JPS627249A - Automatic answering telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the number of operational switches on the control panel by making a voice-recording switch for response message and a mode switch for automatic response common in the titled telephone set. CONSTITUTION:In case of recording the response message, a response message switch 52A is turned on with the handset being hooked on. A controller 40 detects this, and a response message flag OGMF is checked. The said flag OGMF is set when the response message is recorded in a RAM 61, and is reset when not recorded. When the flag OGMF is being set, a voice signal from a microphone 14 is written in the RAM 61. In case of automatic response mode also, the switch 52A is turned on with the handset being hooked on. A CPU 41 checks the flag OGMF, and lets a flag AAMF reverse if the flag is being set. When the AAMF is being set, and LED53A turns on but turns off when the AAMF is being reset to become in stand-by status. And, when the OGMF is being reset, the response message becomes in recording mode.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] The explanation will be given in the following order.

A. Industrial application field B. Summary of the invention C Conventional technology D Problems that the invention attempts to solve E. Means to solve the problem (Figure 1) F. Effect G Example G1 first embodiment (Fig. 1, Fig. 2) G2 other examples Effect of H invention A. Industrial application field The present invention relates to an answering machine.

B. Summary of the Invention The present invention simplifies the operation of an answering machine by using a switch that also serves as a switch for sending a message to notify the other party that you are not at home.

C. Conventional technology An answering machine has a built-in tape recorder, and when a call is received, it plays a message from the tape informing the other party that you are not home (hereinafter referred to as a "response message"), and then The message from the other party regarding the business (hereinafter referred to as the "message") is recorded on tape.

However, when accessing messages using a tape recorder, the tape must be fast-forwarded or rewound to the required location, and it takes time to access the message.

Furthermore, since the tape recorder is built in, the device becomes large. Furthermore, the durability is not very good.

Therefore, a semiconductor memory was installed in place of the tape recorder.
A system that allows access to response messages and business messages is being considered. That is, by doing so, the response message and the business message can be accessed instantaneously, without having to wait. Also.

Because it uses semiconductor memory, it does not need to be as large as a tape recorder, and can be made to be almost the same size as a regular telephone.

Furthermore, it has excellent durability and high reliability.

D. Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in order to realize the above-mentioned functions, various operation switches must be provided on the operation surface of the device so that the user can operate them.

However, when various operation switches are provided on the operation surface, the operation surface becomes complicated, which is undesirable in terms of operability and design. In particular, as mentioned above, telephones that access response messages and business messages from semiconductor memory have been miniaturized to the same extent as regular telephones.
When the number of operation switches increases, the operation parts of the operation switches must be made smaller or crowded together, resulting in poor operability.

This invention attempts to solve such problems.

E. Measures to solve the problem Now, if we think about the various operation switches, the recording switch used to record a response message is unnecessary once the response message is recorded until the next time the response message is changed. be. Further, a mode switch for setting whether or not to automatically answer an incoming call with a response message is unnecessary when no response message is recorded.

Therefore, the present invention has focused on this point and is designed to serve both as a response message recording switch and an automatic response mode switch.

F The number of operation switches on the operation surface is reduced by using both the recording switch for the action response message and the mote switch for automatic response.

G Embodiment G1 First Embodiment In FIG. 1, (1) shows a telephone circuit, and (2) shows an answering machine according to the present invention.

In this device (2), (11) is a dial key for inputting the other party's telephone number, etc., (12) is an encoder that converts the key output into a DTMF signal, (
13) is a handset's transmitter, and (14) is a built-in microphone used when talking while on-hook. In addition, (21) is a 2-wire to 4-wire conversion circuit composed of, for example, a hybrid transformer, (22) is a relay contact corresponding to a hook switch, (23) is the relay, and (25) is the formation of a beep sound signal. It is a circuit.

Further, (31) is a detection circuit (ring detector) that detects a call from the other party from the ring tone signal, and (32) is a detection circuit (ring detector) that detects when the other party calls. When, the linga that announces this,
(33) is a decoder that decodes the DTMF signal; (33) is a decoder that decodes the DTMF signal;
4) is the receiver of the handset, and (35) is the speaker used to open the other party's voice while on-hook.

Further, (40) is a system controller that is composed of a microcomputer and controls the operation of the entire device, (41) is its CPU, (42) is a ROM in which various programs are written, and (43) is RAM for the work area, (44) is an input port, (45) is an output port, and these circuits (42) to (45) are connected to the CPU (41) through a system bus (46).

Note that the routine (100j) shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is also written in the ROM (42), and as described later, this routine (100) is used to record a response message and set/set the automatic response mode. It is executed by the CPU (41) at the time of reset.

Furthermore, (51) is a hook switch, (52A) ~ (
52N) is a non-locking type push button for performing various operations, and (53A'') to (53M) are LEDs that display the operating status of this device.The switch (52A) is for displaying response messages. This is an automatic response switch that doubles as a recording switch and an automatic response mode switch.

