Abstract: In an apparatus which previously displays a television program or the like most desired for each person on an individual timetable, or enables the family to look at the TV channel number displayed on the timetable, it provides means for storing data of the timetable for one day or a week into a storage device, such as a wrist watch, to be always carried by each person and for displaying the data by pressing the button of the wrist watch as occasion demands. Accordingly, a viewer can find on which channel the most desired program is aired by pressing the button of the wrist watch while he/she is out or is at work, whereby he/she can watch the program on the nearest television.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enable a car telephone to receive incoming calls and a telephone answering device to be activated even though the ignition key is removed. A housing is fitted onto a car telephone cradle and a handset is placed on the top of the housing. When there is a call, a rotary arm which is coupled to a motor is moved, and a magnet attached to the tip of the rotary arm opens a reed relay, which corresponds to a hook switch to form a loop circuit. Then an outgoing message is transmitted via a speaker, and an incoming message from a caller is recorded via a microphone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a means for indicating an incoming message recording mode of a telephone answering device, such as a fixed or variable mode, by means of a distinguishable audible signal, which is outputted to speaker 9 or telephone line L1,L2 via output port O-6, on the following occasions: when one of the mode keys of console 2 is manually operated; when the telephone answering device is set to automatic answer mode by the "AUTO" key operation; and when a predetermined signal entered remotely is received through telephone line L1,L2, line transformer, amplifier 12 and tone decoder 13. Such a predetermined signal is also used to switch the recording mode by remote control.

Abstract: A telephone terminal device, which is activated by a predetermined number of ringing signals even if a telephone call occurred immediately after a previous caller had abandoned a call before engagement of the telephone line. When the telephone terminal device is set to standby mode, the polarity of telephone line (L1, L2) is stored in microprocessor CPU-1 via photocoupler PC-3 (or PC-4) and contact y2-1. If there is a call thereafter, ringing portion of the ringing signal is detected by photocoupler PC-3 (or PC-4) via capacitor C2. During a silent period, the polarity of the telephone line (L1, L2) is checked by the aforementioned PC-3 or PC-4 via contact y2-1 which is closed. When the polarity of the telephone line at the time of abandonment of call by a caller prior to activation of the telephone terminal device coincides with the aforementioned polarity stored, the telephone terminal device is restored to standby mode (with the counter for ranging signals being cleared).

Abstract: In a combination television and videocassette recorder device which is automatically controlled by TV program reservation codes, when the selector switch is set to the TV mode side, it is possible to automatically control the television by the reservation codes. On the other hand, when the selector switch is set to the VCR mode side, it is possible to automatically control the videocassette recorder by the reservation codes.

Abstract: A device which allows a user to enter TV program recording reservations into a VCR memory and record the TV programs on videotape based on the reservations. This device is also capable of distinguishing between reservation data for TV programs which have been recorded and those which have not. TV program reservation data may be entered via keyboard 10 or remotely using telephone set 1. At the time of recording of a reserved TV program, a mark indicating that the recording has been performed is stored in RAM along with the data for that reservation and this mark is stored for a prescribed period of time. When review button 10-2 is pressed, TV program reservation data is displayed on LCD 14. The display changes depending on whether or not the above-mentioned mark is stored in RAM and it is thus possible for a user to determine whether the reserved TV program has been recorded.

Abstract: A video cassette recorder (VCR) automatically controlled by the "G Code" ("Plus Code") and a television set for monitoring purposes each have their own tuner. A user is able to monitor on the TV set a program designated by the "G Code," even though the VCR does not operate because no videotape has been loaded into the VCR. On the other hand, when a videotape is loaded into the VCR, the user is also able to monitor on the TV set the program, which is being recorded on the VCR, without manually operating the TV set, or monitor on the TV set a program on a channel different from that of the VCR by changing the channel of the tuner for the TV set.

Abstract: In a telephone terminal device, for example, a telephone answering device, when the device receives an inadvertent facsimile signal while it is in operation, the telephone line is disengaged via a facsimile signal detecting means for the purpose of preventing unwanted utilization of the telephone line and unnecessary consumption of the recording medium.

Abstract: This device is designed so that although voice of the opposite party will be amplified when telephone 1 on the side of the device is first placed on-hook during a telephone conversation, amplification will not occur if the opposite party places his or her phone on-hook first during a telephone conversation or if the user places telephone 1 on-hook before the opposite party picks up the telephone. The structure, which is shown in FIG. 1 such that during a telephone conversation between telephone 1 and telephone 12, when telephone 1 is placed on-hook first, the on-hook status is detected by means of the photocouplers PC-1 or PC-2, and the voice of the opposite party at telephone 12 is amplified by means of contacts y1-1 and y1-2, which are in the make position, line transformer 2, amplifier 3 and speaker 4.

Abstract: A remotely controlled device for making videotape recording reservations on a videocassette recorder using a remote pushbutton telephone to enter recording reservation codes such as PlusCodes, constructed so that the audio portion of the TV program currently being recorded can be monitored by the user via the telephone whenever the user calls up the device. Prior to the inputting of the recording reservation codes, the user may turn off the transmission of the audio portion of the TV program by transmitting a specific code in order to ensure that the audio portion of the TV program does not mask the sound of DTMF tones during inputting of reservation codes.

Abstract: In caller ID telephone service system, if a calling party does not want to display his telephone number on the called party side, the calling party takes an authorized key number (hereinafter called "blocking key number") with the telephone exchange office. The key number is composed of a 3 or 4 digit numerical signal, like a push-phone tone, when the subscriber calls any subscriber (called party) telephone number in this service area. If he dials that key number first and then the conventional number, the telephone exchange office detects that key number, then blocks (stops) sending the calling party telephone number to the called party side. On the other hand, the called party side has a device with a relay which functions to take out the associated telephone set from the telephone line after one ring because the device cannot detect telephone number information between the first ring and second ring.

