CA2327130A1 - Ascending or descending volume control for clock radio - Google Patents
Ascending or descending volume control for clock radio Download PDFInfo
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- CA2327130A1 CA2327130A1 CA 2327130 CA2327130A CA2327130A1 CA 2327130 A1 CA2327130 A1 CA 2327130A1 CA 2327130 CA2327130 CA 2327130 CA 2327130 A CA2327130 A CA 2327130A CA 2327130 A1 CA2327130 A1 CA 2327130A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G13/00—Producing acoustic time signals
- G04G13/02—Producing acoustic time signals at preselected times, e.g. alarm clocks
- G04G13/021—Details
- G04G13/023—Adjusting the duration or amplitude of signals
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G13/00—Producing acoustic time signals
- G04G13/02—Producing acoustic time signals at preselected times, e.g. alarm clocks
- G04G13/028—Producing acoustic time signals at preselected times, e.g. alarm clocks combined with a radio
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
- Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
Abstract
A sound system having an output volume which varies over a selected period of time in both a sleep mode and a wake-up mode is provided. The system primarily uses a volume control signal for controlling the amplified signal provided to a speaker system. The amplified signal is slowly decreased in the go-to-sleep mode and slowly increased in the wake-up mode.
Description
ASCENDING OR DESCENDING VOLUME CONTROL FOR
CLOCK RADIO
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus of selectively controlling the volume of a clock or wake-up device such as a clock radio such that the radio gets louder and louder or more insistent over a period of time and in the go-to-sleep mode the radio gets softer and softer in volume before it turns off.
DL: 1076108v1 c.
CLOCK RADIO
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus of selectively controlling the volume of a clock or wake-up device such as a clock radio such that the radio gets louder and louder or more insistent over a period of time and in the go-to-sleep mode the radio gets softer and softer in volume before it turns off.
DL: 1076108v1 c.
2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART INCLUDING INFORMATION
DISCLOSED UNDER 37 CFR 1.97 AND 1.98 Alarm clocks and/or clock radios have been around for many years, and have probably become the preferred method of waking up in the morning when an individual must be at a location at a particular time. Normally, clock radios are a desirable way of waking up in that the radio may be tuned to a music station or news and the user is not jarred out of a sound sleep but can awake slowly.
Unfortunately for many users, if the radio is tuned to a station playing soft music the person may often be lulled back to sleep by the music and not get up at the intended hour.
One attempt to solve this problem has been to provide a more strident buzzer or alarm in confirmation with the radio to assure that the user is up and awake. Of course if the clock radio goes into the buzzer or alarm mode the advantage of the soothing wake-up of the clock or music is lost. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide methods and apparatus for allowing a sound sleeper to wake up to the sound of music or news without the sudden jarnng effect of a buzzer or alarm.
It would also be desirable to provide such a wake-up system which although while initially providing soft wake-up music, the music will become louder and louder over time thereby waking up the sound sleeper while still avoiding the jarring effect of the buzzer or alarm.
DL: 1076108v1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the previously discussed problems and other problems by providing methods and apparatus comprising a sound system which has an output volume which varies over a selected period of time. There is provided a first circuit for generating electrical signals which signals have frequencies within the audio frequency band. A typical example of such circuitry could include a radio receiver, a CD player or any other music or pleasant sound-creating system as well as a buzzer or alarm system. A second circuit receives the electrical signal in the audio frequency band and then selectively amplifies these signals in response to a volume control signal. The volume control signal increases or decreases as will be discussed in detail later over a selected period of time. There is also included third circuitry or circuitry for generating clocking signals and clock-based control signals. In a preferred embodiment, the third circuitry will include a source of clock pulses provided to a microprocessor designed to provide appropriate signals to a typical electrical clock so as to provide a representation of the actual time of day such as in a 12 hour AM-PM mode or a 24 hour clock mode. In addition, according to the present invention, the microprocessor will also provide clock-based control signals for turning the clock radio or other sound source on or off and, according to the teachings of this invention, also provide a control signal for selectively decreasing or increasing the volume control signal over a selected period of time. A clock-based control signal for varying the volume output of the sound system is provided to a volume control circuitry which generates a volume control signal as a function of the clock-based control signal. In a preferred embodiment, the volume control circuitry receives a PWM (pulse width modulated) signal which has a duty cycle which can selectively increase or decrease over a period of time. The ever increasing (or decreasing) DL: 1076108v1 pulse width of the PWM signal is used to vary the charge on a capacitor connected so as to control a transistor. For example, the charge on the capacitor may control the base input of a transistor such as for example an NPN transistor. Of course, other types of transistor and related circuitry could be used including FET's (field effect transistors). In one embodiment using the NPN transistor, the collector of the transistor is connected to the amplifying circuit and the emitter is connected to ground. Thus, when the capacitor is fully charged the transistor will be fully on such that all of the audio frequency range signals from the amplifying circuit will be effectively connected to ground. Thus, when the transistor is fully conductive, the volume will be at a minimum.
