JP2001024753A - Telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a telephone which prevents the unpleasant noise of hitting of a receiver against main body, a desk or the like from being transmitted to the other party of communication by adjusting the output level of a sound signal which is inputted to a microphone which the receiver has on the basis of the change of tension of a cord connecting the receiver and the main body. SOLUTION: When a receiver 2 placed on a main body 1 of this telephone set is taken up, a cord 3 is pulled out from the main body 1, because the receiver 2 is moved away from the main body 1 and a magnet 22 is moved in the direction of an arrow A accompanying this movement. Meanwhile, when a user returns the receiver 2 in his or her hand to the main body 1 or puts it on a desk or the like, the cord 3 is pulled into the main body by a coiled spring 21 because the receiver 2 is moved toward the main body 1, and the magnet 22 is moved in the direction of the arrow B. The output level to a line of sounds inputted to the microphone is adjusted according to the detection value of a magnetic sensor 23, thereby preventing the unpleasant noise of hitting of the receiver against the main body, a desk, or the like from being transmitted to the other party of communication.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a telephone for controlling an output level of a sound input to a microphone provided in a telephone receiver to a line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, telephones have been used as one of communication devices. General telephones are equipped with a hold function that plays an appropriate melody when waiting for the other party to communicate. Using this function, you can notify the other party that the call is on hold, and click here. The conversation on the side can be prevented from being heard by the communication partner. That is, when a conversation that the communication partner does not want to hear is used, the conversation function is not heard by the communication partner by using the hold function (the content of the conversation is not known).

As described above, the above-mentioned hold function limits the output level of the sound input from the microphone provided in the ordinary handset to the line (sets the output level to substantially 0), and sets a predetermined melody. Etc. is transmitted to the line.

[0004]

However, conventional general telephones have a configuration in which the start / stop of the hold function is switched by performing a predetermined key operation. That is, the hold function cannot be used unless a predetermined key operation is performed, and the hold function is not used when the handset is temporarily placed on a desk or the like for some reason during a call due to its trouble. Often. For this reason, there is a problem that the sound of the handset colliding with the desk is transmitted to the other party, which makes the other party unpleasant.

Also, when the receiver is returned to the main unit in order to end the communication, the holding function is not used, and the sound of the collision between the receiver and the main unit is transmitted to the other party, making the other party uncomfortable. there were.

Therefore, a telephone has been proposed which detects the state of the handset and automatically switches the start / stop of the hold function (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2-114747 and 7-75).
No. 36). However, the techniques described in these publications require a large number of sensors to be disposed in the receiver in order to detect the state of the receiver, and have a problem that the configuration is complicated and the cost of the main body is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to adjust the output level of a sound input to a microphone of a handset based on a change in tension in a cord connecting the handset and the main body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a telephone in which an unpleasant sound colliding with the telephone is prevented from being transmitted.

[0008]

The present invention has the following arrangement to solve the above-mentioned problems.

(1) A telephone set having a microphone for inputting an audio signal is connected to a main body by a cord, and a telephone for outputting an audio signal input to the microphone is provided. Output level adjusting means for adjusting the output level of the audio signal input to the microphone according to the detection value of the sensor.

In this configuration, the output level of the input voice signal is adjusted based on the change in the tension in the cord connecting the handset and the main body detected by the sensor.

Here, in the case of a telephone having a cord connected between the receiver and the main body, the telephone is picked up from the main body during a call, so that the telephone is connected to the cord more than when the telephone is placed on the main body or the desk. High tension is applied. Therefore, when the handset is placed on a desk during a call or when the handset is returned to the main body after the end of the call, a change occurs in the cord in which the tension is reduced. Therefore, when the tension in the cord changes, the output level of the audio signal to the line can be reduced to prevent the sound of the handset colliding with the desk from being transmitted to the other party. It does not make the other person feel uncomfortable.

(2) The sensor includes a moving part that moves in accordance with a change in tension in the cord and a detecting part that detects a moving amount of the moving part.

In this configuration, the change in the tension in the cord is detected by detecting the amount of movement of the moving portion that moves in accordance with the change in the tension of the cord.

(3) The sensor includes a moving part that moves in accordance with a change in tension in the cord and a detecting part that detects a position of the moving part.

In this configuration, the change in the tension in the cord is detected by detecting the position of the moving part that moves in accordance with the change in the tension of the cord.

