JPH09200323A - Data storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Problem] If the caller hears the voice guidance for instructing the remote control method or does not understand it well, the voice guidance is re-displayed without any operation. Provide a data storage device that can be heard. SOLUTION: When voice guidance for a message center is sent to a caller (S12), it is determined whether or not an access request according to the voice guidance is input (S1).
3). If no access request is made within 5 seconds after the end of the voice guidance (S13: N,
(S18: Y), the number of reproductions of the voice guidance is confirmed, and if it is less than three times (S20: N), the voice guidance is sent again to the caller (S12). Therefore,
The caller can hear the voice guidance again without any operation.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a so-called mail
The present invention relates to a data storage device having a remote operation mode in which a caller can retrieve data stored in a memory such as a box function and a data box function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a facsimile apparatus having a so-called data box function has been developed. The data box function is a function provided in the called side facsimile machine, and the called side facsimile machine equipped with a data box for accumulating voice data and image data formed by the memory in the answering machine is provided. , The data stored in the data box of the called facsimile machine can be retrieved from the calling machine by remote control by accessing from another calling telephone or facsimile machine (calling machine). It is a possible function.

Specifically, when the facsimile apparatus receives an incoming call from the calling side apparatus, it sends a remote operation method for accessing a specific data box to the calling side apparatus as a voice gun dance. . The calling party inputs the number of the data box to be accessed or the like from the operation unit of the calling side device according to the voice guidance. The input caller's operation is DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Freq
uency) signal is given to the called side facsimile machine, and the called side facsimile machine sends the data in the data box designated according to the operation to the calling side machine when the operation is correct. To do.

By the way, the voice guidance for instructing the remote control method is first sent from the called facsimile device to the calling device only once. For this reason,
For example, when a telephone is connected via an operator, if the operator takes a long time to connect the telephone, the voice guidance ends during the operation, and the voice guidance may be missed. . In the connection work, the operator must first discriminate whether the facsimile machine responds or the person responds, and it takes a considerable time to discriminate. In addition, there is a problem that a foreigner who does not understand Japanese well cannot understand the content only by listening to the voice guidance once.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem,
The answering machine described in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 4-23464 is configured to send the voice guidance again to the caller side when the caller performs a specific operation.

[0006]

However, since the operation for listening to the voice guidance again is included in the voice guidance, if the voice guidance is missed or the contents of the voice guidance cannot be understood. Had a problem that the operation itself for hearing the voice guidance again could not be understood and the operation could not be performed. A caller who is proficient in remote control and who has memorized the operation for hearing the voice guidance again can perform the operation even if he / she misses or cannot understand the voice guidance, but needs the voice guidance. An unskilled person who does not know the operation cannot perform the operation, and therefore cannot hear the voice guidance again.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and when the caller hears the voice guidance or does not understand it well, the caller can easily re-read the voice guidance. The purpose is to provide an audible data storage device.

[0008]

In order to achieve this object, the data storage device according to claim 1 is provided with a remote operation mode in which the data stored in the memory can be retrieved from the caller side. And voice guidance sending means for sending a remote operation method to the calling party by voice,
A time measuring means for measuring the passage of time and a restarting means for restarting the voice guidance transmitting means when a predetermined time has been counted by the time measuring means from the transmission by the voice guidance transmitting means. .

According to the data storage device of the first aspect, the time elapsed from the time when the remote operation method (voice guidance) is sent to the caller side by the voice guidance sending means is measured by the time counting means. When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the restarting means restarts the voice guidance sending means and sends the voice guidance again to the caller side.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the data accumulation device according to the first aspect, the number of times of activation of the voice guidance sending means is measured, and the number of times of activation is measured by the number of times of activation. And a restart prohibiting means for prohibiting the execution of the restarting means when the number of times of restart reaches a predetermined value.

According to the data storage device of the second aspect, the same operation as that of the data storage device of the first aspect is achieved, and the number of activations of the voice guidance sending means is measured by the number of activations measurement means, and the number of activations When reaches a predetermined value, the restart prohibiting means prohibits the restarting means from executing. Therefore, the execution of the voice guidance sending means, that is, the sending of the voice guidance is limited to a predetermined number of times.

A data storage device according to a third aspect of the present invention is provided with a plurality of remote operation modes in which the data stored in the memory can be retrieved from the caller side, and further, among the plurality of remote operation modes. Selection mode for selecting one of the remote control modes 1 to 1, first voice guidance sending means for sending the operation method in the selection mode to the calling party by voice, and each remote control mode selectable by the selection mode. Second voice guidance sending means provided for each of the remote operation modes for sending the operating method by voice to the caller side, a time counting means for timing the passage of time, and one of the one selected in the selection mode. In the remote operation mode, when the elapse of a predetermined time from the sending by the second voice guidance sending means is timed by the time counting means, the remote operation of 1 is performed. Transition means for terminating the mode and transitioning to the selection mode; and activation means for activating the first voice guidance sending means when the remote control mode of one shifts to the selection mode by the transition means. I have it.

According to the data storage device of the third aspect, first, in the selection mode, the operation method for selecting one remote operation mode from the plurality of remote operation modes by the first voice guidance sending means ( The first voice guidance) is sent to the caller side. When the caller selects one of the remote operation modes based on the first voice guidance, the selected mode is changed to the selected one remote operation mode, and the operation method of the remote operation mode (second The voice guidance) is sent to the caller side by the second voice guidance sending means. The elapsed time from the sending of the second voice guidance is measured by the time measuring means, and when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the transition means terminates the remote operation mode and shifts to the selection mode. Then, in the shifted selection mode, the first voice guidance sending means is started by the starting means, and again,
The first voice guidance is sent to the caller side.

