AU2003203937A1 - Message system - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT MESSAGE SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: MESSAGE SYSTEM The invention relates to an activated message system. More particularly it relates to a personalized message system activated by way of an item ofjewellery or similar.

Traditionally jewellery has been of a passive nature. Its attraction has been visual and to some extent tactile, and has come from the inherent physical properties of the materials from which it is fabricated and from the artistry in creating its physical form. Some consumers desire to purchase jewellery which is not static and/or which appeals to additional senses, particularly if the item ofjewellery can be personalized in some way. It is known to provide jewellery with personalized engraved indicia, for example with a special message from the giver to the receiver of an item of jewellery purchased as a gift item.

The present invention provides an improved type of activated message system, which comprising a first element containing an activator, a second element including a switch and a message replay means, the switch capable of activation by an activator such as a sensor arranged to sense the activator and memory means to store data representing a message, wherein activation of the switch by means of the activator causes the message represented by the stored data to be played by the message replay means.

The first element is preferably an item ofjewellery or similar, and this incorporates the activator. The activator is arranged to selectively activate the switch comprised in the second element, and so cause the message, which is preferably a personalized message, to be played. The activator is of any convenient form which may include but is not limited to a physical key, an electrical contact or conduction device, a radio frequency identification device, a magnetically coded device, a thermal or infra-red device, or an ultra-sonic or sonic device. The sensor is selected to be compatible with the activator.

In a preferred form, the system is arranged such that when said activator is bought into contact with or into the proximity of said sensor contained in said second element, it cause the activation of the switch. Preferably the activation of the switch serves to close an electrical circuit, so causing the stored message to be played.

In one form of the invention, said message replay means comprises a sound reproduction means, and said message data represents an audible message. Said memory means may form part of the first or the second element, or may be provided as part of a third element.

As will be apparent, in a preferred embodiment, the switch, message replay means, and memory means are all provided as part of said second element, which is physically separate from the first element.

Preferably, the activator contains coded information, and the switch, message replay means or memory means contains means to recognize said coded information, such that only said activator may trigger the playing of the stored message. The activator may be magnetically coded or may comprise a radio frequency identification integrated circuit chip. Such an activating device can be made sufficiently small to be incorporated into very small items of jewellery or similar, particularly items too small to incorporate all of the components required for storage and playback of a message.

The system may thus be coded so that only one particular code out of a large number of possible codes communicable by the activator will cause the sensor to activate the switch. In this way, only the presence of an item of jewellery or similar having the particular code will result in the message being played.

The message may be a personally recorded message. Conveniently a facility may be provided whereby a message such as a verbal message may be recorded and directly or indirectly stored as date representing the message in the storage means. In the case of an audible message, this facility may also provide other sounds such as background music to accompany the message.

The memory means may be of any convenient form such as a magnetic or optically coded tape, wire or disc, or a memory chip. Preferably the memory means will be an EPROM (erasable, programmable read only memory chip), and more preferably an instant voice EPROM. The memory means may be of a volatile memory or of a non-volatile memory type.

In another form of the invention, the memory means is associated with the first element. The first element may also include a power source such as an electric battery or piezo-electric generator, or the first element may receive power directly or inductively from the second element. In this form of the invention, when the system is activated, the data representing the message is communicated to the second element and converted to a form whereby it may be played through the message replay means in an audible form. In one variant of this form of the invention, the particular message represented by the data stored in the storage means will be caused to be played by interaction between the first element and any compatible second element.

The second element may take any convenient form, non limiting examples being include a stand, or a package (such as the package in which the first element is supplied). For example, if the item of first element is a ring, the second element may be a ring stand or jewellery box arranged to play the message whenever the ring is placed on the ring stand or in the jewellery box.

In another form of the invention, more than one activator may be required to cause activation of the switch and activators may be incorporated in respective separate items ofjewellery or similar. For example, two wedding rings may each incorporate an activator, and only when both rings are brought into proximity of or into contact with the second element will the message (which might be, for example, a stirring excerpt from a wedding service) be played.