(4) The moving section is a magnet, and the detecting section is a magnetic sensor.

In this configuration, a magnet and a magnetic sensor are used to detect the tension of the cord.

(5) The sensors are provided at both ends of the cord.

In this configuration, sensors for detecting a change in the tension of the cord are provided at both ends of the cord. That is, the cord is provided near the connection part on the main body side and near the connection on the handset side. This makes it possible to more accurately detect a change in the tension in the cord, and to more reliably prevent the communication partner from feeling uncomfortable.

(6) The output level adjusting means has a function of controlling the start / stop of the output of the hold sound to the line.

In this configuration, not only the output level of the input audio signal is adjusted, but also the start / stop of the output of the hold sound to the line is controlled.

[0022]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a telephone according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the telephone according to this embodiment. In the telephone of this embodiment, a main body 1 and a receiver 2 are connected by a cord 3. The cord 3 is a so-called curl cord wound in a coil shape. Reference numeral 4 in the drawing denotes an operation unit on which dial keys and the like are arranged. The telephone has a control unit 11 for controlling the operation of the main unit 1, a voice input / output unit 12 for controlling the input and output of voice in the handset 2, and a tension for detecting a tension in the cord 3 connecting the main body 1 and the handset 2. Detector 13
And a holding unit 14 for outputting a hold sound to the line, and a communication unit 15 for controlling communication performed via the line. Further, in the telephone of this embodiment, the cord 3 drawn into the main body 1 is not fixed by the inlet 1a.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the cords drawn into the main body. The cord 3 is drawn into the main body from the inlet 1a, and its end is connected to the audio input / output unit 12. Further, as described above, the cord 3 is not fixed to the entrance 1a and is free. Further, the cord 3 is urged in the vicinity of the inlet 1a by a coil spring 21 having one end fixed to the main body. A magnet 22 is arranged between the coil spring 21 and the cord 3 as shown in the figure, and a magnetic sensor 2 for detecting a change in a magnetic field accompanying the movement of the magnet 22.
3 is provided on the main body. Note that the magnet 22 and the magnetic sensor 23 constitute the tension detecting unit 13, and the magnet 22 corresponds to a moving unit according to the present invention.
Reference numeral 3 corresponds to a detection unit according to the present invention.

The operation of the telephone according to this embodiment will be described below. When the user uses the telephone, pick up the handset 2 placed on the main body 1 and move the handset 2 in a direction away from the main body 1, so that the cord 3
, A force acts in a direction of pulling out of the main body 1. Since the cord 3 is not fixed to the main body 1 at the entrance 1a as described above, it is pulled out from the main body 1, and the magnet 22 provided inside the main body 1 moves in the direction A shown in FIG. The change in the magnetic field accompanying the movement of the magnet 22 is detected by the magnetic sensor 23. When the tension detector 13 detects that a relatively large force is acting in the direction in which the cord 3 is pulled out of the main body 1, it is determined that the receiver 2 is picked up by the user (the user is holding the receiver 2). I do.

On the other hand, when returning the receiver 2 held by the user to the main body 1 or placing the receiver on a desk or the like, the receiver 2 is moved in a direction approaching the main body 1. Therefore, in the cord 3, the force in the direction of pulling out of the main body 1 is reduced. Therefore, the cord 3 is pulled into the main body by the coil spring 21. As a result, the magnet 22 moves in the direction B shown in the drawing, and a change in the magnetic field accompanying the movement of the magnet 22 is detected by the magnetic sensor 23. Even if the tension detecting unit 13 detects that the force of the cord 3 in the direction of pulling out of the main body 1 becomes small from the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 23, the moving amount of the magnet 22 is less than the predetermined amount. In this case, it is not determined that the user is trying to return the receiver 2 to the main body or to place the receiver 2 on a desk or the like. It is determined that the user is about to return, or to place on a desk or the like.) This is because the force in the direction in which the cord 3 is pulled out of the main body 1 changes only when the relative positional relationship between the main body 1 and the receiver 2 changes. For example, when the user changes his or her posture while holding the handset 2, if the handset 2 approaches the main body 1, the force in the direction of pulling out the cord 3 to the outside of the main body 1 also decreases. That is, when the handset 2 approaches the main body 1 by changing the posture or the like, an erroneous determination that the user intends to return the handset 2 to the main body (or to place the receiver 2 on a desk or the like) is made. Preventing.

