Information transmission/reception device

While the answering machine is recording a message from a remote caller, if it is determined that an automatic reproduction request code has been inputted over the telephone, the time and day designated by the remote caller on which the message is to be reproduced is inputted as reproduction time data. Afterward, the message spoken by the remote caller is recorded as sound data. Also the time and day designated for reproduction is stored as automatic reproduction time data. When, by passage of time, the time registered by the clock circuit matches the time and day designated for reproduction, an alarm is sounded by the speaker 14. Then the message is reproduced.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to an information transmission/reception 
device for transmitting information to a remote information 
transmission/reception device and for receiving information from a remote 
information transmission reception device. More particularly, the present 
invention relates to an information transmission/reception device capable 
of recording sound information inputted thereto. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
Various information transmission/reception devices are available, such as 
facsimile machines, telephones, computers, and other various communication 
devices. A conventional telephone with an answering machine function 
operates to allow a caller calling from a remote telephone to record a 
message even when no one is present to answer the telephone. After a 
message is recorded on the answering machine, an LED of the telephone 
flashes, or a message is displayed on a display of the telephone, to 
inform the user that a message stands recorded on the answering machine. 
This is also true when a user records a message directly on his or her own 
answering machine, that is, without telephoning, but by operating the 
answering machine. 
However, there has been known a problem with conventional answering 
machines in that unless a user approaches fairly close to the answering 
machine, he or she will not notice the flashing LED or displayed message 
and therefore will not realize that a message stands recorded on the 
answering machine. This can lead to delay in hearing or even totally 
missing important messages. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
To overcome this problem, it is preferable to automatically reproduce the 
message at a predetermined time after recorded. 
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide an 
information transmission/reception device that receives input of a message 
and time at which the message is desired to be reproduced and that 
automatically reproduces the message at the desired time. 
In order to attain the above object and other objects, the present 
invention provides an information transmission/reception device for 
transmitting information to a remote information transmission/reception 
device and for receiving information from a remote information 
transmission/reception device, the information transmission/reception 
device comprising: inputting means for inputting information; receiving 
means for receiving information from a remote information 
transmission/reception device; sound reproducing means for reproducing 
sound information; information memory means for storing sound information 
when at least one of the information inputted by the inputting means and 
the information received by the receiving means includes sound information 
desired to be reproduced by the sound reproduction means, the information 
further including time information representing time when the 
reproduction-desired sound information is desired to be reproduced; clock 
means for measuring time; and reproduction control means for, when the 
time measured by the clock means reaches time represented by the time 
information, controlling the sound reproducing means to reproduce the 
reproduction-desired sound information stored in the information memory 
means. 
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a telephone for 
automatically recording a spoken message transmitted over a telephone 
circuit, the telephone comprising: reception processing means for 
performing reception processes based on a reception signal transmitted 
from a remote telephone; memory means for storing a spoken message 
transmitted from the remote telephone; determination means for determining 
whether or not automatic reproduction request data for requesting 
automatic reproduction of the spoken message has been transmitted from the 
remote telephone during the reception processes of the reception 
processing means; reproduction means for reproducing the spoken message 
stored in the memory means; clock means for measuring time; and control 
means for, when the determination means determines that automatic 
reproduction request data has been transmitted from the remote telephone 
during the reception processes, storing in the memory means the spoken 
message and an automatic message reproduction time when the spoken message 
is desired to be reproduced, and for, when, according to the clock means, 
the automatic reproduction time has been reached, causing the reproduction 
means to reproduce the spoken message stored in the memory means. 
According to still another aspect, the present invention provides a 
facsimile machine for transmitting information to and receiving 
information from a remote facsimile machine, comprising: data input means 
for inputting various data including sound data; transmission/reception 
control means for transmitting at least one of image data and sound data 
as transmission data to a remote facsimile machine and for receiving at 
least one of sound data and image data from the remote facsimile machine; 
sound data recording means for recording at least one of sound data 
inputted by the sound data input means and sound data received by the 
transmission/reception control means; sound reproduction means for 
reproducing the sound data recorded by the sound data recording means: 
visualizing means for visualizing various data; clock means for monitoring 
time; memory means for storing time information on time at which the sound 
data is desired to be reproduced, the time information being transmitted 
from the remote facsimile machine when the sound data is transmitted from 
the remote facsimile machine and being inputted by the data input means 
when the sound data is inputted by the data input means; and control means 
for controlling the sound reproduction means to reproduce the sound data 
when the time measured by the clock means reaches the time at which the 
sound data is desired no be reproduced, and for controlling said 
visualizing means, after the sound data is reproduced, to visualize an 
information that the sound data is reproduced and is retained in said 
recording means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
An information transmission/reception device according to preferred 
embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to 
the accompanying drawings wherein like parts and components are designated 
by the same reference numerals to avoid duplicating description. 
A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 
through 3. The first embodiment is directed to a telephone having an 
answering function (which will be referred to as an "answering machine" 
hereinafter). 
FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of components in the answering 
machine of the present embodiment. The answering machine includes: a 
control portion 10; a network control unit (NCU) 11; a speaker 14; and a 
handset 13. The network control unit 11 is connected to a telephone 
circuit 12. 
The control portion 10 mainly includes: a CPU 10a; a RAM 10b; a ROM 10c; a 
clock circuit 10d; a modem 10e; and a switch SW2. All components in the 
control portion 10 are connected no each other via a bus B. The CPU 10a is 
for executing a message record/reproduction routine represented by the 
flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and other various processes. The ROM 10c 
previously stores the program of the message record/reproduction routine. 
The switch SW2 is connected no the network control unit (NCU) 11 and the 
speaker 14. 
The switch SW2 is for switching in response to a command from the CPU 10a 
so that the modem 10e can be selectively connected to the NCU 11 or to the 
speaker 14. A switch SW1 provided to the NCU 11 is for selectively 
connecting the telephone circuit 12 to either the modem 10e or the handset 
13. When the switch SW1 is switched from the handset 13 to the modem 10e, 
sound data inputted from the telephone circuit 12 can be inputted to the 
modem 10e. 
The modem 10e is for modulating analog sound data of messages inputted from 
the telephone circuit 12 into digital sound data for being stored in the 
RAM 10b. The modem 10e is also for demodulating the digital sound data 
retrieved from the RAM 10b into analog sound data for being reproduced at 
the speaker 14. 
