CN1161615A - Telephone answering device with improved pager access feature - Google Patents

Abstract

A telephone answering device is designed so as to be compatible with a wide variety of paging services and can be re-programmed if the user changes paging services. The device includes a memory that stores the digits of the paging service telephone number and automatically stores information representing the pauses and audible activity that are present between key presses during the programming process. The telephone answering device also has a test mode that allows the user to test the device, after completion of the programming process, to insure that the paging service telephone number has been stored correctly. The automatic page feature can still further be selectively enabled and disabled by the user.

Description

Telephone answering device with improved pager access function

The present invention relates to telephone answering device, more particularly relate to have the telephone answering device of paging function, this telephone answering device is calling user automatically when the caller stays speech message thereon at every turn, also relates to this telephone answering device is programmed with the method for access paging service.The method that this device is programmed with the access paging service is such, that is, this telephone answering device will adapt to the paging service of any kind of in fact.

Telephone answering device (TAD) is as known in the art, and is widely used in individual and commercial use.Along with the generation of remote access capability, TAD user can be by using push-button telephone keyboard called telephone answering device and importing the security code of pre-programmed, and the message that is recorded on its telephone answering device is obtained in retrieval from afar.In most of the cases, TAD user does not know whether have message when he calls out its telephone answering device.If there is not message, he just loses time so.For TAD user, it is useful pointing out him when message is arranged, and can call out and retrieve to obtain its message when an opportunity arises at him like this.In addition, for waiting for important calling and can not be stay-at-home the other TAD user of its phone, it also is useful pointing out him when Message Record is on its telephone answering device, so that he calls out its telephone answering device, and searching message and the information or the callback as quickly as possible of obtaining his needs.

Paging service also is known and extensive use, and paging service provides portable beep-pager and sends digital information to beep-pager at least to the user of paging service.The given specific telephone number of each beep-pager, the perhaps given identification number of people one by one (PIN) is if paging service is used same telephone number to all beep-pagers.Wish the transfer telephone number of beep-pager of contact paging service user's caller, wait for the affirmation (being generally buzzing or voice suggestion mode) that receives being connected to paging service, and use the push-button telephone keyboard to import its telephone number or other digital massage.The caller is that the interval after prompting is imported its telephone number or other digital massage.Need in paging service under the situation of PIN, the caller is by synthetic speech or buzzing prompting and input PIN, pointed out then and imports its telephone number.Paging service will be sent to user's beep-pager by the information of caller's input thereafter.The time that must wait for before the caller can import its telephone number can change, and this depends on whether the particular content of service and service have much to do.For some paging service,, before connecting and the caller receives prompting, may have ring several times if especially service is busy.For other paging service, the caller may be after ring only once or even is just received prompting when not having ring at all.

Though automatic paging user's TAD is well known in the art when receiving message, these devices all do not propose such problem, that is, how design system can be programmed it and visits the paging service of any kind of in fact.

For making TAD can visit paging service, so programming, that is, it adapts to all different services.The different paging service of many kinds is arranged at present.Some paging services adopt buzz prompting user to import appropriate information.Other paging services resemble the paging service of many PIN of needs, adopt synthetic speech prompting user.Some paging service takies telephone wire sometimes taking telephone wire after the ring sometimes after more than a ring.Time used before the caller receives prompting and can import its telephone number is different because of the difference of paging service, and even calls out different and different in identical paging service internal cause.

Can provide many existing telephone answering devices of automatic paging function to require the user that the paging service telephone number is programmed with suspending length, this time-out results from the time of the telephone number of transfering and between the time of input digit information on the keyboard.This just gives the user unnecessary burden, that is, the user will determine exactly that the length suspended and its TAD of manual setting subsequently are to its paging service.In addition, many TAD with automatic paging function are converted to the user under the situation of different paging services and do not allow device is carried out reprogramming.Moreover some TAD with automatic paging function only adapts to the paging service of particular type.

The United States Patent (USP) 5402466 of authorizing Delahanty discloses a kind of device, and whether effectively this device detects message and stayed on this telephone answering device, and transfer subsequently user program in this device with the paging service telephone number corresponding.In case the telephone number of the pre-programmed of having transfered, device is waited for the affirmation signal (being generally the single-tone of 1400Hz according to the patent of Delahanty) that comes from paging service.Thereafter this device will be sent to the paging service user to telephone number, if this telephone number is by caller (passing through button keyboard) input TAD.If the caller stays message, but do not import telephone number, this device will send the code (for example " 2* ") that an expression has stayed message.The device of Delahanty can only be united use with a kind of beep-pager.The device of Delahanty can not give the synthetic speech prompting, therefore can not be applicable to the paging service that requires caller PIN of input user before its telephone number of input.The prompting caller imports PIN to require the paging service of PIN usually (to adopt voice or buzzing), points out the caller to import its oneself telephone number thereafter.The device of Delahanty can not send PIN in response to prompting.The device of Delahanty can only respond single prompting by telephone number that sends the caller or the code of representing the recording messages existence.In addition, the device of Delahanty can not be programmed the voice signal that exists in time-out and the paging is detected and respond.