Furthermore, (61) is R where the response message is accessed.
AM, (62) is the RA where the message is accessed.
M, (63) is a D/A converter, (64) is an A/D converter, and (70) is a memory controller. This controller (70) is also configured by a microcomputer, and according to commands from the controller (40), the RAM ( 6
1) Select, read/write, and specify addresses in (62). Furthermore, R. AM (61),
The length of a message that can be accessed in (62) is, for example, 8 seconds.

Further, (91) to (97) are switch circuits, which are not shown in the figure, but are connected to the controller (40) and are switched to predetermined contacts by the controller (40).

Then, when this device is in a standby state, in the routine (100), step (101) is executed.

(102) is repeated.

That is, step (101,) is a step of checking the state of the automatic response switch (52A), and when the switch (52A) is on, step (111) is performed.
-(124) performs processing of terms (I[I) and (Vl) of the processes of terms (1) to (X) to be described later, and when it is off, the process proceeds to step (102).

This step (102) is (■).

In the step of checking whether there is a request for processing other than the (VT) term, if there is no such request, the processing of the CPU (41) returns to step (101),
When there is a request, the process of the CPU (41) proceeds to step (130), performs the corresponding process, and then returns to step (101).

Therefore, when in the standby state, the step (lo
t), (102) are repeated.

The contents and procedures of the processing in sections (1) to (X) are as follows:
It is as follows.

(I) When in the normal call waiting state, from the main unit (2) to the handset (1)
3) Picking up (34) turns on the hook switch (51), which is detected by the controller (40). Then, drive voltage is supplied from the controller (40) to the relay (23) through the amplifier (24), the contact (22) is turned on, and the line (1) is connected to the conversion circuit (21) through the contact (22). At the same time, the switch circuit (91) is activated by a control signal from the controller (40).

(92), (95), and (96) are connected to the "0" contact as shown.

Then, when the other party's telephone number is input using the dial key (11), the key output is supplied to the encoder (12) and converted into a DTMF signal, and this signal is sent to the conversion circuit (2).
1) and to the line (1) through the contact (22).

When the other party answers the call, the audio signal from the transmitter (13) is transmitted from the switch circuit (91) to the amplifier (15).
) - Switch circuit (92) - Conversion circuit (21) - Contact (
22) to the line (1). Also, the audio signal from the other party is transmitted from line (1) to contact point (2).
2) - Conversion circuit (21) - Switch circuit (95) → Amplifier (36) - The signal is supplied to the receiver (34) through the switch circuit (96) signal line. In other words, this is the state of the conversation with the other party.

Then, when the call was over, I set the handset (13)
, (34) is placed on the main body (2), the switch (51
) is turned off, this is detected by the controller (4o), the drive of the relay (23) is stopped, and the contact (
22) is turned off.

(n) When you receive a call from the other party when you are in the normal incoming call standby state,
The signal of the bell sound is detected by the detection circuit (31),
The detection output is supplied to the controller (40). Then, the automatic answering mode flag AAMF, which indicates whether or not to answer automatically, is checked. In this case, it is a normal incoming call, and flag 8AMF has been reset, so the controller (40) activates the ringer (32). A controlled bell sounds to notify you of an incoming call.

Then, when the handset (13), (34) is picked up, the hook switch (51) is turned on, which is detected by the controller (40) and the ringer (32) is turned on.
) bell sound is stopped. Further, as in the case of making a call, the contact (22) is turned on by the controller (40), and the switch circuits (91), (92),
(95) and (96) are connected to "o" contacts. Therefore, from now on, the call will be in the same state as when the call was made.

(III) Recording of response message This is performed by steps (111) to (115). That is, the response message switch (52A) is turned on while remaining on-hook. Then, this is detected by the controller (40) in step (101), and the process goes from step (101) to step (111).
In step (111), the response message flag OGMF is checked. This flag OG
MF is set when a response message is recorded in the RAM (61), and is reset when no response message is recorded.

When this flag OGMF is set, no response message can be recorded.

However, when the flag OGMF is reset, the process proceeds from step (111) to step (112), where the LED (53A) is set to a blinking state, and then proceeds to step (113), where the switch is switched. Circuit (91).

(94) is connected to the "1" contact, and at the same time, a command indicating that a response message is to be recorded is supplied from the controller (40) to the controller (70), and the controller (70) stores this in the RAM (61). A chip select signal, a write signal, and an address signal for selection are supplied.

Therefore, if you speak a response message into the microphone (14) while turning on the switch (52A), the voice signal will be transmitted from the microphone (14) to the switch circuit (
The signal is supplied to the A/D converter (64) through the signal line of 91) → amplifier (15) → switch circuit (94) and is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal, and this signal is supplied to RAM (61) and sequentially written. It's been a long time (.

