JPH10271204A - Answering machine and telephone with answering machine function - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide an answering machine which can identify a partner and automatically respond. SOLUTION: A first storage means (208) capable of storing voiceprint data, a second storage means (209) capable of storing a response message corresponding to the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means, Voiceprint determination means (207) for determining whether or not the input voiceprint data matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means; and the second storage means based on the determination result of the voiceprint determination means. And answering machine control means (206) capable of selectively outputting the corresponding response message from the outside to the outside, and determining whether or not the voiceprint data input from the outside matches the voiceprint data in the first storage means. The automatic response is achieved by outputting the corresponding response message in the second storage means to the outside based on it.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an answering machine, and more particularly to an answering machine using voiceprint recognition, and more particularly to a technique effective when applied to a telephone with an answering machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A telephone with an answering machine is a function for automatically answering an incoming call without lifting the handset of the telephone, and when an incoming call cannot be answered manually due to absence or holiday. Valid. The answering machine function is exhibited when the telephone with the answering machine function is set to the "answering machine mode", and when the answering machine mode setting is cancelled, it functions as a normal telephone.

In a telephone with an answering machine function, in a state where an answering machine is set, after answering, only a message stored on a magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be heard by a caller (the person who called the telephone). Some are dedicated to answering, while others have the ability to record the caller's requirements.

As an example of a document describing a telephone with an answering machine function, there is an "Electronic Communication Handbook (pages 1231 to)" issued by Ohm Co., Ltd. on August 20, 1983.

[0005]

In the answering machine mode of a telephone having an answering machine function, a message to be heard by a caller can be set in advance. Depending on the telephone with an answering machine, several types of message patterns are prepared in advance, and a desired message can be selected from among them. There is also a model in which a user of a telephone with an answering machine can record his own voice.

[0006] The inventors of the present invention have examined the answering function of such an answering machine. The answering message set in the telephone with the answering machine function can be changed, but is basically the same for all callers. For example, if you want to prepare a message with special content for a specific caller, considering that the message has no meaning to another caller, I'm out of the office right now "and found that all callers had to set a common message. The inability to make an individual response in the answering machine function in this way is due to the inability to identify the caller.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an answering machine which can identify a partner and automatically respond.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a telephone with an answering machine function capable of identifying the other party and automatically answering.

The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010]

The following is a brief description of an outline of a typical invention among the inventions disclosed in the present application.

That is, as a first means, a first storage means (208) capable of storing voiceprint data, and a second storage means (storeable) capable of storing a response message corresponding to the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. 209) and voiceprint determination means (2) for determining whether the voiceprint data input from the outside matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means.
07) and an answering machine control unit (206) capable of selectively outputting the corresponding response message in the second storage unit to the outside based on the determination result of the voiceprint determining unit. The voiceprint determining means determines whether or not the voiceprint data input from the outside matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means, and the answering machine control means determines whether or not the answering machine control means based on the determination result of the voiceprint determining means. Above the second
The corresponding response message in the storage means is selectively output to the outside. This achieves the object of the present invention of providing an answering machine that can automatically respond by identifying the other party.

As a second means, a first storage means (208) capable of storing voiceprint data, and a second storage means (209) capable of storing a response message corresponding to the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. And absence mode setting means (1
Voice print determining means (207) for determining whether voice print data inputted from the line side matches voice print data stored in the first storage means while the answering mode is set according to 4). Answering machine control means (206) capable of selectively outputting the corresponding response message in the second storage means to the line side based on the judgment result of the voiceprint judgment means (206)
And a telephone with an answering machine function. The voiceprint determination means determines whether the voiceprint data input from the line side matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means, and the answering machine control means determines whether or not the voiceprint data is determined by the voiceprint determination means. The corresponding response message in the second storage means is selectively output to the line based on the information. This achieves the object of the present invention of providing a telephone with an answering machine function capable of identifying a partner and automatically answering.

As a third means, a third storage means (209) capable of storing voiceprint data and a third storage means capable of storing transfer destination information in relation to the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means.
Storage means (508) and answering mode setting means (14)
A voiceprint determining means (207) for determining whether or not voiceprint data input from the line side matches voiceprint data stored in the first storage means in a state where the answering mode is set by An answering machine control means (206) capable of controlling transfer based on the corresponding transfer destination information in the third storage means based on the judgment result of the voiceprint judgment means constitutes a telephone with an answering machine function. The voiceprint determining means determines whether or not the voiceprint data input from the outside matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means, and the answering machine control means determines whether or not the answering machine control means based on the determination result of the voiceprint determining means. Transfer control based on the corresponding transfer destination information in the third storage means. This achieves the object of the present invention of providing an answering machine that can automatically respond by identifying the other party.

