JPH08331235A - Dynamically programmable output message device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To provide an output message device capable of automatically changing the output message of the user based on the elapsed time after the user sets the answering machine (TAD) in the answer mode. The purpose is to An output message device (OGM) for an answering machine (TAD) has a dynamically programmable function in addition to the conventional function of sending a prerecorded message to a caller. . The output message device selects one or more audio data segments and concatenates these data in various orders to form an output message. The various segments of audio data are stored in the addressable storage device, and the timing unit stores the elapsed time since the user puts the answering machine in answer mode, and with this elapsed time, Accurately indicate the user's condition.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to telephone answering devices (TADs), and more particularly to a dynamically programmable answering machine that automatically updates output messages based on elapsed time. Out-Going Message: OGM device

[0002]

Answering Machines (TAD) are very popular. Usually, the user records the output message to be sent to the person who called (caller). The output message prompts the caller to leave a message so that the user can play the caller's message later.

When a call arrives, the output message device of the answering machine activates, prompting the caller to play the recorded message and leave a message. Normally, an answering machine is recorded with a limited output message at the time of manufacture. If the user does not want to use this limited message, the output message can be changed by the audio output message recording means.

[0004]

Whenever the user wants to change or update a message, he has to re-record the message each time.

Further, in the conventional output message apparatus, only one prerecorded output message is reproduced. In this sense, the method is "static". The output message is usually something like: That is, "This is an answering machine with a telephone number of XXX-XXXX.
Please give a message after the beeping sound. ". However, even if such a message is heard, the sender cannot know much information. The caller does not know if the person who called will return immediately or will be away for a relatively long time. The user has to re-record each time to change the output message, which is extremely inconvenient.

An object of the present invention is to provide an output message device which operates in a mode in which a message can be automatically changed based on a predetermined condition such as an elapsed time, in addition to the conventional function of an answering machine. Is.

Another object of the invention is to provide a modifiable output message which does not have to be recorded each time.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an output message device which can dynamically compose an output message from a plurality of audio data segments.

[0009]

The above objects are accomplished by providing an output message device operable in either a "normal mode" or a "writeback" mode. During "normal mode" operation, it functions in substantially the same manner as known answering machines. However, during the "write back mode" operation, the output message changes based on the elapsed time since the device was set to the "write back mode".

The output message device comprises a control device, a timing unit, a message programming unit and a storage device. The plurality of audio data segments are stored in various blocks of storage having different addresses. During "write-back mode" operation, the message programming unit constructs an output message by joining various audio data segments together to form a logical message based on the timing signal from the timing unit. This is accomplished by addressing blocks of various storage devices based on the amount of time that has elapsed since the output message device was set to "write back mode" operation. An output message is constructed each time the strobe signal appears at the input terminal of the message programming unit.

More specifically, the output message device of the present invention includes a storage device for storing a plurality of audio data segments and a timing signal indicating the elapsed time from the start of operation of the output message device in the write-back mode. A timing unit for generating, an input terminal, an output terminal, means for receiving a timing signal from the timing unit, means for addressing a storage device and reading an audio data segment are provided, and an instruction is given by a strobe signal at the input terminal. A message programming unit for constructing an output message having one or more audio data segments stored in a storage device based on a predetermined rule and a timing signal, and outputting the constructed output message from an output terminal. And storage device and Messe Di programming unit, coupled to the timing unit, and a control device for controlling the operation mode of the output message device.

[0012]

[Embodiment] The output message device has a "Normal Mode" or a "Write Back Mode (R
ight Back Mode) ”. The device is capable of addressing a storage device having a plurality of audio data segments and connecting two or more of these segments to construct an output message indicating the status of the user. The output message device plays the output message in a static state when operating in "normal mode" and updates the message based on elapsed time when operating in "writeback mode". can do.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the output message device of the present invention. The storage device 10 is used to store a plurality of segments of audio data. A message programming unit 12 having an input terminal I / P and an output terminal 0 / P is connected to the storage device 10 so that the storage device can be addressed and various audio data segments can be read from the storage device. This device uses a storage device 1 based on a changeable predetermined rule.
The output message can be constructed from various segments read from zero. The strobe signal ST appearing at the input terminal I / P indicates that a call is coming in and an output message needs to be constructed. The message programming unit 12 composes the message,
This message is output from the output terminal 0 / P. The predetermined rules for composing the message are based on the timing signal from the timing unit 14. Thus, the message programming unit can know how much time has passed since the user actuated the output message device. The output message has information based on the elapsed time and prompts the sender to leave the message.