When the system of the present invention is to be used as a clock radio for waking someone up, the system may further include switching circuitry which is controlled by the microprocessor and which preferably, in addition to providing the varying output PWM signal, also switches either the radio receiver or the amplifier from an off condition to on at a preselected time. At this point in the preferred embodiment, the duty cycle of the PWM signal will be at a maximum and will begin to decrease such that the volume, which as was discussed above is initially "OFF", will slowly begin to increase to a maximum value over the selected period of time.
It will also be appreciated of course that the typical clock radio can also be used to provide music for a period of time to help soothe someone to sleep and then to cut off automatically. Thus, according to another feature of the present invention, the microprocessor further provides a control signal for switching one of the amplifier or radio receivers "ON." Also, another pin on the chip is provided for using a duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal which is at a minimum and then slowly increasing the pulse width and thereby decrease the volume output from the system over a period of time. An audio speaker such as is well-known in DL: 1076108v1 S
the art, is connected to the amplifying circuit for receiving the electrical signals which, as have been discussed above vary from a maximum to a minimum or alternately from a minimum to a maximum over a period of time such that the radio or music gets softer and softer or louder and louder.
DL: 1076108v1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed when taken in conjunction with the following Detailed Description of the Invention in which like numerals represent like elements and in which:
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a sound system incorporating the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a specific embodiment of volume control circuitry for varying the volume output of the system over a selected period of time; and FIG. 3 illustrates a typical flow diagram of the functions of a clock radio using the teachings of the present invention.
DL: 1076108v1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to FIG. l, there is shown generally at 10 a sound system incorporating the teachings of the present invention. As shown, there is a power supply 12 which typically provides low voltage DC power to the various components of the circuitry. However, as shown, the power supply 12 typically receives its power from normal house power (i.e., 1 IOVAC 60 cycle power).
Thus, it will be appreciated the power supply 12 will typically be a power converter for converting the 110VAC power to the typical 1.5 to 15VDC power used by electronic circuitry. According to the invention, there is also an audio signal source 16 which in most embodiments will include an AM/FM radio receiver 18a. It will be appreciated, of course, that in other more sophisticated sound systems, any type of audio sounds may be included including a connection for a CD player 18b, a record player 18d, a cassette player 18c or any other sources 18e of music or other soothing sounds. In addition to audio signals representing music or other soothing sounds, the system may also include an audio signal for providing the sound of a buzzer or other alarm such as indicated at 20. Thus, the audio signals are provided from audio signal source 16 by connection line 22 to an audio signal amplifier 24. The gain of the audio signal amplifier 24 as will be discussed hereinafter is determined by the control signal on line 26a from volume control circuitry 28. The amplified signal from audio signal amplifier 24 is then provided on line 30 to a speaker system which may include a single speaker such as indicated by speaker 32 or could include a very elaborate speaker system (not shown). Power may be supplied to both the audio signal source 16 and to the audio signal amplifier 24 by power connection lines 34 and 36 respectively. It will be noted however, that in the embodiment shown the power is not provided directly from power supply 12 through line 38 but goes through a switching DL: 1076108v1 circuitry 40. In addition, it can be seen that power supply 12 also provides power to third circuitry 42 by means of power line 44. The third circuit or control circuitry 42 typically includes an oscillator 46 which provides clocking pulses on line 48 to microprocessor 50. Microprocessor 50 may be a dedicated type clock integrated circuit which is commercially available. In addition, as shown, microprocessor 50 also provides switching signals to the switching circuit 40 on line 52. Also as shown, microprocessor 50 may also provide the signals for a digital clock display as shown by display 54. Further, according to the teachings of the present invention, the third circuitry 42 will also provide a clock-based signal on line 56 to volume control circuitry 28. In a preferred embodiment, the clock-based control signal on line 56 will be a PWM (pulse with modulated) signal which has a duty cycle which decreases or increases depending upon whether the volume output of the speaker system is to get louder and louder or softer and softer.
