JPH09200326A - Time stamp method and answering machine using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [PROBLEMS] To provide an easy-to-use and inexpensive answering machine that can use the time stamp function of an answering machine without having to set the time. A control unit 30 includes a demodulation unit 11 and a line L.
It receives data sent from the exchange via 1 and L2, and stores the data regarding the time of "month date and time" included in "CALLER ID" in the data in the RAM provided in the control unit. Then, the messages sequentially sent are recorded by the mechanical deck 24. When the recording is completed, the data relating to the time stored in the RAM is read out, and the voice data corresponding to the data is read out via the message reproduction controller 23 to the message reproduction ROM 22.
Read from The control unit causes the mechanical deck 24 to record the read voice data as a time stamp in association with the recorded message. At the time of reproduction, the message and the time stamp are reproduced from the speaker 16.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an answering machine for automatically answering a message when the user is absent and recording the message of the other party. More particularly, when the recorded message is reproduced later, the time when the message was recorded is recorded. The present invention relates to a known time stamp method and an answering machine having the function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in such an answering machine, in order to utilize a time stamp function, a user must
After purchasing an answering machine, the current time must be set in order to notify the correct time together with the setting of various parameters. Normally, as this setting, you can operate various keys provided on the answering machine to set "month, day,
Hours, minutes.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned conventional answering machine, various keys provided on the answering machine are manually operated to set the current correct time for "month, day, hour, minute". Must be done. But,
This time setting has a large number of procedures that must be executed similarly to the time setting of a video deck, etc., and is very troublesome for the user, especially for users who are unfamiliar with electrical equipment.

Also, for the answering machine itself, the time must be managed for the time stamp function,
A special circuit for that purpose, that is, a microcomputer equipped with a real-time clock and a clock function,
At least a crystal oscillator (eg 32 kHz) was required.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is that the user does not need to set the time on the answering machine, even though the time stamp function of the answering machine can be used, and the time stamp is used. It is to provide an answering machine that does not need to be equipped with a special circuit.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an answering machine, to which an answering machine function is set, when recording a message received from the other party.
In a time stamp method of recording a time when a message is received as a voice signal in association with the message,
"CALLER sent from the exchange when the call is received
Receives the data of ID "(caller identification number), reads and stores the data related to the time at that point in the received data of" CALLER ID ", and sends it from the other party via the exchange. It is characterized in that a message is recorded and the data relating to the time is associated with the recorded message.

Further, in the present invention, when the data relating to the time is made to correspond to the recorded message, the corresponding one is read out from the voice data stored in advance for converting the data relating to the time into voice. , The voice data relating to the read time is recorded in correspondence with the recorded message. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the data regarding the time is the date and time of the month.

Further, according to the present invention, a key matrix for inputting various instructions, a recording section for an answering machine function, a message reproduction ROM storing various message data, and a message reproduction ROM are provided. In an answering machine having a message reproduction controller for reading out an instructed message, a RAM for storing predetermined data and a "CALLERID" data transmitted from an exchange at the time of an incoming call, and receiving the data. Means for reading the data relating to the time at that point in the "CALLER ID" data and storing it in the RAM, and recording the message transmitted from the other party via the exchange in the recording section, and storing in the RAM. The data related to the time stored in is read and the sound corresponding to the read data is read. And a control unit for instructing the message reproduction controller to read the voice data from the message reproduction ROM and recording the read voice in the recording unit in correspondence with the recorded message.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the recording section comprises a recording mechanism for recording on a magnetic tape, and the data relating to the time is the date and time of the month. Further, according to the present invention, the control unit is instructed by the instruction of the key matrix,
When the message recorded in the recording unit is reproduced, the recorded message is reproduced, and then the voice related to the recorded time corresponding to the message is reproduced. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the recording section is composed of a semiconductor memory device, and the data relating to the time is stored in the semiconductor memory device and is voice-synthesized only at the time of reproduction.

According to the time stamp method of the present invention, in order to announce the time when the message is received, the "CALL" transmitted from the exchange at the time of an incoming call without timing by itself.
The data related to the time at that point in the "ERID" data is read and stored, and after recording the message transmitted from the other party through the exchange, the data related to the time is corresponded to the recorded message. Let it be processed.