The RAM 10b is for storing various data, such as data obtained in the 
record/reproduction routine. The RAM 10b includes files for storing the 
digital sound data of messages converted by the modem 10e and reproduction 
time data indicating the time, day, and date (referred to collectively as 
time hereinafter) designated for automatically reproducing the message. 
The clock circuit 10d is used for managing timing at which the messages are 
reproduced. In order to properly fulfill this sole, the clock circuit 10d 
is continuously driven by an independent power source to measure the 
passage of hours and days. The clock circuit 10d measures the time and 
outputs a time signal when the designated time arrives. 
Although not shown in the drawing, the answering machine is further 
provided with a reproduction key connected to the CPU 10a. A user can 
manually operate the reproduction key for causing the answering machine to 
reproduce a message stored in the RAM 10b in a normal manner. 
When the answering machine is operating, the clock circuit 10d measures the 
time and the CPU 10a executes the message record/reproduction routine 
represented by the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. At first, no 
message, nor time for its reproduction, is stored in the RAM 10b (i.e., 
S20 is NO). Assuming that there are no incoming calls in this situation 
(i.e., S30 is NO), the routine will continue a waiting status. When an 
incoming call is received in the CPU 10a from a remote telephone via The 
NCU 11 and the switch (i.e., S30 is YES), in S31, the switch SW2 switches 
to the speaker 14. Also in S31, She CPU 10a outputs a reception sound 
signal to the speaker 14 and performs reception processes on the incoming 
call. In this way, a user is informed that a call has been received from a 
remote telephone. Next, in S32, the modem 10e converts the received analog 
sound data of messages into digital sound data, so that the RAM 10b stores 
or records the digital sound data. 
When recording starts, whether or non the remote caller has inputted the 
code for requesting automatic reproduction of the message is determined in 
S40. The automatic reproduction request code, a special feature of the 
answering machine according to the present embodiment, is inputted by the 
remote caller to request automatic reproduction of the inputted messages 
at the time designated. If not (i.e., S40 is NO), recording is performed 
in the normal manner for the answering machine. 
Next, whether or not a predetermined recording time allowed for recording 
messages has passed or not is determined in S50. If not (i,e., S50 is NO), 
whether or not the remote caller has terminated the call during recording 
of the message is determined in S53. If not (i.e., S53 is NO), program 
returns to S40. If so, (i.e., S53 is YES), recording is terminated in S54 
and the program returns to the waiting status of S20 and S30. On the other 
hand, if the recording time runs out while the telephone circuit is still 
open (i.e., S50 is YES), recording is stopped in S51, the telephone call 
is terminated in S52, and the program returns to the waiting status of S20 
and S30. Afterward, users can confirm the message using the normal method 
of answering machines. That is, the user depresses the reproduction key 
provided to the answering machine so that the message stored in the RAM 
10b is reproduced at the speaker. 
When an automatic reproduction request code is inputted from the remote 
telephone at the start of recording in S32 (i.e., S40 is YES), then 
recording is terminated in S41 (see FIG. 3). Next, whether or not the 
remote caller has inputted the day on which the message is to be 
automatically reproduced is determined in S60. Because the remote caller 
has designated the day by inputting, for example, a number and a "#" 
symbol, this determination is achieved based on detection by the modem 10e 
via the NCU 11 of these inputted data. If so (i.e., S60 is YES), the 
inputted data is stored in the RAM 10b in S61. It should be mentioned that 
each day of the week is prestored in the ROM 10c indicated by a number 
code from 1 to 7. 
Next, whether or not the remote caller has inputted the time at which the 
message is to be automatically reproduced is determined in S70. Because 
the remote caller has designated the time by inputting numeral keys for 
four digit numbers and the "#" code, for example, this determination is 
achieved based on detection by the modem 10e via the NCU 11 of these 
inputted data. If so (i.e., S70 is YES), the inputted data is stored in 
the RAM 10b in S71. Then recording of the message from the remote caller 
is started in S72. This starts conversion of the message in the modem 10e 
and storage of the converted message in the RAM 10b as sound data. Whether 
or not the predetermined recording time allowed for recording messages has 
passed is determined in S80. If so (i.e., S80 is YES), recording 
operations are terminated in S81 and the telephone connection is 
terminated in S82. Next, in S83, the time stored in S71 and the day stored 
in S61 are registered in the time circuit 10d. The program then returns to 
the waiting status of S20 and S30. 
When the remote caller terminates the call during recording of the message 
(i.e., S84 is Yes), recording processes are terminated in S85 and the 
program proceeds to S83. 
After the time and day are thus registered in S83, when the time as 
monitored by the clock circuit 10d reaches the registered time and day 
(i.e., S20 is YES), the clock circuit 10d produces a time signal. 
Receiving the time signal, the CPU 10a outputs alarm data to the speaker 
14 via the switch SW2, in S21. The speaker 14 sounds an alarm as a result. 
The alarm data differs from the reception sound signal the CPU 10a 
produces by frequency division of the reception sound data in the 
reception process. The user can automatically confirm that a message has 
been recorded while he or she was absent. Next, in S22 the recorded 
message is outputted from the RAM 10b via the modem 10e, the switch SW2 to 
the speaker 14, which reproduces the message. 
As described above, while the answering machine is recording a message from 
a remote caller, if it is determined that an automatic reproduction 
request code has been inputted over the telephone, the time and day 
designated by the remote caller on which the message is to be reproduced 
is inputted as reproduction time data. Afterward, the message spoken by 
the remote caller is recorded as sound data. Also the time and day 
designated for reproduction is stored as automatic reproduction time data. 
When, by passage of time, the time registered by the clock circuit 10d 
matches the time and day designated for reproduction, an alarm is sounded 
by the speaker 14. Then the message is reproduced. In this way, messages 
from remote callers are automatically reproduced at the designated time 
and day. Therefore, even if the user of the answering machine does not 
approach the answering machine he or she can know that a message has been 
recorded in the answering machine. Because an alarm is sounded before the 
message is reproduced, the user of the answering machine will not miss 
hearing the message. 
Although the answering machine of the first preferred embodiment uses 
different sounds for the reception sound and the alarm sound, the same 
sound can be used for both the reception sound and the alarm sound. In 
this case, no circuit is additionally needed for producing alarm sound. 