There is also included in the embodiment shown a manual volume control circuit 58 connected between audio signal amplifier 24 and automatic volume control circuitry 28 by conductor lines 26a and 26b respectively. Manual control circuit 58 is used to set the radio to the desired level for normal listening.
Thus, the maximum volume to be provided by the speaker system 32 can be set by manual control volume 58.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a specific example of circuitry for the automatic volume control 28. It will be appreciated that although the embodiment shown and described in FIG. 2 is simple, inexperienced and effective, other volume control circuits would be acceptable. The specific example of FIG. 2 is not intended to limit the scope of this invention except as is set forth in the claims. As shown in FIG. 2, manual volume control 58 is connected to a transistor 60 through a capacitor 62. In a normal "ON" condition of the radio, the transistor DL: 1076108v1 will be in non-conducting state. That is, when it is not in the sleep or wake-up modes, transistor 60 will be biased (volt bias for an NPN transistor) such that it is not conducting to ground 64. According to the circuitry of FIG. 2, a PWM
signal is received on line 56 and provided through a resistor 66 and a capacitor 68.
Resistor 66 and capacitor 68 act as an RC circuit such that the voltage level at node 70 is the same as the positive plate of capacitor 68 which is fully charged when the duty cycle of the PWM signal on line 56 is at a maximum. That is, the pulse width signal has a duration that allows for the maximum charge to be stored on capacitor 68. The voltage at node 70 is provided to the base input 72 of transistor 60 through a current-limiting resistor 74. Thus, in the embodiment shown, when the PWM signal on line 56 has a maximum duty cycle and the node 70 is at its highest voltage level, the transistor 60 being an NPN transistor will be fully on and fully conductive. Thus, all of the amplified audio signals provided by the audio signal generator 16 will be effectively connected through capacitor 62, through transistor 60, and then to ground 64. Thus, when the voltage at node 70 is at a maximum and transistor 60 is fully on the volume is at a minimum.
Conversely, when the voltage at node 70 is at a minimum, the transistor 60 will be fully off or non-conductive such that the volume output by the speaker system will then be whatever the volume setting is for the manual volume control circuitry 58.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a flow diagram of a clock radio used with the sleep mode, the wake-up mode and the buzzer alarm all activated. As shown in the first block 80, the clock is set such that the sleep mode is on and the wake-up time is set. By starting the sleep mode the radio will be on and the PWM
signal on line 56 as shown in FIG. 2 will be at a minimum such that the voltage level at node 70 will be at a minimum which results in the transistor 60 being in a non-conductive stage. Thus, the music will be playing at a volume selected by the DL: 1076108v1 manual control system 58. It will also be appreciated as indicated by arrow 82 all of the blocks progress with time. That is, each block follows the next block in a time progression order. After the system has been set and the sleep mode started, over a selected period of time which may vary from any desired amount such as S for example from 15 minutes to an hour, microprocessor SO will slowly increase the duty cycle of the PWM signal on line 56 from a zero value to the maximum value over the selected time period as indicated by step 84. Thus, the voltage level on node 70 will slowly increase over this time period and will in turn slowly change the conductive status of transistor 60 from a non-conductive to a fully-10 conductive state. After the volume has been decreased to a minimum, and according to a preferred embodiment, the amplifier 24 and/or receiver 16 may be placed in the "OFF" condition as indicated by box 86. At this point, the system is off and will remain off until the wake-up time as originally set arrives. That is, the clock function will continue to work but the radio portion and/or the sound portion is off. The waiting state is shown at step 88. At the appointed wake-up time, the sound system will be turned back on and the microprocessor will start sending PWM signals having a maximum duty cycle out on line 56 to the volume control circuitry 28, which results in minimum volume as indicated by step 90. Then, as shown in box 90, the duty cycle of the PWM signal will be slowly decreased thereby lowering the voltage level at node 70 and slowly turning transistor 60 into a less and less conductive state. Consequently, it will be appreciated from the above discussions that the volume will begin to increase and will continue to increase until the maximum volume set by the manual volume control circuitry is achieved as indicated at step 94. Thus, over a selected period of time such as from about 15 to 30 minutes the music volume will go from substantially zero to the maximum set volume. Also according to this invention, it will be possible to set the buzzer alarm such that if the buzzer is not turned off before the radio has DL: 1076108v1 been on for a selected time or maximum volume reached, the loud and jarring buzzer will sound as shown at step 96. Further, as is true in most presently available clock radios, after another set period of time of the music playing at the volume set by the manual control such as for example for an hour to two hours, the system may be set to turn itself off as shown in step 98.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.