In addition to the data storage device according to claim 3, the data storage device according to claim 4 is 1 even if the elapse of a predetermined time from the sending by the first voice guidance sending means is timed by the time counting means. A restarting means is provided for restarting the first voice guidance sending means when the remote control mode is not selected.

According to the data storage device of the fourth aspect, the same operation as that of the data storage device of the third aspect is achieved, and even if the elapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the first voice guidance is counted, the remote control unit 1 When the operation mode is not selected, the restarting means sends the first voice guidance again to the caller.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the data accumulation device according to the fourth aspect, the data accumulation device includes a start-up number measurement unit for measuring the number of activations of the first voice guidance sending unit, and the start-up number measurement unit. When the measured number of times has reached a predetermined value, a restart prohibiting unit is provided for prohibiting execution of the restarting unit.

According to the data storage device of the fifth aspect, the same operation as that of the data storage device of the fourth aspect is performed, and the number of activations of the first voice guidance sending means is measured by the number of activations measurement means. When the number of times of activation reaches a predetermined value, the execution of the restarting means is prohibited by the restarting prohibition means. Therefore, the transmission of the first voice guidance is limited to the predetermined number of times.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data storage device according to any of the third through fifth aspects, wherein a plurality of mail boxes storing at least one of image data and audio data and at least image data and audio data are stored. A plurality of data boxes for storing 1 in the plurality of remote operation modes, the data in the specified mail box is specified by the box specifying signal and the password signal input from the caller side. The mail box operation mode that can be retrieved by the caller and the data that the caller can retrieve the data in the designated data box by the box designation signal input from the caller side. The box operation mode is included.

A data storage device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention has a remote operation mode in which the data stored in the memory can be retrieved from the caller side, and the remote operation method can be performed by voice. Side voice guidance sending means, operation recognition means for recognizing the operation performed by the caller based on the operation method sent by the voice guidance sending means, and the caller recognized by the operation recognition means And a restarting means for restarting the voice guidance sending means when the operation performed by is an operation other than the operation method sent by the voice guidance sending means.

According to the data storage device of the seventh aspect, the voice guidance is sent to the calling party side by the voice guidance sending means. When the caller performs an operation based on the sent voice guidance, the operation is recognized by the operation recognition means. Then, when the operation is recognized by the operation recognition means as an operation other than the operation method sent by the voice guidance sending means, that is, by the operation recognition means, the restart means restarts the voice guidance sending means. Then, the voice guidance is sent again to the caller side.

The data storage device according to claim 8 is the data storage device according to claim 7, wherein the restarting means is
The voice guidance sending means is restarted when the operation recognition means does not recognize the operation of the caller even after the elapse of a predetermined time from the sending by the voice guidance sending means.

According to the data accumulating apparatus of the eighth aspect, the same operation as the data accumulating apparatus of the seventh aspect is achieved, and even if the elapse of a predetermined time from the sending by the voice guidance sending means is timed by the time counting means. When the operation recognition means does not recognize the operation of the caller, the restart means restarts the voice guidance sending means, and the voice guidance is sent again to the caller.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the facsimile apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The central processing unit (CP
U) 2, via the bus line 3, ROM4, EEP
The ROM 5, the RAM 6, the network control unit (NCU) 7, the modem 8, the operation unit 9, the decoding unit 10, the encoding unit 11, the scanner 12, the printer 13, and the like are connected.

The ROM 4 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 2. The control programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 1 to 5 are also stored in the ROM 4. In EEPROM5,
The speed dial or the like input by the user via the operation unit 9 is registered. The NCU 7 establishes a communication line with the calling facsimile 14. The modem 8 modulates a transmission signal into a form suitable for transmission over a telephone line at the time of facsimile transmission, and demodulates a modulated signal sent from the telephone line at the time of facsimile reception. A speaker 15 for line monitoring is connected to the modem 8. When the line monitoring is performed by the speaker 15, the speaker 15 exchanges the call with the facsimile device 14 and the facsimile device 1. Since the line monitor is performed when the telephone line is closed, when the user is near the facsimile apparatus 1, the user listens to the voice emitted from the speaker 15 by the line monitor and confirms the calling party before calling. It becomes possible to respond.

The operation unit 9 includes ten keys, various switches,
Alternatively, a mode selection key or the like is provided. The encoding unit 11 compresses and encodes image data during transmission, and the decoding unit 10 decodes compressed image data during reception. The scanner 12 reads image data from a document, and the read image data is compression-encoded by the encoding unit 11 and transmitted to the partner facsimile machine 14 via the modem 8, or
It may be stored in a predetermined memory in the RAM 6. The printer 13 prints on recording paper according to image data. The printer 13 is additionally provided with a recording paper sensor 16 for detecting the presence or absence of recording paper for facsimile reception.

As shown in FIG. 7, the RAM 6 has at least a message center memory 21 and a facsimile reception memory for accumulating received image data when there is no recording sheet for facsimile reception. 29
And other various work memories used for program control. The voice reproduction counter 30 is one of the work memories. Audio playback counter 3
A counter 0 counts the number of times of reproduction of the message center voice guidance described later. message·
The voice guidance for the center is provided by the voice reproduction counter 30.
Will be played up to 3 times.