Also, the time designated for reproducing the message need not be inputted 
separately from the day. If the time and day are both inputted during the 
same step, the first digit inputted could represent the day and the next 
four digits the time. 
In the above description, day and time is inputted as the designated time 
for reproducing the message. Alternatively, date and time can be inputted. 
As described above, in the first embodiment, the caller can input an 
automatic reproduction request code and the time the message is to be 
automatically reproduced (automatic reproduction time). Afterward, the 
caller leaves a spoken message, which is stored along with the automatic 
reproduction time. The message recorded from the caller to the user of the 
answering machine is automatically converted into a reproduced voice at 
the designated time. Therefore, even if the user does not approach the 
answering machine, he or she will hear the message when it is reproduced. 
The automatic reproduction request code data inputted by the caller can be 
in the form of a command data, based on which at the automatic 
reproduction time an alarm is sounded before the message is reproduced. 
Because the message is reproduced after an alarm is sounded, the user is 
sure to hear the reproduced message. 
A second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 
through 9. 
According to the answering machine of the first embodiment, a user will not 
be able to hear the message if he or she is not present when the message 
is reproduced. In order to overcome this problem, the answering machine 
should preferably be added with a function to enable the user to visually 
confirm that the message was reproduced during he or she was not present. 
It is conceivable to provide a facsimile machine with a similar function to 
the above-described answering function. With this function, a user can 
record a message (which will be referred to as a "schedule message" 
hereinafter) directly on his or her own facsimile machine with designating 
time at which the message is desired to be reproduced. (The function will 
be referred to as "schedule message function" hereinafter.) When the 
designated time arrives, an advisory chime or alarm is sounded and the 
schedule message is played back. Playback of the message can be stopped 
automatically after passage of a predetermined duration of time or 
manually by operation by a user. However, the user will not be able to 
hear the message if he or she is not present when the message is 
reproduced. A facsimile machine should therefore be designed to enable the 
user to visually confirm that the message was reproduced while he or she 
was not present. 
The second embodiment is therefore directed to a facsimile machine which 
enables a user to visually confirm that the message was reproduced while 
he or she was not present. 
The facsimile machine of the present embodiment has the configuration of 
components shown in FIG. 4. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 1 and 4, the 
facsimile machine of the present embodiment has a similar configuration to 
that of the telephone of the first embodiment, with the exception of 
additional components discussed below. 
In the control portion 10, an image process portion 10g is connected to a 
charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor 15 at its input terminal and to 
the CPU 10a via the bus B at its output terminal. The CCD image sensor 15 
works in cooperation with a read light source (LED) 16 to read, as image 
data, a document to be transmitted. The gale array 10f is connected 
between a thermal head 18 for recording received image data and a panel 17 
for performing display operations and key input operations. The gate array 
10f is connected to the CPU 10a via the bus B. 
The ROM 10c stores sound recording routine represented by the flowchart in 
FIG. 5 and mature-message reproduction routine represented by the 
flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7. The CPU 10a executes the sound recording 
routine to perform a message recording mode (which will be described 
later). The CPU 10a also executes the mature-message reproduction routine 
to perform a message reproduction print mode (which will be described 
later). 
The RAM 10b stores message confirmed flag for indicating that a message has 
been reproduced and confirmed by a user. The RAM 10b also stores a 
reproduction counter for counting the number of times at which the message 
has been reproduced. 
Although not shown in the drawing, the panel 17 includes a record key for 
starting sound record routine of FIG. 5 and a stop key for terminating 
reproduction of a message sound. The panel 17 further includes a 
reproduction key. An operator can manipulate the reproduction key to 
control the CPU 10a to reproduce a message sound, at any time, for 
example, after when the message has been reproduced at its designated 
time. These keys are connected to the CPU 10a for causing the CPU 10a to 
perform corresponding operations. 
The modem 10e will be described below in greater detail. The modem 10e 
includes an internal register. The modem 10e is for converting analog 
sound data into compressed digital signal. The analog sound data is 
converted into a compressed one-byte digital signal while being stored 
into the internal register. When analog sound data is converted into one 
byte of compressed data in the internal register, the signal is set up so 
that the signal can be retrieved from the internal register to be stored 
in the RAM 10b. Thus, the modem 10e produces compressed digital signal 
one-byte by one-byte from analog sound data, and transfers the digital 
signal to the RAM 10b. The modem 10e is also for reconverting the 
compressed digital signal into analog sound dale. When the modem 10e has 
completed conversion processes for one byte of digital signal to produce 
analog sound data, the analog sound data is set up so that the data can be 
retrieved from internal register and transferred to the speaker 14 via the 
switch SW2. Thus, the modem 10e produces analog sound data from every one 
byte of compressed digital signal, and transfers the analog sound data to 
the speaker. 
Thus, the internal register of the modem 10e can be put into: sound 
recordation state for converting analog sound data into digital sound 
signal for being stored in the RAM 10b; and sound reproduction state for 
reconverting digital sound signal into analog sound data for being 
transmitted to the speaker 14. The state or mode of the internal register 
can be changed by rewriting a value in the internal register. The value of 
the internal register can be rewritten by accessing a predetermined 
addresses allotted for the internal register. 
The modem 10e of this embodiment further serves to modulate image data for 
transmission to a remote facsimile machine and demodulate image data 
transmitted from the remote facsimile machine. 
Reception and transmission of sound data and image data is executed 
according to normal processes by the components shown in FIG. 4. 
First an explanation will be provided for the message record mode and the 
message reproduction print mode of the facsimile machine will be provided. 
The user puts the facsimile machine into the message record mode in order 
to record schedule messages to be reproduced at designated times. The 
facsimile machine enters the message reproduction print mode when the time 
designated for reproduction of the schedule message arrives. In the 
message reproduction print mode, the facsimile machine reproduces the 
schedule message and afterward prints out a message that a schedule 
message has been reproduced if the schedule message has non been confirmed 
by the user. 