As a fourth means, a first storage means (208) capable of storing voiceprint data and a second storage means (209) capable of storing a response message corresponding to the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. And a third destination capable of storing transfer destination information in relation to the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means.
Storage means (508), and the absence mode setting means (1
Voice print determining means (207) for determining whether voice print data inputted from the line side matches voice print data stored in the first storage means while the answering mode is set according to 4). A corresponding response message in the second storage means is selectively output to the line side based on the determination result of the voiceprint determination means, or transfer control is possible based on corresponding transfer destination information in the third storage means. And an answering machine control means (206). The voiceprint determination means determines whether the voiceprint data input from the line side matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means, and the answering machine control means determines whether or not the voiceprint data is determined by the voiceprint determination means. The corresponding response message in the second storage means is selectively output to the line side based on the above, or the transfer is controlled based on the corresponding transfer destination information in the third storage means. This achieves the object of the present invention of providing an answering machine that can automatically respond by identifying the other party.

[0015]

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of a telephone with an answering machine according to the present invention.

A telephone 10 with an answering machine function shown in FIG.
1 includes a telephone body 10 and a handset 11 mounted on the telephone body 10. The handset 11
A transmitter (microphone) for converting voice into electrical signals,
A receiver (speaker) for converting an electric signal into a voice is provided.

An answering machine 102 for recognizing the voiceprint of the issuer is built into the telephone body 10. The telephone body 10 is provided with a push button dial 12 using a PB signal. By operating the push button dial 12, a CCITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) is operated.
Is generated, and a selection signal is transmitted to the line via the line 13 by the operation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the answering machine 102 has voiceprint data, a name of a person corresponding to the voiceprint data, an individual response content as a message prepared exclusively for the person, and voiceprint data. The normal response content that is used when is not registered is registered. For example, if a call is received while the answering machine is set, and if the voiceprint of the caller matches voiceprint data stored in advance, a response corresponding to the voiceprint data is read out. The call is transmitted to the caller. On the other hand, when the voiceprint of the caller does not match the registered voiceprint data, the contents of the normal response are read and transmitted to the caller. Here, the contents of the normal response are not particularly limited, but are described as "I am out of the office. I'm afraid, but please try again later."

The answering machine 102 is provided with the telephone body 1
The function is exhibited in a state where the absence mode is set by the absence mode setting switch 14 provided at 0.

FIG. 1 shows functional blocks of a telephone with an answering machine function according to the present invention.

A hook switch 201 is provided, and circuit switching is performed by the hook switch 201. In the first state of the hook switch 201, the line and the bell 202 are connected, and when a signal comes from the other party's subscriber or exchange, the bell 202 rings. In the second state of the hook switch, the bell 202 is disconnected from the line, and the microphone 205, the normal control unit 203, or the answering machine 10
2 is coupled to the line.

The normal control section 203 controls the normal operation of the telephone function. For example, when the bell 202 rings and the handset 11 is detached from the telephone body 10,
It amplifies an audio signal from the line and transmits it to the speaker 204, or generates a PB signal corresponding to the operation of the push button dial 12 in dialing and sends it to the line side.

The answering machine 102 identifies an opponent and implements an automatic answering machine. The function of the answering machine 102 is exhibited when the answering mode is set by the answering mode setting switch 14. In other words, when the absence mode is not set by the absence mode setting switch 14,
Basically, a call under the control of the normal control unit 203 is possible, but the answering function of the answering machine 102 is not exhibited. Although not particularly limited, the answering machine 102
Includes an answering machine control unit 206, a message recording unit 211, a voiceprint determination unit 207, a voiceprint storage unit 208, and a response message storage unit 209.

The answering machine control unit 206 is in a standby state when the answering mode is set by the answering mode setting switch 14, and the answering machine 102 responds to an incoming call.
Controls the operation of each part within.

The message recording unit 211 records a message from a telephone partner using a recording medium such as a magnetic tape, although not particularly limited. This recorded content can be reproduced via the answering machine control unit 206, the normal control unit 203, and the speaker 204, and can be heard from a destination via a telephone line while the answering machine mode is set.