The message center memory 21 stores a message center voice guidance 22, a mail box memory 23, and a fax.
An on-demand memory 25 and a voice-on-demand memory 27 are provided respectively. In the mailbox memory 23, the voice guidance 24 for the mailbox is stored, and the password,
Five mail boxes are provided for storing image data and audio data, respectively. Fax on
The demand memory 25 stores a voice guidance 26 for fax on demand and an image data box 99 for storing image data. The voice-on-demand memory 27 stores voice-on-demand voice guidance 28, and is provided with 99 voice data boxes for storing voice data. Note that these messages
The details of the usage pattern regarding the center memory 21 will be described later.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 will be briefly described. At the time of normal reception, the image data transmitted from the partner facsimile machine 14 is received via the modem 8 and decoded by the decoding unit 10. The decrypted received image data is printed on the recording paper by the printer 13. When the recording paper sensor 16 detects that there is no recording paper, the decoded received image data is temporarily stored in the facsimile reception memory 29 in the RAM 6. Then, after the recording paper is supplied to the printer 13, the received image data is printed on the recording paper by the printer 13. On the other hand, at the time of normal transmission, the image data read by the scanner 12 is encoded by the encoding unit 11, and the encoded image data is transmitted via the modem 8 to the facsimile apparatus 1 of the other party.
4 is transmitted.

Now, the facsimile apparatus 1 of this embodiment is
It is possible to select an answering machine response mode. In this answering machine response mode, the RAM 6 of the facsimile apparatus 1 is selected.
A remote control mode is available in which the caller can retrieve the data stored in it remotely.

The remote operation mode in this embodiment includes a mail box operation mode, a fax-on-demand operation mode as a data box operation mode, and a voice-on-demand operation mode.
Contains two operating modes.

The first operation mode, that is, the mail box function, which is the first function, is as shown in FIG.
A plurality of mail boxes formed in the RAM 6 (in the illustrated example, five mail boxes numbered 01 to 05 are assigned).
A box is formed. Of the selected mail box) can be accessed by the telephone set of the calling side or the facsimile device 14, and voice data or image data can be sent to and stored in the selected mail box. This is a function to retrieve the voice data or the image data stored in the mail box from the calling side telephone or the facsimile machine 14 on condition that a password set in advance corresponding to the box is input. . In other words, with this mailbox function, anyone can remotely store data in the selected mailbox, but only those who know the password corresponding to that mailbox will be able to store data in that mailbox. Data can be retrieved remotely. That is, the data in each mail box in this mail box function has confidentiality.

The second operation mode, that is, the second function is
This is the so-called fax-on-demand function. This function name is given because the calling side can receive the image data stored in the called side facsimile apparatus at any time via the telephone line. In the case of the present embodiment, this fax-on-demand function means, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of image data boxes (01 to 01 in the illustrated example) formed in the RAM 6.
99 image data boxes, numbered 99, have been formed. ) Of the calling side facsimile device 14 to access the image data stored in each image data box remotely.

The third operation mode, that is, the third function is
This is the so-called voice-on-demand function. This function name is given because the calling side can listen to the voice data accumulated in the called side facsimile apparatus at any time via the telephone line. In this embodiment, the voice-on-demand function is as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of audio data boxes formed in the RAM 6 (in the illustrated example, 99 audio data boxes numbered 01 to 99 are formed).
One or more of the above is accessed from the telephone set of the calling side or the facsimile machine, and the voice data stored in each voice data box can be remotely retrieved, that is, the voice data can be heard.

The second function, fax,
The on-demand function and the third function, voice-on-demand function, are the functions that can retrieve the contents of the data box formed in the memory from the caller side device at the request of the caller. , Generically,
It can be called the data box function.

As can be seen from the above, in the mail box function, the data stored in each mail box is confidential, while the fax on demand function and the voice on demand function. In the function (data box function), the data stored in each data box has no confidentiality.

In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, an example of how to use each of the above functions will be described. For example, at a business office, five salesmen are assigned five mail boxes (01 to 05) having a mail box function. Each salesman registers a password in the assigned mail box and stores voice data and / or image data to be notified to his / her customer. The password is registered, for example, by operating the operation unit 9 of the facsimile apparatus to select the password registerable state and inputting, for example, a 4-digit number with the ten keys. The accumulation of the voice data is performed by operating the operation unit 9 to select the voice data accumulation possible state in the mail box and recording the voice information from the microphone of the handset. The image data is stored by operating the operation unit 9 to select a state in which the image data can be stored in the mail box and causing the scanner 12 to read a desired document. As shown in FIG. 7, the RAM 6, the password, the image data, and the voice data relating to these specific mail boxes are stored.
The data is stored in the mail box memory 23 allocated therein. Meanwhile, each salesman gives the password to the customer who should be allowed to access the data in his / her mailbox. It is possible to input voice guidance for explaining how to use the mail box function. To input the voice guidance, select the mail box guidance input enabled state by operating the operation unit 9, and then input the voice guidance. Done by recording audio from.
The mail box voice guidance 24 thus input is also stored in a predetermined area of the mail box memory 23 allocated in the RAM 6, as shown in FIG.

In each of the image data boxes (01 to 99) in the fax-on-demand function, image data common to the business office is stored. For example, new product information in box Nos. 01 to 10 and box No. 11
Store product price information in ~ 20, product shipping schedule in box Nos. 21-30, lineup information of all products in box Nos. 31-40, and product order form in box Nos. 41-50. Used. The image data is stored by operating the operation unit 9 to select a state in which the image data can be stored in the image data box having the designated number and causing the scanner 12 to read a predetermined document. In addition, this fax on
Voice guidance explaining how to use the demand function can be input in advance. For this input, the operation unit 9 is operated to select the fax-on-demand guidance input enabled state, and voice is output from the microphone of the handset. It is done by recording. The fax-on-demand voice guidance 26 input in this way is stored in the RAM 6 as shown in FIG.
It is stored in a predetermined area of the on-demand memory 25.