1. Message Record Mode 
First, a user who wants to record a schedule message inputs a record 
command to the CPU 10a by manipulating a record key provided to the panel 
17, whereupon the sound record routine shown in FIG. 5 is started. At the 
start of this routine, whether or not the user has inputted the desired 
reproduction time (date and time) of the schedule message by operating the 
numeric pad provided to the panel 17 is determined in S120. If so (i.e., 
S120 is YES), in S121, the inputted reproduction time is stored in the RAM 
10b and the CPU 10a sets the modem 10e into the message recording mode. In 
S122 the file of the RAM 10b for storing recording data is opened. The 
record pointer of the file is initialized in S123. Then, the internal 
register of the modem 10e is put into a sound recording state in S124. The 
user speaks into the handset 13 to start recording of his or her schedule 
message. The schedule message is inputted as analog sound data into the 
modem 10e, via the NCU 11 and the switch SW2. The clock circuit 10d 
monitors the actual time. 
The modem 10e converts the analog sound data into compressed digital data 
in its internal register. Every time when the modem 10e completes 
conversion for one byte of digital data, the digital data is set up into a 
condition that can be retrieved from the internal register. 
Then whether or not data is set up in the modem 10e is determined in S130. 
During data is not set up (i.e., S130 is NO), the program proceeds to 
S140, where whether or not recording is completed or not is determined. 
During the schedule message is being recorded (i.e., S140 is NO), S130 and 
S140 are repeatedly executed until either S130 or S140 becomes a YES 
determination. 
Each time a YES determination is made in S130, the data in the internal 
register of the modem 10e is retrieved in S131 and written into the RAM 
10b in S132 at the address indicated by the pointer that has been 
initialized in S123. Then the pointer is incremented by one in S133. 
Afterward, when recording is completed (i.e., S140 is YES), the internal 
register of the modem 10g is put into recording stop state so as to be 
prevented from recording in S141. The file in RAM 10b (that has been 
opened in S122) that now stores the recorded data is closed in S142. The 
designated time (that has been inputted in S121) is registered in the 
clock circuit 10d in S143. This brings the message recording routine to an 
end. 
2. Reproduction Print Mode 
Afterward, when the time and date measured by the clock circuit 10d reaches 
the designated time for a message to be reproduced, the mature-message 
reproduction routine represented by the flowchart in FIG. 6 is started. An 
the start of this routine, the file storing the corresponding sound data 
is opened in S151. The message confirmed flag of he sound data file is 
cleared to zero in S152. The reproduction counter is cleared in S153. Then 
the schedule message reproduction routine shown in FIG. 7 is started in 
S160. 
At the start of the schedule sound reproduction routine, as shown in FIG. 
7, the modem 10e is set to a reproduction mode in S161, whereupon the data 
file to be reproduced is opened in S162. The pointer for retrieving data 
from the file is initialized in S163. The internal register of the modem 
10e is put into a sound reproduction state in S164. As a result of these 
steps, the modem 10e outputs the corresponding analog sound data to the 
speaker 14 via the switch SW2. The speaker 14 reproduces the sound data as 
a schedule message. Next, whether or not data is set up in the modem 10e 
is determined in S165. If not (i.e., S165 is NO), whether or not 
reproduction has been completed is determined in S166. If not (i.e., S166 
is NO), whether or not the stop key has been depressed is determined in 
S167. If not (i.e., S167 is NO), the program returns to S165. If data is 
not yet set up in the modem 10e and reproduction is still continuing, S165 
through S167 will all be NO determinations. Therefore, S165 through S167 
are repeatedly executed until one is a YES determination. 
Each time data is set up in the modem 10e (i.e., S165 is YES), data is 
retrieved from the address indicated by the pointer of the file in S168. 
Then the data is written in the internal register of the modem 10e in 
S169. The pointer is then incremented in S170. When data indicating 
completion of reproduction is detected (i.e., S166 is YES), the internal 
register of the modem 10e is put into a stop reproduction skate in S171. 
Then the reproduced file is closed in S172, the sound reproduction routine 
is completed, and the program proceeds to S180 of the flowchart in FIG. 6. 
In S180, the reproduction counter is incremented by one. Next, whether or 
non the value of the reproduction counter equals three is determined in 
S190. When the sound reproduction process of FIG. 7 has been conducted 
once, because the value of the reproduction counter is only one (i.e., 
S190 is NO), so the program returns to S160, whereupon sound reproduction 
processes are again executed. In this way, the schedule message is 
reproduced and outputted a second and a third time. 
When the value of the reproduction counter reaches three (i.e., S190 is 
YES), whether or not the message confirmed flag is set to one is 
determined in S200. If the message confirmed flag has not yet been set to 
one after the initialization of S152 (i.e., S200 is NO), the program 
proceeds to S201 where a message indicating that the schedule message has 
been reproduced at the designated time is printed out using the thermal 
head 18. Then the mature-message reproduction routine is completed. 
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, if a user hears the reproduced 
schedule message and so no longer needs to hear it, the user can depress 
the stop key on the panel 17, thereby transmitting a command for 
terminating reproduction of the schedule message to the CPU 10a. If the 
user depresses the stop key while S165 through S170 are being repeatedly 
executed (i.e., S167 is YES), reproduction of the schedule message at the 
speaker 14 is terminated in S173, the message confirmed flag is set to one 
in S174, the file with the sound data is closed in S175, and the program 
directly proceeds to S200. In this case, the message confirmed flag has 
been set to one in S174 (i.e., S200 is Yes), the mature-message 
reproduction routine is brought to an end, without conducting the step 
S201. 
As described above in the second embodiment, the time on which the schedule 
message is to be reproduced is stored in the RAM 10b, the schedule message 
is recorded, and the designated time is registered in the clock circuit 
10d during execution of the routine represented by the flowchart shown in 
FIG. 5. When the designate time arrives, by repeating the sound 
reproduction routine represented by the flowchart of FIG. 7, the schedule 
message is reproduced in a reproduced voice three times. It can be 
determined that a user is not nearby, if the schedule message is 
reproduced completely three times without interrupted by the stop key. 
Unless it is determined that a user is nearby, a statement that the 
schedule message has been reproduced is automatically printed out. Because 
the user can confirm the content of the printed out statement, the user 
can quickly visually confirm that a message has been reproduced, without 
performing any operations. The user can then operate the reproduction key 
on the panel 17 to reproduce the message. 
A user can stop the sound reproduction routine of FIG. 7, and therefore 
stop reproduction of the schedule message, by operating a stop key on the 
panel 17 as soon as he or she hears and understands the spoken schedule 
message. In this way, the statement of the schedule message will not be 
printed out unless necessary. When many schedule messages are recorded, 
substantially the same processes are performed for each schedule message 
at the corresponding designated time. Therefore the same effects can be 
obtained. 
