described above, the present invention provides a data communication device that includes a relatively small computer that processes input data according to a predetermined program, a recording and reproducing device that outputs a predetermined audio signal to a telephone line, and a DTMF signal that is transmitted. A base unit that has a transmitting/receiving device for receiving, a control device for controlling a recording and reproducing device, and a transmitting device for transmitting at least a DTMF signal, and is connected to the base unit via a half-side telephone line. The computer outputs a DTMF signal corresponding to the phone number of the handset stored in its memory to the base unit's output (1i receiver), and when the handset responds within a predetermined time, transmits the DTMF signal to the recording/playback device. The operation to output the audio signal is
In addition to continuously and automatically repeating training to different handsets, when a key on a computer input device or a key on a telephone to which the base unit is connected is operated, a child whose phone number is not stored in memory is The device outputs an audio signal from a recording/reproducing device or an audio signal from a telephone, and the base device receives data sent as a DTMF signal from the handset,
Since it is inputted into a computer, the necessary information can be sent not only to the handset that is stored in advance, but also to handsets that are not stored, and it is possible to send the necessary information to the handset that is not stored in advance. This method is effective not only when transmitting predetermined information that has been stored (therefore, the same information), but also particularly when the user personally conveys information that has not been stored in advance (therefore, is individually different) to a new customer who has not been stored in advance. Naru 6

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1, 2, 5 and 6 are network diagrams of the data communication device of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of its controller, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of its terminal, and FIG. 7 8 is a flowchart thereof, FIG. 9 is a network diagram of a conventional data communication device, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a conventional modem telephone. 1... Computer 2... Main body 3... Input device 4... Display device 5... Modem telephone 6... Telephone line 11... Modem 13... N CU section 15... Autodial device 21...Controller 23...Modem 24...Recording and reproducing device 31, 32...Interface 33...Transmitting/receiving device 34...Switch 35...CPU 41...Telephone office 43... Adapter 45... Terminal 46... Printer 51... Interface 52... Transmitting/receiving device 53... Input device 54... Display device 55... Memory 56... CPU 57.58...Interface 59...External memory 61...Printer or higher

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A relatively small computer that processes input data according to a predetermined program, a recording/reproducing device that outputs a predetermined audio signal to a telephone line, a transmitting/receiving device that transmits and receives DTMF signals, and a base unit having a control device for controlling the recording/reproducing device; and a transmitting device for transmitting at least the DTMF signal;
A plurality of slave units are connected to the base unit via the telephone line, and the computer sends the DTMF signal corresponding to the phone number of the slave unit stored in its memory to the base unit. The operation of causing the receiving device to output an audio signal and outputting the audio signal to the recording and reproducing device when the handset responds within a predetermined time is continuously and automatically repeated to different handsets, and the computer When a key on an input device or a key on a telephone to which the base unit is connected is operated, an audio signal from the recording/playback device or the telephone is sent to the slave unit with the telephone number that is not stored in the memory. output the audio signal from
A data communication device characterized in that data transmitted from the slave unit by the DTMF signal is received by the base unit and input to the computer. (2) The data communication device according to claim 1, wherein the telephone number is stored in the memory when the handset does not respond within the predetermined time.