The timing unit 14 counts the time elapsed since the output message device started operating in the "writeback mode". After a predetermined amount of time, the timing unit 14 causes the message programming unit 12 to change a predetermined rule governing the output message being constructed.

The control device 16 includes a storage device 10, a message programming unit 12, and a timing unit 1.
4 and 4 are connected. The controller 16 allows the user to select the operating mode of the output message device and to turn the output message device on and off.

Of course, it is desirable for the outgoing message device to function in the same manner as a conventional answering machine. Therefore, the message programming unit 12
Allows the user to process the external audio signal so that the message can be recorded and played by normal function. The recorded message is processed digitally,
Stored in storage device 10 for later playback during "normal mode" operation. The controller 16 controls the timing unit 14 so that the user can turn the timing unit on and off according to the selected playback mode and select various timing intervals for controlling the message programming unit 12. Is also connected to.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the present invention. In FIG. 2, storage device 10 is shown as having seven blocks. This structure is presented as an example only. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown here. The storage device 10 contains seven audio data segments, namely ~ ogm. 00,
~ Ogm. 11, ~ ogm. 21, ~ ogm. 31, ~
ogm. 32, ~ ogm. 33, and ~ ogm. 34
Is stored. The contents of these segments are generally
It is shown as follows (these are shown as an example only).

~ Ogm. 00: "This is John's answering machine. Please give a message after the beeping sound." ~ Ogm. 11: "This is an answering machine" ~ ogm. 21: "Telephone number is" (-ogm.21a)
+ "Xxxx-xxxx" (-ogm.21b) -ogm. 31: "Please give a message after the beeping sound." ~ Ogm. 32: "I will be back within 45 minutes,
Please give a message after the beeping sound. ] -Ogm. 33: "I will be back within 30 minutes,
Please give a message after the beeping sound. ] -Ogm. 34: "I will be back within 15 minutes,
Please give a message after the beeping sound. "

The memory device 10 shown in FIG. 2 has the above-mentioned seven memory blocks, and each memory block stores one of the above-mentioned segments. The block 1 is composed of a readable / writable storage device (RAM) for data related to conventional functions. The remaining blocks are comprised of read only memory (ROM). ~
ogm. Only audio data indicated by 00 is RA
Stored in M. The above data can be changed by the audio output message recording procedure. More specifically, audio data to ogm. 21 is two parts,
That is ~ ogm. 21a, and ~ ogm. 21b (not shown). ~ Ogm. 2 lb is a telephone number input from the control device 16 and processed through the control device 16. Message programming unit 12
Is a play pointer 23, a play sequencer 25,
And an output message reproducing device 28. The timing unit 14 includes a stopwatch unit 22 and a stopwatch driver 24. The control device 16 comprises an output reset device 20, a playback mode selector 21, a digital value recorder 26, an audio message recorder 27 and a set of function keys 29. These devices and operations will be described in detail below.

After the power is turned on, the output reset device 20
Generates an output reset pulse RESET to operate the output message device in "normal mode". This normal mode includes mode (0, 0, 0) and mode (1,
0,0). Furthermore, output reset pulse RE
SET resets the stopwatch unit 22 and sets the play pointer 23 to the state of TS1 = 1. The initial playback mode is mode (0,0,0). When no audio data is stored in the memory block 1 (that is, ˜ogm.00 = null), the initial reproduction mode is automatically switched to the mode (1, 0, 0).
Therefore, when the strobe signal ST appears at the I / P terminal, the output message device outputs ~ ogm.in mode (0,0,0). 00, or in mode (1,0,0) -ogm. 11+ to ogm. Two
1+ to ogm. Play in the order of 31.

