Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to audio/video devices and, more
sp,ecifically, to a voice activated device able to control the playing,
recording and
receiving of audio and video sources upon receipt of an audible or manually
input
command signal, the device having a detachable portable section able to replay
audio and video recorded thereby.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous types of audio/video control devices have been provided in the prior
art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,700,377; 4,797,924; 5,345,538; 5,991,637;
Des.
358,593; Des. 400,531 and Des. 408,412 all are illustrative of such prior art.
While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they
address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present
invention as
heretofore described.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,377
Inventor: Hiroshi Yasuda et al.
Issued: Oct. 13, 1987
An electronic apparatus includes a plurality of selectively actuable selection
devices
for causing the apparatus to perform a plurality of distinct operations. A
first
actuation of a selection device establishes a first condition to cause the
apparatus to
generate an externally detectable identification such as by voice synthesis of
the
selected operation, and a second actuation of the selection device establishes
a second
condition to cause the apparatus to perform the selected operation and
identify the
operation on a display. In a preferred embodiment, the selection devices are
each a
push button actuable from a rest position to a first depressed position to
establish the
first condition by actuating a first switch, and thereafter actuable from the
first
depressed position to a second depressed position to establish the second
condition by
actuating a second switch.
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U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,924
Inventor: Michael J. Schnars et al.
Issued: Jan. 10, 1989
A voice actuated control system for a motor vehicle. A microphone mounted to
the
vehicle senses user commands as well as other noise in the passenger
compartment.
Analog electrical signals from the microphone are converted into digital form
and
compared by a high speed microprocessor with a user profile. A correspondence
between the profile and the sensed input causes a control function such as
raising or
lowering a window to be performed. A speech synthesizer in the system prompts
the
user in the event a command in a command sequence is inappropriate.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,538
Inventor: Krishna Narayannan et al.
Issued: Sep. 6, 1994
A system is provided with a voice activated control apparatus which permits
precise
control of one or more system variables by means of voice commands uttered by
the
system operator. When a system variable is in. a movement or change mode, the
movement or change is terminated by any sound exceeding a pre-established
acoustic
threshold level. Any value of one or more system variables can be identified
and
appropriate data stored in a memory to permit the one or more system variables
to
return to an identified value or state with a single voice command. The
control
apparatus is combined with a screen monitor and/or an acoustic speaker to
provide
visible and/or acoustic responses to an operator. The control apparatus is
practical for
retrofitting existing remotely controllable systems.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,637
Inventor: Gawins A. Mack II et al.
Issued: Nov. 23, 1999
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A combined entertainment and communications system includes a passive
communications subsystem such as an Am/FM radio receiver, an active
communications subsystem such as a cellular telephone transmitter/receiver or
a CB
radio transmitter/receiver, and a shared I/0 subsystem. The subsystems are
integrated
into a single portable package and are controlled by a control mechanism
capable of
automatically or semi-automatically switching control of the shared I/0
subsystem
between the active and passive communications subsystems. Size and weight of
the
device are reduced by sharing common input/output (I/O) and control
components.
Optional voice recognition equipment can be used to control the active or
passive
communications subsystems. Alternative embodiments provide additional
functions
such as voice activation, remote monitoring, radio station scanning for pre-
selected
audio works, caller ID used in conjunction with voice synthesis, folding
headsets, and
modular function packaging to easily expand or alter a particular system.
Voice
recognition can also be used in a passive only version of the system.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 358,593
Inventor: Haruo Oba
Issued: May 23, 1995
An ornamental design for a combined CD player, radio and cassette recorder is
disclosed by this design patent.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 400,531
Inventor: Serge Kokkinis
Issued: Nov. 3, 1998
An ornamental design for a combined CD player and radio system is disclosed by
this
design patent.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 408,412
Inventor: Josh Zeitman
Issued: Apr. 20, 1999
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An ornamental design for a combined radio, cassette and CD player is disclosed
by
this design patent.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to audio/video devices and, more
specifically,
to a voice activated device able to control the playing, recording and
receiving of
audio and video sources upon receipt of an audible or manually input command
signal, the device having a detachable portable section able to replay audio
and video
recorded thereby.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video control
device
that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video control
device
which is able to receive audio command signals for controlling operation
thereof.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video control
device
which is able to receive manually input control signals through a touch screen
for
controlling operation thereof.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video
control
device including a portable section removably connected to a main base unit,
the base
unit being able to store data on a memory card for reproduction by the
portable
section.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video
control
device including a read/write CD ROM drive, a video screen and control buttons
for
operating these devices, wherein the video screen is a touch screen though
which a
user is able to input control commands and is able to display video images
such as a
movie and interactive video games for entertaining a user.
