DE3202632A1 - Telephone set with an answering machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Telephone set with an answering machine and a first memory disposed inside its housing which contains signals for generating synthetic speech for the purpose of conveying a message to a caller, with a first decoder which converts the signals contained in the first memory into speech signals, with a further corresponding memory forming a plug-in module which furthermore contains control signals to which a second decoder responds in order to activate a switching element, where, in response to control signals contained in the further memory, in the conversion of the signals contained in the memories into speech signals, a switchover to the first memory for further signal output occurs until a signal resetting this condition appears.

Description

description

The invention relates to a telephone set according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a telephone set is for example from DE-AS 28 54 516 known.

In the known telephone set, there is a disadvantage that changes to be communicated to a caller in the absence of the owner of the called set Text can only be made with relatively complex means. In particular it is not possible, on the one hand, complete announcement texts in a simple manner The current situation can be changed quickly and easily to modify the data to be transmitted within a text to be output. To the Two different announcement texts with the Data contained therein serve: The first message should read: "The participant is currently not available. Please call back at 5:00 p.m. ". The second The message should have the following content: "The subscriber is currently under this connection. cannot be reached, please dial 817 37 94. ".

As can be seen, on the one hand, there can be a desire that one exchange for the other message, while on the other hand also the content of the first and second communication with regard to the data contained therein (Time indication or phone number) must be changed. Shall be selected in the case of a plurality of Notices also made all possible data and information available If the solid-state memory were to be replaced, it would not be acceptable Number of replacement parts to be kept in stock, while in the case of variation alone by switching over, on the one hand there would be the operating means to be actuated when switching over only relatively complicated and time-consuming to carry out and, on the other hand, the content would be of the telephone set to be provided space requirements when using solid-state memories with an increasing number of communication texts it is quite considerable.

The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the object in the case of a telephone set of the type specified at the outset, when changing the handling to be made to the notification to be given to the caller, if possible to simplify, with the total required memory requirements the needs of the participant largely adaptable and the necessary devices even with large Need for different message texts within the housing of a common one Telephone desk apparatus should be able to be accommodated.

The invention is based on the knowledge that a maximum of flexibility with regard to the texts to be output can be achieved if they are present in plug-in modules Texts that can be selected from any large stock can be combined with such Announcements stored in read-only memories within the housing of the telephone set are held. The last-named parts of the text include, for example Digits and times. So you can with a comprehensive all digits and time information Set of text modules in connection with pre-formulated standard sentences the A wide variety of messages are issued, with time and phone number information can be adapted to current needs. The changeable phone number information relate to those phone numbers that are used in the event of unavailability of the owner of the connection should be dialed while their own phone number of the telephone set shown here expediently permanently programmed in the read-only memories arranged within its housing is present, wherein this call number in the announcement is also preferred from those single digit announcements is composed, from which also the changeable digits and phone number information be put together.

In an advantageous development of the invention, each a read-write and a read-only memory combined in a plug-in module, with the changeable memory influences a switching element which controls the content of the telephone Addressed existing, permanently attached read-only memory for calling up lines of text, which are to be inserted into those text modules which are present in the plug-in module Solid state storage are included.

The switching element is in each case connected to the in the content of the Housing of the telephone existing read-only memory recorded text parts subsequent signal reset in such a way that then again from the read-only memory is read out in the plug-in module.

Another alternative development is the read / write memory separated from the read-only memory designed as a plug-in module inside the housing arranged, wherein the plug-in module has coding means, which for different Plug-in modules are designed differently and respond to the coding means switching means connected to the housing a part of addresses of the read-write memory form. The partial address is in each case read out from the read-only memory Information added so that the jump address - and thus the call number to be read out or other digit information - in the read / write memory that is permanently connected to the telephone set is found that contains all of the corresponding digit values for the ones used by the user Contains modules. In this way, a simple (volatile) memory can be used as read / write memory. RAM memory can be used.

In another preferred development of the invention, a Counter is provided which consecutively stores the storage locations in the solid-state memory addressed, with additional switching means being provided, which if available predefined signal states within the addressed memory locations the counter to put in its value. The counter is expediently in accordance with the Content of the information found changed. In this way, speech and place control data in the same memories, after the text has expired or text part, an assigned control information causes the necessary text connection. Since in the illustrated invention to be inserted text parts such as numerals and Times are preferably fixedly arranged within the housing of the telephone set included the latter at its end the return address, which set the counter so that the text parts following the insertion are addressed.

It can be seen that this type of control eliminates the need for a CPU which influences the processing and conversion of data, but that when cyclic sampling of the information contained in the read-only memory all for Speech output necessary signals including those effecting the concatenation Generate control signals if it is ensured that the control signals in the speech reproduction do not appear disruptive. This can be done in such a way that the Digital values assigned to control information have no function in text generation comes to. For example, when using delta modulation, "jump addresses" and commands values selected that have no amplitude value in speech reproduction assigned.