In each voice data box (01 to 99) in the voice-on-demand function, for example, voice information corresponding to the information stored in each data box in the above-mentioned fax-on-demand function is stored. . By doing so, it is possible to provide the information providing service by voice even to the customer who does not own the facsimile device. The voice data is stored by operating the operation unit 9 to select a voice data storage possible state in the voice data box of the designated number and recording voice from the microphone of the handset. It should be noted that voice guidance for explaining how to use the voice-on-demand function can be input in advance.
Is operated to select the voice-on-demand guidance input enabled state, and the voice is recorded from the microphone of the handset. The voice-on-demand voice guidance 28 thus input is stored in a predetermined area of the voice-on-demand memory 27 allocated in the RAM 6, as shown in FIG.

As described above, the facsimile apparatus 1 of this embodiment can set the remote operation mode including the mail box function, the fax-on-demand function and the voice-on-demand function, and the answering mode. At times, the caller can select the above feature to retrieve the desired data remotely. In this embodiment, the mail box function, the fax-on-demand function and the voice-on-demand function will be collectively referred to as a message center function.

It is necessary to give a voice guidance to the caller, which introduces that the called facsimile machine is equipped with the message center function as described above, when the call is received in the answering / answering mode. It is convenient for the caller to use the service. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to input the message center voice guidance 22 to be given to the caller at the time of the incoming call. This input is performed by operating the operation unit 9 to select the message center guidance input enabled state and recording a predetermined voice from the microphone of the handset. Such a message center voice guidance 22 is stored in a predetermined area of the message center memory 21 in the RAM 6, as shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment in the absence answer mode will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a main routine representing an incoming call process in a state where the answering / answering mode is selected. When this facsimile machine is called from the calling side device,
It is determined whether or not the ringing tone has sounded a predetermined number of times (S1). When the ringing tone sounds a predetermined number of times (S1: Y
ES), it is determined whether there is a recording sheet (S2).
Whether or not there is a recording sheet is determined by detecting a signal from a recording sheet sensor 16 attached to the printer 13. If there is recording paper (S2: YES),
Since facsimile reception is possible, the line is closed to receive the call (S6). When it is determined in S2 that there is no recording sheet (S2: NO), it is determined whether or not the facsimile receiving memory 29 in the RAM 6 has a free space (S).
3). If the facsimile receiving memory 29 has a free space (S3: YES), the facsimile can be received in this case as well, and the line is closed to receive the call (S6). S3
When it is determined that there is no free space in the facsimile receiving memory 29 in (S3: NO), the incoming call is not made.
That is, it waits until the calling party disconnects the line and the ringing tone stops (S5). When the calling party disconnects the line, the CPU shifts the processing to S1 and waits for a call from a new calling party.

When the process shifts to S6 and the line is closed, it is judged whether or not there is facsimile transmission from the calling side (S7). Specifically, the CNG signal (co
If a ding tone is sent, it is determined that there is a facsimile transmission (S7: YES), and a normal facsimile reception process is performed (S8). The image data received by this receiving process is printed on the recording paper by the printer 13 when there is a recording paper, and is stored in the facsimile receiving memory 29 when there is no recording paper. The image data stored in the facsimile receiving memory 29 is printed on the recording paper by the printer 13 after the recording paper is replenished. This facsimile reception process (S
After 8), the CPU 2 shifts the processing to S1 and waits for a call from a new caller.

When the CNG signal is not detected in S7, that is, when the calling side does not perform the facsimile transmission (S7: NO), the processing shifts to the message center processing shown in FIG. In the message center processing, first, the voice reproduction counter 3 provided in the RAM 6
The value of 0 is cleared to "0" (S11). Next, the reproduction / transmission of the message center voice guidance 22 is started (S12). In the case of the above-mentioned business office, for example, "If you leave a message in the mail boxes of sales people A to E or if you want to receive the contents of the mail boxes of sales people A to E, please refer to" 01
* ", If you would like to receive our new product information etc. by fax, please refer to" 02 * ", and if you want to hear our new product information etc. by voice, please refer to" 03 "
Please enter * ". If you want to leave a common message for us, please enter "04 *". The message center voice guidance 22 including contents such as "is reproduced and transmitted. At this point, the line is monitored by the speaker 15, so that the exchange between the calling side device 14 and the facsimile device 1 is issued from the speaker 15.

Voice guidance 22 for message center
After the reproduction of (S12), the access request from the calling side is waited for 5 seconds (S13: NO, S18: NO). If there is an access request from the calling side during that time (S13: YE
S), the type of the access request is determined (S1)
4). The access request from the calling side is DTMF (Dual T
One multi frequency) signal is transmitted to the facsimile device 1. Speaker 1 for line monitor at this time
From 5, the operation sound is emitted as a "pippoppa" sound.

The type of access request from the calling side is "0.
If it is one of "1 *", "02 *", and "03 *" (S14: 01 *, 02 *, 03 *), the line monitor is shut off (S15, S16, S17), and the mail is sent. The process shifts to the box process (S100), the fax-on-demand process (S200), and the voice-on-demand process (S300). Since the line monitor is cut off after shifting to these processes (S1
5, S16, S17), nothing can be heard from the speaker 15 for line monitoring. Fax on demand processing (S200) and voice on demand processing (S200)
After the end of (300), the CPU 2 shifts the processing to S11 and reproduces the message center voice guidance (S1).
Repeat 2) from the beginning.