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Another object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video control
device
including a microphone through which audible control commands are input to the
device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video control
device
including a speaker for providing audible interactive commands for a user to
aid in
operation of the device.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video
control
device including a cellular transmitter/receiver for connecting with a central
station
for wireless reception of audio and video signals.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video
control
device including connection ports for telephone and cable lines providing
alternate
sources of audio and video signals.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video
control
device that is simple and easy to use.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an audio/video
control
device that is economical in cost to manufacture.
Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description
proceeds.
An audio/video control device for providing audio and/or video signals to a
user. The
audio/video control device includes a base unit and a portable unit. The base
unit
includes a housing having a recess extending therein and a first processor for
controlling operation of the base unit. A first audio/video storage and
reproduction
device is positioned within the housing and controlled by the processor to
store and
reproduce audio and video signals. A device for connection with an external
source of
audio and video signals is also connected to the first processor. The
processor is able
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to receive control commands for operating the device through a microphone. The
portable unit is releasably connected within the recess of the base unit
either jointly or
separably. The portable unit includes a second processor and a connector for
selectively connecting the second processor to the first processor. A touch
screen
display is connected to the second processor for displaying a menu of
operation
selections and providing manual control signals to the second processor for
controlling operation of the device upon contact of one of the displayed menu
operation selections. A device for reproducing and storing audio and video
signals on
a storage medium as well as a second audio/video storage and reproduction
device
positioned and a second device for connection with an external source of audio
and
video signals are connected to the second processor. A user is able to operate
the
device using either audible and manual control signals.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be
embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being
called
to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that
changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope
of the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present
invention will
become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference
characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a front side of the audio/video control
device of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the back side of the audio/video control
device of
the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the audio/video control device of the
present
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invention including a main base unit and a portable unit;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the portable unit of the audio/video control device
of the
present invention;
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a memory card for use with the audio/video
control device of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the audio/video control device of the present
invention;
and
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a plurality of audio/video control devices in
accordance
with the present invention communicating with a central station.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference
characters
denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate
the
audio/video control device of the present invention. With regard to the
reference
numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing
figures.
10 audio/video control device of the present invention
12 video monitor
14 speaker
16 microphone
18 face side of audio/video control device
20 ad/write CD ROM device
22 enter key
24 control keys for the CD player
26 alpha numeric keypad
28 volume knob
30 scroll buttons for moving a cursor on the touch screen display
31 store key
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32 additional control keys
33 next key
34 first memory card port
35 source key
36 second memory card port
38 back side
40 power cord
42 electrical outlet
44 cable connector ports
46 telephone access ports
48 audio/video ports
50 portable section of the audio/video control device
52 base unit
54 recess
56 back side of the recess
58 connector port
60 top side of portable section
62 tab
63 nook in top side of portable section
64 third memory card port
66 headphone connector
68 side of portable section
70 speaker of portable section
72 memory card
74 rechargeable battery section of memory card
76 connection portion of memory card
78 processor of base unit
80 processor of portable section
82 power source of base unit
84 power source of portable section
86 cellular transmitter/receiver
88 central station
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90 arrow indicating signal transmitted from control device to central station
92 arrow indicating signal transmitted from central station to control device
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference
characters
denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 7
illustrate the
audio/video control device of the present invention indicated generally by the
numeral 10.
The audio/video control device 10 is shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen from this
figure, the audio/video control device 10 includes a touch screen display 12,
a speaker
14 and a microphone 16 on a face side 18 thereof. The touch screen display 12
is
provided for manual input of control commands. The touch screen display 12 is
also
able to provide video images for viewing by a user such as a movie or allow
the user
to play interactive video games thereon. The speaker 14 provides audio signals
under
the control of the audio/video control device 10. The audio signals correspond
with
the video signal being reproduced or a video game being played on the touch
screen
display 12. Alternatively, the audio signals may be representative of data
signals
stored on a storage medium and being reproduced by a component of the
audio/video
control device 10. The speaker 14 also provides interactive audio instructions
to a
user for aiding in controlling operation of the audio/video control device 10.
