GB2506391A - Audio player with detachable storage memory - Google Patents

Audio player with detachable storage memory Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2506391A
GB2506391A GB201217316A GB201217316A GB2506391A GB 2506391 A GB2506391 A GB 2506391A GB 201217316 A GB201217316 A GB 201217316A GB 201217316 A GB201217316 A GB 201217316A GB 2506391 A GB2506391 A GB 2506391A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
annunciation
scheduling
output
replaceable
files
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB201217316A
Other versions
GB201217316D0 (en
Inventor
Peter John Charles Spurgeon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB201217316A priority Critical patent/GB2506391A/en
Publication of GB201217316D0 publication Critical patent/GB201217316D0/en
Publication of GB2506391A publication Critical patent/GB2506391A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/04—Dice; Dice-boxes; Mechanical dice-throwing devices
    • A63F9/0468—Electronic dice; electronic dice simulators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/18—Question-and-answer games
    • A63F9/183—Question-and-answer games electric
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07701—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier comprising an interface suitable for human interaction
    • G06K19/07703—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier comprising an interface suitable for human interaction the interface being visual
    • G06K19/07707—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier comprising an interface suitable for human interaction the interface being visual the visual interface being a display, e.g. LCD or electronic ink
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/0772—Physical layout of the record carrier
    • G06K19/07732—Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier having a housing or construction similar to well-known portable memory devices, such as SD cards, USB or memory sticks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B21/00—Teaching, or communicating with, the blind, deaf or mute
    • G09B21/001—Teaching or communicating with blind persons
    • G09B21/006—Teaching or communicating with blind persons using audible presentation of the information
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/0001—Games specially adapted for handicapped, blind or bed-ridden persons
    • A63F2009/0003—Games specially adapted for blind or partially sighted people
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
    • A63F2009/2448—Output devices
    • A63F2009/247—Output devices audible, e.g. using a loudspeaker

Abstract

An audio player for outputting audio selected from at least two digital audio files comprises a replaceable digital memory 1 containing the audio files, a digital processing unit 2, an analogue amplification circuit 4, a loudspeaker 5, and an output socket 6, wherein the audio player is disabled unless the replaceable digital memory is inserted, and the outputted audio signal is switched from the loudspeaker to an ancillary device such as an earphone (not shown) when plugged into the output socket. The replaceable memory may include a power source 8, and a display 11 indicating the content stored thereon. The audio files may be speech files which output numbers from one to six such that the apparatus may be used to simulate a die. The audio files may alternatively output quiz questions, or steps of a recipe. The apparatus may be activated using a switch 9, or may be activated by insertion of the replaceable memory. The apparatus may resemble a figure or character, with the replaceable memory forming the head of the figure and the remainder of the apparatus forming the body (see figure 4)