As mentioned above, the first element may be an item ofjewellery or similar. It is to be noted that this encompasses but is not limited to any item of personal adornment or decoration or similar, including badges, brooches, key rings, watches or attachments for watches, buckles, clothing fastenings, hair retaining devices, cuff links and body piercing items such as studs and rings.

In another form of the invention, in addition or as an alternative to an audible message, activation of the system results in the illumination of one or more lights (either continuously or in a pulsating or flashing manner), movement of one or more portion of the first or the second element, and/or provision of a message by some other means. For example, the stored data may represent a digitized laser image of a loved one, and the activation of the system by way of an item of jewellery may involve the projection of said laser image on an adjacent wall or similar by a laser projection means housed in the second element.

In an alternative form, then, the invention provides an activated message system for activation by way of an item ofjewellery or similar, including a message replay unit having a message reproduction means and a message or data representing a message stored in a memory means, the unit configured such that said message is played by the message reproduction system upon activation by the item ofjewellery or similar.

Preferably, said system is configured such that said activation results from bringing said item of jewellery or similar into the vicinity of or into contact with an activation portion of the message replay unit. An activator forming part of the item ofjewellery or similar is arranged to trigger or to be sensed by an activator portion of the message replay unit. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as by arranging that the item of jewellery or similar closes an electrical circuit contained within the message replay unit by way of its own electrical conductivity or by way of a weight sensor incorporated in the message replay unit, for example.

In an alternative form, the item of jewellery or similar may communicate in a suitable manner with the activation portion of the message replay unit. This may be through direct contact through a magnetic strip interacting with a magnetic read head), or through the electrical contacts of an integrated circuit (IC) chip reader, or through remote contact through an inductive reader, radio transceiver, or infra red transceiver).

In a further form of the invention, there is provided an activation element for use in an activated message system, the system including said activation element containing an activator, an activated message playing element including a switch and a message replay means, the switch capable of activation by a sensor arranged to sense the activator, and memory means to store data representing a message, wherein activation of the switch by means of the activator causes the message represented by the stored data to be played by the message replay means.

In yet a further form of the invention, there is provided an activated message playing element for use in an activated message system, the system including an activation element containing an activator, an activated message playing element including a switch and a message replay means, the switch capable of activation by a sensor arranged to sense the activator, and memory means to store data representing a message, wherein activation of the switch by means of the activator causes the message represented by the stored data to be played by the message replay means.

Another form of the invention, there is provided a method of recording an activatable message, including the steps of: providing a memory means to store data representing a message; incorporating said memory means into an activated message playing element which includes a switch and a message replay means; providing an activation element containing an activator, whereby said activator and said activated message playing element are configured such that activation of the switch by means of the activator causes the message represented by the stored data to be played by the message replay means.

To assist with understanding the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show non-limiting examples of the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an activated message system according to one form of the invention, wherein a radio frequency identification method is employed; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an activated message system according to another form of the invention wherein a contact identification method is employed; and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an activated message system according to another form of the invention wherein a physical trigger is employed.

In the drawings, an activated message system is shown comprising an activating item generally indicated at 2; a player unit generally indicated at 4; 4" and may or may not be with a recording facility generally indicated at 6; 6'.

Bringing the activating item into contact or into close proximity with the player unit results in the playing of a message previously been recorded by means of the recording facility or device.

In Figure 1, the activating item comprises an item of jewellery 8 to which is attached a passive radio frequency identification integrated circuit chip 10 (passive RFID chip) in which is embedded an identification code.

The player unit 4 may take any convenient form such as a stand, a package or a jewellery box. Concealed inside it is an electric circuit substrate 12 on which are mounted an electric battery 14, a control switch module 16, an instant voice EPROM (erasable, programmable read only memory chip) 18 in which is stored a code representing an playable audio message, a speaker 20, and associated electrical connections 22.

The control switch module 16 includes a radio frequency transceiver 24 which has a switching function (not shown) and a personal identification code EPROM 26. If item of jewellery 8 with its attached a passive RFID chip 10 is brought into proximity with transceiver 24, RFID chip 10 is induced to transmit its embedded identification code. The transceiver receives this code and compares it with the code embedded in personal identification code EPROM 26. If the codes do not match, no action is taken. If the codes match, the switching function is activated, this results in the message stored in instant voice EPROM 18 being played as an audible signal from speaker Recording facility 6 is used to record the audible message and store it in instant voice EPROM 18. It is also used to embed the personal identification code in the personal identification code EPROM 26 at the time of purchase of item ofjewellery 8.