Then, when the 8 seconds of writing is completed, step (11
In 4), the data indicating this is the controller (70).
is supplied to the controller (40). Then, the controller (40) switches the switch circuit (96),
(97) is connected to the "1" contact, and the forming circuit (25) is controlled to form a beep signal, and this signal is transmitted to the switch circuit (97) - amplifier (36) - switch circuit (96). The signal is supplied to the speaker (35) through the signal line, and the speaker (35) produces a "bleep" sound indicating the end of recording the response message.

Furthermore, the LED (53A) is lit continuously.

The process then proceeds to step (115') and flag OG.
After MF and AAMF are set, step (101
). Therefore, from now on, it will be in a standby state.

When the recording of the response message is completed in this way, the switch (52A) is turned off.

(IV) Confirmation (playback) of response message contents Turn on the playback switch (52B) with the footer still on. Then, when the response message is being recorded, the flag OGMF is set, so the switch circuit (93
) and (96) are connected to the “1” contact, and
A command indicating that a response message is to be reproduced is supplied from the controller (40) to the controller (70), and a chip select signal, a read signal, and an address signal for selecting this are supplied from the controller (70) to the RAM (61). Ru.

Therefore, the response message signals of the RAM (61) are sequentially read out, and are supplied to the D/A converter (63) to be converted from a digital signal to an analog signal. →Speaker (35) through the signal line of the switch circuit (96)
and a response message is played back from the speaker (35).

When the reproduction of the response message is completed, data indicating this is transferred from the controller (70) to the controller (4).
0) and then enters a standby state.

Note that when the response message is not recorded in the RAM (61), the flag OGMF is reset.
When this flag OGMF is reset, the beep signal from the formation circuit (25) is transmitted to the switch circuit (97).
)-amplifier (36)-switch circuit (96) to the speaker (35).
5) will make a beep sound, indicating that no response message has been recorded.

(V) Clearing the response message Turn on the switch (52A) while turning on the clear switch (52C) with the footer still on.

Then, the flag OGMF is reset, and from then on, the RAM
Regardless of the contents of (61), it is assumed that the response message has not been recorded. Also, LED (53A)
is turned off.

(VI) Setting and resetting automatic response mode This is performed by steps (121) to (124). That is, the switch (528) is turned on with the footer on. Then, the processing of the CPU (41) goes to step (10).
1) Proceed to step (111”) and set the flag OGMF.
is checked and this flag OGMF is set, the process proceeds from step (111) to step (
121>, and in this step (121), the flag AAMF is inverted, that is, if the flag AAMF had been reset until now, it is set, and if it had been set, it is reset.

The process then proceeds to step (122), in which flag AAMF is checked, and if flag AAMF is set, step (122) is performed.
The LED (538) is turned on by step (123), and when it is reset, the LED (538) is turned off by step (124).
123), returns to step (101) from (124), and thereafter enters a standby state.

Note that when the flag OGMF is checked and it is reset, the response message recording mode is entered in steps (112) to (115) as described in section (III).

(■) When a call is received from the called party in automatic answering mode, the flag AAMF is checked using the same procedure as in section (n), and in this case flag AAMF is set. , relay (23
) is turned on, and the line (11) is connected to the conversion circuit (21).Subsequently, the switch circuit (92)
is connected to the "1" contact and the switch circuit (93) is connected to the "0" contact, indicating that a response message is being played from the controller (40) to the controller (70) as in the case of item (IV). A controller is supplied, and accordingly, the response message signals of the RAM (61) are sequentially read out, which are transmitted to the D/A converter (63) - switch circuit (93) - switch circuit (92) - conversion circuit (21) - The line (1) is connected through the signal line of the contact (22).
1 is sent out.

When the reproduction of the response message is completed, data indicating this is transferred from the controller (70) to the controller (4).
0). Then, the switch circuit (92) is activated by the controller (40).

(97) is connected to the "O" contact, and the formation circuit (25) is controlled to generate a beep signal, and this signal is transmitted from the switch circuit (97) to the amplifier (15) to the switch circuit (92). - Conversion circuit (21) - A signal is sent to the line (1) through the contact (22) signal line, and the other party's telephone makes a "beep" sound indicating the start of recording the message.

Next, the switch circuit (94) is connected to the "0" contact and the switch circuit (95) is connected to the "1" contact, indicating that the controller (40) is recording a message from the controller (70). When a command is supplied, a chip select signal, a write signal, and an address signal for selecting the command are supplied from the controller (70) to the RAM (62).

Therefore, when the person on the other end of the phone speaks the matter according to the signal tone to start recording, the voice signal is transmitted from the line (11 → contact point (22)
) - Conversion circuit (21) → Switch circuit (95) → Switch circuit (94) - Supplied to RAM (62) through the signal line of A/D converter (64), and the message of the other party's business is stored in RAM (62) are written sequentially.