The reproduction mode selector 21 connected to the output reset device 20 receives the output reset pulse RESET,
Output signal MDR from the audio message recorder 27
, And provides three output signals m1, tib, tia. After receiving the output reset pulse RESET, the reproduction mode selector 21 sets the output signal (tib, tia) to (0, 0), and according to the signal MDR, the mode (0, 0, 0) as the initial reproduction mode, Alternatively, the mode (1, 0, 0) is selected. If there is audio data in the memory block 1, MDR is set to 1, and if not, it is set to 0. The output signal m1 is the signal MD
It becomes 0 or 1 depending on R. When the signal MDR is set to 0, the reproduction mode is mode (1,0,0) and m1 = 1. Conversely, when the MDR is set to "1", the playback mode is mode (0,0,0) and m
1 = 0.

The user can use the function key 29 to control the reproduction mode selector 21 so as to operate in either the "write back mode" or the "normal mode". As described above, the “normal mode” is the mode (0,0,0) or the mode (1,
0, 0). Whether the signal MDR is 0 or 1, the output signal m1 is always set to "1" when the device is operating in the "write back mode". In this example, 60 minutes is divided into four time intervals, namely, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes. The time interval is defined using the function key 29. States of the play pointer 23: Ts1, Ts2, Ts3, and Ts4
Table 1 shows the output signals (tib, tia) corresponding to.
The output message is ~ ogm. 11+ to ogm. 21+
~ Ogm. It is configured by connecting audio data segments in the 3I order. Where I
Are mode (1,0,0) and mode (1,0,0), respectively.
1), mode (1,1,0), and mode (1,1,0)
Positive integers 1, 2, 3, 4 corresponding to 1).

[0023]

[Table 1]

FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram showing the operation of the stopwatch unit 22. The stopwatch unit 22 receives the signal (ti
b, tia) and, in response, provides two output signals (tob, toa). The output signals are each set to the corresponding value in block 32. When the "write back mode" is selected by the operation of the function key 29, the control signal triggers the operation of the stopwatch driver 24, which causes the 15 minute loop counter 34 (part of the stopwatch unit 22) to operate for 15 minutes. Start counting minutes. Every time 15 minutes elapse, the output signal (t
ob, toa) is switched to the next block via the switch 36. Table 2 shows the order of the switching operation. Table 2
In 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes and 60 minutes,
Indicates the elapsed time. Finally, as shown in FIG. 3, no matter what the initial value (tib, tia) is, (t
The value of (ob, toa) returns to (0, 0) and is fed back to the reproduction mode selector 21 to switch the reproduction mode to the mode (1, 0, 0).

[0025]

[Table 2]

Referring again to FIG. 2, the play pointer 23, which is a 2-4 decoder, is connected to the storage device 10 and the stopwatch unit 22. The play pointer 23 serves as an X decoder for the storage device 10 and outputs a signal (t
ob, toa) in response to these signals TS1, T
It is converted into an output signal composed of s2, Ts3, and Ts4. Table 3 shows the relationship between the signals (tob, toa) and Ts1 to Ts4.

[0027]

[Table 3]

The stopwatch driver 24 is connected to the stopwatch unit 22 and the function keys 29.
When the "write back mode" is activated by the function key 29, the stopwatch driver 24 activates the 15-minute loop counter 34 in the stopwatch unit 22 by the output signal SWE. Signal (tob,
signal SW for stopping the count operation of the stopwatch unit 22 until (toa) returns to the value of (0, 0)
EN is set to 0.

The play sequencer 25 is connected so as to receive the signal m1 from the reproduction mode selector 21 and the PLAY signal from the output message reproduction device 28. According to the signal PLAY from the output message reproducing device 28, the strobe signal ST appearing at its input terminal I / P.
In response to the above, the play sequencer 25 sends the storage device 1 through the four output signals P0, P1, P2, and P3.
Acts as a 0 Y decoder. Table 4 shows a truth table of relational signals. The signal NDR in this table will be described below.

[0030]

[Table 4]

The digital value recorder 26 is connected to the function key 29 so that the user can enter his telephone number. The telephone number is digitally processed into audio message segments and, via the output signal ND of the digital value recorder 26, the segments ~ ogm. It is stored in the storage device 10 of block 3 as 21b. Recorded by digital value recorder 26 ~ ogm. When 21b is present, the output signal NDR is an index indicating its length. NDR is set to 1 if the length is not null, otherwise NDR is set to 0.