The United States Patent (USP) 4072824 of authorizing Phillips discloses another kind of device, and this device detects the message of staying in the telephone answering device and responds the paging service telephone number of pre-programmed of transfering with it.The matching requirements user of Phillips uses a decoder matrix circuit, and its input is connected to the output of dialing sequence circuit, so that the optional network specific digit that will transfer is programmed.The user of the device of Phillips must be connected to the output physics of timing sequencer the selection input of decoder.For example, if first numeral of paging service telephone number is 6, the user just must be connected to " 1 " of timing sequencer " 6 " of decoding matrix.As the device of Delahanty, the device of Phillips can only respond single prompting, and can not be programmed the voice signal that exists in time-out and the paging is detected and respond.Phillips recognizes and needs a kind of device that can adapt to polytype paging system.But the device of Phillips will be united use with the beep-pager of no any demonstration, that is, beep-pager is only launched the buzzing single-tone.The caller with Message Record after on the TAD, the device of Phillips does not allow the message of telephone number or other type to be sent to beep-pager.The user of the device of Phillips will have to that its beep-pager is exclusively used in retrieval and obtain the message that is recorded on its TAD.

The United States Patent (USP) 4737979 of authorizing Hashimoto also discloses a kind of telephone answering device with paging function.How the unexposed user's of Hashimoto pager number programmes deposits in this device, and the device of Hashimoto can not be united use with the paging service that requires to import PIN after TAD and paging service connect.As the device of Delahanty, the device of Hashimoto can not respond the synthetic speech prompting, so it can only unite use with the paging service of limited kinds.In addition, as the device of Phillips, the caller with Message Record after on user's the TAD, the device of Hashimoto does not allow any letter-numerical data to be sent to beep-pager, so the user of the device of Hashimoto will have to that its beep-pager is exclusively used in retrieval and obtain the message that is recorded on its TAD.

The United States Patent (USP) 4942598 of authorizing Davis discloses a kind of telephone answering device, and this device can carry out multiple operation according to caller's evident characteristics (identity).One of disclosed operation of Davis is a paging operation, and the user of TAD is paged when message resides on the TAD thus.But the device of Davis is complicated and expensive, because it requires to comprise an automatic number identification decoder in this device.Davis does not have open how user's pager number programming to be deposited in this device yet, and does not show that the device of Davis can unite use with the paging service that requires to import PIN.

The United States Patent (USP) 4961216 of authorizing people such as Baehr discloses a kind of telephone answering and paging system, the stored calls person's of this system message, and automatically caller information is sent to the possessory portable beep-pager of another phone or this system.People's such as Baehr device adopts liquid crystal display (LCD), imports " parameter " by the Dual Tone Multifrequency keyboard with the prompting user in programming mode.But therefore the characteristic of unexposed these parameters of people such as Baehr does not know how this device can respond prompting (buzzing or voice), and paging service sends this prompting with indicating call person input digit information.Obviously, the user of people's such as Baehr device will have to measure the length of any time-out that produces in paging, and go up the instruction manual numeral of importing the telephone number of these parameters and paging service on the dtmf key dish that shows according to LCD.This will be a difficulty and time taking process for the user.In addition, people's such as Baehr device may be a kind of of costliness, because it needs liquid crystal display.Moreover, the unexposed any details of people such as Baehr illustrates at this device when with the paging service interface and how to work exactly, and this device can not adapt to change (that is, whether paging service replys by modes such as a ring, twice ring, no rings) probably.

The United States Patent (USP) 4065642 of authorizing McClure discloses a kind of phone transmission and paging system, and the message of this system's detection record on TAD, and the telephone number of preliminary election of automatically transfering are to provide cue or paging.The user of the device of McClure must adopt " selector switch " that the paging service telephone number is carried out manual programming.The user also must carry out manual programming to the sign indicating number that is used for cue.This patent does not show that the device of McClure can be programmed and suspends preset time, does not show that this device can voice responsive or buzzing prompting yet.The device that also shows McClure can not transmit letter-digital information to paging service except may transmitting the sign indicating number that is used for cue.The same with people such as Baehr, unexposed this device of McClure will be how can be accurately and the paging service interface, so this device may also can't adapt to the various variations that exist in the page procedure.

In addition, the model of being sold by the application's assignee PhoneMate is the user's manual of 8450 TAD, discloses a kind of TAD to be programmed to call out the method for portable beep-pager.This program requires the user to set from finishing the time delay that the buzzing that dials into beep-pager finishes, and redial by pressing subsequently/the suitable number of times of Pause key physically imports time-out.But can change this time of delay with each calling, and it depends on whether paging service is busy.In addition, in order to make this device of user test, to guarantee that pager number is correctly imported, need another person to call out its machine and stay message, this is unpractical.