Description

Apparatus for Scheduling an Annunciation
Background
There are many times when one of a list of alternatives has to chosen, or a isit has to be put into a particular order for operation or a certain number of alternatives has to be chosen from a list.
These requirement include, obtaining a random number as in the shaking of a dice, selection of 6 random numbers for entry into a lottery, presenting examination questions or presenting educational exercises. Existing solutions include printed lists or other visual display means.
Items such as the dice and packs of instruction cards for games or data on visual displays re- quire the players to be close to the device. A speaking device, coperated by an electronic con-troller has the additional advantage that deliberate or inadvertant cheating' is reduced. Since the device is not combined with a home computer or mobile telephone it can be used without the frustration of its being interrupted by some incoming message or telephone call.
Description
The invention provides a means for delivering alternatives from a list as audio signals output through a loudspeaker or headphones or earphones. A replaceable digital memory device-contains at least two digital files that contain audio data. A digital processing unit schedules the outputting of the digital files according to a mode set by switches, data in the replaceable memory device or by electrical connections within the replaceable digital memory device that are detected when the device is pligged in to the digital processing unit. The audio output is amplified by an audio amplifier and output to a loudspeakeii The loudspeaker output may be diverted to headphones, earphones etc by plugging that device into a socket.
Some examples of files may be the two which speak the words Yes' or No' for use in a game, or there may be six files each containing the words for numbers 1 to 6 so that, when output in random order, they produce an audio substitute for a dice. Other uses provide advantages over standard' mp3/mp4 players etc in that copyrights are more easily protected with the use of alternative file formats.
Detailed Description
An apparatus capable of several embodiments of the invention is shown in figure 1 a digital processing device 2 has a socket 3 for insertion of the replaceable digital memory 1. The digi-tal processing device 2 connects to the audio aniplification circuit 4 which then connects, via the audio output socket 6 to the loudspeaker 5. The digital memory device 1 may also inchide an electrical power source 8. The digital processing device may include an electrical power source 7. The digital processing device may have an activating switch 9. A light emitting de-vice may also be present.
In a first embodiment the replaceable digital memory device 1 contains six audio files to be scheduled and annunciated, representing the speech output for the words one two three four five and six, Upon plugging it into the digital processing device 2 an output annunciates the title of the application, for example "Speaking Dice, press the switch for each throw" and the light emitting device 10 lights. The digital processing device 2 then waits for the switch 9 to be operated. Upon momentary operation of the switch 9 the digital processing device 2 selects one of the six files at random and outputs that annunciation. This spoken word of a number maybe used to conduct the play of a game. Each momentary operation then outputs for an- other throw' of the dice. During the interval between operation of the switch 9 the annuncia-tion may be repeated at intervals.
In a second embodiment the randomly chosen annunciation can be used to select a question or a number for a lottery game. Whilst the files in the replaceable digital memory 1 maybe of any number it is required that they shall not be repeated. A typical title of the application may then be output "I shall choose at random from the ----texts each time you press the button momentarily, you may repeat the last text by pressing the button for over 1 second, the pro-gramme will end when all the texts have been spoken:' Such a title could be contained in a file in the digital pro cessing device memory or in the replaceable digital memory device.
A third embodiment may have the files on the replaceable digital memory device 1 in a specific order which is to be retained. In this case the apparatus will operate with a title annunciation such as "This is the recipe for a Ginger Cake in ----steps:' Such a precise title would normally be stored in the replaceable memory device as a file distinguishable from the files to be sched- uled. Each operation of the switch will then cause each file to be output in order. Each an-nunciation could include the step number, some annunciations could include a timer function such that an alarm and subsidiary text could he output at the end of a cooking step etc Such a method would also apply to an examination where the questions are spoken in turn and cer-tain times are allowed for each question to be answered.. A fourth embodiment may be used for the longer files, for example each representing a page or an article of an audio publication.
In such a case the replaceable digital memory device may be one of several, each one including the contents of a complete publication divided into files for each paragraph. In this case the battery 8 may ensure that the reading history of the user can be saved on the replaceable digital memory 1 so that reading may be resumed after removal of the memory and the insertion of other replaceable digital memories and activation of other applications.
Figure 2 shows an embodiment having a replaceable digital memory device 1 with a visual display 11 capable of showing its status. When the device is plugged in the visual display can be seen through the window 13, such display indicating the last file number displayed and the nature of the schedule. Another replaceable digital memory device 1 is shown in figure 3, this having a visual display 12 that remains outside of the case of the apparatus. The advantage of having a visual display on the replaceable digital memory device is that a particular device can be identified without plugging it into the apparatus. The figure 3 visual display may be of a large size and it could be used to display text whilst the apparatus outputs the speech equiva-lent. The visual display could also display the title of the schedule.
In a further example the speaker's voice may be that of a well-known person or character and the enclosure for the parts of the apparatus may be relevant to that scenario as shown in figure 4 where the removeahle digital memory device 1 is enclosed in the head 14 of a mythical creature and the remainder of the apparatus is enclosed in its body 15. Other head's' such as fish, lions, monkeys, film stars etc could be interchanged, the voice' contained in each digital memory device being of appropriate characteristics. Characture heads of different nationali-ties could be used to speak' in their appropriate languages.
It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims (30)