Further, the answering machine of the present invention is provided with a RAM for storing predetermined data, and when the call is received, the "CALLER ID" data transmitted from the exchange at that time is stored. Read the time data,
The storage means stores in the RAM. Then, the control unit
A message transmitted from the other side via the exchange is recorded in the recording unit, the data regarding the time stored in the RAM is read, and the voice data corresponding to the read data is instructed to the message reproduction controller. The read voice is read from the message reproducing ROM, and the read voice is recorded in the recording unit in association with the recorded message.

[0012]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of an answering machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the answering machine shown in FIG.

The demodulation section 11 receives data ("CALLER ID") sent from the exchange through the lines L1 and L2.
(Including) is demodulated and output to the control unit 30. The incoming call detection unit 12 detects an incoming call signal sent from the exchange via the lines L1 and L2 and outputs it to the control unit 30. In the diode bridge 13, the input terminals M1 and M2 are line L, respectively.
1 and L2, and full-wave rectify signals and the like from the lines L1 and L2. The output end G of the diode bridge 13 is connected to the ground GND, and the output end P outputs the result of full-wave rectification.

The line closing unit 14 instructs the line closing based on the control signal from the control unit 30 and the output from the output terminal P of the diode bridge 13. The line interface 15 interfaces with the lines L1 and L2 with respect to audio signals to the speaker 16 and closes the line by an instruction from the line closing unit 14 and a call end detection signal. When the end-of-call detection unit 17 detects the end-of-call from the data transmitted from the exchange via the lines L1 and L2, it outputs the end-of-call signal.

The key matrix 21 is provided with various keys for instructing the answering machine to set up the answering machine recording and reproduce the recorded message. R for message playback
The OM 23 is a ROM in which a predetermined message is written in advance for reproduction. Message playback controller 2
Based on the instruction from the control unit 30, the reading unit 3 reads a message corresponding to the instruction from the message reproducing ROM 23 and sends it to the speaker 16 via the line interface 15.

The mechanical deck 24 is controlled by the control unit 30 to record the voice data sent from the exchange via the lines L1 and L2 on a magnetic tape, and the control unit 30 receives a reproduction instruction from the key matrix 21. The voice data recorded on the magnetic tape is reproduced by the reproduction command and sent to the speaker 16 via the line interface 15. The control unit 30 includes a control RAM (not shown), controls each unit including the above-described control, and includes “month, day,” which is included in the “CALLER ID” demodulated by the demodulation unit 11. R with "hour, minute" data
Store in AM. The stored "month, day, hour, minute" data is sent to the speaker 16 via the line interface 15 at an appropriate timing when the message corresponding to the data is reproduced.

Next, the operation of the answering machine of FIG. 1 will be described. First, the operation of the answering machine at the time of recording a message will be described with reference to FIG. Answering machine 10
When in the idle state (step S1), it determines whether or not there is an incoming call signal (bell sound) at regular intervals based on the output of the incoming call detection unit 12 (step S2). If it is determined that there is no incoming call, the process of determining in step S2 is repeated after returning to the idle state in step S1.
When it is determined in step S2 that there is an incoming call, the exchange sends "CA" between the first incoming signal and the next incoming signal.
Since the data of "LLER ID" is sent, the control unit 30 receives it via the demodulation unit 11 (step S3).

The control unit 30 receives the "CALLER
The data of "month, day, hour, minute" included in the data of "ID" is stored in the RAM (step S4). When storing, clarify that it corresponds to the message to be recorded. It is determined whether the number of incoming calls has reached a preset number (step S5). If it does not arrive, this judgment is repeated until it arrives, and when it arrives, the line closing unit 14
Is controlled to close the lines L1 and L2.

After the lines L1 and L2 are closed, the message reproduction controller 23 is controlled to send a message (OGM; outgoing message) to the other party to the lines L1 and L2 (step S7). Next, the mechanical deck 24 is controlled to send a message (ICM; incoming messag) from the other party.
e) is recorded (step S8). While recording, it is determined whether or not the call end detection unit 17 has detected the call end due to disconnection of the other party (step S9). If the call end is not detected, it is determined whether the recording time has elapsed ( If the recording time has not elapsed in step S10), steps S8 and S are performed again.
9. Repeat S10. When the call end is detected in step S9 or the recording time has elapsed in step S10, the lines L1 and L2 are opened (step S11).