In addition, (Antonio, Texas) model of Xiao Shouing is that 2101 outgoing call (Page-Out) device can be connected to TAD, and dials when message is stayed on the TAD and be beep-pager by Dynamo Dresden company.This device is actually an embodiment of the above-mentioned United States Patent (USP) of authorizing Delahanty 5402466.For this device is programmed, the user must send the length of message (OGM) and carry out timing, and physically imports this time of delay (adding 3 seconds) after the input pager number.For increasing additional time-out, the user must import pound (#) symbol.Whenever by once pound (#) symbol increase delay in a second.When pager number was programmed, this device allowed at most 14 numerals, and was a number by pound (#) token once whenever.Because the user is restricted at the digital quantitative aspects that is used for this device is programmed, so can this device unite with the beep-pager of each type, and to use be suspectable.In addition, as the model of PhoneMate be among 8450 the TAD, in order to make this device of user test,, need another person to call out TAD and stay message to guarantee that pager number is correctly imported.

Prior art discussed above does not have a kind of device that adapts to existing various paging services that discloses.And desirable be a kind of like this TAD, it can allow automatically to notify the subscriber paging service when having message to stay on user's the telephone answering device, which kind of paging service what no matter use is.Wish that also this device can adapt to multiple paging service, and use simple, with low cost.

Therefore, the objective of the invention is to provide a kind of telephone answering device with automatic paging function, this device is automatically dialled when receiving the message of record and is cried paging service, so that the user of paging call answering device.

Another object of the present invention is that a kind of telephone answering device with automatic paging function will be provided, this device transfer automatically paging service and connect after, send digital information to paging service at least, this information will be sent to portable beep-pager subsequently.

A further object of the present invention is that a kind of telephone answering device with automatic paging function will be provided, and this device can adapt to multiple paging service.

Another purpose of the present invention is that a kind of telephone answering device with automatic paging function will be provided, this device allows user's paging service telephone number is easy to programming, and allow telephone answering device is carried out reprogramming, if the user changes paging service.

Another object of the present invention is that a kind of telephone answering device with automatic paging function will be provided, this device can be programmed the button process with the storage user, and automatically storage representation any time-out that may exist in paging and the information of voice signal.

Another object of the present invention is that a kind of telephone answering device with automatic paging function will be provided, and this device allows the user easily it to be experimentized, to guarantee that the paging service telephone number is correctly programmed.

Another object of the present invention is that a kind of telephone answering device with automatic paging function will be provided, and this device makes paging function effectively with invalid with allowing user selection.

For realizing above-mentioned purpose of the present invention, telephone answering device of the present invention comprises: the telephone line interface circuit that is coupled to telephone wire; Dtmf generator, it is coupled to telephone line interface circuit, is used for producing on telephone wire touch-tone signal; Record and playback unit, it is coupled to telephone line interface circuit, is used for writing down at least and the caller's that resets message; The VOX circuit, it is coupled to telephone wire, is used for automatically detecting the existence of the voice signal on the telephone wire; Memory is used for storing digital information at least; And control device.Control device control telephone line interface circuit, make it to take telephone wire in response to being recorded in the message that writes down on record and the playback unit, thereafter control dtmf generator, make it to transfer and be stored in call number in the memory, and control dtmf generator subsequently, in case the VOX circuit ends to detect the existence of the voice signal on the telephone wire in the given time, just make dtmf generator on telephone wire, send digital information at least.User's operation keys also is provided, so that the user programmes to telephone answering device, correctly whether the experiment call storage, and optionally makes dtmf generator effective or invalid.

Fig. 1 is the overall block-diagram according to addition type telephone answering device of the present invention (TAD);

Fig. 2 is the overall block-diagram according to one piece phone/telephone answering device of the present invention (ITAD);

Fig. 3 is a flow chart, illustrates to be used for memory algorithm that addition type TAD is programmed and enables the access paging service;

Fig. 4 is a flow chart, illustrates to be used for memory algorithm that addition type ITAD is programmed and enables the access paging service;

Fig. 5 is a flow chart, illustrates to be used for guaranteeing that the paging service telephone number correctly is stored in the experiment algorithm of memory;

Fig. 6 is a flow chart, illustrates by what TAD or ITAD adopted to be used for calling user and to send the paging algorithm of digital information;

Fig. 7 A, Fig. 7 B and 7C illustrate the different structure of storage buffer, and the sort buffer device is used to store the telephone number of paging service and the digital information that will be sent to user's portable beep-pager.

According to the present invention, telephone answering device (TAD) can be programmed and any paging service of automatically transfering, and regardless of the detailed content of this paging service, and sends digital information at least, and this information will further be sent to portable beep-pager.

The Message Record of telephone answering device of the present invention is identical with those features of standard telephone answering device with playback features.When not obtaining replying in the ring time of a calling at pre-determined number, TAD takies telephone wire, sends out message (OGM) outward and is broadcasted to telephone wire.If the caller wishes to stay next message, he or she can leave a message after hearing the ring sound of indicating TAD to be in logging mode.Stay after the message, caller's on-hook, TAD resets and waits for next calling.