The
microphone 16 is provided for receiving audible command signals from a user in
response to operating instructions displayed on the touch screen display 12
and
audibilized through the speaker 14. These audible command signals are analyzed
by
the audio/video control device 10 and act to control operation thereof.
A read/write compact disc (CD) ROM drive 20 is provided in the audio/video
control
device 10. The CD ROM drive 20 is able to both reproduce audio and video
signals
stored on a storage medium such as a compact disc under the control of the
audio/video control device 10 and burn audio and video signals into the
storage
medium for storage thereon. The stored audio and video signals may be
reproduced
by the CD ROM drive 20 at any desired time to provide a replay of the
originally
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recorded audio and video signals. The audio signals will be reproduced through
the
speaker 14 and the video signals will be displayed on the touch screen display
12. A
plurality of control keys 24 for the CD ROM drive 20 are provided on the face
side
18 of the audio/video control device 10 along with an alpha numeric keypad 26.
The
control keys 24 are similar to the control keys on a conventional CD player
and
provide a user means for controlling the functioning of the CD ROM drive 20.
The
alpha numeric keypad 26 allows a user to enter information as requested
visually on
the touch screen display 12 or audibly through the speaker 14. Additional
control
keys 32 are provided on the face side 18 for controlling operation of the
audio/video
control device 10. These additional control keys 32 include a store key 31 for
providing one touch recording of a video and/or audio signal, a next key 33
for
advancing to a next selection of data stored on the storage medium being
reproduced
and a source key 35 for switching between sources of audio and video signals.
Scroll
keys 30 are provided for manually moving a cursor on the touch screen display
12 to
highlight a desired function for operation. An enter key 22 is provided for
entering
information input using the control keys 32 and scroll keys 30. A volume knob
28 is
provided for manually adjusting the volume of the audible signal generated by
the
speaker 14. First and second ports 32 and 34, respectively, are provided on
the face
side 18 for receiving memory cards therein. The memory cards are able to store
audio
and video data signals being produced and reproduced by the audio/video
control
device 10 and will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to FIG. 5.
A view of the back side 38 of the audio/video control device 10 is shown in
FIG. 2. A
power cord 40 is provided extending from the back side 38 for connection to an
external power source (not shown). The power source provides power to the
audio/video control device 10 through the power cord 40. An electrical outlet
42 is
also provided on the back side 38 for connection with and supplying power to a
peripheral component connected thereto. The power may be supplied to the
peripheral
component from an internal battery of the audio/video control device 10 or
from
power provided by the power source through the power cord 40. A cable
connector
port 44 is provided for connecting the audio/video control device 10 to a
cable line
and receiving audio and video signals therethrough. The cable line may provide
direct
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access to an internet service provider thereby allowing the audio/video
control device
to receive audio and video signals from the internet such as with a DSL
service.
Telephone access ports 46 are provided for connection to a telephone line for
receiving and transmitting signals along the public switched telephone
network. The
5 telephone access ports 46 allow for alternative means for connection with
the internet
or any other device utilizing a modem or even to place a conventional
telephone call
through the device. When placing a conventional telephone call, the speaker 14
and
microphone 16 can be used to communicate therethrough. When connecting to the
internet, web pages will be displayed on the touch screen display 12.
Audio/video
10 access ports 48 are also provided for connection of the peripheral
devices to the
audio/video control device 10.
FIG. 3 shows the audio/video control device 10 including a portable section 50
and a
base unit 52. The portable section 50 of the audio/video control device 10 is
shown
being separated from the base unit 52. The base unit 52 includes a recess 54
therein
for retaining the portable section 50. Positioned at a back side 56 of the
recess 54 is a
connector port 58 for connection with the portable section 50 thereby allowing
communication between the portable section 50 and the base unit 52. Certain
ones of
the control buttons described with respect to FIG. 1 are positioned on the
portable
section 50. When the portable section 50 is positioned within the recess 54
and
connected to the base unit 52 through the connector port 58, the control
buttons on the
portable section 50 are able to control certain operations and functions of
the base
unit 52. On a top side 60 of the portable section 50 is a tab 62. The tab 62
is used to
aid in removal of the portable section 50 from within the recess 54 and
returning the
portable section 50 to a position within the recess 54. The tab 62 is
pivotally
connected to the top side 60 to move as indicated by the arrow labeled with
the
numeral 61. The tab 62 is pivoted away from the top side 60 when the portable
section 50 is being removed from or replaced in the recess 54. The tab 62 is
pivoted
towards the top side 60 when the portable section 50 is within the recess 54
and sits
within a nook 63 in the top side 60 so as not to protrude therefrom.