  1. Claims: 1. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation from at least two digital audio files coinpris-ing a replaceable digital memory containing at least the audio files, a digital processing unit, an analog amplification circuit, a loudspeaker and an output socket, the output socket such that when a device is plugged into it the audio signal is switched from the loudspeaker to the device that is plugged into the output socket and the apparatus is disabled unless the replaceable digi-tal memory is inserted.
  2. 2. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to claim 1 having an electrical power storage device.
  3. 3. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims in which the replaceable digital memory includes an electrical power storage device.
  4. 4. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims in which the replaceable digital memory device includes files for the spoken words one &o three four five six
  5. 5. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims in which the replaceable digital memory device includes files for the spoken words for a selec-tion of numbers.
  6. 6. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims in which the replaceable digital memory device includes files that include spoken words.
  7. 7. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims which is activated by a switch.
  8. 8. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims which is activated by insertion of the replaceable memory device.
  9. 9. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims which is activated by insertion of an electrical power source.
  10. 10. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims whereupon the activation results in the files of the replaceable digital memory device being output in order.
  11. 11. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims whereupon the activation results in the files of the replaceable digital memory device being output in a random order and when all the files have been output it stops output of the files.
  12. 12. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the clainns 2 -10 whereupon the activation results in the files of the replaceable digital memory device being output at random, and the outputs proceed in spite of any replication that may occur.
  13. 13. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims where the switch activates the output of one file at a time.
  14. 14. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims where the output is repeated at intervals.
  15. 15. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims having a time interval between the output of each file.
  16. 16. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims having a switch such that alternative modes of operation may be set by the length of time that it is operated for.
  17. 17. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to claim 16 whereby the title of the chosen mode of operation is announced through the audio output.
  18. 18. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to claim 16 whereby the mode of operation may only he set as a first operation after insertion of the replaceable digital memory.Page 3 having a time interval between the output of each file.
  19. 19. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims having a means for storing the schedule as previously output such that the schedule may be continued after a period of removal of the removable digital memory.
  20. 20. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of thepreceding claims having an output of sound when electrical power is present although files are not being output.
  21. 21. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims having a visual indication that the apparatus is operating normally.
  22. 22. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims being used in game-play.
  23. 23. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims being used as a tinner having audio outputs which are announcenients of stages of the timing process.
  24. 24. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims being used to issue the questions of a quiz.
  25. 25. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims for use by a visually impaired person.
  26. 26. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to claim 25 being of a tactile shape to enable it to be differentiated from other objects and apparatus.
  27. 27. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims being used in education.
  28. 28. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims being used as an aid to memory.
  29. 29. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation according to any one of the preceding claims having at least two replaceable digital memory devices.
  30. 30. An apparatus for scheduling an annunciation as herein described with reference to the ac-companying drawings.Page 4
GB201217316A 2012-09-27 2012-09-27 Audio player with detachable storage memory Withdrawn GB2506391A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201217316A GB2506391A (en) 2012-09-27 2012-09-27 Audio player with detachable storage memory

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201217316A GB2506391A (en) 2012-09-27 2012-09-27 Audio player with detachable storage memory

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201217316D0 GB201217316D0 (en) 2012-11-14
GB2506391A true GB2506391A (en) 2014-04-02

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Family Applications (1)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995023409A1 (en) * 1994-02-25 1995-08-31 Amico Joyce Links D Audioplayback system with interrelated visual display using static card 'software'
US20020118165A1 (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-08-29 Mcgowan Steven B. Displaying information on passive storage medium
WO2006023311A2 (en) * 2004-08-20 2006-03-02 Smartdisk Corporation Self-labeling digital storage unit
US20060190845A1 (en) * 2005-02-10 2006-08-24 Winbond Electronics Corp. Portable storage devices
US20070283097A1 (en) * 2005-05-10 2007-12-06 Achanta Phani G V Displaying Memory Statistics For A Keydrive

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995023409A1 (en) * 1994-02-25 1995-08-31 Amico Joyce Links D Audioplayback system with interrelated visual display using static card 'software'
US20020118165A1 (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-08-29 Mcgowan Steven B. Displaying information on passive storage medium
WO2006023311A2 (en) * 2004-08-20 2006-03-02 Smartdisk Corporation Self-labeling digital storage unit
US20060190845A1 (en) * 2005-02-10 2006-08-24 Winbond Electronics Corp. Portable storage devices
US20070283097A1 (en) * 2005-05-10 2007-12-06 Achanta Phani G V Displaying Memory Statistics For A Keydrive

Non-Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
'Mpman Mp30 Wom Mp3 Player - No Internal Memory' by MPMAN, available since at least 17 May 2012. *
SanDisk Sansa Shaker by SanDisk, available since at least 18 April 2007. *
The Quizmasters Audio Database, from http://www.quizmasters.biz/, available since at least 27 June 2009. *
'Ways to generate random numbers' thread on Giant in the Playground discussion board available at http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195902. *
ZVUE 260 1 GB Video MP3 Player by ZVUE, available on or before 25 November 2007. *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201217316D0 (en) 2012-11-14

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Legal Events

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)