TAD of the present invention is different from existing telephone answering device, and its difference is: in case with caller's on-hook after horizontal reset, the TAD pre-programmed telephone number of the paging service that the user subscribes of automatically transfering.In case TAD is connected to paging service, before the number of required and portable beep-pager (mechanism provides by paging service) that will be sent to TAD user by paging service of transfering, it waits for the time-out after the prompting.At this moment, TAD on-hook of the present invention also resets, to wait for next calling.The digital information that is sent to portable beep-pager can be the security code of TAD user's telephone number, TAD and/or the message count on the TAD.If TAD has equipped paging person identification (paging person ID) detector, and if TAD user subscribed this features by telephone operator, the telephone number that stays the caller of message just can be sent to portable beep-pager.The accurate feature that is sent to the digital information of portable beep-pager is the parameter that the TAD designer determines.To make the method that it can the access paging service be well by adopt answering device is programmed of TAD of the present invention, and its adapts to the paging service of any kind.When the user wishes that programming enables its paging service of access to TAD, he presses the beep-pager memory button, and after this he adopts the telephone number of key plate (for the TAD of band one phone) its paging service of transfering of setting up phone (for additional TAD) or employing TAD itself separately that is connected in parallel with TAD.TAD is stored in these numerals of transfering in the memory.Understanding to paging service, the user will be by single-tone or synthetic speech (type that depends on paging service) prompting input digit message.When receiving single-tone or voice suggestion, the user imports predetermined numeric string (for example security code of TAD) and on-hook simply or presses the paging memory button, to finish program.This predetermined numeric string will be as instruction, and indication TAD time-out also sends numerical data in paging.If paging service requires input Personal Identification Number (PIN), the user just imports PIN (after prompting), the then predetermined numeric string of input, on-hook or press the paging memory button then.

For TAD was connected to paging service, the type of prompting or the time span that takies (or ringing number) were unessential, because the TAD storage representation suspends, VOX activity and the numeral itself of key between pressing.The VOX activity is by the VOX electric circuit inspection, and the VOX circuit is the device of the voice activity on the known detection telephone wire, and described activity comprises voice and single-tone.In programming process, TAD will continue storage numeral and indication automatically suspends and the activity of key between pressing, until receiving predetermined numeric string.Therefore, no matter time of needing how long (perhaps how many times ring) is replied in paging service, and no matter paging service uses single-tone still to be voice or whether to need to import PIN, and TAD of the present invention can adapt to any paging service.

TAD is programmed and after visiting its paging service, he can test TAD the user, to determine that the paging service telephone number correctly is stored in the memory.Paging is carried out this experiment by pressing paging test key.Press this key and will indicate TAD to transfer to be stored in telephone number in the memory.After being communicated with paging service, TAD sends predetermined experiment sign indicating number, for example " 123 ", the perhaps security code of TAD.This experiment sign indicating number will send to user's beep-pager subsequently, and in this way, the user can confirm TAD successfully programming.Paging experiment key can also be as " touching " mode calling user.For example, if a near people who is in the TAD presses paging experiment key, predetermined experiment sign indicating number will be presented on user's the beep-pager, and remind that he gives in his family, office etc. made a phone call.

TAD of the present invention also allows the user to select to make the automatic paging features effective or invalid by pressing beep-pager/close key.When the automatic paging features is effective, will the transfer paging service of each message of having record of TAD.When the automatic paging features is invalid, the TAD paging service of will not transfering.Perhaps, TAD can be programmed to " in case requiring paging immediately ", ability paging receiving when the user only sends a dual-tone multifrequency instruction (for example by pressing " # " key) after the caller is staying message like this.

With reference to accompanying drawing,, be connected in parallel to telephone wire 4 according to 2 and button audio telephones 6 of additional telephone answering device of the present invention (TAD) at first with reference to Fig. 1.Specifically, TAD2 comprises telephone line interface 10, ringing detector 12 and telephone wire monitor 14, and they all are connected to telephone wire 4.Optionally caller's identification detector 16, VOX circuit 18 and telemetric circuit 20 are connected to telephone wire monitor 14 separately, and Dual Tone Multifrequency generator 22 and record/playback unit 24 are connected to telephone line interface 10 separately simultaneously.

TAD2 comprises a controller 8, its control or monitoring circuit line interface 10, ringing detector 12, telephone wire monitor 14, the optionally work of caller's identification detector 16, VOX circuit 18, telemetric circuit 20, Dual Tone Multifrequency generator 22, record/playback unit 24 and key plate 26.

Ringing detector 12 monitoring telephone lines 4 are to detect the bell signal that sends from the central office.When ring produces, caller's identification detector 16 (if installation) detection of call person's information, i.e. caller's title and telephone number.This information is stored in the memory (RAM) 28 for later use.If no response after the ring of generation pre-determined number, under the control of controller 8, telephone line interface circuit 10 will take telephone wire 4, and OGM are play to telephone wire 4 in record reproducing unit 24.OGM indicates the caller to stay message for the user of TAD2 usually.When the caller after recording messages and on-hook on the record/playback unit 24, TAD2 breaks away from telephone wire 4 and takies telephone wire once more and cries to obtain new dialling.Thereafter, under the control of controller 8, DTMF generator 22 is transfered and the corresponding pre-programmed telephone number of paging service.After the connection of having set up paging service, DTMF generator 22 sends digital massage to paging service (equipment), and paging service is sent to this digital massage user's beep-pager again.This digital massage can be following any: the security code of telephone number, the message count on the TAD2 or the TAD2 of caller's telephone number (if using caller's identification detector 16), TAD2.Then, the user of TAD2 can call out and retrieve its message from afar by input security code on the button keyboard of Remote control telephone.Security code is to be detected by telemetric circuit 20 under the control of controller 8.After receiving correct security code, the message that controller 8 makes record/playback unit 24 reset any record by telephone wire 4.