Other preferred developments of the invention are set out in the subclaims specified. An advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is described in more detail below.

The single figure shows the embodiment of the invention Telephone set in block diagram.

A telephone set 2 connected to an exchange line 1 has the normal ones in a telephone holding components on. The elements necessary to deliver messages to a caller are in the block diagram shown outside and separately from the telephone set 2, albeit to a large extent within its housing are located. The telephone set 2 has a keypad 3, which is a conventional one Forms keypad to establish a connection.

Furthermore, a socket 4 is provided for receiving a plug-in module 5, whose component is outlined in dashed lines in the block diagram. The ones to be submitted Texts are held in a first read-only memory 6 and a read-only memory 7, the first read-only memory being arranged within the exchangeable plug-in module 5 is. The second read-only memory 7 is firmly attached in the housing of the telephone set. The read-only memories 6 and 7 are addressed via a common address bus 8, whereby parts of the message texts by successively addressing the memory locations are generated by the fact that the existing in the addressed memory locations Signal states supplied to a voice decoder 9 serving as a digital-to-analog converter which corresponds to the stored signal states in switching speeds converts electrical signals which are supplied to the telephone set 2 from its output to be transferred to trunk line 1.

Not all contained in the memory locations of the read-only memory Signal states (which each comprise a data word consisting of several bits) corresponds to information to be converted by the speech decoder 9 into a speech signal. A number of the stored data words rather, give orders represents which recognized by a command decoder 10 and in corresponding instructions implemented. The commands are instructions when reading out continue with the voice information at a specific address, the relevant For the sake of simplicity, the address is preferably contained in the command word itself.

The successive addressing of the read-only memories 6 and 7 takes place by means of a clock generator 11 via AND gates 12 and 13 and an OR gate 14 is controlled by a clock generator 15. The clock signal causes the counter 11 each is preceded by a value so that the memory locations addressed in the read-only memories.

The clock generator 11 is corresponding to that evaluated by the command decoder 10 Commands via a switching element 16 and a presetting element 17 according to the in the Commands contained in read-only memories 6 and 7 can be preset to any counter readings. Further addresses and commands are contained in a read / write memory 18, the are combined with the read-only memory 6 in the plug-in module 5. In the read / write memory variable data such as phone numbers or time information can be entered in such a way that here the addresses of the spoken digit words are held in the read-only memory 7 are.

The other existing components concern electronic circuits, which are the logical links between the components shown so far cause.

They are based on the following description of the embodiment of the telephone set according to the invention will be described in detail.

The automatic caller function is activated by means of a flip-flop 19 of the telephone set 2 switched on. When ready for automatic answering If the flip-flop 19 is set, the H state is indicated to the user via an illuminated display 20 communicated. When the call is received, a signal is sent on a line 21 to the input an AND gate 22, the other input of which with the Q output of the flip-flop 19 connected is. The signal on line 21 appears when the exchange loop is closed is, the other components of the automatic answering machine that are used for Call recognition and to close the office loop are not shown because they correspond to the usual elements used in such circuits.

An H signal arrives at an input from the output of AND gate 22 an OR gate 23, the output of which is connected to the set input of a flip-flop 24 is. The flip-flop 24 remains set for the duration of the text message, with the flip-flop maintains this state for the duration of the text announcement. By the output signal H of the Q output of the flip-flop 24 is the clock signal of the via the AND gate 12 Clock 15 switched through via the OR gate 14 to the counter 11. This begins then to address the storage locations of the first read-only memory 6 one after the other, whereupon the content of the addressed memory locations is fed to the speech decoder 9 and is transmitted as a voice signal to the calling party; Ever after the inserted text module 5 a fixed sentence of the content is reproduced, that the called subscriber cannot be reached, whereby - depending on the selected Text - to be retrieved again after a specified time, or a different one instead Phone number is to be dialed. Assuming that the calling subscriber has a call number is to be communicated, the text stored in the read-only memory 6 is output to the point where the number is announced. Since it is the phone number is variable information that can be changed by the user the associated data are held in the read / write memory 18. The read-only memory 6, for example, the addresses 00001 to 01011 may be assigned. (The ones used here Address details serve only as an example and are compared to those that occur in practice Data records are reproduced in abbreviated form the address 00111 may be required. The associated storage space therefore contains the information "01100", which is the first addressable memory location Read / write memory 18 acts. The information "01100" is provided by the command decoder counted as a command, the status of the counter 11 via the presetting element 17 and to set the switching element 16 to the content of the currently addressed memory. The first memory location of the read / write memory 18 is thus also addressed the address "01100".