Positioned on a
side 68 of the portable unit 50 is a third memory card port 64, a headphone
connector
66 and speakers 70. The memory card port 64 is provided for receiving memory
cards
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including data recorded thereon by the audio/video control device 10. The data
includes both audio and video signals and is recorded on the memory card when
received within either of the first and second memory card ports 34 and 36,
respectively. The headphone connector port 66 is provided for connecting
headphones (not shown) to the portable section 50 so that the user may listen
to audio
signals being reproduced by the portable section 50. The speakers 70 may be
provided on a side of the portable section 50 thereby allowing the user to
listen to
audio signals being reproduced by the portable section 50 without headphones.
The
portable section 50 is able to detect if headphones are plugged into the
headphone
jack 66. Should no headphones be plugged into the headphone jack 66, any audio
signals produced by the portable unit 50 will be audibilized through the
speakers 70.
Should headphones be plugged into the headphone jack 66, any audio signals
produced by the portable unit 50 will be audibilized through the headphone
jack 66
and the headphones. Preferably, the speakers 70 will be inoperative when
headphones
are inserted into the headphone jack 66. A view of a side 68 of the portable
section 50
is illustrated in FIG. 4. The portable section 50 is shown in an inset view
with the side
68 thereof enlarged. From this view, the third memory card port 64 is shown
positioned on the side 68 along with the headphone jack 66 and the speaker 70.
FIG. 5 shows a memory card 72 for receipt within one of the memory card ports
of
the on the audio/video control device 10. When positioned within a memory card
port, data is either written on the memory card 72 or reproduced from the
memory
card 72. The memory card 72 includes a rechargeable battery section 74 and a
connection portion 76. The rechargeable battery section 74 includes a
rechargeable
power source for providing additional power to aid in compressing data when
recording data on the memory card 72 and decompressing the audio and video
signals
when reproducing the audio and video signals. The rechargeable power source is
recharged by the power source internal to the portable section or the power
source
providing power to the audio/video control device 10 through the power cord 40
when positioned within one of the memory card ports. The connector portion 76
establishes an electrical connection with a connector positioned within the
memory
card ports. The connector portion 76 includes a plurality of individual
connections for
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mating with respective connectors within the memory card ports. The connection
section 76 includes a connector to the power supply of the audio/video control
device
10, a connector to an audio signal output, a connector to an audio signal
input, a
connector to a video signal output and a connector to a video signal input.
The
memory card 72 and memory card ports are similar in design to those used with
MP3
systems and operate in a similar manner. The memory card 72 is easily
positioned
within and removed from a desired memory card port. The connection section 76
is
positioned with in the memory card port with the battery portion 74 extending
from
the memory card port. The battery portion 74 is used as a handle for insertion
and
removal of the memory card 72 from the memory card port. When inserting the
memory card 72 into the memory card port, the battery portion 74 is grasped by
the
user and the connection section 76 s inserted into the port until grasped and
held
thereon. Upon removal the battery portion 74 is again grasped by the user and
a force
is applied in a direction opposite to the insertion direction until the memory
card 72 is
removed.
A block diagram illustrating the audio/video control device 10 is shown in
FIG. 6. As
can be seen from this figure, the base unit 52 includes a processor 78. The
power cord
or power source is connected to the processor 78 for providing power to the
audio/video control device 10. The cable connectors 44, telephone line
connector 46
and audio/video ports 48 are also connected to the processor 78. The cable
connectors
44 provide a port for connection of the processor 78 to a cable line. The
telephone
line connectors 46 provide a port for connection of the processor 78 to the
public
switched telephone network (PSTN). The audio/video ports 48 provide a
connection
for a peripheral device to provide audio and video signals to the processor
78.
The read/write CD ROM drive 20 is connected to the processor 78 for
reproducing
audio signals from a storage medium inserted into the read/write CD ROM drive
20.