Except being used to control the typical key of TAD2, key plate 26 has following three keys at least: beep-pager/close key 26A, beep-pager memory button 26B and beep-pager test key 26C.These keys allow TAD2 to be programmed and calling user and digital massage is sent to portable beep-pager.When the user wishes TAD2 is programmed when enabling to store paging service, beep-pager memory button 26B is pressed.After pressing the beep-pager memory button, the user can win any phone 6 (it is connected to identical telephone wire 4 with TAD2) and the telephone number of its paging service of transfering on the button keyboard 6 of this phone.Reply and point out after he imports telephone number in user's paging service, the end number string that he transfers predetermined, the three bit digital security codes of TAD2 for example are to finish the memory process.If paging service is requirement input PIN, user its PIN that before the end number string of transfering, will transfer.Telephone wire monitor 14 is high input impedance circuit, and it allows TAD2 monitoring telephone line 4, but not is in off hook state, and allows telemetric circuit 20 to detect the numeral (DTMF single-tone) of being transfered by the user.Controller 8 is stored in the telephone number of paging service (and PIN, words if necessary) among the RAM28, and before the user transfers the end number string automatically storage representation suspend and the information of VOX activity (by 18 detections of VOX circuit).The end number string instruction control unit of transfering in response to prompting 8 suspends and by DTMF generator 22 digital massage is sent to paging service subsequently.

Beep-pager test key 26C allows to test this device after programming.When pressing beep-pager experiment key 26C, the experiment sign indicating number that controller 8 instruction DTMF generators 22 are transfered user's paging service telephone number and are scheduled to the paging service transmission subsequently, for example security code of " 123 " or TAD.When predetermined experiment sign indicating number appear at the user write on the beep-pager time, he confirms that TAD2 is correct programming.For near the people being in TAD2, beep-pager experiment key 26C can also be the mode of manual calling user.

Beep-pager/close key 26A is that a bifurcation triggers key, and it allows user selection ground that TAD2 is set at all-calls is forwarded to its beep-pager.When TAD2 is set at the beep-pager pattern, when Message Record is to TAD2 at every turn, digital massage will be sent to user's beep-pager.(press beep-pager/close key 26A) when the beep-pager pattern is closed, the user will not receive the prompting that message has write down.If TAD2 is programmed to " in case requiring paging immediately " this features and the beep-pager pattern is closed, the user will only be sent caller's paging of DTMF instruction (for example " # ") after staying message.

Referring now to Fig. 2, be connected to telephone wire 44 according to one piece phone/telephone answering device of the present invention (ITAD) 42.ITAD42 comprises a controller 46, its control or monitoring telephone line interface 48, ringing detector 50, telephone wire monitor 52, the optionally work of caller's identification detector 54, VOX circuit 56, telemetric circuit 58, DTMF generator 60, record/playback unit 62, key plate 64, keyboard (key pad) 66, mobile phone 60 and telephone circuit 70.Controller 46 comprises a RAM72.Except the needed element of ITAD42 experience standard telephone work comprises that telephone circuit 70, keyboard 66 and the mobile phone 68, ITAD42 works in the mode identical with above-mentioned TAD2 shown in Figure 1.Key plate 64 and three keys (beep-pager/close key 64A, beep-pager memory button 64B, beep-pager experiment key 64C) also with above-mentioned Fig. 1 in key plate 26 and key (working method 26C) is identical for 26A, 26B.Except transfer needed number on the integral keyboard 66 of ITAD42 of user, rather than outside the keyboard on the bridging telephone 6 shown in Figure 1, the mode that ITAD42 is also identical with TAD2 among Fig. 1 is programmed.

Can select the caller ID detector 54 that is provided with if omit, then it can be connected by telephone wire monitor 52 to the straight line of controller 46 and replaces.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart, and it illustrates the algorithm of the telephone number use of the TAD memory paging service among Fig. 1.When beep-pager memory button 26B presses, enter memory pattern 80.When entering memory pattern 80, timer was from 0 second pick up counting (step 82).After this, program enters a circulation, and this circulation monitors VOX circuit 18, telemetric circuit 20 and timer.If detect the voice signal ("Yes" in the step 84) that comes from telephone wire, VOX FLAG (mark) is set (step 86), and program continues to next step 88.If do not detect VOX activity ("No" in the step 84), program continues to next step 88.If detect single-tone ("Yes" in the step 88), a key is pressed so, and the program checkout timer is to determine that whether the time is greater than 1 second (step 90).If the time, indication suspends transfered greater than 1 second ("Yes" in the step 90), whether program checkout VOX FLAG has set (step 92).If VOX FLAG is set ("Yes" in the step 92), VOX TOKEN is stored in the temporary transient buffer (step 94) so.VOX TOKEN indication experimental arrangement and page procedure (below with reference to Fig. 5 and 6 explanations) were waited for before carrying out, and stopped up to all VOX signals.Numeral decoded subsequently (step 96) also is stored in the temporary transient buffer (step 98), and timer is reset to 0 (step 82).If VOX FLAG does not set ("No" in the step 92) as yet, numeral decoded immediately (step 96) also is stored in the temporary transient buffer (step 98), and timer is reset to 0 (step 82).In step 90, if the time is not more than 1 second, numeral decoded immediately (step 96) also is stored in the temporary transient buffer (step 98), and timer is reset to 0 (step 82).If do not detect single-tone ("No" in the step 88), whether the program checkout timer equals 30 seconds (step 100) to determine the time.If the time equals 30 seconds ("Yes" in the step 100), abandoned this process just suppose the user, program suspension (step 108).