The voiceprint storage unit 208 is formed of, but not limited to, a semiconductor memory in which voiceprint data and the name of the person corresponding to the voiceprint data are stored in advance. The voice print data is stored in the microphone 20
The user of the telephone with answering machine 101 can register using the voice data input via the telephone line 5 or through the telephone line. The response message storage unit 209 stores a response message corresponding to the voiceprint data stored in the voiceprint storage unit 208 (see FIG. 3).
For example, if voiceprint data of Mr. A, Mr. B, and Mr. C are stored in the voiceprint storage unit 208, the response message storage unit 2
In 09, a response message to Mr. A, a response message to Mr. B, and a response message to Mr. C can be written as necessary. The writing of the response message to the response message storage unit 209 can be performed via the microphone 205.

The voiceprint determining unit 207 includes an answering machine control unit 206
It is determined whether or not the voiceprint of the voice signal (the voice of the other party receiving the call in the answering machine mode) input from the line side via the PC matches the voiceprint registered in advance. In other words, the voiceprint of the voice input from the line side via the answering machine control unit 206 is compared with the voiceprint stored in the voiceprint storage unit 208. If the voiceprint matches in the determination, the response message storage unit From inside 209, a response message to the person corresponding to the voiceprint is transmitted to the line via the answering machine control unit 206, and transmitted to the other party of the call. In addition, since the response message storage unit 209 also stores a response message (referred to as a normal response message) to a person other than the person whose voiceprint is stored in the voiceprint storage unit 208 (see FIG. 3), In the case of a person whose voiceprint is not stored in the voiceprint storage unit 208, the normal response message is transmitted to the line via the answering machine control unit 206 and transmitted to the other party.

Further, after the response message read from response message 209 is transmitted to the other party,
The message from the other party of the call is sent to the answering machine control unit 20.
6, and is stored in the message recording unit 211.

According to the telephone having the answering machine function described above, the following effects can be obtained.

It is determined whether or not the voice print of the voice signal input from the line side via the answering machine control unit 206 matches a previously registered voice print. From within the message storage unit 209, a response message to the person corresponding to the voice print is transmitted to the line via the answering machine control unit 206, and transmitted to the other party of the call. As described above, the voiceprint determination is performed in the answering machine mode, and a response message corresponding to the voiceprint determination is selectively transmitted to the line, so that the other party can be identified and a message corresponding to the other party can be transmitted. For example, even if the other party is a foreigner who does not understand Japanese, or is the boss of a company, a response message corresponding to that can be transmitted to the other party.

Next, another configuration example of the telephone with an answering machine function will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.

The telephone with an answering machine function shown in FIG.
A major difference from FIG. 1 is that a transfer information storage unit 508 is provided instead of the response message storage unit 209.

The transfer information storage unit 508 stores a transfer destination telephone number and the like in a telephone transfer.
The transfer control is automatically performed by the telephone 101 with the answering machine function. In other words, when the voiceprint of the voice input from the line matches the voiceprint stored in voiceprint storage unit 208, the corresponding transfer destination telephone number is read from transfer information storage unit 508, and answering machine control unit 2
When the transfer destination telephone number is transmitted to the telephone company through the line under the control of 06, telephone transfer is performed.
As a result, a call received by the telephone 101 with the answering machine function can be received by another telephone at the transfer destination.

As described above, since the voiceprint determination is performed by the voiceprint determination unit 207, a telephone call from a person whose voiceprint is not registered in the voiceprint storage unit 208 is not transferred.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, an input signal determination unit 507 is provided in addition to the response message 209 and the transfer information storage unit 508. This input signal determination unit 5
In step 07, when the voiceprints match in the determination by the voiceprint determination unit 207, a determination is made to allow the other party of the telephone to select whether to listen to the response message or to transfer the telephone.
For example, "When listening to a response message," 1 "
Press "0" if you want to forward calls. Is transmitted to the other party, the input signal determination unit 507 waits for a number input from the other party. If the other party is "1" on the telephone's push button dial
Is pressed, and when it is determined by the input signal determination unit 507,
The response message in the response message storage unit 209 is read and sent to the other party. However, when the other party presses "0" on the push button dial of the telephone and the input signal is determined by the input signal determination unit 507, the information stored in the transfer information storage unit 508 is read and transfer control is performed.