The audio message recorder 27, as an audio message processing device, is connected to the function key 29 for receiving external analog speech and sends this processed data to the block 1 of the storage device via the output signal MDR. Recorded by audio message recorder 27 ~ ogm. If 00 exists, MDR
Is an index indicating the length. If the length is not null, MDR is set to 1, otherwise MDR is set to 0.

The output message reproducing device 28 has a play sequencer 25 having an input terminal 1 / P and an output terminal 0 / P.
Connected to. When the strobe signal ST appears at the input terminal I / P, the output message reproducing device 28 outputs the output signal PLAY set to 1, triggers the storage device 10 through the output terminal O / P, and outputs it. Output a message. After playing all output messages, the signal P
LAY returns to 0.

The function key 29 is connected to the audio message recorder 27, the digital value recorder 26 and the stopwatch driver 24, and the signal key CTL respectively.
_M, CTL_D, and CTL_T.

Finally, the invention is suitable for an answering machine (TAD) which composes an output message from a plurality of audio data segments according to a predetermined address rule which can be changed without using an audio recording procedure. In particular, the present invention comprises a timing unit used to automatically update the output message after counting a predetermined amount of time to inform the user of the current state.

The present invention has been described with reference to the examples which are presently believed to be the most practical and preferred.
It is to be understood that this invention need not be limited to only the embodiments disclosed herein, but, on the contrary, various applications and similar constructions are included within the scope and spirit of the claims. It is intended and the scope of the claims is
It should be broadly construed to cover all applications of this type and similar configurations.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an output message device having a dynamic programming function of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention in more detail.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the detailed operation of the timing unit shown in FIG. 2 when the output message device according to the embodiment of the present invention is operating in the write-back mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 to 7 audio data segment 10 storage device 12 message programming unit 14 timing unit 16 control device 20 output reset device 21 playback mode selector 22 stopwatch unit 23 play pointer 24 stopwatch driver 25 play sequencer 26 digital value recorder 27 audio message Recorder 28 Output message playback device 29 Function key 32 block 34 15-minute loop counter 36 switch

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An output message device capable of operating in a write-back mode in which an output message is composed of a plurality of audio data segments, the storage device storing a plurality of audio data segments; A timing unit for generating a timing signal indicating the elapsed time from the start of operation in the mode, an input terminal, an output terminal, a means for receiving the timing signal from the timing unit, and an addressing device for storing audio data. Means for reading a data segment, and having one or more audio data segments stored in the storage device based on a predetermined rule and the timing signal when instructed by a strobe signal at the input terminal. Output message A control configured to connect to the message programming unit configured to output the configured output message from the output terminal, the storage device, the message programming unit, and the timing unit, and to control an operation mode of the output message device. An output message device comprising: a device. 2. The output message device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device includes a read / write storage device (RAM) and a read-only storage device (ROM) at any time. 3. The message programming unit is connected to the control device and the storage device, and is connected to the control device and the storage device, and a play pointer which operates as a first decoder of the audio data of the segment. And a play sequencer that operates as a second decoder of the audio data of the segment, and a playback device that has an input terminal and an output terminal and that is connected to the storage device and the play sequencer. When appearing at the input terminal, the playback device enables the play sequencer with the play pointer to program the audio data of the segment into the output message, and sends the output message to the output terminal. The output message according to claim 1. Location. 4. The stop unit, which is connected to the control device and the play pointer, updates the output message via the play pointer after counting a time interval, and the control device, 4. An output message device according to claim 3, further comprising a stopwatch driver connected to the stopwatch unit to selectively enable the stopwatch unit to count the time interval. 5. The control device is connected to the stopwatch unit to set a reproduction mode and a time interval, and is connected to the storage device to process a set of numbers in the storage device. A digital value recorder, an audio message recorder connected to the storage device for processing voice data to the storage device, connected to the reproduction mode selector, the digital value recorder, the audio message recorder, and the stopwatch driver. 5. A set of function keys for setting the playback mode, processing digital values, receiving the audio data and enabling the stopwatch unit, the output message of claim 4. apparatus. 6. The control device is further connected to the reproduction mode selector and the stopwatch unit, and outputs an output for resetting the reproduction mode selector and the stopwatch unit after power is supplied to the output message device. The output message device according to claim 5, further comprising a reset device.