If the time is not equal to 30 seconds ("No" in the step 100), program checkout beep-pager memory button 26B whether be pressed (step 102).If beep-pager memory button 26B is not pressed ("No" in the step 102), suppose that so the user still is in the centre of process, program is returned step 84.If beep-pager memory button 26B presses ("Yes" in the step 102), whether last three tones of program checkout equal the security code (step 104) of TAD2.(should be pointed out that and to replace security code with any predetermined end single-tone string.But for the sake of simplicity, the embodiments described herein adopts security code as predetermined end single-tone string).If last three single-tones equal security code ("Yes" in the step 104), memory process is so finished, and the content in the temporary transient buffer is deposited in beep-pager buffer (step 106), and program withdraws from (step 108).If last three single-tones are not equal to security code ("No" in the step 106), supposition has produced user error, program suspension (step 108) so.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart, and it illustrates the algorithm of the telephone number use of the ITAD memory paging service among Fig. 2.When beep-pager memory button 64B presses, enter memory pattern 120.Step 122 among Fig. 4 to step 146 respectively with above-mentioned Fig. 3 in step 82 to 108 identical, difference wherein do not need only to be the step 96 among Fig. 3, because ITAD42 has the keyboard 66 of oneself, therefore needn't decode to numeral.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart, and it illustrates respectively and tests the algorithm that this device uses by TAD among Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or ITAD after memory process (Fig. 3 and 4) is finished.Experimental arrangement allows the user to confirm that correct paging service telephone number is stored in the memory.As beep-pager experiment key 26C (Fig. 1) or 64C (Fig. 2) when pressing, enter experiment model 160.After pressing beep- pager experiment key 26C or 64C, this device off-hook (step 162) is also waited for dialling tone (step 164).Program obtains next numeral (step 166) from the beep-pager buffer subsequently, and checks whether next numeral is VOX TOKEN (step 168).If next numeral is not VOX TOKEN ("No" in the step 168), transfer this numeral (step 170) and proceed to next step 178 of program so.

If next numeral is VOX TOKEN ("Yes" in the step 168), program is waited for 5 second time, so that the VOX signal ended.At first, timer was from 0 second pick up counting (step 172), and whether program checkout has thereafter detected VOX signal (step 174).If VOX detects ("Yes" in the step 174), then show to have voice activity on the telephone wire, timer is reset to 0 (step 172), and program waits for that the VOX signal is to finishing.If do not detect VOX ("No" in the step 174) as yet, whether the program testing time equals 5 seconds (step 176).If the time is not equal to 5 seconds ("No" in the step 176), program is returned step 174.If the time equals 5 seconds ("Yes" in the step 176), show 5 seconds time-outs noticing in the VOX activity, program proceeds to step 178.In step 178, whether the numeral that program checkout was transfered in the past is the last numeral that is stored in the beep-pager buffer.If not last numeral ("No" in the step 178), program is returned step 166, and obtains next numeral from the beep-pager buffer.If last numeral ("Yes" in the step 178), the security code of in step 180, transfering so, security code will be sent to user's beep-pager, and tell the user: pager number successfully is stored in the memory, this installs off-hook (step 182), and program withdraws from (step 184).(should be pointed out that once more that for simplicity, the embodiments described herein adopts security code as predetermined experiment sign indicating number.Any predetermined experiment sign indicating number of in step 180, can transfering, and can obtain identical result).

Fig. 6 is a flow chart, the algorithm that uses when it illustrates respectively by TAD among Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 or ITAD calling user.Suppose that page-mode did not lose efficacy by pressing beep-pager/ close key 26A or 64A as yet, the caller stays message on user's TAD or ITAD after, enter page-mode 200.After entering page-mode 200, this device off-hook (step 202) is also waited for dialing single-tone (step 204).Program obtains next numeral (step 206) from the beep-pager buffer subsequently, and checks whether next numeral is VOX TOKEN (step 208).If next numeral is not VOX TOKEN ("No" in the step 208), transfer this numeral (step 210) and proceed to next step 218 of program so.If next numeral is VOXTOKEN ("Yes" in the step 208), program is waited for 5 second time, so that the VOX signal ended.At first, timer was from 0 second pick up counting (step 212), and whether program checkout has thereafter detected VOX signal (step 214).If VOX detects ("Yes" in the step 214), then show to have voice activity on the telephone wire, timer is reset to 0 (step 212), and program waits for that the VOX signal is to finishing.If do not detect VOX ("No" in the step 214) as yet, whether the program testing time equals 5 seconds (step 216).If the time is not equal to 5 seconds ("No" in the step 216), program is returned step 214.If the time equals 5 seconds ("Yes" in the step 216), show 5 seconds time-outs noticing in the VOX activity, program proceeds to step 218.