The type of access request from the calling side is "04
* ”(S14: 04 *), ICM (In C
(oming Message) recording processing, that is, absence recording processing is performed (S21). In this process, the caller first hears the voice guidance "If you want to leave a common message for us, please put a message after a beep." After that, the caller sends a message. The received message is stored in a predetermined area in the RAM 6. After the ICM recording process (S21), it is determined whether there is a facsimile transmission from the calling side (S22). This is because the facsimile may be transmitted after the ICM recording. If there is a facsimile transmission (S22: YES), after performing the normal facsimile reception processing (S23), if there is no facsimile transmission (S22: NO), then the line is disconnected and the processing proceeds to S1. Wait for a call from a new caller.

The type of access request from the calling side is "01
If it is other than "*" to "04 *" (S14: 01
(Other than * to 04 *), that is, when the caller performs an erroneous operation, the value of the voice reproduction counter 30 is incremented by "+1" (S19). If the value of the voice reproduction counter 30 is less than "3" (S20: N), the process proceeds to S12, and the message center voice guidance 22 is reproduced again. As a result, the caller who made the wrong operation can confirm why the operation was wrong and can recognize the correct operation. Based on the correctly recognized operation method,
When the caller performs a desired operation (S13: Y), the mode is changed to each remote operation mode according to the type of operation (S14: 0).
1 * -04 *).

The message center voice guidance 22 is reproduced up to three times. If the correct operation is not performed even after being reproduced three times, it is considered that the caller is mischievous, so that the useless connection of the line is eliminated and the line is used effectively. If the value of the voice reproduction counter 30 is "3" or more (S20: Y), the message center voice guidance 22 has already been reproduced three times. In this case, the ICM recording process (S21) is performed. After forcibly shifting and executing a predetermined process (S21 to S23),
Disconnect the line. After that, the process proceeds to S1 and waits for a call from a new caller.

Voice guidance 22 for message center
(S12), the access request from the calling side is waited for up to 5 seconds (S13: NO, S18N).
O). If there is no access request from the calling side during that time (S13: NO, S18: YES), the value of the voice reproduction counter 30 is incremented by "+1" (S19), and the value is "3".
If it is less than (S20: NO), the process proceeds to S12, and the message center voice guidance 22 is reproduced again. Therefore, the caller who missed the voice guidance due to the intervention of the operator or the caller who heard the voice guidance but could not fully understand the content by listening to the voice guidance waits for 5 seconds, and You can listen to the voice guidance 22 for the message center without performing. Based on this replayed voice guidance,
When the caller performs a desired operation (S13: YES), the remote operation mode is changed according to the type of operation (S1).
4: 01 * to 04 *). Since the line is effectively used, the message center voice guidance 22 is reproduced up to three times as in the case of an erroneous operation. Further, since the time registered as the voice guidance is not always the same for the time measurement of 5 seconds, it is performed from the end of the voice guidance. However, it is also possible to perform this timing from the start of reproduction of the voice guidance.

FIG. 3 shows a mail box processing routine. This mail box processing routine (S1
In 00), first, the voice guidance for mail box designation is reproduced / transmitted (S101). That is, in the case of the above-mentioned office, for example, “When accessing the mail box of the salesman A,“ 01 * ”is ...
Enter "05 *" to access Salesman E's mail box. The voice guidance including the content such as "is reproduced and transmitted. Next, it is determined whether the mail box designation code has been input (S102). If the box designating code is input (S102: YES), the reproduction / sending process of the mail box designating guidance is stopped (S10).
107), and then it is determined whether the mail box designation code is valid (S108). If it is not valid (S108: NO), the procedure returns to S101, and the mail box designation guidance is reproduced and transmitted again,
Prompt for re-entering the mail box designation code. mail·
If the box designation code has valid data, that is,
In the case of this example, if "01 *" to "05 *" are correctly input (S108: YES), the process moves to the next process.

When the mail box designating code is not input in S102 (S102: NO), the process stands by until the reproduction / sending of the mail box designating guidance is completed (S102: NO → S103: NO), and At the time when the reproduction / transmission of the mail box designation guidance is completed (S103: YES), for example, a timer for 5 seconds is set (S105), and until the time-out occurs (S106: YES), the mail box designation code is input. Is accepted (S105, S106). That is, the length of the guidance for mail box designation lasts for a finite time due to the allocated memory capacity,
In the case of the present embodiment, even if this guidance is completed, the input of the mail box designation code is still accepted for 5 seconds. When the mail box designating code is input during these 5 seconds (S105: YES), the process jumps to S108, and it is determined whether the input code is valid. The process when it is determined to be invalid (S108: NO) is as described above.

When the mail box designation code is not input within the above 5 seconds (S106: YES), S in FIG.
The processing shifts to 11, and the message center processing is executed again. In this message center processing, after the value of the voice reproduction counter 30 is cleared to "0" (S11), the message center voice guidance is reproduced (S1).
2). By operating on the basis of the voice guidance 22 for the message center, the caller can re-mail the message.
It is possible to enter the box operation mode, the other fax-on-demand operation mode, the voice-on-demand operation mode, and the ICM recording mode. That is, the caller can access the plurality of remote operation modes by calling the facsimile device 1 only once. Further, even if the user accidentally enters an undesired remote operation mode, by waiting for 5 seconds in that state, a transition is made to a message center processing (message center operation mode) in which each remote operation mode can be selected. Therefore, the caller does not have to perform the operation of once disconnecting the line and calling the facsimile apparatus 1 again. Further, when the message center operation mode is entered, the message center voice guidance 22 is reproduced, so that the caller can easily recognize that the mode has been entered.

When the mail box designation code input as described above is valid (S108: YE
S), and the password input guidance for the designated mail box is reproduced / sent (S109). "01
For example, if "*" is entered, that is, if the mail box for salesman A is specified, for example, "Yes, it is" A. When extracting the contents of my mail box. " For, enter my mail box number "01 *" again, and then enter your password. If you leave me a voice message or fax message, please speak after a beep or press the start button on your fax machine to send a fax. The password input guidance including contents such as "is reproduced and transmitted.