In the second embodiment, a value of three in the reproduction counter 
produces a YES determination in S190. However, the program can be designed 
so that any appropriate value such as one, two, four, or more triggers a 
YES determination in S190. 
Also, instead of printing out the statement that indicates a schedule 
message has been reproduced as described for S201 in the second 
embodiment, the statement could be displayed on a liquid crystal display 
provided to the panel 17. The same results can be obtained as when the 
schedule messages are printed out. 
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart representing a routine according to a modification 
of the second preferred embodiment. The routine of FIG. 8 is similar to 
the routine of FIG. 6, but between S160 and S180 includes an additional 
step S210, in which the same processes are performed as in S167 of FIG. 7. 
Also, when the user depresses the stop key, so that S210 is a YES 
determination, the program proceeds to S211 and S212, where the same 
processes are performed as in S174 and S175. Afterward the same processes 
are performed as for S200 and on of FIG. 6. That is, when the user 
depresses the stop key while the message (reproduction of a vocal message) 
is being reproduced (i.e., S210 is YES), after the entire portion of the 
schedule message is reproduced, the message confirmed flag is set to one 
in S211, the file for the sound data is closed in S212, and the 
mature-message reproduction routine is completed. When the stop key is 
depressed directly after reproduction is completed, the message confirmed 
flag is sol to one, the file of the sound data is closed, and the present 
routine is completed in the same manner as described above. 
A further modification to the second embodiment is represented by the 
flowchart shown in FIG. 9. The flowchart of this modification is the same 
as that of FIG. 8, except that S180 and S190 are omitted. A NO 
determination in S210 therefore results in the program proceeding to S200. 
With this design, the sound reproduction routine of FIG. 7 (S160) is 
performed only once. The processes in S211 and on are executed as 
described above. 
As described above, according to the facsimile machine of the second 
embodiment, after a message is reproduced, but not acknowledged by a user, 
a statement is automatically printed out to indicate that the message has 
been reproduced but not acknowledged and that the message is being 
retained in a memory portion. Therefore, without performing any additional 
operations, a user can visually acknowledge that a message has been 
reproduced. The user can therefore actuate the facsimile machine to 
reproduce the message sound to certainly know the content of the message. 
After a message is reproduced, but not acknowledged by a user, a statement 
may be automatically displayed to indicate that the message has been 
reproduced but not acknowledged and that the message is being retained in 
a memory portion. Therefore, without performing any additional operations, 
a user can visually acknowledge that a message has been reproduced. The 
user can therefore actuate the facsimile machine to reproduce the message 
sound to certainly know the content of the message. 
Next, an explanation of a facsimile machine according to a third embodiment 
of the present invention will be provided while referring to FIGS. 10 
through 12. The facsimile machine according to the third embodiment is 
similar to that described in the second embodiment, except for the 
following points. The ROM 10c stores a mature/premature message 
reproduction routine represented by the flowcharts in FIGS. 10 through 12, 
in place of the mature-message reproduction routine represented by the 
flowcharts in FIGS. 6 and 7. The panel 17 further includes a function key 
and a play key for starting the mature/premature message reproduction 
routine. All other components of the facsimile machine of this embodiment 
are the same as in the second embodiment, so their explanations will be 
omitted here. 
According to the third embodiment, the mature/premature message 
reproduction routine prestored in the ROM 10c is executed by 
simultaneously depressing the function key and the play key on the panel 
17. In this example, it is assumed that a plurality of schedule messages 
designated to be reproduced at different times are recorded in the RAM 10b 
according to the processes represented in the flowchart of FIG. 5. These 
designated times for reproducing each schedule message are registered in 
order in the clock circuit 10d. 
Assume that when the mature/premature message reproduction routine of FIG. 
10 starts being executed, the RAM 10b stores at least one schedule message 
that has been reproduced at its designated time but that has not been 
confirmed by the user. The sound data for the schedule message that has 
already reached its designated time and therefore that has been reproduced 
but that has not been confirmed by the user will be referred to as 
"non-confirmed mature sound data" hereinafter. In this example, YES 
determination is achieved in S310, and the program proceeds to S311. A 
file that stores the non-confirmed mature sound data with the earliest 
designated reproduction time is opened in S311. The time designated for 
reproducing the sound data is displayed on the panel 17 in S312 until 
sound reproduction processes of S320 are completed. 
The program then proceeds to S320 where a sound process routine (schedule 
message reproduction routine) represented by the flowchart of FIG. 12 is 
performed. The sound process routine of FIG. 12 is almost the same as that 
shown in FIG. 7 except that a portion of the process from S172 on are 
different. That is, S172, S174, and S175 of FIG. 7 are eliminated, and the 
sound reproduction processes are completed after the execution of S173. In 
the sound process routine of FIG. 12, the sound data of the opened file is 
reproduced in S161 through S170 in substantially the same manner as in 
S161 through S170 of the second embodiment. 
The information of the opened file is then saved in S340 and the file is 
closed in S341 either when reproduction is completed (i.e., S166 is YES), 
whereupon the internal register of the modem 10e is put into a stop 
reproduction state in S171, or when the user presses the stop key on the 
panel 17 during reproduction (i.e., S167 is YES), whereupon reproduction 
is terminated in S173. Then whether or not any other non-confirmed mature 
schedule message data skill remains in the RAM 10b is determined in S350. 
If so S350 is YES), S311 through S350 are repeated in substantially the 
same manner as described above, the time designated for reproduction of 
the corresponding sound data being continuously displayed through these 
processes. 
On the other hand, when no non-confirmed mature sound data remains in the 
RAM 10b, i.e., when the determination in either S310 or S350 becomes NO, 
the program proceeds to S360 of FIG. 11. In S360, whether or not the RAM 
10b stores sound data for a schedule message designated to be reproduced 
at a future time (referred to as a "premature sound data" hereinafter) is 
determined. If so (i.e., S360 is YES), a file storing a premature sound 
data with the earliest designated reproduction time (i.e., premature sound 
data which is to be reproduced first) is opened in S361, and the 
designated reproduction time is displayed on the panel 17 in S362 while 
the message sound is being reproduced in S320. 