In step 218, whether the numeral that program checkout was transfered in the past is the last numeral that is stored in the beep-pager buffer.If not last numeral ("No" in the step 218), program is returned step 206, and obtains next numeral from the beep-pager buffer.If last numeral ("Yes" in the step 218), program checkout caller id information (if using selectable caller's identification detector) whether effectively (step 220) so.If caller id information is effective ("Yes" in the step 220), the caller id information (step 222) of transfering so, the security code (step 224) of transfering, and can select the message count (step 226) of transfering.This installs off-hook (step 228), and program withdraws from (step 230).If caller id information is invalid ("No" in the step 220), program skips steps 224 and carrying out in a manner described so.

Fig. 7 A, 7B and 7C illustrate the different structure of storage buffer, and this buffer is used to the digital information of storing the paging service telephone number and will be sent to user's beep-pager.In Fig. 7 A, preceding 8 square frames comprise the telephone number of paging service and VOX TOKEN subsequently.Before next numeral of transfering, VOX TOKEN instruction paging or experiment software wait for that prompting finishes.Three middle square frames comprise user's TAD or the security code of ITAD.Sending security code is in order to allow the user know that the user comes from its TAD or ITAD.Latter two square frame comprises message count, and it comprises the TAD that is recorded in the user or " star " DTMF sign indicating number and the message count on the ITAD." star " DTMF sign indicating number is recorded between the information field that shows on user's the beep-pager.Sending message count is because may have repeatedly paging when the user closes its beep-pager, so he may not know all message of having write down.

In Fig. 7 B, preceding 8 square frames of buffer also comprise the telephone number of paging service and VOX TOKEN subsequently.VOX TOKEN here be used for with reference to the identical purposes of the described structure of Fig. 7 A.In this embodiment, paging service need be imported PIN, and therefore four square frames subsequently comprise numeral and the 2nd VOX TOKEN of PIN.Three square frames of back comprise user's TAD or the security code of ITAD.Latter two square frame comprises message count, and it comprises the TAD that is recorded in the user or " star " DTMF sign indicating number and the message count on the ITAD." star " DTMF sign indicating number here be used for with reference to the identical purposes of the described structure of Fig. 7 A.

In Fig. 7 C, preceding 8 square frames of buffer also comprise the telephone number of paging service and VOX TOKEN subsequently.In this embodiment, TAD or ITAD comprise caller's identification detector, and therefore 8 square frames subsequently comprise numeral and " star " DTMF sign indicating number of caller's telephone number.Here " star " DTMF sign indicating number is recorded between caller's telephone number and the information field subsequently.Three square frames of back comprise user's TAD or the security code of ITAD.Latter two square frame comprises message count, and it comprises the TAD that is recorded in the user or " star " DTMF sign indicating number and the message count on the ITAD.

Though with reference to accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described, but can understand, the present invention is not limited to these embodiment, for the ordinary skill in the art, under the situation of scope of the present invention that does not break away from the claim qualification or spirit, can make various improvement.

Claims (20)

1. telephone answering device comprises:

Telephone line interface circuit, it is coupled to telephone wire;

Dtmf generator, it is coupled to telephone line interface circuit, is used for producing on telephone wire touch-tone signal;

Record and playback unit, it is coupled to telephone line interface circuit, is used for writing down at least and the caller's that resets message;

The VOX circuit, it is coupled to telephone wire, is used for automatically detecting the existence of the voice signal on the telephone wire;

Memory is used for storing digital information at least; With

Control device, be used to control telephone line interface circuit, make it to take telephone wire in response to being recorded in the message on record and the playback unit, be used for controlling thereafter dtmf generator, make it to transfer and be stored in call number in the memory, and be used for controlling subsequently dtmf generator,, just make dtmf generator on telephone wire, send digital information at least in case the VOX circuit ends to detect the existence of the voice signal on the telephone wire in the given time.

2. according to the telephone answering device of claim 1, it is characterized in that the call number that is stored in the memory is the telephone number of paging service, and voice signal comprises voice suggestion.

3. according to the telephone answering device of claim 1, it is characterized in that, also comprise the key plate that is coupled to control device, the key plate comprises first user's start key device, be used to make the user to programme to this telephone answering device, so that control device control dtmf generator, make it the predetermined phone numbers of transfering, and further on telephone wire, send digital information at least in response to being recorded in message on record and the playback unit.

4. according to the telephone answering device of claim 3, it is characterized in that described key plate also comprises second user's start key device, be used to make the user after this telephone answering device is programmed, to test this telephone answering device, described experiment comprises: described control device control dtmf generator, make it the predetermined phone numbers of transfering, and further on telephone wire, send predetermined experiment numeric string in response to the startup of second user's start key.