As described above, in the telephone 1 of this embodiment, when the tension detector 13 detects that the magnetic sensor 23 applies a relatively large force to the cord 3 in the direction of being pulled out of the main body 1 by the magnetic sensor 23, the user turns on the receiver 2 Is determined to be picked up, and when it is detected that the force in the direction of pulling the cord 3 to the outside of the main body 1 is reduced, if the moving amount of the magnet 22 is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the user places the handset 2 on the main body. It is determined that the user is about to return, or is about to place the camera on a desk or the like. The movement amount of the magnet 22 is determined by the magnetic sensor 23.
Can be detected from the change in the strength of the magnetic field detected in the step (a).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the output level adjustment processing in the telephone according to this embodiment. When the tension detecting unit 13 determines that the user has picked up the handset 2 (n1), the control unit 11 sets the output level to the line for the sound input from the microphone provided in the handset 2 to the normal level (sufficient for the other party). (Transmitted level) (n2). The control unit 11 normally sets the output level to the line for the sound input from the microphone until the tension detection unit 13 determines that the user is trying to return the receiver 2 to the main body or to place the receiver 2 on a desk or the like. Level.

When the tension detector 13 determines that the user intends to return the receiver 2 to the main body or to place the receiver 2 on a desk or the like (n3), an input is made from a microphone provided in the receiver 2. The output level of the audio signal to the line is set to approximately 0 and the process returns to n1 (n
4).

Therefore, when the user is holding the handset 2 (while picking it up), the voice input from the microphone provided in the handset 2 is output to the line at an appropriate level. The input voice can be reliably transmitted to the other party. Also, when the user sets the receiver 2
When the receiver 2 is to be placed on the main body 1 or on a desk or the like, the output level of the sound input from the microphone provided in the receiver 2 to the line is set to substantially 0.
The sound that collides with the desk or the desk is not output to the line. Therefore, the sound of the handset 2 colliding with the main body 1, the desk, or the like is not transmitted to the other party, and it is possible to prevent the other party from feeling unpleasant.

Note that even if the user temporarily puts the receiver 2 on the desk during a call (even if the output level to the line of the voice input from the microphone at n4 is set to approximately 0). ,
When the user picks up the receiver 2 placed on the desk, the tension detector 13 determines that the user has picked up the receiver 2 (n1), and the output level of the voice input from the microphone to the line is normally n2. Since the level is set, the voice input by the user to the microphone can be reliably transmitted to the other party.

In the above embodiment, the coil spring 23
However, instead of the coil spring 23, a leaf spring, rubber, or the like is used.
Other types of elastic bodies may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the user sets the receiver 2
It is determined using the amount of movement of the magnet 22 whether the user is going to return the camera to the main body or to place it on a desk or the like. However, the determination may be made based on the position of the magnet 22. Specifically, when the magnet 22 is located within the range of X shown in FIG. 3, it is determined that the user is talking with the handset 2, and the magnet 22 is moved from the position within the range of X shown in FIG. 3. When moving to the position within the range of Y shown in FIG. 3, it may be determined that the handset 2 is about to be returned to the main body or is about to be temporarily placed on a desk or the like. The position of the magnet 22 can be determined from the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 23.

In the above embodiment, when the user decides to return the receiver 2 to the main unit or to place the receiver 2 on a desk or the like, the output level of the sound input to the microphone to the line is changed. It was just about 0,
As shown in FIG. 5, processing of n5 may be added to start sending (outputting) the hold sound to the line. In this way, while the receiver 2 is placed on the desk, the other party can hear the hold tone. In this case, when it is detected that the user picks up the receiver 2 in n1, the output level to the line for the sound input from the microphone provided in the receiver 2 is set to the normal level in n2, A process (n6) for stopping transmission (output) of the hold sound is also provided.

With this configuration, when the receiver 2 is placed on a desk or the like, the hold sound can be automatically transmitted to the line, and the receiver 2 is temporarily placed on the desk or the like. When the receiver 2 is picked up, the transmission of the hold tone can be automatically stopped. That is, the hold function can be automatically turned on / off.