When the 8 seconds of writing is completed, data indicating this is supplied from the controller (70) to the controller (40). Then, in the same manner as at the start of recording of any message, a beep signal is sent from the forming circuit (25) to the line (1) to notify the other party that recording of the message has ended.

Furthermore, a flag ICMP indicating whether or not the business message has been recorded is set, and an LED (53
C) is lit, and from then on, it is in a standby state.

(■) Turn on the playback switch (520) while leaving the footer on. Then, when the message is being recorded,
Since the flag ICMP is set, the switch circuits (93) and (96) are connected to the "1" contact, and the controller (40) is connected to the controller (70).
A command indicating that a business message is to be reproduced is supplied to the RAM (62), and a chip select signal, a read signal, and an address signal for selecting the command are supplied from the controller (70) to the RAM (62).

Therefore, the business message signals in the RAM (62) are sequentially read out, and are supplied to the D/A converter (63) to be converted from digital signals to analog signals. )→Speaker (35) through the signal line of the switch circuit (96)
and the message is reproduced from the speaker (35).

When the reproduction of the business message is completed, data indicating this is transferred from the controller (70) to the controller (70).
0) to the controller (40), and thereafter enters a standby state.

Note that when the business message is not recorded in the RAM (62), the flag ICMP is reset.
When this flag ICMF is reset, a beep signal from the forming circuit (25) causes the speaker (35
) will make a beep sound, indicating that the message has not been recorded.

(IX) Delete the business message Turn on the recording switch (52B) while turning on the clear switch (52C) with the footer still on. Then, the flag ICMP is reset, and from then on, the RAM (62
), it is assumed that the message is not recorded. Further, the LED (53C) is turned off.

(X) Recording of a call Turn on the switch (52E) during the call according to item (1) or item (II). Then, the flag ICMP is checked, and when this flag ICMP is set, the message has already been recorded in the RAM (62), so this item (IX) is not executed.
When the flag IC1'lF is reset, the switch circuit (94) is the "0" contact, the switch circuit (95
) is connected to the “1” contact, and the controller (
70) supplies the controller (40) with a command indicating that the call is being recorded (this is the same as the command indicating that the business message is being recorded), and from then on, (■
The same operation as the recording of the business message in section ) is performed, and the other party's voice signal and your own voice signal via the conversion circuit (21) are recorded in the RAM (62), and after 8 seconds have elapsed, the speaker ( A "beep" sound sounds from the 35) indicating that recording has ended, and the LED 5
3C) is lit. Also, the flag ICMP is set.

Note that the contents of the telephone conversation recorded in this way can be played back or erased (sections ■ and ■) in the same manner as the business message.

Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to serve both as a response message recording switch and an automatic response mode switch, thereby simplifying the operation surface and providing more space in terms of arrangement and size.

Further, whether it is recording a response message or setting an automatic response mode, the automatic response requires only a switch (52A), so the operation is simple.

G2 Other Embodiments In the above description, converters (63) and (64) can share their main parts. Also, for example, the switches (52A) and (52B) can be replaced with LEDs (53A
).

(5,3C) can also be used as a self-illuminating type. Furthermore, when the response message is being recorded in step (113'), if the remaining time becomes short, for example, 3 seconds, the blinking cycle of the LED (53A) can be made faster. In addition, on-footer dialing, redialing,
Functions such as speed dialing can also be added.

Effects of the Invention According to this invention, a response message recording switch,
It can also be used as an automatic response mode switch, so
The operation surface can be simplified, and there is also room for arrangement and size.

Furthermore, whether it is recording a response message or setting an automatic response mode, the automatic response requires only a switch (52A), so the operation is simple.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of an example of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the main parts. fil is the telephone line, (11) is the dial key, (13)
Send a call! , (34) is the receiver, (4o) is the system controller, (61), (62) is the RAM, (63)
) is a D/A converter, and (64) is an A/D converter. ° Tar-゛-゛・ Agent Sada Ito, :',,,i,':, :,1;1 Hidemori Matsukuma,,1(...

Claims (1)

[Claims] It has a semiconductor memory, a D/A converter, an A/D converter, and a switch, and when the switch is operated, the semiconductor memory has:
It is checked whether the digital signal of the response message is written, and if the digital signal of the response message is not written, the signal of the response message is
The analog signal is converted into a digital signal by the /D converter, and the digital signal of this response message is written into the semiconductor memory, and when the switch is operated and the digital signal of the response message is written, When a call arrives,
The digital signal written in the semiconductor memory is read out, the read digital signal is supplied to the D/A converter and converted into an analog signal of the response message, and the analog signal of the response message is converted into an analog signal of the response message. An answering machine that sends messages out to the telephone line.