Abstract: A mass polling system with cut-through capabilities is provided. The mass polling system is of the type which includes circuitry for switching calls to a selected telephone number to at least one trunk and means for tabulating the number of calls to the selected telephone number. A recorded message is presented to the majority of the callers responding to the mass polling question. The mass polling system further includes a cut-through circuit which enables the poll sponsor to randomly talk to callers responding to the question presented.

Abstract: A system and method for recording voice messages received in an automated message exchange system. Voice messages are digitized by the message exchange system at the time they are received. At a convenient time determined by the computer of the message system, such digitized voice messages are converted back to a verbal audio signal for recording on a conventional cassette tape recorder. Other digital information stored in the message exchange system may also be verbalized for recording on the tape recorder in association with the corresponding voice message. An interface unit starts the cassette tape recorder when the message exchange system is ready to begin taping a message, conveys a signal to the message exchange system confirming that the tape recorder is operating properly, and then conveys the verbal audio signal to be recorded from the message exchange system to the cassette tape recorder.

Abstract: A system which presents a user with a sequence of prompt messages and stores user responses to at least selected ones of these prompt messages, classifies the stored user responses in a first category when the user responds to a first one of the prompt messages and not to a second one of the prompt messages, and classifies the stored user reponses in a second category when the user responds to both the first and second prompt messages. In addition, this system classifies the stored user response in a third category when the response includes any one of a plurality of code words, and in a fourth category when the user response includes none of these code words. An alternate embodiment classifies stored user responses in accordance with the duration of the response to a selected prompt message. The described classification techniques materially enhance transcription efficiency.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine having solid state storage of an outgoing announcement (OGA) is improved by magnetic tape apparatus 120 for providing backup protection of the OGA in the event of a power failure. Also stored on the magnetic tape is the time duration of the OGA. Analog to digital conversion of the OGA, for storage in Dynamic Random Access Memories 210, 220 and 230, proceeds at a sampling rate that is inversely proportional to the time duration of the OGA to assure that the available memory space is fully utilized.

Abstract: A telephone answering device wherein an outgoing message translated from an original language into each of several different foreign languages is sent out in a predetermined order to a calling party of any foreign country when he pushes ten-keys on a push-button telephone in a predetermined order, so that the calling party can get the most understandable outgoing message. The outgoing messages translated into major foreign languages are previously stored depending on the country's language situation, or otherwise the prerecorded original outgoing message is translated into one of the foreign languages by a built-in translating device each time the calling party pushes a ten-key, to be delivered to the calling party.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a voice communication means and a data communication means. A detection means detect a signal relating to the data communication during voice communication by the voice communication means, and a control means effects data communication in accordance with the output of the detection means.

Abstract: Since telephone answering systems have made great progress together with the telephone system and the market thereof has expanded, the calling party of any country all over the world does not always speak the same language as the outgoing message. Then the conventional telephone answering system wherein one foreign language is recorded on the incoming message tape cannot meet such a world-wide use. The present invention provides a telephone answering system, wherein a foreign language incoming message is recorded and then translated into the owner's own language by the translating device, so that the owner can get the translated message by the remote location. As it takes much time to translate the message correctly at the current technical level, simultaneous translation is not perfect.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a switching mechanism for electrical devices where the operations of each device are controlled by turning the page-like switches of the mechanism in a manner similar to turning the pages of a book. A preferred embodiment of the invention concerns an integral telephone and telephone answering machine.

Abstract: An auxiliary recording medium for recording an incoming message is provided in addition to a main recording medium conventionally provided. Thus, an incoming message is first recorded into the auxiliary recording medium and is then recorded into the main recording medium. At the time of playback, the incoming message which has been recorded into the auxiliary recording medium is first played, and the main recording medium simultaneously rewound. Then, the incoming message recorded on the main recording medium is played.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering device which has multiple outgoing message sections for recording multiple outgoing messages. A selecting means is provided for selecting one outgoing message from multiple recorded outgoing messages to greet calling parties. A user can change the outgoing message easily by setting the selecting switch means instead of recording an entirely new outgoing message. The original outgoing message can be recovered instead of erased after switching to another outgoing message.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering and recording device, wherein if an incoming call is received when an incoming message tape is full or an owner fails to set the telephone answering device to an automatic answering mode prior to leaving, the telephone line is nevertheless engaged to operate the telephone answering device. Then an outgoing message for answering only, such as "Please call back later", is generated by a voice synthesizer and sent out to a calling party, so that the calling party can understand the situation and know what to do.