5. according to the telephone answering device of claim 4, it is characterized in that described key plate also comprises the 3rd user's start key device, be used for alternately making dtmf generator work and do not work, thus alternately make this telephone answering device can with can not be in response to being recorded in message on record and the playback unit predetermined phone numbers of transfering.

6. according to the telephone answering device of claim 3, it is characterized in that also comprising:

Be coupling in the telephone wire monitor between telephone wire and the VOX circuit, this monitor comprises a high input impedance circuit, and this circuit allows this telephone answering device to monitor the telephone wire that is in non-off hook state; With

Telemetric circuit, it is coupled to the output of telephone wire monitor and the input of control device, is used to detect the touch-tone signal on the telephone wire.

7. according to the telephone answering device of claim 6, it is characterized in that in response to the startup of first user's start key device, the user programmes to this telephone answering device by transfer numeral on the phone of parallel connection.

8. according to the telephone answering device of claim 7, it is characterized in that the numeral that memory stores is transfered in programming process and expression suspends and telephone wire on the information of the voice activity that exists.

9. according to the telephone answering device of claim 3, it is characterized in that also comprising an one piece phone that has button keyboard, it is coupled to described record and playback unit at least.

10. according to the telephone answering device of claim 9, it is characterized in that the user programmes to this telephone answering device by the numeral on the button keyboard of the one piece phone of transfering when first user's start key device starts.

11. according to the telephone answering device of claim 10, numeral that it is characterized in that memory stores is transfered in programming process and expression suspend and telephone wire on the information of the voice activity that exists.

12. telephone answering device according to claim 1, it is characterized in that also comprising: be coupling in the telephone wire monitor between telephone wire and the VOX circuit, this monitor comprises a high input impedance circuit, and this circuit allows this telephone answering device to monitor the telephone set that is in non-off hook state.

13., it is characterized in that also comprising according to the telephone answering device of claim 12:

Caller's identification detector, it has the input and the output that is coupled to control device that are coupled to the telephone wire monitor, is used for detection of call person's telephone number at least; And

Wherein, memory comprises and is used for the device of stored calls person's telephone number at least, dtmf generator comprises and is used for after being transfered, sending the device of stored calls person's telephone number in response to be recorded in the message on record and the replay device by the caller at least on telephone wire at the call number.

14. the method that telephone answering device is programmed, described programming make this telephone answering device in response to record thereon message and the predetermined phone numbers of transfering and sends digital information subsequently at least on telephone wire, this method may further comprise the steps:

Detect the startup of user's start key device, begin with instruction programming;

The numeral that detection is imported on button keyboard;

The numeral of transfering and detecting;

Automatically detect the voice activity on the telephone wire;

Automatically detect any time-out in the numeral input;

To represent that the information stores of automatic voice activity that detects and time-out is in memory;

In the time-out process, detect the additional character of on button keyboard, importing at least, if detect voice activity;

At least the additional character of transfering;

The end number string whether the end number string of determining to import on button keyboard equals to be scheduled to; With

If the end number string that the end number string equals to be scheduled to finishes programming.

15., it is characterized in that telephone answering device the method with the predetermined phone numbers of transfering of programming comprised telephone answering device programmed with the telephone number of the paging service of transfering according to the method that telephone answering device is programmed of claim 14.

16. method of testting telephone answering device, described telephone answering device is programmed with the predetermined phone numbers of transfering, whether correctly described experimental Response is used for determining predetermined phone numbers storage in the message that is recorded on this telephone answering device, and this method may further comprise the steps:

Detect the startup of user's start key device, with instruction experiment beginning;

The predetermined phone numbers of transfering;

Automatically detect expression and connect the voice activity of having set up;

Automatically detect any time-out of voice activity;

The predetermined experiment numeric string of transfering and on telephone wire, to send; With

Behind the predetermined numeric string of transfering, finish programming.

17., it is characterized in that testing the method that is programmed with the telephone answering device of the call number of transfering and comprise that experiment is programmed the telephone answering device with the telephone number of the paging service of transfering according to the method for the test telephone answering device of claim 16.

18. method according to the test telephone answering device of claim 17, the step of the experiment numeric string that it is characterized in that transfering predetermined comprises the correctly experiment numeric string of the call number of storage of expression of transfering, and tests numeric string is sent to the user of this telephone answering device by paging service beep-pager.

19. one kind in response to transfer call number and send the method for digital information subsequently on telephone wire at least of the message that writes down on the telephone answering device, this method may further comprise the steps:

The predetermined phone numbers of transfering;

By automatic detection voice activity and stop the scheduled time and wait for voice activity, the voice activity on the dynamic response telephone wire;

The string of the transfering numeric string of the digital information that on telephone wire, sends of indicating at least.

20. according to the method for the call number of transfering of claim 19, it is characterized in that transfer represent the numeric string of digital information at least before, this method is further comprising the steps of:

The additional number of transfering word string; With

By the additional voice activity of automatic detection and stop the scheduled time and wait for additional voice activity, the additional voice activity on the dynamic response telephone wire.

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