Next, it is determined whether the mail box designation code has been input (S110). Here, when the mail box designation code is input (S11
0: YES), which means that the calling party has made an intention to retrieve the contents in the mail box. On the other hand, by the end of the password input guidance (S111:
(YES) If the box designation code is not input (S110: NO), it means that the caller has no intention to retrieve the contents in the mail box. Therefore, when the password input guidance ends without the caller's box designation code being input (S111: YES),
As described above, the communication sound “P” is emitted, and the voice message (voice mail) from the caller side is recorded for a certain period of time (S112). This voicemail is
Accumulated in the box.

Next, it is determined whether or not a password has been input (S113). In this embodiment, this determination step is performed both when the mail box designation code is received in S110 (S110: YES) and after the voice mail recording process is started (S112). Therefore, the caller can also enter the password by following the entry of the box designation code.
Alternatively, the data in the mail box can be accessed by inputting a password during the voice mail acceptance period as described later. S113
When a password is entered in (S113: YE
S), it is determined whether or not data exists in the mail box (S116), and if data exists (S116: YES), voice mail reproduction processing (S).
117), followed by fax / mail reproduction processing (S
118) is executed. That is, the voice data and / or the image data in the mail box is transmitted to the calling side. Accepting the password input continues until the caller's voice message recording time ends (S11).
4: NO), when the voice message recordable time ends (S114: YES), the fax message from the caller side is accepted (S115). At the end of the reception of the fax message from the calling party (S115), and the fax mail reproduction processing (S11).
At the end of 8), the mail box function automatically ends and the line is cut off. After that, the process proceeds to S1 in FIG. 1 and waits for a call from a new caller.

In this embodiment, in S116,
It is determined whether or not there is data in the mail box, and if there is data (S116: YES),
As described above, the accumulated data in the mail box is transmitted to the calling side, but if there is no data (S116: N
O), the line is cut off and the mail box function is forcibly terminated (S119), and then the process proceeds to S1 in FIG.
Wait for a call from a new caller.

By doing so, it is possible to eliminate a wasteful line closed state and effectively use the line. In particular, when a plurality of mail box functions set in the same facsimile apparatus or a fax-on-demand function and a voice-on-demant function, which will be described later, are used by a plurality of people as in the case of this embodiment, Since it seems that the number of times the facsimile machine is accessed is large, it becomes inconvenient for other callers to monopolize the line unnecessarily. However, by doing so, such inconvenience is alleviated.

As described above, the message shown in FIG.
In the center processing, the line monitor is shut off (S15) before shifting to the mail box processing routine (S100). Therefore, in the above mail box processing, even if the password is transmitted by the DTMF signal from the caller, this is transmitted to the speaker 15 for line monitor.
Since it does not flow from the password, the confidentiality of the password and thus the confidentiality of the data stored in the mailbox can be maintained. As a matter of course, the salesman A who returns to the office can operate the operation unit 9 to pull out the voice mail or the fax mail left by the caller in his / her mail box. it can.

FIG. 4 shows the fax-on-demand processing routine. In this fax-on-demand processing routine (S200), first,
The on-demand voice guidance 26 is reproduced and transmitted (S201). In other words, in the case of the above offices, "You can receive our product information by fax. If you want to receive our new product information, please enter" 01 * "to" 10 * ""11*" to "20 *" if you want to receive product price information
, "21 *" to "30 *" to receive product shipping schedule information, and "31" to receive all our product lineup information.
Please enter "*" to "40 *" or "41 *" to "50 *" if you want to receive the product order form. By entering "99 *", you can receive the fax service contents and instructions on how to operate it by fax. The voice guidance including the content such as "is reproduced and transmitted.

Next, it is judged whether or not the image data box designation code has been input (S202). If the box designation code has been entered (S202:
If YES, the reproduction / transmission of the voice guidance for fax on demand is stopped (S207), it is determined whether the input box designation code is valid (S208), and if it is valid (S208: If YES, the image data in the designated box is transmitted by facsimile to the caller side (S209). If not valid (S2
(08: NO), returning to S201, the reproduction / sending of the voice guidance is started again, and the calling side is prompted to re-input the box designation code. The case where the box designation code is not valid is a case where, for example, a three-digit number other than 01 to 99 out of 99 boxes formed in the fax-on-demand memory 25 is input. When the image data of the designated box is transmitted in S209, the process returns to S201 and the above process is repeated, so that the caller receives the transmission of a plurality of facsimile data without exiting the fax-on-demand process. be able to.

If the box designation code is not input in S202 (S202: NO), it is judged whether or not the reproduction of the fax-on-demand voice guidance is completed (S203). Is (S
203: YES), for example, a timer for 5 seconds is set (S204), and the box designation code input is further accepted for 5 seconds (S205, S206). If there is a box designation code input within these 5 seconds (S205: YE
S) In the same manner as described above, it is determined whether the input box designation code is valid (S208), and if it is valid (S208: YES), the image data in the designated box is sent to the caller side. Facsimile transmission to (S20
9).

When the timer for 5 seconds times out (S206: YES), this routine ends (S2).
10), the process proceeds to S11 of FIG. 2 and the message center process is executed again. In this message center processing, by operating on the basis of the message center voice guidance 22, the calling party can enter the fax-on-demand operation mode again, or the other mail box operation mode, It is also possible to enter the voice-on-demand operation mode and the ICM recording mode.