Abstract: A multiline telephone answering system includes a playback deck for supplying a prerecorded message and a plurality of interface units for interconnecting a plurality of telephone lines and the playback deck. Each interface unit is associated with a particular telephone line and supplies a start signal to the playback deck when its associated line is ringing. Each interface unit is responsive to the state of the playback deck for connecting its line to the playback deck only at the start of the prerecorded message and inhibits the connection between the playback deck and its telephone line unless that telephone line is ringing at the start of the prerecorded message.

Abstract: In an automatic telephone answering system which records and reproduces an outgoing message to be sent to a calling party and an incoming message from the calling party on a recording medium, such as magnetic tape, a single-tone test signal from a touch tone signal generator is recorded on the tape as a cue signal to indicate a position of one of the incoming and outgoing messages. The single-tone signal is also used for a variety of signals in the operation of the automatic telephone answering system, such as a beep tone, an instruction signal and an alarm signal. The reproduced cue signal which is within an audio band is discriminated from an audio signal representing the outgoing or incoming message by a phase-locked loop having a narrow capture range and a loop filter with a prolonged time constant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic telephone answering device with an automatic switching mechanism for switching between an automatic answering mode and a two-way conversation recording mode. When a telephone is put into an off-hook condition for a direct conversation with a calling party while the automatic answering mode is in a standby condition or in operation, such an off-hook condition is detected by a current detector and the conversation is recorded on a recording tape without any limitation of time. When the telephone is put into an on-hook condition during the recording of the conversation, the current detector or a voice signal detector is operated to stop the recording operation, and then the device is automatically brought into a standby condition for the next call.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering device has a timer energized when the device is set in a mode other than an automatic standby mode. A time-out output from the timer upon elapse of a preset timer's time and an output corresponding to a ringing signal are supplied to an AND gate. The device is controlled to automatically make an engaging loop circuit in response to an output from the AND gate and works as a telephone answering device to answer a call.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering device having a conversation recording function has at least one tape cassette operative in a telephone answering mode to reproduce an outgoing message to a calling party and to record incoming messages in a standard manner, in response to an incoming call when the cassette is in a first position in the device. When the cassette is removed from the device, inverted reinserted so that the cassette is in a second position, the device is automatically operative in a conversation recording mode to record conversations between the calling and called parties. If more than a predetermined period of time elapses between the end of a conversation and the start of the next conversation or turning over of the cassette to provide a standby mode, an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: A system for automatic telephone answering picture/sound recording and a device therefor records both a television program and an incoming message from a calling party on a common video tape. Upon detection of a telephone ringing signal, the telephone line is engaged and then, to effect picture/sound recording of a telecast, the video tape is set in a standby mode, and at the same time an outgoing message is transmitted. Upon completion of the transmission of the outgoing message, the standby mode is cancelled to operate the recording section and then the incoming message is recorded on the video type. Further, restoration to a standby mode is made after the message recording is completed.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus includes a telephone circuit for generating a detection signal in response to a received calling signal in an automatic receiving mode, and a control unit for transmitting an answer-back tone signal in response to the detection signal from the telephone circuit. After transmitting the answer-back tone signal, in response to externally supplied DTMF signals representing a data input start signal, key-in data, and a data input end signal, the control unit sequentially stores the key-in data in a memory and drives a printer on the basis of the key-in data stored in the memory.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering/recording apparatus and a method of operating the same are provided. The apparatus has three operation buttons consisting of an outgoing message tape operation button, an automatic telephone answering/recording aspparatus operation button, and an incoming message tape operation button. When the apparatus operation buton is depressed, the automatic telephone answering/recording apparatus is set in the answering/recording standby mode. An outgoing message tape can be set in the play, stop, rewind, or fast forward mode in accordance with the number of times of depressions of the outgoing message tape operation button. Similarly, an incoming message tape can be set in the play, stop, rewind, or fast forward mode in accordance with the number of times of depressions of the incoming message tape operation button.

Abstract: A modular dictation/transcription system is described comprising a modular construction wherein the system is composed of a set of modules which are detachably connectable to each other. Connection or detachment of individual modules from the system configures the system to provide such functions as may be required while deleting such functions which are not necessary. Included within the modules are one or more recording/playback modules a display module and a telephone module. All of the modules interact with each other in accordance with preselectable functions to provide for a more efficient utilization of the dictation/transcription system. Clusters of the modules may be arranged as stations, with the stations connected by a digital communication link.

