Voice recording and playback apparatus

摘要

Recording apparatus is disclosed adapted for connection to a telephone network and to receive voice signals therefrom characterized by an encoder for converting voice signals received from the telephone network into an optically 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 which is printed an optically readable image, a decoder for converting the optically readable image into audio signals using a predefined code and a transducer for producing a sound corresponding to the audio signals. The recording apparatus 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.