FIG. 5 shows a voice-on-demand processing routine. In this voice-on-demand processing routine (S300), first, the voice-on-demand voice guidance 28 is reproduced and transmitted (S30).
1). In other words, in the case of the above offices, "You can hear our product information etc. by voice. If you want to hear our new product information, please start from" 01 * "
"10 *", "11 *" to "20 *" to hear our product price information, "21 *" to "3" to hear product shipping schedule information
Please enter "0 *", and enter "31 *" to "40 *" if you want to hear about our product lineup information. In addition, you can receive the explanation of the contents of this voice service and the specific operation method by fax by entering "99 *" in the fax service. The voice guidance including the content such as "is reproduced and transmitted.

Next, it is determined whether or not the voice data box designation code has been input (S302). When the box designation code is input (S302:
If YES, the reproduction / transmission of the voice guidance for voice on demand is stopped (S307), and it is determined whether the input box designation code is valid (S307).
308), if valid (S308: YES), the voice data in the designated box is sent to the caller side (S).
309). If not valid (S308: NO), S
Returning to step 301, the reproduction / transmission of the voice guidance is started again, and the calling side is prompted to re-input the box designation code. When the box designation code is not valid, it means that, out of 99 boxes formed in the voice-on-demand memory 27, a box in which data is not stored is designated, or if a box other than 01 to 99 is set, for example, 3 This is the case when a digit is input. Note that S309
When the audio data of the designated box is transmitted in S30, S30
Returning to 1, the above processing is repeated.

If the box designation code is not input in S302 (S302: NO), voice-on
It is determined whether or not the reproduction of the demand voice guidance is completed (S303), and if it is completed (S30).
3: YES), for example, set a timer for 5 seconds (S
304), and further box designation code input is accepted for 5 seconds (S305, S306). If there is a box designation code input in these 5 seconds (S305: YES), it is determined whether the entered box designation code is valid (S308) and if it is valid (S3), as described above.
08: YES), the voice data in the designated box is sent to the caller side (S309).

If the timer for 5 seconds times out (S306: YES), this routine ends (S3).
10), the process proceeds to S11 of FIG. 2 and the message center process is executed again. In this message center processing, by operating on the basis of the voice guidance 22 for the message center, the caller again turns on the voice-on voice.
It is possible to enter the demand operation mode, the other mailbox operation mode, the fax-on-demand operation mode, and the ICM recording mode.

In the message center processing shown in FIG. 2, the message center voice guidance is 3
When played back (S20), ICM recording process (S2)
1) is performed, but if the calling side has already disconnected the line at this time, the line is disconnected without proceeding to ICM recording and the process proceeds to S1.
As a result, there is no problem such as useless recording such as dial tone. This also applies to the case where the calling side disconnects the line during each processing of the mail box, the data box, etc., which is not particularly shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 1 to 5. When the line is disconnected, the process is immediately stopped, the line is released, and the process proceeds to S1.

By the way, in the case of the present embodiment, in the main routine shown in FIG. 1, the line is closed only when the facsimile can be received, but the call is received even at other times.
Of course, it may be possible to allow access to the data box and the mailbox.

In the message center processing shown in FIG. 2, when the type of access request from the caller is wrong, or when there is no access request from the caller within the limit of 5 seconds. , The message center voice guidance is repeated again, but since the voice reproduction counter 30 for limiting the number of repetitions to 3 times is commonly used, for example, a timeout of 5 seconds is repeated. If the type of access request made by the caller is incorrect after the voice guidance has been played three times, the voice guidance has already been repeated three times, so the voice guidance will not be performed again. It is designed to shift to ICM recording processing.

However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the access made by the caller after the voice guidance is reproduced three times by repeating the timeout for 5 seconds. Only when the type of request is wrong, the message center voice guidance may be reproduced again, or when the type of access request is wrong and a timeout of 5 seconds has occurred. At each time, the voice guidance may be repeated up to three times independently.

In the present embodiment, S12 corresponds to the voice guidance sending means described in claim 1, and S18 corresponds to the time counting means. S20 corresponds to the restarting means according to claims 1, 4, and 8.

The sound reproduction counter 30 and S19, S20 correspond to the number-of-start-up times according to claims 2 and 5, and S20 corresponds to the restart prohibition means.

The message center operation mode corresponds to the selection mode described in claim 3, and one of the plurality of remote operation modes is a mail box operation mode, a fax-on-demand operation mode, and a voice operation mode. The on-demand operation mode is applicable. S12 corresponds to the first voice guidance sending means, and S101, S201, and S301 correspond to the second voice guidance sending means. As the time measuring means and the shifting means, S106,
S206 and S306 correspond, and S12 is used as the activation means.
Is applicable.

S12, S101, S201 and S301 correspond to the voice guidance sending means described in claim 7, and S14, S108 and S20 correspond to the operation recognition means.
8, S308, as the restart means, S20, S10
8, S208 and S308 are applicable.

[0076]

According to the data storage device of the first aspect, the remote control method (voice guidance) is sent again to the caller side after a lapse of a predetermined time. Therefore, if the caller cannot hear or understand the voice guidance well, the caller cannot perform any operation, but even in that case, the voice guidance can be heard again and the operability can be improved. effective.

According to the data storage device of the second aspect,
In addition to the effect of the data storage device according to claim 1, since the transmission of the voice guidance is limited to a predetermined number of times, even when a third party tries to listen to the voice guidance indefinitely for the purpose of mischief or the like. You can prevent this,
The effect is that the line can be used effectively.

According to the data storage device of the third aspect,
When a predetermined time elapses after the second voice guidance in the remote control mode 1 is transmitted, the mode is shifted to the selection mode again, and the first voice guidance in the selection mode is transmitted.