In the above embodiment, the change in the tension in the cord 3 is detected by using the magnet 22 and the magnetic sensor 23. However, the change in the tension in the cord 3 is detected by using the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32. May be configured to be detected. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the cord 3 is drawn into the main body 1, and the cord 3 is urged by a coil spring 21 having one end fixed to the main body in the vicinity of the inlet 1 a. An elliptical hole 33a between the portions (the portions indicated by hatching in the figure)
Is disposed. The light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 are fixed to the main body 1 so as to face each other with the plate 33 interposed therebetween.

In this configuration, when the receiver 2 is placed on the main body 1 or on a desk and the like, and the force acting on the cord 3 in the direction of pulling out of the main body 1 is small, the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 are connected. The hole 33a is located at the position facing the
When the force acting on the cord 3 in the direction of being pulled out of the main body 1 becomes relatively large, and the cord 3 is pulled out of the main body 1 against the urging force of the coil spring 21, a plate provided inside the main body 1 is provided. 33 moves in the direction A, and a hole 33a is formed at a position where the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 face each other.
Is not located. Therefore, the light receiving element 3
It is determined that the user is picking up the handset 2 when the light receiving element 2 does not receive the output light of the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 receives the light from the state where the output light of the light emitting element 31 is not received. When the state changes to the state in which the handset is turned on, it can be determined that the user intends to place the receiver 2 on the main body 1 or on a desk or the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, the structure in which the change in the tension of the cord 3 is detected on the main body 1 side has been described (the coil spring 21, the magnet 22, and the magnetic sensor 23 are connected to the main body 1).
However, the above-described configuration may be provided on the handset 2 side to detect a change in tension in the cord 3. Further, the above configuration may be provided in both the main body 1 and the handset 2, and comprehensively determined from the respective detection results. For example, when it is determined that the receiver 2 is picked up by the user on at least one of the main unit 1 and the receiver 2, a final determination is made that the receiver 2 is picked up by the user, and the main unit 1 and the receiver 2 are determined. When both sides determine that the user intends to place the handset 2 on the main body 1 or on a desk or the like, the final decision is that the user intends to place the handset 2 on the main body 1 or on a desk or the like. Should be performed.

A method of determining whether the receiver 2 is picked up by the user on the main body 1 side and the receiver 2 side, and determining whether the user intends to place the receiver 2 on the main body 1 or on a desk or the like. As the technique, the above-described technique may be used.

As described above, in this embodiment, whether the receiver 2 is picked up by the user or whether the user intends to place the receiver 2 on the main body 1, the desk, or the like is detected as in the related art. Since the determination is made not from the state of the handset 2 but from a change in tension in the cord 3 connecting the main body 1 and the handset 2, the above determination can be made with a relatively simple configuration. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the telephone body can be suppressed.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, whether or not the receiver is picked up by the user based on the change in the tension in the cord connecting the main body and the receiver, the user can place the receiver on the main body or on a desk or the like. It is determined whether the receiver is going to be placed on the receiver and the output level to the line of the audio signal input from the microphone provided in the receiver is adjusted. It can be prevented from being transmitted to the other party, so that the other party does not feel uncomfortable.

Further, since the configuration for detecting the state of the handset can be realized with a relatively simple configuration, the manufacturing cost of the telephone body can be suppressed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a telephone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a telephone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a part for detecting tension in a cord of the telephone according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the telephone according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the telephone according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a part for detecting tension in a cord of a telephone according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1-Main unit 2-Handset 3-Cord 11-Control unit 13-Tension detecting unit 21-Coil spring 22-Magnet 23-Magnetic sensor 31-Light emitting element 32-Light receiving element 33-Plate 33a-Hole

Claims (6)

[Claims] A telephone having a microphone for inputting an audio signal and having a microphone connected to a main body and outputting an audio signal input to the microphone, a sensor for detecting a change in tension in the cord, and the sensor Output level adjusting means for adjusting the output level of the audio signal input to the microphone according to the detected value of
Phone with. 2. The telephone according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a moving unit that moves in accordance with a change in tension in the cord, and a detecting unit that detects an amount of movement of the moving unit. 3. The telephone according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a moving unit that moves in accordance with a change in tension in the cord, and a detecting unit that detects a position of the moving unit. 4. The telephone according to claim 2, wherein the moving unit is a magnet, and the detecting unit is a magnetic sensor. 5. The telephone according to claim 1, wherein the sensors are provided at both ends of the cord. 6. The output level adjusting means has a function of controlling start / stop of output of a hold tone to a line.
5. The telephone according to any one of 5.