DL: 1076108v1
DISCLOSED UNDER 37 CFR 1.97 AND 1.98 Alarm clocks and/or clock radios have been around for many years, and have probably become the preferred method of waking up in the morning when an individual must be at a location at a particular time. Normally, clock radios are a desirable way of waking up in that the radio may be tuned to a music station or news and the user is not jarred out of a sound sleep but can awake slowly.
Unfortunately for many users, if the radio is tuned to a station playing soft music the person may often be lulled back to sleep by the music and not get up at the intended hour.
One attempt to solve this problem has been to provide a more strident buzzer or alarm in confirmation with the radio to assure that the user is up and awake. Of course if the clock radio goes into the buzzer or alarm mode the advantage of the soothing wake-up of the clock or music is lost. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide methods and apparatus for allowing a sound sleeper to wake up to the sound of music or news without the sudden jarnng effect of a buzzer or alarm.
It would also be desirable to provide such a wake-up system which although while initially providing soft wake-up music, the music will become louder and louder over time thereby waking up the sound sleeper while still avoiding the jarring effect of the buzzer or alarm.
DL: 1076108v1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the previously discussed problems and other problems by providing methods and apparatus comprising a sound system which has an output volume which varies over a selected period of time. There is provided a first circuit for generating electrical signals which signals have frequencies within the audio frequency band. A typical example of such circuitry could include a radio receiver, a CD player or any other music or pleasant sound-creating system as well as a buzzer or alarm system. A second circuit receives the electrical signal in the audio frequency band and then selectively amplifies these signals in response to a volume control signal. The volume control signal increases or decreases as will be discussed in detail later over a selected period of time. There is also included third circuitry or circuitry for generating clocking signals and clock-based control signals. In a preferred embodiment, the third circuitry will include a source of clock pulses provided to a microprocessor designed to provide appropriate signals to a typical electrical clock so as to provide a representation of the actual time of day such as in a 12 hour AM-PM mode or a 24 hour clock mode. In addition, according to the present invention, the microprocessor will also provide clock-based control signals for turning the clock radio or other sound source on or off and, according to the teachings of this invention, also provide a control signal for selectively decreasing or increasing the volume control signal over a selected period of time. A clock-based control signal for varying the volume output of the sound system is provided to a volume control circuitry which generates a volume control signal as a function of the clock-based control signal. In a preferred embodiment, the volume control circuitry receives a PWM (pulse width modulated) signal which has a duty cycle which can selectively increase or decrease over a period of time. The ever increasing (or decreasing) DL: 1076108v1 pulse width of the PWM signal is used to vary the charge on a capacitor connected so as to control a transistor. For example, the charge on the capacitor may control the base input of a transistor such as for example an NPN transistor. Of course, other types of transistor and related circuitry could be used including FET's (field effect transistors). In one embodiment using the NPN transistor, the collector of the transistor is connected to the amplifying circuit and the emitter is connected to ground. Thus, when the capacitor is fully charged the transistor will be fully on such that all of the audio frequency range signals from the amplifying circuit will be effectively connected to ground. Thus, when the transistor is fully conductive, the volume will be at a minimum.