Abstract: An easily operable automatic telephone answering/recording apparatus adapted to operate in response to depression of first, second and third buttons and the number of times of depression. The apparatus is so operated that the outgoing message is recordable and the recorded outgoing message is reproduced and thereafter the apparatus is set in the standby mode when the first operation button is depressed, and that the incoming message is selectively saved in accordance with whether or not the second operation button is depressed, and that reproduction of the incoming message, rewind operation of an incoming message storage medium and fast-forward operation of the same medium are selectively effected when the third operation button is depressed by corresponding numbers of times, and that the incoming message storage medium is stopped when the third operation button is depressed during the reproduction, rewind, or fast-forward operation regarding the same medium.

Abstract: A telephone terminal or a combined telephone-dictation terminal is disclosed. Such telephone apparatus includes a handset having a microphone and a speaker together with a speakerphone having a microphone and a speaker. Such telephone apparatus also includes a hook switch, which detects on-hook and off-hook conditions of the handset, a speakerphone switch, and a control mechanism, which is responsive to the hook switch and the speakerphone switch. The control mechanism may successively enable and disable at least one of the speakerphone microphone and the speakerphone speaker in response to successive operations of the speakerphone switch during the on-hook condition.

Abstract: At least two operation buttons are arranged to set one of a plurality of operation modes of a recording/reproducing apparatus. When each operation button operated a plurality of times within a predetermined period of time is detected by a microprocessor, a switching circuit sets a recording medium in a predetermined operation mode determined by the operation/non-operation and the number of operations of each operation button. In the predetermined operation mode, at least one recording medium mounted in the recording apparatus is erased while being rewound or fast forwarded.

Abstract: A personal alarm system is disclosed which incorporates a speakerphone so as to permit substantially handsfree operation and remote activation. The system includes a speakerphone which interfaces to a subscriber station. The subscriber station in turn interfaces over a communications link to a central monitoring station which is operative to receive and analyze messages transmitted to the central monitoring station by the subscriber station. Following transmission of a message from the subscriber station to the central monitoring station, the central monitoring station may transmit a control signal to the subscriber station which causes the subscriber station to activate the speakerphone to permit verbal communication with a subscriber who may be immobilized and/or physically unable to initiate a telephone call or answer a telephone.

Abstract: A telephone answering device using voice synthesizer as an outgoing message generating device, which playbacks outgoing message through built-in loudspeaker for confirmation in standby mode, even if occasional incoming call is received during confirmation of outgoing message, makes reset instantly then transmits outgoing message from its beginning to the calling party.

Abstract: A record/play unit and a tape controller in an automatic telephone answering device with a paging function that sets an incoming message tape in a record mode in response to a beep tone generated upon completion of the sending of a first, normal, outgoing message and a second outgoing message for providing a paging procedure to a caller when an incoming message is not recorded by the caller after the beep tone is generated. The controller thereafter drives an engaging section in response to a special code sent by the calling party. The engaging section temporarily disengages the device from the telepone lines and then engages the device with the telephone lines again. Subsequently, a DTMF oscillator is operated to dial a prestored telephone number.

Abstract: A reset system for a telephone answering machine which, in the event of power failure, or disconnection from the power source, will reset the telephone answering machine when power is restored to the condition it was in prior to the power failure. The system is applicable to both single tape machines in which the outgoing announcement and incoming messages are all recorded on one magnetic tape, and dual tape machines in which the outgoing announcements are recorded on one magnetic tape and the incoming messages are recorded on a second magnetic tape. The system of the invention serves to determine whether there were incoming messages on the incoming message tape when the power failed and if so, the end of the last recorded incoming message is located so that when power is restored the incoming message tape can be set to the same position it was in when power was lost.