When the input signal judging unit 507 is provided in addition to the response message 209 and the transfer information storage unit 508, the transmission of the response message or the telephone transfer is performed according to the request of the other party.

Although the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, and it is possible that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Needless to say.

For example, the voiceprint storage unit 208, the response message storage unit 209, and the transfer information storage unit 508 may be realized by the same hardware.

In the above description, mainly the case where the invention made by the present inventor is applied to a telephone with an answering machine, which is a field of use as a background, has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. And various communication devices.

The present invention can be applied to at least the presence of the absence mode.

[0041]

The effects obtained by typical ones of the inventions disclosed in the present application will be briefly described as follows.

That is, it is determined whether or not the voiceprint data input from the outside matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. Based on the determination result, a corresponding response message in the second storage means is determined. Is selected, it is possible to provide an answering machine that can identify the other party and automatically respond.

Also, it is determined whether or not the voiceprint data input from the line side matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. Based on the determination result, a corresponding response in the second storage means is determined. By selectively outputting the message to the line side, it is possible to provide a telephone with an answering machine function capable of identifying the other party and automatically responding.

Further, it is determined whether or not the voiceprint data input from the line side matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. Based on the determination result, the corresponding transfer in the third storage means is determined. By performing transfer control based on the destination information, it is possible to provide an answering machine that can identify the other party and automatically respond.

Then, it is determined whether or not the voiceprint data input from the line side matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. Based on the determination result, a corresponding response in the second storage means is determined. Selectively output messages to the line side,
Alternatively, by performing transfer control based on the corresponding transfer destination information in the third storage means, it is possible to provide an answering machine that can identify the other party and automatically respond.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a configuration example of a telephone with an answering machine function according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the telephone with an answering machine function.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of data used in an answering response in the telephone with an answering machine function.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the telephone with an answering machine function.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing still another configuration example of the telephone with an answering machine function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 telephone body 11 handset 12 push button dial 14 answering machine setting switch 101 answering machine telephone 102 answering machine 203 normal control section 206 answering machine control section 207 voiceprint determination section 208 voiceprint storage section 209 response message storage section 211 message recording section 507 input Signal determination unit 508 Transfer information storage unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tomohisa Otsuki 5-20-1, Josuihonmachi, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo Nichi-cho SLS Engineering Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] A first storage unit capable of storing voiceprint data; a second storage unit capable of storing a response message corresponding to the voiceprint data stored in the first storage unit; Selecting a corresponding response message in the second storage means based on the determination result of the voiceprint determination means for determining whether or not matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. And an answering machine control means that can be externally output. 2. A telephone with an answering machine function having an answering machine mode setting means capable of setting an answering machine mode, a first storage means capable of storing voiceprint data, and a response corresponding to the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. A second storage unit capable of storing a message, and in a state where the answering mode is set by the answering mode setting unit, the voiceprint data input from the line matches the voiceprint data stored in the first storage unit. Voiceprint determining means for determining whether or not to perform the answering, and answering machine control means capable of selectively outputting a corresponding response message in the second storage means to the line side based on the determination result of the voiceprint determining means. A telephone with an answering machine function. 3. A telephone having an answering machine function having an answering machine mode setting means capable of setting an answering machine mode, wherein the first storage means capable of storing voiceprint data and the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. Third storage means capable of storing transfer destination information; and voice print data input from the line side while the answering mode is set by the answering mode setting means.
Voiceprint determining means for determining whether the voiceprint data matches voiceprint data stored in the storage means, and transfer control based on corresponding transfer destination information in the third storage means based on the determination result of the voiceprint determination means. A telephone with an answering machine, characterized by comprising possible answering machine control means. 4. A telephone with an answering machine function having an answering machine mode setting means capable of setting an answering machine mode, a first storage means capable of storing voiceprint data, and a response corresponding to the voiceprint data stored in the first storage means. Second storage means capable of storing a message, third storage means capable of storing transfer destination information in relation to voiceprint data stored in the first storage means, and an answering mode setting means for setting an answering mode. The voice print data input from the line side
Voiceprint determining means for determining whether the voiceprint data matches voiceprint data stored in the storage means, and selectively responding to the corresponding response message in the second storage means on the line side based on the determination result of the voiceprint determining means. And an answering machine control means capable of controlling transfer based on the corresponding transfer destination information in the third storage means.