The read/write CD ROM drive 20 is also able to store audio and video signals
received by the audio/video control device 10 on a storage medium for
reproduction
at a later time. A plurality of control keys 24 are provided for controlling
operation of
the read/write CD ROM drive 20. The control keys 24 are similar to control
keys
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found on conventional CD players. The read/write CD ROM drive 20 may also be
controlled through audio signals provided to the processor and manual commands
provided through the touch screen display 12 found in the portable section 50
as will
be further discussed hereinafter. The first and second memory card ports 34
and 36,
respectively, are provided for storing information on memory cards and
reproducing
audio and video signals previously stored on memory cards. The speaker 14 is
connected to the processor 78 and provides audible instructions for aiding the
user in
controlling the operation of the audio/video control device 10. The speaker 14
makes
the audio/video control device 10 an interactive system by audibly prompting
the user
to either audibly or manually input control commands. The speaker also
provides an
output for audio signals reproduced by the audio/video control device 10. The
microphone 16 is connected to the processor 78 for receiving audible command
signals from a user and providing the command signals to the processor 78 for
analysis. The processor 78 controls the audio/video control device 10 based
upon the
analysis of the control signals received by the microphone 16.
A connection port 58 is provided in the base unit 52 for connection with the
portable
section 50. The portable section 50 includes a processor 80 which connects
with the
connection port 58 when the portable section 50 is placed within the recess 58
of the
base unit 52. The processor 80 is thus connected with the processor 78 of the
base
unit 52. The touch screen display 12 is provided for displaying menu commands
under the control of the processor 80 of the portable section 50. Upon contact
with the
touch screen display 12, command signals for control of the operation of the
audio/video control device 10 are provided to the processor 80. The touch
screen
display 12 is also controlled by the processor 80 to display video signals
being
reproduced by the audio/video control device 10. When the portable unit 50 is
connected to the base unit via the connection port 58, data provided to the
processor
80 of the portable unit 50 is also provided to the processor 78 of the base
unit 52 for
analysis via the connection port 58. Control of the components of the
audio/video
control device 10 positioned in the base unit 52 via the touch screen display
12 is thus
possible when the portable section 50 is positioned within the recess 54 and
connected to the base unit 52 via the connection port 58. A plurality of
control keys
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22, 26, 28, 30 and 32 are also connected to the processor 80 of the portable
section 50
and via the connection port 58 to the processor 78 of the base unit 52. Also
connected
to the processor 80 is the headphone jack 66 and speakers 70. The headphone
jack 66
is provided with audio signals by the processor 80 thereby allowing a user to
listen to
audio signals generated by the portable unit 50 through headphones. When
headphones are not connected to the headphone jack 66 any audio signals
generated
by the portable unit 50 are provided through the speakers 70. The third memory
card
port 64 is connected to the processor 80 of the portable section 50. The third
memory
card port 64 is able to receive a memory card 72 as discussed hereinbefore for
reproducing audio and video signals stored on the memory card 72. The video
signals
will be displayed on the touch screen display 12 and the audio signals will be
produced through one of the headphone jack 66 and speakers 70.
A cellular transmitter/receiver 86 is connected to the processor 80 for
providing a
wireless telephone connection through the portable section 50. The cellular
transmitter/receiver 86 is also connected to the processor 78 of the base unit
52 via
the processor 80 of the portable section 50 and the connection port 58. The
cellular
transmitter/receiver 86 is able to connect to a global computer network such
as the
internet through an internet service provider or with a central station which
is able to
provide audio and video signals to the audio/video control device 10. A power
source
84 is also connected to the processor 80 for supplying power to the portable
section
50.
An illustration of the audio/video control device 10 communicating with the
central
station 88 is shown in FIG. 7. The central station 88 is able to provide a
desired type
of entertainment for reproduction on the audio/video control device 10 and
thereby
cater to the tastes of a user. The central station 88 is preferably a
subscriber service
for which a user must register. Upon registration the user will be provided an
access
number which will establish an account for the user. The account number is
stored
within the audio/video control device 10. When the user dials a predetermined
telephone number on the alphanumeric keypad 26, a signal indicated by the
arrow
labeled with the numeral 90 is transmitted to the central station 88. This
signal
CA 02549957 2006-06-12
includes data indicative of the access number for the particular audio/video
control
device 10 transmitting the signal. Upon receipt of the signal by the central
station 88,
the user access number is checked by the central station 88 against a data
base of
acceptable access numbers. If the activation code matches a stored activation
code for
an account in good standing, the user is granted access to the service. A
notification
signal indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral 92 is transmitted by
the central
station 88 back to the audio/video control device 10 indicating whether the
access
number has been accepted by the system. The user can now select any type of
entertainment provided by the central station through audio or manual commands
provided to the audio/video control device 10. The audio/video control device
will
transmit these commands to the central station 88. In response to the command
signals the central station 88 transmits audio and/or video signals back to
the
audio/video control device for the entertainment of the user.