After opening the lines L1 and L2, the stored "month, day, hour, minute" data is read from the RAM, and the voice data corresponding to the data is controlled by the message reproduction controller 23. Message playback ROM2
2 is read from 2, and the recorded message is recorded as a time stamp on the mechanical deck 24 (step S1).
2). After the completion of the time stamp, recording by the mechanical deck 24 is stopped (step S13), and the process returns to step S1. After this, the mechanical deck 24 has the key matrix 2
When there is a reproduction command from the control unit 30 according to the reproduction instruction from 1, the recorded message and voice data relating to the time are sent to the speaker 16 via the line interface 15 and reproduced.

With this configuration, the purchaser of the answering machine is not required to set the time for himself or herself, and the circuit for it is not necessary, so that the cost of the answering machine can be reduced. . Further, in the above-described embodiment, the recording and the reproducing are performed by the mechanical deck 24, but the semiconductor device, that is, the DS.
It goes without saying that it may be a P + DRAM, or a FLASH memory or the like. In this case,
Data regarding the time is also stored in these semiconductor memories. Further, the voice synthesis for the time stamp may be performed at the time of reproduction. The answering machine 10 may be a normal type or a cordless type.

[0022]

As described above, the time stamp method of the present invention is for notifying the time when a message is received.
When the incoming call arrives, the data related to the time at that time is read and stored in the data of the "CALLER ID" transmitted from the exchange without the need of timekeeping by the other party via the exchange. After recording the message that was sent, by associating the data related to the time with the recorded message, the purchaser of the answering machine manually operates the key to check the current "month, day, hour, minute". Since there is no need to set the correct time, the operation is easy.

Further, in the answering machine of the present invention which uses the method, it is not necessary to manage the time for the time stamp function by itself, and a special circuit for that purpose is not required, and the cost of the answering machine is reduced. The effect of being able to do it will also be exhibited.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of an answering machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the answering machine shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Answering machine 11 Demodulation section 12 Incoming call detection section 13 Diode bridge 14 Circuit closing section 15 Line interface 16 Speaker 17 End call detection section 21 Key matrix 22 Message playback ROM 23 Message playback controller 24 Mechanical deck 30 Control section S1 to S13 steps

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. When an answering machine set with an answering machine function records a message received from the other party,
In the time stamp method of recording a time when a message is received as a voice signal in association with the message, a "CALLER transmitted from an exchange when an incoming call is received.
The data of "ID" is received, the data regarding the time at that time in the received data of "CALLER ID" is read and stored, the message transmitted from the other side through the exchange is recorded, and the time is recorded. A time stamping method, characterized in that data relating to a recorded message is associated with the recorded message. 2. When the data relating to the time is made to correspond to a recorded message, the corresponding data is read out from the voice data stored in advance for converting the data relating to the time to voice, and the read time is read. The time stamp method according to claim 1, wherein the voice data relating to is recorded in association with the recorded message. 3. The time stamp method according to claim 1, wherein the data relating to the time is month, day, hour and minute. 4. A key matrix for inputting various instructions, a recording section for an answering machine function, a message reproducing ROM storing various message data,
In an answering machine equipped with a message reproduction controller for reading out a specified message from a message reproduction ROM, a RAM for storing predetermined data and a "CALLER transmitted from an exchange at the time of an incoming call.
Received "ID" data and received "CALLER
A means for reading the data relating to the current time in the data of "ID" and storing it in the RAM, and a message transmitted from the other party via the exchange, recorded in the recording section and stored in the RAM. The data relating to the set time is read, voice data corresponding to the read data is instructed to the message playback controller from the message playback ROM, and the read voice is recorded in the recording unit in association with the recorded message. An answering machine, comprising: a control unit for controlling the answering machine. 5. The answering machine according to claim 4, wherein the recording unit comprises a recording mechanism for recording on a magnetic tape, and the time-related data is month, day, hour and minute. 6. When the control unit reproduces a message recorded in the recording unit according to an instruction of the key matrix, the recorded message is reproduced after the message is recorded. The answering machine according to claim 4 or 5, which reproduces a voice concerning a preset time. 7. The answering machine as set forth in claim 4, wherein the recording section is composed of a semiconductor memory device, and the data relating to the time is stored in the semiconductor device and voice-synthesized for the first time upon reproduction.