Abstract: A video tape recorder with the function of repetitive playback mainly used for learning purposes detects whether a recordable tape or a playback only tape is used as a master tape when driving independently two video tapes with tape ends to be used as a slave tape and a master tape, respectively. When it is detected that a recordable tape is used, at first the two tapes are simultaneously driven in a recording condition by manipulating a record button and then a desired range of the slave tape is repeatedly rewound and replayed by pressing and releasing a playback button for a required time period. When it is detected that a playback only tape is used, on the other hand, only the slave tape is driven in a recording condition by a similar manipulation, and while the slave tape is repeatedly rewound and replayed, the master tape playback operation is suspended.

Abstract: A bar code communication system and method uses a bar code reader to scan a bar code to develop an audible signal that is acoustically coupled to a telephone line. The signal on the telephone line is received by a called station, decoded and the content of the bar code reported back to the calling party, using voice synthesis, for confirmation. The received signal may then be used to control a VCR or other external apparatus.

Abstract: An audio visual apparatus of the invention has a standard cassette tape (T-2) having record-prevention tabs and an endless video cassette tape (T-1). When the cassettes are installed in two VCR units, respectively and a power switch is turned on, the T-1 and T-2 tapes are set to a recording mode and start recording a TV program. When a remote control button is pressed once, the T-2 tape continues recording while the T-1 tape is set to a playback mode in which video information from a TV is allowed to be monitored endlessly. When the remote control button is pressed once again, the T-1 tape is brought back to the recording mode. A series of the actions can be repeated. On the other hand, when an already recorded cassette tape with tape ends not having record-prevention tabs is installed as a T-2 tape, the T-2 tape is set to a playback mode while a T-1 tape is set to a recording mode, simultaneously while a power switch is turned on so that the T-1 tape records the video information of the T-2 tape.

Abstract: In a TV program reservation system for reserving a TV program suitable to an individual's taste, a reserved TV channel number is always displayed on a display unit of a TV set, and an alarm signal can be generated when a reserved time comes so as to inform a person watching any program by manual operation, that the reserved time has arrived. On each of four divided display portions of the display unit, it is possible to display each of the reserved channels for family members, each of the reserved channels during a predetermined interval of time for an individual, or a channel and a code number when all TV programs are classified into corresponding digits. Further, a user can obtain the displayed channel by voice or other indication via telephone from a remote location.

Abstract: A system combines a telephone answering device, or TAD, installed at each subscriber's premises and a voice mail center station. When IC memory is used as recording media of the TAD to record messages from a calling party, the memory becomes full to its capacity shortly, and the TAD cannot fulfill its function. To prevent this, a voice mail side is set to a message-receiving mode and an incoming message, or ICM, is transferred from the TAD side to the voice mail side by calling the voice mail side and receiving a particular signal from the TAD side. Then, the TAD restores its function and becomes capable of recording new ICMs. It was a common usage of the voice mail center that a calling party directly records ICMs in the voice mail center. In this system, however, an ICM stored in the voice mail center can be transferred to the TAD by controlling from the TAD as occasion demands, and the ICM can be stored in the TAD.

Abstract: A conventional telephone answering device (hereinafter called TAD) commonly available in the market does not work if a child picks up the handset of a telephone set half in fun during the particular period when a call signal is received but the TAD is not started yet. The TAD also does return to a stand-by mode, on the other hand, if he or she picks up the handset while the TAD is in operation after receiving a call signal. In the present invention, however, it is so arranged that even if a child picks up the handset of a telephone set half in fun, the TAD will start transmitting an outgoing message to a calling party as long as the handset is hung up within a predetermined time period, and if the handset is picked up while the TAD is in operation but hung up within a predetermined time period, the TAD will continue the operation without being suspended.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus connected to a telephone line and incorporating an automatic telephone answering and recording device, which is able to be responsive to various inputs, for example, a calling tone (CNG) or similar signal sent from a calling party's apparatus, or a specified signal sent by a calling party by pushing a DTMF tone button. If a user picks up a handset of a telehpone set connected to the telephone line during the operation of the automatic telephone answering device, the facsimile apparatus is not energized and returns to the standby mode in response to the off-hook operation of the telephone set, so that he or she can talk directly with the calling party. And during the telephone conversation between calling and called parties, the facsimile apparatus can be energized in response to manual operation by either of the parties.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for providing a list of optimal television programs for each individual, it is possible to give a computer center a subscriber's complaints about the individual television program list (timing table), through a telephone line or the like, without sending back a subscriber's recording medium to the computer center. The subscriber himself can correct his television timing table to control a TV or VCR when there is any program which he must, or would like to, watch. The subscriber can also specify a priority order to programs recorded during his absence in order to play back the recorded programs within a given time. The program contents of each TV station at any hour specified by the subscriber can be displayed in one picture, so that the subscriber can select any one among all programs of the same kind.

Abstract: A telephone answering device with TV telephone for receiving and displaying a picture signal sent from a calling party through a telephone line, in the intermission of ringing signals, so that a called party can confirm who is calling by seeing the picture signal on the TV display. The picture signal as well as an incoming message from the calling party is recorded in a recording medium to be reproduced manually by the called party at home or remotely from a remote location. The TV telephone has a line which is common with or separate from the line of the telephone answering device.