Recording facility 6 comprises a recording room 28 in which is included a microphone 30 in operative connection with a voice recording machine and EPROM burner 32. A music player 34 connected to music speakers 36 and 38 is also included and may be used to provide background music (or other background sound effects) for the message recording. In use, a user speaks into the microphone while background music is being played by music player 34. The message is recorded by the recording machine which then stores it in instant voice EPROM 18. After the message has been stored in it, EPROM 18 is removed from the recording machine and placed in player unit 4.

Recording room 28 also contains a code input machine 40 which may be used to embed the personal identification code into personal identification code EPROM 26.

After the personal identification code has been embodied therein, EPROM 26 is removed from the code input machine and placed in player unit 4.

Figure 2 shows another form of the invention wherein a contact identification method is employed instead of a remote identification method. The arrangement is generally similar to that shown in Figure 1, with additional or alternative components as described below. Component in Figure 2 which serve the same purpose as components in Figure 1 are referenced by the same reference numerals as in Figure 1, but are distinguished by the addition of a single apostrophe.

In place of the passive radio frequency identification integrated circuit chip shown in Figure 1, the item of jewellery 8' is provided with a contact pad 50 capable of forming electrical contact with suitable power terminals, such that electric power is supplied to an identification chip 52 in which is embedded an identification code.

When electrical power is supplied to identification chip 52, the chip transmits the embedded identification code which is conducted to signal terminals on contact pad In place of radio frequency transceiver 24, the player unit has a contact identification detector 54 which has power supply and signal receipt terminals arranged to contact the terminals on contact pad 50 associated with the item of jewellery If contact pad 50 on item of jewellery 8' is brought into electrical contact with detector 54, identification chip 52 is induced to transmit its embedded identification code.

Detector 54 receives this code via the signal receipt terminals and compares it with the code embedded in personal identification code EPROM 26'. If the codes do not match, no action is taken. If the codes match, the switching function is activated which results in the message stored in instant voice EPROM 18' being played as an audible signal from speaker Figure 3 shows another form of the invention wherein a physical trigger is employed instead of a radio frequency or contact identification method. In this form, the invention does not use personal identification codes. Components in Figure 3 which serve the same purpose as those in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals as in Figure 1, but with the addition of a double apostrophe.

The activating item comprises an item ofjewellery 8" to which is attached a physical trigger 60, which may be a mechanical key or magnetic induction, heat induction or infra-red induction activator.

The player unit 4" may take any convenient form such as a stand, a package or a jewellery box. Concealed inside it is an electric circuit substrate 12" on which are mounted an electric battery 14", a control switch module 16", an instant voice EPROM 18" in which is stored a code representing a playable audio message, a speaker 20", a recording microphone 70, and associated electrical connections 22".

Control switch module 16" includes a trigger detector 62, which is complementary to the physical trigger 60, and a switching function (not shown). If the item of jewellery 8" with attached physical trigger 60 is bought into contact with (if the physical trigger is a mechanical key) or in proximity to (if the physical trigger is an induction device) the trigger detector, the switching function is activated. Activation of the switching function results in the message stored in EPROM 18" being played as an audible signal from speaker Recording microphone 70 is used to record the audible message and to store it in the instant voice EPROM 18".

It is to be understood that the word 'message' as used in this specification encompasses data, signals or codes which serve to represent the message.

The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.

Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims (24)

1. An improved type of activated message system comprising a first element which containing an activator, a second element including a switch and a message replay means, the switch capable of activation by an activator such as a sensor arranged to sense the activator and memory means to store data representing a message, wherein activation of the switch by means of the activator causes the message represented by the stored data to be played by the message replay means.

2. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein the first element is an item of jewellery or similar, and this incorporates the activator arranged to selectively activate the switch comprised in the second element, and so cause the message to be played.

3. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein the activator is of any convenient form which may include but is not limited to a physical key, an electrical contact or conduction device, a radio frequency identification device, a magnetically coded device, a thermal or infra-red device, or an ultra-sonic or sonic device, the sensor is selected to be compatible with the activator.

4. The activated message system of claim 1 which is arranged such that when said activator is bought into contact with or into the proximity of said sensor contained in said second element, it causes the activation of the switch.

5. The activated message system of claim 4 wherein the activation of the switch serves to close an electrical circuit, so causing the stored message to be played.

6. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein said message replay means comprises a sound reproduction means, said message data represents an audible message and said memory means may form part of the first or the second element, or may be provided as part of a third element.

7. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein a preferred embodiment, the switch, message replay means, and memory means are all provided as part of said second element, which is physically separate from the first element.

8. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein the activator contains coded information, and the switch, message replay means or memory means contains means to recognize said coded information, such that only said activator may trigger the playing of the stored message.

9. The activated message system of claim 8 wherein the activator may be magnetically coded or may comprise a radio frequency identification integrated circuit chip and can be made sufficiently small to be incorporated into very small items of jewellery or similar, particularly items too small to incorporate all of the components required for storage and playback of a message.

The activated message system of claim 8 that is coded so that only one particular code out of a large number of possible codes communicable by the activator will cause the sensor to activate the switch.

11. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein the message may be a personally recorded message which is recorded and directly or indirectly stored as data representing the message in the storage means at a facility which may also provide other sounds such as background music to accompany the message.

12. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein the memory means may be of any convenient form such as a magnetic or optically coded tape, wire or disc, or a memory chip.

13. The activated message system of claim 12 wherein the memory means is an EPROM (erasable, programmable read only memory chip), or an instant voice EPROM of a volatile memory or of a non-volatile memory type.

14. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein the first element includes a power source such as an electric battery or piezo-electric generator, or the first element receives power directly or inductively from the second element.

15. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein the second element may take any convenient form, non limiting examples being include a stand, or a package (such as the package in which the first element is supplied).

16. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein more than one activator may be required to cause activation of the switch and activators may be incorporated in respective separate items ofjewellery or similar.

17. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein the first element may be an item of jewellery, personal adornment or decoration or similar, including badges, brooches, key rings, watches or attachments for watches, buckles, clothing fastenings, hair retaining devices, cuff links and body piercing items such as studs and rings.

18. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein activation of the system results in the illumination of one or more lights (either continuously or in a pulsating or flashing manner), movement of one or more portion of the first or the second element, and/or provision of a message by some other means.

19. The activated message system wherein an item ofjewellery or similar, including a message replay unit having a message reproduction means and a message or data representing a message stored in a memory means, the unit configured such that said message is played by the message reproduction system upon activation by the item ofjewellery or similar.

The activated message system of claim 19 wherein said activation results from bringing said item ofjewellery or similar into the vicinity of or into contact with an activation portion of the message replay unit.

21. The activated message system of claim 19 to 20 wherein the activator forming part of the item of jewellery or similar is arranged to trigger or to be sensed by an activator portion of the message replay unit.

22. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein the item of jewellery or similar may communicate in a suitable manner with the activation portion of the message replay unit through direct contact through a magnetic strip interacting with a magnetic read head, or through the electrical contacts of an integrated circuit (IC) chip reader, or through remote contact through an inductive reader, radio transceiver, or infra red transceiver).

23. The activated message system of claim 1 wherein said activation element containing an activator, an activated message playing element including a switch and a message replay means, the switch capable of activation by a sensor arranged to sense the activator, and memory means to store data representing a message, wherein activation of the switch by means of the activator causes the message represented by the stored data to be played by the message replay means.

24. The activated message system of claiml wherein an activated message playing element uses in an activated message system, the system including an activation element containing an activator, an activated message playing element including a switch and a message replay means, the switch capable of activation by a sensor arranged to sense the activator, and memory means to store data representing a message, wherein activation of the switch by means of the activator causes the message represented by the stored data to be played by the message replay means. An activated message system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. APPLICANTS: WING CHING FU (AUSTRALIA) SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION 30 APRIL 2003 CHI LAU 30 APRIL 2003