The function of a first and a second should also be mentioned Buffer 26 and 27, which are controlled by the command decoder 10 and hold the next address in each case if they are from the command decoder 10 can be controlled. This takes place for the first buffer store 26 when the Read-only memory 6 is addressed. If the address counter outputs 11 address values, which contain the sequence "00 ---" or "010--", the first buffer will be 26 is set to the next address value and retains this state when addressing other storage locations.

The second buffer memory 27 is used when addressing the read / write memory 18 (address values "011--") is set to the next higher value and also remains this address value in the case of addressing other memory locations.

Now that the last address of the Read-only memory 6 is the next memory location within the read / write memory 18 was found and addressed, the first buffer contains the next memory location to be addressed in read-only memory 6, while the second buffer memory 27 contains the next memory location to be addressed in the read / write memory 18. The now arrives at the addressed memory location in the read / write memory 18 information contained on the read bus 28 connecting the memory and arrives thus to the command decoder, the information contained being an address of the second Read-only memory 7, for example "10000" forms. This information will the first digit of the number to be given to the caller is addressed, the second Read-only memory 7 held in the memory locations following the specified address is.

Since the cycle counter - if no commands jump to a predetermined one Force address - continuously counts up to read out the language information, which is implemented in the usual way by the speech decoder 9 in understandable language will. When the reading of the digit is finished, a will be in the last memory location of the assigned memory area available command read out, for example has the sequence "11101" and does not form an address of the memory. When appearing this command on the read bus 28 is via the command decoder 10 the content of the read out the second buffer, which is the next address of the read-write memory contains. Via the correspondingly controlled switching element 16, the presetting element 17, the clock counter 11 is set to the address contained in the second buffer memory 27.

This is the address "01101" of the read / write memory 18, the allocated memory location the start address of the next digit of the dem Caller number to be notified within the read-only memory 7 contains. These (for example the memory location '11000') is then addressed and the next one Number communicated. The rest of the process takes place here again as described above.

If all digits of the call number have been output, the next one contains Storage location information that is one greater than the highest address of the read / write memory 18. If its highest address is "01110", then the Command "01111". In response to this command, the command decoder 10 is the first The buffer memory 26 is controlled and the cycle counter 11 is controlled via the presetting element 17th through the switching element 16 to the next address of the read-only memory 6 set so that this continues with the delivery of the message text after the Digit information forming variable data has been inserted.

The next to the memory areas containing the text information The subsequent memory contains the information "00000", which is the presetting element 17 causes the clock counter 11 to be brought into its starting position. The text output is over with that. Via an AND gate 29, the inverting inputs of which with the Output of the presetting element 17 are connected, and that when resetting the Clock counter 11 also emits a signal in its initial state, that flip-flop is 24 is reset so that the circuit assumes its initial state again.

A test announcement (via your own earpiece) can be made using of the switching element t'Eingabe / Testfl 30, if the answering machine operation is switched on via the flip-flop 19. By means of the OR gate 23 is thereby a text announcement as previously described for the case of an incoming call, triggered.

While a change in the messages to be output overall can be done in a simple manner by exchanging the plug-in module 5, the digit information to be communicated can be passed through the module 5 when the module is plugged in Change the telephone set yourself. This is done when the answering service is deactivated (Flip-flop 19 in the reset state) the switching element ment input / test 30 actuated in the same way as for checking the text. This is about the OR gate 23, the flip-flop 24 is set accordingly for one cycle, wherein in addition, via an AND gate 31, a flip-flop characterizing the input state 32 is set.

In this case, the message text is announced for control purposes as before, but as soon as an address of the read-write memory 18 at the output of the Counter 11 appears, thereby not only the second buffer memory 27 from The output of the command decoder 10 is set to the next address value, but it the AND gate 13 is also blocked via the inverting input, which in the "input" position of the flip-flop 32, the clock pulses from the generator 15 to the counter 11 heads. (When the flip-flop 32 is set, the AND gate 25 is above its inverting Input blocked.) You can now use an input element on the telephone set 2 his keypad prefers a digit, for example a phone number that corresponds to the To be communicated to the caller.

The transfer takes place via the input line 33 into the read / write memory 18. If the entry is valid, a confirmation signal is sent via a line 34 issued, which advances the counter 11 by one position via the OR gate 14, so that the next memory location of the read / write memory is addressed and can be proven.

When the input is finished, there is a sign that no further Digits of the phone number to be communicated follow more than the last character that follows the Storage location of read / write memory 18, enter the following address, What - As in the sequence described above - has the effect that the counter 11 on the The next address of the read-only memory 6 is set, so that the playback is continued for control purposes. This command is set via an OR gate 33 also the flip-flop 32 back so that further input commands are no longer executed will.