Next, the program proceeds to S320 where the sound data of the file opened 
in S361 is reproduced according the flowchart of FIG. 12 in substantially 
the same manner as described in the second embodiment. A YES determination 
in S166 or S167 causes the program to proceed to S390 via S171 and S173 
respectively. In S390, the opened filed is closed. As long as premature 
sound data that has not yet been reproduced in this routine remains in the 
RAM, the processes in S361 through S400 are repeated in substantially the 
same manner as described above. The time designated for reproducing sound 
data of each file that is opened in S361 is displayed in S362 all the 
while sound for the corresponding file is being reproduced. When no 
premature sound data remains in the RAM 10b, i.e., when either S360 or 
S400 is a NO determination, these processes are completed. 
As described above in the third preferred embodiment, by operating keys on 
the panel 17, the existence of mature but unacknowledged message sound 
data is serially displayed on the panel 17. Additionally, the existence of 
premature schedule sound data is also displayed on the panel 17. 
Therefore, when the time designated for reproduction of a schedule message 
arrives, both the existence of a reproduced schedule message and premature 
schedule messages can be made known to the user. 
Although the second and third embodiments describe the present invention 
applied for recording and reproduction of schedule messages, the present 
invention could ba applied to recording and reproduction of any type of 
messages, for example, messages transmitted from a remote facsimile 
machine or a remote telephone. 
While the second and third embodiments are directed to a facsimile machine, 
they may be applied to an answering machine. 
A fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 
through 18. 
This embodiment is directed to a facsimile machine which automatically 
erases message after an appropriate duration of time passes after the 
message is automatically reproduced at its designated time. Between the 
designated reproduction time and the automatic erasure time, the facsimile 
machine displays a statement that message that has been already 
reproduced, is still stored in a memory portion. 
The configuration of the facsimile machine of this fourth embodiment is the 
same as that of the second embodiment except for the following points. 
As shown in FIG. 17, the RAM 10b is sectioned into storage regions cluster 
No. 0 through cluster No. 99. Cluster No. 0 is allotted for storage of RAM 
management data, an example of which is shown in FIG. 18. The remaining 
clusters 1 through 99 are regions in which can be stored sound data of 
schedule messages; FAX transmission data of images to be transmitted by 
the facsimile machine; and FAX reception data of images received by the 
facsimile machine. In the example shown in FIG. 17, FAX transmission data 
is stored in clusters No. 1 through 11; sound data of schedule messages is 
stored in clusters No. 12 through 21; and FAX reception data is stored in 
clusters No. 22 through 30. As shown in FIG. 18, the storage region of the 
RAM in the cluster No. 0 stores management data for all the data stored 
from cluster No. 1. Each management data includes: data type of 
corresponding data stored in cluster Nos. 1-99 (i.e., schedule data, FAX 
transmission data, or FAX reception data); cluster numbers where the 
corresponding data is stored; and attribute information of the 
corresponding data. (The management data for schedule data, FAX 
transmission data, and FAX reception data will be referred to as "schedule 
management data, FAX transmission management data, and FAX reception 
management data," respectively.) Every time when data is stored in the RAM 
at either address in cluster Nos. 1 through 99, these data type, these 
cluster numbers, and these attribute informations are stored in the RAM 
management data storage region in cluster No. 0. The attribute information 
for the schedule management data includes a reproduced message flag F to 
indicate whether a corresponding schedule message has been reproduced. 
In the ROM 10c are stored a main routine (schedule reproduction erasure 
routine) represented by the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16; and a 
schedule recording routine represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. 14. 
The panel 17 further has an erase key for erasing a schedule message stored 
in the RAM 10b. 
When the facsimile machine with the above-described structure is ready to 
operate, the present time is monitored by the clock circuit 10d. When the 
facsimile machine is turned ON, the CPU 10a starts performing the main 
routine shown in FIG. 13 to enter a standby state for waiting input of any 
data. 
When a user of the facsimile machine manipulates a record key provided to 
the panel 17 to record a schedule message (i.e., S512 and S514 are YES), 
the CPU 10a executes the schedule recording routine in S516. In the 
schedule recording routine of FIG. 14, when the user manipulates a key on 
the panel 17 to designate the time on which the schedule message is 
desired to be reproduced (i.e., S601 is YES), in S602 the time for 
reproduction of the schedule message is stored as attribute information of 
the schedule management data in cluster No. 0 (refer to FIGS. 17 and 18) 
of the RAM. 10b. When the user lifts the handset 13 from the hook of the 
facsimile machine (i.e., S603 is YES), in S604 the user's schedule message 
he or she speaks into the internal microphone of the handset 13 is stored 
in the RAM 10b at, for example, clusters 12 through 21. Processes of S604 
are continued until the user places the handset 13 back on the hook (i.e., 
S605 is YES) or until the predetermined amount of recording time (for 
example three minutes) runs out (i.e., S606 is YES), whichever occurs 
first. When the user places the handset 13 (i.e., S605 is YES), or the 
predetermined amount of recording time runs out while the user still has 
not placed the handset 13 (i.e., S606 is YES), the program proceeds to 
S607. 
In S607, the numbers of the clusters where the schedule message has been 
stored in S604 are stored in cluster No. 0 at a location where the 
reproduction time designated to reproduce that schedule message has been 
stored in S602. Also in S607, the reproduced message flag F for the 
corresponding portion of the RAM 10b is cleared. Next, the designated 
reproduction time of the schedule message stored in S602 is recorded in 
the clock circuit 10d in S608. In other words, the time when the schedule 
message stored in the RAM 10b during S604 is to be reproduced is 
registered in the clock circuit 10d in S608. Then the schedule record 
routine is completed and the program returns to S512. 
In order to record a plurality of schedule messages, the above-described 
schedule recordation routine is performed repeatedly, so that a plurality 
of schedule messages are recorded, and plural reproduction times 
designated for reproducing the corresponding schedule messages are 
registered in the clock circuit 10d. 
When data is transmitted to the facsimile machine from a remote facsimile 
machine (i.e., S512 is YES and S514 is NO), processes other than the 
schedule recordation routine are performed in S518, where the received 
data is stored in the RAM 10b with a resolution and an encoding format. 
