Electronic audio memory with single action single control
First Claim
1. A small light-weight memory device to supplement short-term memory that can be easily worn and operated by an unskilled or infirm user, said device having a first, recording mode for recording a brief spoken message and a second, playback mode for reproducing said message in audible form, said device comprising:
- a) microphone means for transforming said spoken message to an electrical input signal;
b) recording means connected to said microphone means for storing said input signal in the form of a stable message record;
c) reproducing means connected to said recording means for converting said message record into an electrical output signal;
d) loudspeaker means connected to said reproducing means for transforming said output signal into an audible form;
e) a single manual actuating means operable by a same single motion of said user;
f) control means connected to said recording means and said reproducing means and also connected to said actuating means, said control means initiating said first, recording mode for a brief time period every other time said control means is actuated by said actuating means and initiating said second, playback mode for a brief time interval every other time said control means is actuated by said actuating means so that the same actuating means alternately initiates recording and playback intervals when actuated by said same single motion of said user; and
g) a protective enclosure having a front face, back and sides enclosing said recording and reproducing means, said manual actuating means being mounted upon said front face for enhanced operation, and said front face being limited to supporting said single manual actuating means as the only manually operable device thereon for ease of operation by handicapped users.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Small light weight voice recorder is worn by a user as a short term memory aid. It has a single, large, readily accessible control button on its front face. The device has two alternating operating modes, each of which is initiated by actuating the same button in the same way. In a first mode the device records a brief spoken message. In the second mode the message is played back. The device has all solid state components with no moving parts for durability, freedom from maintenance and low battery drain. It is especially useful for those with failing memory who may find the complexities and dexterity requirements of conventional recording devices beyond their capabilities. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes covered, rear mounted controls that are easily accessed and operated for playing back the recorded message at a preset time. This feature is designed to not interfere with the primary function of record and playback by alternate operation of a single button.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A small light-weight memory device to supplement short-term memory that can be easily worn and operated by an unskilled or infirm user, said device having a first, recording mode for recording a brief spoken message and a second, playback mode for reproducing said message in audible form, said device comprising:
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a) microphone means for transforming said spoken message to an electrical input signal; b) recording means connected to said microphone means for storing said input signal in the form of a stable message record; c) reproducing means connected to said recording means for converting said message record into an electrical output signal; d) loudspeaker means connected to said reproducing means for transforming said output signal into an audible form; e) a single manual actuating means operable by a same single motion of said user; f) control means connected to said recording means and said reproducing means and also connected to said actuating means, said control means initiating said first, recording mode for a brief time period every other time said control means is actuated by said actuating means and initiating said second, playback mode for a brief time interval every other time said control means is actuated by said actuating means so that the same actuating means alternately initiates recording and playback intervals when actuated by said same single motion of said user; and g) a protective enclosure having a front face, back and sides enclosing said recording and reproducing means, said manual actuating means being mounted upon said front face for enhanced operation, and said front face being limited to supporting said single manual actuating means as the only manually operable device thereon for ease of operation by handicapped users. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A small light-weight memory device to supplement short-term memory that can be easily worn and operated by an unskilled or infirm user, said device having a first, recording mode for recording a brief spoken message and a second, playback mode for reproducing said message in audible form, said device comprising:
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a) microphone means for transforming said spoken message to an electrical input signal; b) recording means connected to said microphone means for storing said input signal in the form of a stable message record; c) reproducing means connected to said recording means for converting said message record into an electrical output signal; d) loudspeaker means connected to said reproducing means for transforming said output signal into an audible form; e) a single manual actuating means operable by a same single motion of said user, said actuating means operatively connected to said recording means and said reproducing means, said actuating means initiating said first, recording mode for a brief time interval every other time said actuating means is actuated and said actuating means alternately initiating said second, playback mode every other time said actuating means is actuated by said motion, so that the same said motion alternately initiates recording and playback intervals when actuated by the same said motion; f) a protective enclosure having a front face, back and sides enclosing said recording and reproducing means, said manual actuating means being mounted upon said front face for enhanced operation, and said front face being limited to supporting said single manual actuating means as the only manually operable device thereon for ease of operation by handicapped users. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification