VOICE RECORDING AND PLAYBACK APPARATUS

摘要

Recording apparatus is disclosed adapted for connection to a telephone netwo rk and to receive voice signals therefrom characterised by an encoder for converting voice signals received from the telephone network into an optical ly readable image using a predefined code and a printer for printing the optically readable image. Also provided is playback apparatus comprising an optical scanner for producing a digital representation of a document on whic h is printed an optically readable image, a decoder for converting the optical ly readable image into audio signals using a predefined code and a transducer f or producing a sound corresponding to the audio signals. The recording apparatu s and the playback apparatus can be integrated into a single apparatus. In a preferred form of the invention, a device is provided which is adapted for connection to a conventional fax machine to form such recording or playback apparatus in conjunction therewith.