The program then returns to S512. Similarly, when data is to be 
transmitted from the facsimile machine to a remote facsimile machine 
(i.e., S512 is YES and S514 is NO), processes other than the schedule 
recordation routine are also performed in S518, where the image data 
obtained by the image sensor 15 is stored in the RAM 10b with a resolution 
and an encoding format. The program then returns to S512. 
Because a designated reproduction time has been registered in the time 
circuit 10d during S608 of the schedule recordation routine (S516), while 
data is not inputted (S512 is NO), a YES determination will be made in 
S510. Next in S520, whether or not time data has been transmitted from the 
clock circuit 10d is determined. That is, when the time in the clock 
circuit 10d matches at least one of a plurality of registered times, the 
clock circuit 10d outputs time data that indicates the matched time to the 
CPU 10a. The determination in S520 is therefore made based on whether or 
not the CPU 10a receives time data from the clock circuit 10d. 
If, at this point, the time as monitored by the clock circuit 10d has not 
yet reached any of the registered times (i.e., S520 is NO), the program 
proceeds to S530 of FIG. 15, where whether or not a reproduction key of 
the panel 17 has been depressed, thereby indicating the user's desire to 
reproduce the schedule message, is determined. If yes (i.e., S530 is YES), 
the schedule message sound is reproduced. On the other hand, if not (i.e., 
S530 is NO), whether or not an erase key on the panel 17 has been 
depressed, thereby indicating the user's desire to erase the schedule 
message stored in the RAM 10b, is determined in S540. If yes (i.e., S540 
is YES), the schedule message is erased. On the other hand, if no 
indication has been received from the panel to reproduce or erase schedule 
messages (i.e., both S530 and S540 are NO), whether or not any of the 
reproduced message flags F stored in correspondence with schedule messages 
in the cluster No. 0 of the RAM 10b are in an ON condition is determined 
in S550. 
In the example shown in FIG. 18, the reproduced message flag F for the 
schedule message stored in clusters No. 39 through 54 is ON, which 
indicates that this schedule message has already been reproduced. 
Therefore, S550 will be a YES determination, so that the program proceeds 
to S552. In S552, a message is displayed on a liquid crystal display of 
the panel 17 indicating that a schedule message that has been reproduced 
remains stored in the RAM 10b. Then the program returns to S512. 
On the other hand, when the time monitored by the clock circuit 10d reaches 
at least one of the registered reproduction times, the clock circuit 10d 
outputs time data to the CPU 10a. In this case, S520 becomes a YES 
determination, whereupon in S560 (see FIG. 16) the time (both the 
reproduction time and the erasure time) stored in cluster No. 0 of the RAM 
10b is retrieved one at a time from the smallest address of the memory. 
Next, whether or not the time outputted by the clock circuit 10d matches 
the time retrieved from the RAM 10b is determined in S562. Then S560 
through S564 are repeated, so that times stored in the RAM 10b are 
retrieved in order until those retrieved match those outputted from the 
clock circuit 10d. When a retrieved time matches the outputted time (i.e., 
S562 is YES), in S570 the reproduced message flag F for the schedule 
message that corresponds to the retrieved time is checked and whether or 
not the reproduced message flag F is ON is determined. 
Assuming now that the time outputted from the clock circuit 10d is 7:30 of 
Jan. 19, 1994, the corresponding schedule message is the one stored in the 
cluster No. 31 through 38 in FIG. 18. Because the reproduced flag F of 
this schedule message is OFF (i.e., S570 is NO), the schedule message, 
that is, sound data stored in the RAM 10b, has not yet been reproduced. 
Therefore, in S571 the switch SW2 switches so that the modem 10e is 
connected to the speaker 14 and the modem 10e outputs analog sound data 
for the schedule message to the speaker 14. The speaker 14 reproduces the 
schedule message as a spoken message. If the user is nearby, he or she can 
hear the schedule message at the designated reproduction time. At this 
stage, the sound data for the schedule message and the schedule management 
data indicating the reproduction time are maintained as is in the RAM 10b. 
Next, the reproduced message flag F of the reproduced schedule message is 
turned ON in S572. Then, the time that follows the reproduction time by a 
predetermined period of time (for example, 24 hours) is registered in the 
clock circuit 10d in S573. In this example, 7:30 of Jan. 20, 1994 is 
registered. This time is when the sound data indicating the schedule 
message and the schedule management data indicating the reproduction time 
will be automatically erased from the RAM 10b. In the same manner as in 
S564, whether or not all the times (including reproduction and erasure 
times) have been retrieved from the management data storing region of the 
RAM 10b is determined in S574. If not all have been retrieved (i.e., S574 
is NO), the program returns to S560, whereupon the next time data is 
retrieved and the above-described processes are repeated. When all the 
times and date have been retrieved (i.e., S574 is YES), the program 
returns to S512, whereupon the program waits for input of data. That is, 
the program waits for data to be received from a remote facsimile machine, 
data to be inputted from the panel 17, data to be inputted from the CCD 
sensor 15, and the like. The processes in S512 through S552 are repeatedly 
executed. 
When the NCU 11 receives image data as FAX reception data over the 
telephone line 12 (i.e., S512 is YES and S514 is NO), the modem 10e 
receives the FAX reception data via the switch SW2 and stores it in as 
many unused clusters of the RAM 10b as necessary in S518. When a document 
is to be transmitted as FAX transmission data (i.e., S512 is YES and S514 
is NO), the document image retrieved by the CCD image sensor 15 is stored 
as FAX transmission data in as many unused clusters of the RAM 10b as 
necessary in S518. The FAX transmission data is retrieved by the modem 10e 
and transmitted over the telephone line 12 via the NCU 11 and the switch 
SW2. 
When the time monitored by the clock circuit 10d arrives at 19:00 of Jan. 
19, 1994, and therefore matches the time registered in the clock circuit 
10d for erasing the schedule message of cluster Nos. 39-54, then the clock 
circuit 10d outputs time data to the CPU 10a (i.e., S512 is NO, S510 is 
YES, and S520 is YES). The program proceeds to S560, where times stored in 
cluster No. 0 of the RAM 10b are retrieved one at a time in order. Then 
S560 through S564 are repeated and times stored in the RAM 10b are 
retrieved in order until those retrieved match those outputted from the 
clock circuit 10d. When a retrieved time matches the outputted time (i.e., 
S562 is YES), the program proceeds to S570. 