Abstract: A reset system for a telephone answering machine which, in the event of a power failure, or should the telephone answering machine be disconnected from the power mains, will reset the telephone answering machine when power is restored to the condition it was in just prior to the power failure. In a specific embodiment to be described, when power is restored, an incoming message magnetic tape is set to rewind for a selected time interval (for example, 2 to 3 seconds), and the number of pulses generated by the magnetic tape mechanism during that period are examined. If the number of pulses exceeds a predetermined minimum, it is assumed that there are incoming messages recorded on the tape, and the tape is returned to the position it occupied prior to rewind. In addition, control and indicator mechanisms within the system are set to the state they were in just prior to the power failure.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine which upon initial power-up plays back a message recorded by the manufacturer on the incoming message tape. This message may be in the form of advertising, operational instructions, or the like. Subsequent use of the machine causes the initial message to be erased. The message is recorded at the beginning of the incoming message tape together with a pre-defined tone. Upon initial power-up, the incoming message tape is rewound to its home position by the microcomputer of the telephone answering machine and, if the tone is detected, the machine automatically plays back the recorded message. At the end of the playback, the incoming message tape is returned to its home position and the telephone answering machine is set by the microcomputer to its auto answer mode, ready to respond to the first telephone call.

Abstract: A message retrieval system is disclosed which includes a plurality of answering machines, each connected to respected telephone line. Each answering machine records telephone responses on a respective message memory unit and all message memory units are connected to a single message processor. The message processor is in turn connected to a number of retrieval consoles used by operators to transcribe messages from the message memory units.

Abstract: A door message apparatus has a control unit which responds to operation of a doorbell switch to connect a door speaker/microphone to an automatic telephone answering and recording machine. The control unit applies a ring signal to the answering machine so that the machine then plays back a prerecorded message which is broadcast to the door caller. After the playback, the door caller may talk into the door speaker/microphone to produce a message which is recorded by the answering machine.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine which records and displays the date and time of each recorded incoming message and, if required, displays the duration of each message. The telephone answering machine is microcomputer controlled, and when a call is received, the random access memory of the microcomputer stores a number equivalent to the time and date on which the telephone line was seized. The telephone answering machine then records the call in normal manner. At the end of the call, a second number representing the time at which the call terminated may also be stored in the random access memory. At that time, the microcomputer causes the message tape to rewind to a point past the beginning of the recorded message and causes the data and time at which the message was received to be recorded on a blank portion of the tape just before the beginning of the message. The microcomputer then causes the tape to move forward to the end of the message in preparation for taking the next call.

Abstract: A first recording medium of automatic telephone answering apparatus records an OGM (Outgoing Message) and a second recording medium records ICMs (Incoming Messages). Immediately after the first ICM is recorded, a first muting portion and a first cue signal (control signal) are sequentially recorded on the second recording medium. Then, the second recording medium is rewound to a position intermediate the length of the first cue signal and the automatic answering mode is reset. Before recording of the second ICM, a second muting portion of a predetermined duration is recorded on the second recording medium, so as to modify the first cue signal to form a second cue signal shorter than the first cue signal. The second ICM is then recorded on the second recording medium. This process is repeated for subsequent ICMs so that a short (second) cue signal marks the separation between each pair of successive ICMs and a long (first) cue signal marks the end of all the ICMs.

Abstract: A message playback control system for a telephone answering machine of the type in which a user, in order to recover his messages, by operation of a manually operated local switch, causes the message tape in the machine to rewind to a particular position, and then causes the message tape to move in the forward direction and play back the messages recorded on the tape, and then automatically causes the message tape to stop when all the messages have been played back. In the system of the present invention, provision is made so that if the local switch is subsequently operated further control operations may be effectuated.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine which includes a speakerphone feature to enable the user to converse directly with a calling party through the machine. A microphone and a speaker are included in the machine together with interconnecting circuitry which may be activated by the user upon the receipt of a telephone call to enable the user to communicate with the calling party through the machine instead of having the calling party record his message on the machine in response to a recorded announcement.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the magnetic tape units of a telephone answering machine of the type which utilizes a continuous loop cassette magnetic tape unit on which an announcement message is recorded for transmission to a calling party during an initial time interval (T.sub.1), and which also includes a C-60 type cassette magnetic tape unit in which the tape is drawn from a supply reel to a take-up reel in order to record the message from the calling party during a subsequent message recording interval (T.sub.2). In the mechanism of the invention, a single reversible electric motor and a centrifugal gear drive are used to drive the announcement tape unit when the motor turns in one direction and to drive the message tape unit when the motor turns in the opposite direction. A simple manual control allows the message tape unit to be driven at increased speed in the forward direction during a fastforward operation and at the increased speed in the reverse direction during a rewind operation.

Abstract: Output of an amplifier is continuously coupled to the line during line seizure, not loading the line during standby. Input to a second amplifier is coupled to the line at least during line seizure. An SCR flip-flop provides power to the announcement deck and message deck and may power these decks alternately.