The operation of the audio/video control device 10 will now be described with
reference to the figures. In operation, the audio/video control device 10 is
used by a
person to reproduce audio and video signals as well as to store audio and
video
signals on a tangible medium. The audio/video control device 10 can further be
used
to establish either a hardwired or wireless connection with a peripheral
device, the
intemet or a central station to receive audio and video signals for
entertaining the user
of the audio/video control device 10. The audio/video control device 10
includes a
base unit 52 and a portable section 50. The portable section 50 is releasably
connected to the base unit 52 and may be used remotely from the base unit 52
as
desired. In order to use the portable section remotely, the user must
disconnect the
portable section 50 from the connector port 58 by pulling the portable section
50 out
from within the recess 54 in the base unit 52. Alternatively, the portable
section 50
and base unit 52 may be operated together in a connected state.
The audio/video control device 10 is able to receive both audible and manual
control
signals from a user to operate. The audible signals are entered through the
microphone 16 and the manual signals are entered through use of a touch screen
display 12 and a plurality of control buttons. Menus of operating functions
are
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displayed on the touch screen display 12 under the control of the processor
80. The
speaker 14 provides audible interactive instructions for operating the
audio/video
control device 10. The audible interactive instructions are based upon the
menu
presently displayed by the touch screen display 12. When the user is prompted
via the
touch screen display 12 or through the speaker 14 to enter a control conunand,
the
user will either speak a command into the microphone or touch the appropriate
selection on the touch screen display 12. The user may then activate one of
the
control keys to further control the operation of the audio/video control
device 10.
If the user wishes to operate the read/write CD ROM drive 20, the user will
activate a
desired control key 24. These control keys 24 allow a user to either play or
record
data on a compact disk and function as control keys of a conventional compact
disk
player. When the user selects to play a disk, the audio signals stored on the
disk will
be reproduced through the speakers 14 and video signals stored on the disk
will be
viewable on the touch screen display 12. When a user desires to record audio
and/or
video signals on a disk, the user must select the appropriate command by
activating a
command key. In order to store audio and video signals on a disk, it is
necessary for
another component of the audio/video control device 10 to be operating and
thus
provide audio and video signals to the read/write CD ROM drive 20. Audio and
video
signals may be provided from a peripheral device connected through the audio
and
video input ports 48, an audio and/or video source connected through the cable
connectors or telephone line connectors, an audio and/or video source
connected
through the cellular transmitter/receiver 88 or from a memory card 72 received
within
one of the memory card ports 34, 36 and 64.
When a user wishes to store data on a memory card or reproduce data previously
stored on a memory card, the appropriate commands must be entered either
audibly or
manually by pressing the appropriate selection(s) on the touch screen display
12. The
user may scroll through the possible selections on the touch screen display 12
using
the scroll keys 30, highlighting a different selected option each time the
scroll key is
activated. When the desired option for reproduction of audio and/or video
signals on a
memory card 72 is highlighted, the user will activate the enter key 22. When a
user
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desires to record audio and/or video signals on a memory card 72, the user
must select
the appropriate command by activating a command key. In order to store audio
and
video signals on a memory card 72, it is necessary for another component of
the
audio/video control device 10 to be operating and thus provide audio and video
signals to the desired memory card port 34, 36 or 64. Audio and video signals
may be
provided from a peripheral device connected through the audio and video input
ports
48, an audio and/or video source connected through the cable connectors or
telephone
line connectors, an audio and/or video source connected through the cellular
transmitter/receiver 88 or from a disk received within the read/write CD ROM
drive
20.
Options for operation of the audio/video control device 10 also include
utilizing a
wired connection to the PSTN for placing a telephone call, a cable connection
to
connect to an ISP for intemet connection, a cellular receiver/transmitter for
placing a
cellular telephone call to a desired person, an ISP or to the central station
88. Each of
these options may be selected through the touch screen display 12 or via an
audible
signal into the microphone 16. Operation of the connection with the central
station is
described above with reference to the description of FIG. 7. The speaker 14
also
provides audible guidance for the user to operate the audio/video control
device 10.