At this time, the schedule message that corresponds to the retrieved time 
is stored in clusters No. 39 through 54 in FIG. 18. This schedule message 
has already been reproduced so its reproduced message flag F is ON (i.e., 
S570 is YES). Therefore the schedule management data, such as the erasure 
time, the reproduction time, the numbers of clusters used, and the sound 
data indicating the schedule message stored in the RAM 10b, are erased in 
S575. Next, the time registered in the clock circuit 10d is erased in S576 
and the program proceeds to S574, whereupon the same processes described 
above are repeated. 
The facsimile machine of the present embodiment can be designed so that the 
duration of the predetermined time can be manually changed in S573. This 
allows users to select how long he or she wants schedule messages to be 
maintained in (that is, not erased from) the RAM 10b after the schedule 
messages have been reproduced. Because data snored in the RAM 10b is 
automatically erased at a time that, in essence, is determined by the 
user, data will remain in the RAM 10b for a duration of time that is 
optimally appropriate for the user. 
In the above description, the time registered in the clock circuit 10d is 
erased in S576. However, output of the time data from the clock circuit 
10d could render the time registered in the clock circuit 10d into a 
condition where it can be written over when a new time is registered. 
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, a schedule message 
and the time for its reproduction are stored in the RAM 10b as sound data 
and schedule management data. Also, the reproduction time is registered in 
the clock circuit 10d. Afterward, when the present time as monitored in 
the clock circuit 10d matches the reproduction time, the schedule message 
is automatically reproduced by the speaker 14. If the user is nearby, he 
or she can listen to the schedule message when it is reproduced. Also, an 
automatic erasure time, when the data indicating the schedule message and 
the reproduction time is to be erased, is registered in the clock circuit 
10d while a schedule message is being automatically reproduced. The 
automatic erasure time is determined based on a predetermined duration of 
time after the automatic reproduction time. When the present time as 
monitored by the clock circuit 10d reaches the automatic erasure time, the 
data indicating the schedule message and the reproduction time is 
automatically erased. Therefore, there is no problem of a user forgetting 
to manually erase unnecessary data. Because data indicating unnecessary 
schedule messages and reproduction times are erased at appropriate times, 
the memory of the RAM 10b will not be wasted. 
Sound data indicating a schedule message is maintained in the RAM 10b from 
when the schedule message is reproduced until the automatic erasure time. 
Because this is displayed on the panel 17 in S552, a user can confirm the 
schedule message by manipulating the reproduction key on the panel 17 to 
cause the speaker 14 to reproduce the schedule message. Therefore a user 
will be able to hear and confirm the content of previously reproduced 
messages. In this case, by setting an appropriate predetermined duration 
of time, the data will never be erased before the user hears the schedule 
message. 
The memory in which the schedule message and the reproduction time are 
stored as sound data and schedule management data respectively, that is, 
the RAM 10b, is for storing FAX transmission data and FAX reception data. 
Since both are stored in the same memory, and other memory is unnecessary, 
costs are reduced. 
That data for reproduced messages remains in the memory need not be 
continuously displayed by the liquid crystal display unit of the panel 17 
as described in S552 of the fourth embodiment, but could instead be 
displayed intermittently. 
In the fourth embodiment, the determination of S520 is made based on 
whether or not the present time as monitored by the clock circuit 10d 
matches the time registered in the clock circuit 10d. However, the program 
need non include S608 where the reproduction time is registered, S573 
where the erasure time is registered, or S576 where the times registered 
in the clock circuit 10d are erased. Instead, reproduction times and/or 
automatic erasure times can be stored arranged in the RAM 10b in the order 
reproduction or erasure is to be performed as opposed to the order in 
which the times were registered). The present time of the clock circuit 
10d could be compared with the earliest of the times stored in the RAM 
10b. The determination in S520 could then be performed based on a single 
judgement whether or not the present time of the clock circuit 10d matches 
the earliest reproduction time or erasure time in the RAM 10b. 
In the fourth embodiment, the automatic erasure time is described as being 
set after the message is reproduced. However, the automatic erasure time 
can be set as soon as the present time monitored by the clock circuit 10d 
reaches the message reproduction time. 
In the fourth embodiment, a message is described as erased from the memory 
at the automatic erasure time. However, the program can be modified so 
that reproduced messages are erased from the memory when the memory 
becomes too full. 
The facsimile machine can be designed so that the predetermined duration of 
time when a message is automatically erased after being reproduced can be 
changed. The facsimile machine can be designed so that messages are 
reproduced once more at the automatic erasure time. Additionally, erasure 
of messages can be delayed further until the memory is full. 
According to the facsimile machine of the fourth embodiment, when the time 
of the clock reaches the designated reproduction time, the message stored 
in the memory means is automatically reproduced. Afterward, when the time 
of the clock reaches the automatic erasure time, which is set based on the 
designated reproduction time, the message is automatically erased from the 
memory. As a result, even if a user is not near the facsimile machine when 
the message is reproduced, the user has an opportunity no listen to a 
message stored in the memory from when the time of the clock reaches the 
designated reproduction time or from when the message is reproduced until 
the automatic erasure time. When the time of the clock reaches the 
automatic erasure time, the message and the designated reproduction time 
are automatically, not manually, erased from the memory. Therefore memory 
space of the memory will not be wasted and can be effectively used. 
A statement, which reads that a reproduced message is being maintained as 
sound data in the memory, is displayed from when the time of the clock 
reaches the designated reproduction time until the automatic erasure time, 
that is, between when the message is reproduced to when it is erased. 
Therefore, even after the message is reproduced, the user can visually 
confirm that a message exists and again reproduce the message. 
While the invention has been described in detail with reference to specific 
embodiments thereof, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that 
various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing 
from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the 
attached claims. 
For example, the first embodiment is directed to a telephone (answering 
machine) and the second through fourth embodiments are directed to a 
facsimile machine. However, the present invention can be applied to any 
information transmission/reception device, such as a telephone, a 
facsimile machine, a computer or the like. The information 
transmission/reception device need not record messages inputted directly 
to the information transmission/reception device, but can instead record 
messages transmitted from a remote information transmission/reception 
device. Further, the second through fourth embodiments are directed to 
recording of schedule messages. However, the present invention is 
applicable to recording of any type of messages.