With a slight modification, it goes without saying possible that the entered phone number and digit data for control purposes briefly be made audible. It is only necessary to ensure that the read / write memory The data entered cause the memory 2 to be addressed.

In another preferred embodiment, the in the read-write memory The data to be entered when "programming" is not entirely through the keypad alone 3 influences, but there are data parts exclusively from the plug-in module used with which they are firmly connected and are retained during programming. This has the effect that when identical numbers are entered using the keypad Depending on the context, different areas are addressed within the read-only memory 2 will. If the number sequence "15" is entered in connection with a phone number, so it is necessary to output the words "one" and "five" as voice information.

Within a set recorded in the cartridge that contains the presumed Indicates return of the connection owner together with a time, this would be the consequence how to pronounce "fifteen". The same applies to the number wine " and "one". This distinction can be made, as shown, in a simple manner achieve that not the full address word within the Read / write memory 18 is changed by the input, but only one Part of the same, with the remaining part of the data word from the plug-in module used 5 is dependent.

In an alternative development, the read / write memory is arranged in the interior of the housing of the telephone 2 separately from the read-only memory, which is designed as a plug-in module. (This variant is indicated by the dashed line 34.) The plug-in module has (also shown in dashed lines) clearing means 35, which are designed differently for different plug-in modules and via switching means that respond to the coding means and are connected to the housing, some of the addresses of the write Generate read memory. When the module is inserted, for example, the (odierungsmittel operate switches which form individual bits of the address to be generated due to the generated on and off states the jump address - and thus the call number or other digit information to be read out - is found in the read-write memory that is permanently connected to the telephone set and contains all the corresponding digit values for the modules used by the user ) RAM memory are used, which loses its information when the voltage is switched off. Addressing and reading in and reading out of this memory is preferably carried out in accordance with a call number memory, the actuation and switching elements required for this purpose being able to be used twice in a double function.

Claims (12)

Telephone with answering machine Patent claims 1. Telephone with answering machine and a first memory arranged inside its housing, which contains signals for generating synthetic speech for the purpose of delivering a message to a caller, with a first decoder, which converts the signals contained in the first memory into voice signals implemented, marked by a further, corresponding, a plug-in module (5) forming Having a memory (6) which also contains control signals to which a second decoder (10) for controlling a switching element (17) responds, with control signals contained in the further memory (6) when converting the signals contained in the memories into Speech signals a switchover for further signal output to the first memory (7) switches over until a signal that resets this state appears. 2. Telephone according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the addressing of the area of the first solid-state memory takes place by means of data contained in a read / write memory (18). 3. Telephone according to claim 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the change in the content of the read / write memory (18) takes place by external actuating means (3). 4. Telephone according to one of claims 2 or 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that the read / write memory (18) together with the further read-only memory in the plug-in module (5) is summarized, the Read / write memory (18) retains its content even when there is no external power supply maintains. 5. Telephone according to one of claims 2 or 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that the read / write memory (18) dated as a plug-in module (5) built-in read-only memory (6) firmly separated from the telephone set (2) connected housing is arranged. 6. Telephone according to claim 5, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the plug-in module (5) has coding means, which for different Plug-in modules are designed differently and respond to the coding means switching means connected to the housing a part of addresses of the read-write memory form. 7. Telephone according to one of claims 4 to 6, d a d u r c h e k e n n n e i c h n e t that the content of the read / write memory (18) is over the dial (3) (dial, keypad) can be changed. 8. Telephone according to one of claims 2 to 7, d a d u r c h g e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that switching elements (31, 32, 33) are provided, which when programming the text to be output each time a specified one is reached Interrupt a test announcement in the read / write memory and only continues when data has been entered for the memory location concerned is. 9. Telephone according to claim 8, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that when the last memory location of the read-write memory is reached (18) a return to the text output from the first read-only memory (6) takes place. 10. Telephone according to claim 9, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that switching means are provided which point to a corresponding held in the read / write memory command a corresponding jump at the initiate the next storage location following an occupied storage location. 11. Telephone according to one of the preceding claims, d a it is indicated that a control element (10, 17) is provided is, which is a memory addressing counter (11) corresponding to the The content of the currently addressed memory location is moved, if this Storage space no information representing a speech signal is recorded. 12. Telephone according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the read / write memory (18) only part of the information present within an addressed memory location can be changed during programming, while the other part is permanently assigned to the respective plug-in module (5) is. 1 telephone set according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that logical linking means (23, 24) are provided are which when the answering machine mode is activated on the actuation of a control element (30) trigger a full text message for control purposes while the same Control elements on actuation when answering machine mode is not activated the possibility of input during the output of the permanently stored text variable data trigger a stop function and only continue the announcement release after an input has been made.