The speaker 14 provides audio messages instructing the user through the
operation
procedure for the audio/video control device 10 and describing the different
options
available to the user. Upon selecting the desired option, the audio/video
control
device 10 will perform the selected function until the user requests that the
operation
halt.
When performing a manual entry of operating commands, the processor 80 within
the
portable section 50 will analyze the command input on the touch screen display
12.
Should the command be directed to the operation of components controlled by
the
processor 78 within the base unit 52, a signal indicative of such will be
transmitted
from the processor 80 thereto through the connection port 58. The processor 78
will
then control the operation of the proper component to perform the desired
function.
When using the cellular transmitter/receiver 86, the cellular
transmitter/receiver 84
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will be controlled by the processor 80 in the portable section 50 to place a
wireless
telephone call to a desired party, e.g. an ISP, an individual, etc. . . . If
the command
signal to use the cellular transmitter/receiver 86 was received through the
touch
screen display 12 or other control keys, the processor 80 will directly
control the
operation thereof. If the command signal was input using an audible signal
using the
microphone 16, the processor 78 of the base unit 52 will provide a command
signal to
the processor 80 through the connection port 58 to control the cellular
transmitter/receiver 86.
The portable section 50 can also be used separately from the base unit 52. The
portable section 50 is preferably of a size and shape which is easily carried
by a user
and unobtrusive. The portable section 50 is removed from its connection to the
base
unit 52 by lifting a tab 62 thereatop and applying a pulling force to remove
the
portable section 50 from within its recess 58 in the base unit 52. The pulling
force on
the tab 62 causes the portable section 50 to be disconnected from the
connection port
58 and removed from within the recess 54. The portable section 50 can now be
used
separately from the base unit 52. In order to operate the portable section 50,
the user
must enter a command on the control keys or on the touch screen display 12.
The user
will use the control keys and the touch screen display 12 in the same manner
as
described before. When reproducing an audio signal, the audio signal will be
provided by the processor 80 to the headphone jack 66 for listening through
headphones connected thereto. Should headphones not be connected to the
headphone
jack 66, the audio signals will be provided to speakers 70. Reproduction and
storage
of audio and video signals on a memory card 72 are performed similarly to that
described above with respect to the base unit 52.
When it is desired to contact the central station via the cellular
transmitter/receiver
86, the user must select the appropriate options on the touch screen display
12. Upon
selection of the desired option, the processor 80 will control the cellular
transmitter/receiver to place a wireless telephone call to the central unit to
establish a
connection therewith. Upon establishment of the connection, the user must
select the
desired option as indicated on a menu on the touch screen display 12 to
receive the
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desired type of entertainment from the central station.
The audio/video control device 10 of the present invention is a completely
user
interactive system providing for audio and manual input of control commands
for
operation thereof. This device provides numerous different options for
reproduction
and storage of audio and video signals and a user friendly procedure for
operation. A
portable section of the device allows the user to carry along an unobtrusive
device to
provide entertainment while traveling. The manual input of commands for
oOperation
is a menu driven system including audio signals which accompany the menu to
provide added ease of operation. Furthermore, the user is able to input
audible signals
through a microphone which are analyzed by the audio/video control device 10
for
control of the operation thereof.
From the above description it can be seen that the audio/video control device
of the
present invention is able to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by
providing an audio/video control device which is able to receive both audio
command
signals and manually input control signals through a touch screen for
controlling
operation thereof. The audio/video control device includes a portable section
removably connected to a main base unit, the base unit being able to store
data on a
memory card for reproduction by the portable section. The audio/video control
device
also includes a read/write CD ROM drive, a video screen and control buttons
for
operating these devices, wherein the video screen is able to display video
images such
as a movie and interactive video games for entertaining a user. The
audio/video
control device further includes a cellular transmitter/receiver for connecting
with a
central station for wireless reception of audio and video signals and
connection ports
for telephone and cable lines providing alternate sources of audio and video
signals.
Furthermore, the audio/video control device of the present invention is simple
and
easy to use and economical in cost to manufacture.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or
more
together may also find a useful application in other types of methods
differing from
the type described above.
CA 02549957 2013-05-21
,
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the
preferred embodiments set forth herein, but should be
given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description as a whole.
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