Therefore, after one remote operation mode is executed, another remote operation mode can be executed. That is, by calling the data storage device once,
There is an effect that two or more remote operation modes can be executed. Further, even if the remote control mode 1 is erroneously selected, the mode is switched to the selection mode again after the elapse of a predetermined time, so that the remote control mode can be selected again. Further, when the remote control mode 1 is switched to the selection mode, the first voice guidance is sent to the calling party side, so that there is an effect that the calling party can recognize the mode switching.

According to the data storage device of the fourth aspect,
In addition to the effect of the data storage device according to claim 3, the first voice guidance is retransmitted when the remote operation mode 1 is not selected even after a lapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the first voice guidance. Therefore, if the caller hears the first voice guidance or does not understand it well, the caller can hear the voice guidance again and the operability can be improved.

According to the data storage device of the fifth aspect,
In addition to the effect of the data storage device according to the fourth aspect, since the transmission of the first voice guidance is limited to the predetermined number of times, the line can be effectively used.

According to the data storage device of the sixth aspect,
In addition to the effect of the data storage device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the remote operation mode further includes a mail box operation mode that requires a password input to retrieve data and a password input to retrieve data. There is an effect that the caller can use an unnecessary data box operation mode.

According to the data storage device of claim 7,
If the operation performed by the caller is an operation other than the operation method sent by the voice guidance sending means, that is, if the caller makes an incorrect operation, the voice guidance is returned to the caller side. Sent out. Therefore, if the caller mistakenly hears the voice guidance and, as a result, makes a wrong operation, the voice guidance is sent again to the caller, and the caller may make an error in his or her operation. There is an effect that it can be recognized and a correct operation can be performed.

According to the data storage device of the eighth aspect,
In addition to the effect of the data storage device according to claim 7, since the voice guidance is retransmitted even when the caller is not operated, the caller cannot hear or understand the voice guidance. If this happens, this can be heard again, and the operability can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing main processing in an answering / answering mode in a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a message center process branched from a main process.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a mail box process branched from a message center process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a fax-on-demand process called from a message center process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a voice-on-demand process called from the message center process.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the present facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a memory structure in a RAM of this facsimile apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Facsimile Machine 6 RAM 14 Calling Side Facsimile Machine 21 Message Center Memory 22 Message Center Voice Guidance 23 Mail Box Memory 24 Mail Box Voice Guidance 25 Fax On Demand Memory 26 Fax On Demand Demand voice guidance 27 Voice-on-demand memory 28 Voice-on-demand voice guidance 29 Facsimile reception memory 30 Voice reproduction counter

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A data storage device having a remote operation mode in which data stored in a memory can be retrieved from a caller side. In a data storage device, a method of remote operation is sent by voice to a caller side. And a restarting means for restarting the voice guidance sending means when a predetermined time has passed from the sending by the voice guidance sending means by the time counting means. A data storage device characterized by being provided. 2. A starting number measuring means for measuring the number of times the voice guidance sending means is started, and prohibiting execution of the restarting means when the number of times measured by the starting number measuring means reaches a predetermined value. 2. The data storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: a restart prohibiting unit that operates. 3. A data storage device provided with a plurality of remote operation modes capable of extracting data stored in a memory from a calling party, wherein one remote operation mode is selected from the plurality of remote operation modes. A selection mode for selecting, a first voice guidance sending means for sending the operation method in the selection mode to the calling side by voice, and a remote operation mode provided for each remote operation mode selectable in the selection mode. Second voice guidance sending means for sending the operation method in the operation mode to the calling side by voice, timing means for timing the passage of time, and one remote operation mode selected in the selection mode, wherein 2 The remote operation mode of 1 is terminated when the elapse of a predetermined time from the sound guidance sending means is timed by the time counting means. A shift means for shifting to the selection mode; and a start-up means for activating the first voice guidance sending means when the shift mode shifts from one remote operation mode to the selection mode. Data storage device. 4. The first voice guidance sending means is restarted when the remote operation mode 1 is not selected even after the elapse of a predetermined time by the time counting means from the sending by the first voice guidance sending means. 4. The data storage device according to claim 3, further comprising restarting means for causing the restart. 5. A starting number measuring means for measuring the number of times the first voice guidance sending means is started, and executing the restarting means when the number of times measured by the starting number measuring means reaches a predetermined value. 5. The data storage device according to claim 4, further comprising: a restart prohibition unit that prohibits the restart. 6. A plurality of mail boxes for storing at least one of image data or audio data, and a plurality of data boxes for storing at least one of image data or audio data, wherein the plurality of remote operation modes are provided. Is a mail box operation mode in which the caller can retrieve the data in the specified mail box by the box designation signal and password signal input from the caller side, and from the caller side 6. A data box operation mode in which a caller can retrieve the data in the specified data box by the inputted box specification signal, and the data box operation mode is included. The data storage device described in 1. 7. A data storage device having a remote operation mode in which data stored in a memory can be retrieved from a caller side, and a voice guidance transmission for transmitting a remote operation method to the caller side by voice. Means, an operation recognition means for recognizing an operation performed by the caller based on the operation method sent by the voice guidance sending means, and an operation performed by the caller recognized by the operation recognition means, A data storage device, comprising: a restart means for restarting the voice guidance sending means when the operation is other than the operation method sent by the voice guidance sending means. 8. The restarting means, if the operation of the caller is not recognized by the operation recognition means even after the elapse of a predetermined time by the time counting means from the sending by the voice guidance sending means, 8. The data storage device according to claim 7, wherein the voice guidance sending means is restarted.