Digital memo recorder having removable memory unit for vehicle interior

• US 20040022137A1
• Filed: 03/17/2003
• Published: 02/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Zeinstra, Mark L., Campbell, Douglas C., Strazanac, Joseph W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,636,658 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 369/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/02 Occupant safety arrangements or fittings , e.g. crash pads seat belts with crash pads B60R22/14; removable children's seats having a front guard or barrier B60N2/2839
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/082 to be used in vehicles H04B1/086 takes precedence; holding or mounting accessories B60R11/02

Abstract

A digital memo recorder for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The digital memo recorder includes a digital audio recorder coupleable to an accessory unit of the vehicle interior. The digital audio recorder is configured to receive audible sounds from the vehicle interior. The digital memo recorder further includes a memory interface configured to receive a removable memory unit. The digital audio recorder is configured to digitize the audible sounds and to store the digitized data on the removable memory unit.

Claims

1. A digital memo recorder for a vehicle interior, comprising:

a digital audio recorder coupleable to an accessory unit of the vehicle interior, the digital audio recorder configured to receive audible sounds from the vehicle interior; and

a memory interface configured to receive a removable memory unit, wherein the digital audio recorder is configured to digitize the audible sounds and to store the digitized data on the removable memory unit.

2. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, wherein the memory interface is configured to receive a flash memory device.

3. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, further comprising the accessory unit, wherein the accessory unit is a visor.

4. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, further comprising the accessory unit, wherein the accessory unit is a steering wheel.

5. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, wherein the digital audio recorder includes a digital voice recorder and a microprocessor, the microprocessor configured to receive a digital voice memo recorded by the digital voice recorder and to provide the digital voice memo to the memory interface.

6. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, further comprising the removable memory unit.

7. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, wherein the memory interface includes a hinged receiving member movable between a retracted position and a second extended position.

8. A method of recording digital audio messages in a vehicle interior, comprising:

receiving an audio message from within the vehicle;

converting the audio message to a digital format; and

storing the audio message on a removable memory unit.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the removable memory unit is a flash memory device.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of receiving an audio message occurs in response to actuation of a user input device.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of converting includes digitizing an analog voice signal.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

accessing the audio message from the removable memory unit; and

playing the audio message in the vehicle interior.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising directly accessing one of a plurality of stored audio messages in response to actuation of a user input device.

14. An accessory unit for the interior of a vehicle, comprising:

an accessory unit base coupleable to the interior of a vehicle;

a digital audio recorder coupled to the accessory unit base configured to receive audible sounds from the vehicle interior; and

a memory interface configured to receive a removable memory unit, wherein the digital audio recorder is configured to digitize the audible sounds and to store the digitized data on the removable memory unit.

15. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the accessory unit base is part of a visor.

16. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the accessory unit base is part of a steering wheel.

17. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the accessory unit base is part of a dashboard.

18. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the accessory unit base is part of a steering wheel.

19. The accessory unit of claim 14, further comprising a display coupled to the accessory unit base configured to provide visual information to an operator.

20. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the digital audio recorder is configured to receive voice data from a two-way communication link, and the digital audio recorder is further configured to store the voice data on the removable memory unit.

21. The accessory unit of claim 14, further comprising an input device configured to control digitizing the audible sounds and storing the digitized data.