When the system of the present invention is to be used as a clock radio for waking someone up, the system may further include switching circuitry which is controlled by the microprocessor and which preferably, in addition to providing the varying output PWM signal, also switches either the radio receiver or the amplifier from an off condition to on at a preselected time. At this point in the preferred embodiment, the duty cycle of the PWM signal will be at a maximum and will begin to decrease such that the volume, which as was discussed above is initially "OFF", will slowly begin to increase to a maximum value over the selected period of time.
It will also be appreciated of course that the typical clock radio can also be used to provide music for a period of time to help soothe someone to sleep and then to cut off automatically. Thus, according to another feature of the present invention, the microprocessor further provides a control signal for switching one of the amplifier or radio receivers "ON." Also, another pin on the chip is provided for using a duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal which is at a minimum and then slowly increasing the pulse width and thereby decrease the volume output from the system over a period of time. An audio speaker such as is well-known in DL: 1076108v1 S
the art, is connected to the amplifying circuit for receiving the electrical signals which, as have been discussed above vary from a maximum to a minimum or alternately from a minimum to a maximum over a period of time such that the radio or music gets softer and softer or louder and louder.
DL: 1076108v1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed when taken in conjunction with the following Detailed Description of the Invention in which like numerals represent like elements and in which:
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a sound system incorporating the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a specific embodiment of volume control circuitry for varying the volume output of the system over a selected period of time; and FIG. 3 illustrates a typical flow diagram of the functions of a clock radio using the teachings of the present invention.
DL: 1076108v1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to FIG. l, there is shown generally at 10 a sound system incorporating the teachings of the present invention. As shown, there is a power supply 12 which typically provides low voltage DC power to the various components of the circuitry. However, as shown, the power supply 12 typically receives its power from normal house power (i.e., 1 IOVAC 60 cycle power).
Thus, it will be appreciated the power supply 12 will typically be a power converter for converting the 110VAC power to the typical 1.5 to 15VDC power used by electronic circuitry. According to the invention, there is also an audio signal source 16 which in most embodiments will include an AM/FM radio receiver 18a. It will be appreciated, of course, that in other more sophisticated sound systems, any type of audio sounds may be included including a connection for a CD player 18b, a record player 18d, a cassette player 18c or any other sources 18e of music or other soothing sounds. In addition to audio signals representing music or other soothing sounds, the system may also include an audio signal for providing the sound of a buzzer or other alarm such as indicated at 20. Thus, the audio signals are provided from audio signal source 16 by connection line 22 to an audio signal amplifier 24. The gain of the audio signal amplifier 24 as will be discussed hereinafter is determined by the control signal on line 26a from volume control circuitry 28. The amplified signal from audio signal amplifier 24 is then provided on line 30 to a speaker system which may include a single speaker such as indicated by speaker 32 or could include a very elaborate speaker system (not shown). Power may be supplied to both the audio signal source 16 and to the audio signal amplifier 24 by power connection lines 34 and 36 respectively. It will be noted however, that in the embodiment shown the power is not provided directly from power supply 12 through line 38 but goes through a switching DL: 1076108v1 circuitry 40. In addition, it can be seen that power supply 12 also provides power to third circuitry 42 by means of power line 44. The third circuit or control circuitry 42 typically includes an oscillator 46 which provides clocking pulses on line 48 to microprocessor 50. Microprocessor 50 may be a dedicated type clock integrated circuit which is commercially available. In addition, as shown, microprocessor 50 also provides switching signals to the switching circuit 40 on line 52. Also as shown, microprocessor 50 may also provide the signals for a digital clock display as shown by display 54. Further, according to the teachings of the present invention, the third circuitry 42 will also provide a clock-based signal on line 56 to volume control circuitry 28. In a preferred embodiment, the clock-based control signal on line 56 will be a PWM (pulse with modulated) signal which has a duty cycle which decreases or increases depending upon whether the volume output of the speaker system is to get louder and louder or softer and softer.
There is also included in the embodiment shown a manual volume control circuit 58 connected between audio signal amplifier 24 and automatic volume control circuitry 28 by conductor lines 26a and 26b respectively. Manual control circuit 58 is used to set the radio to the desired level for normal listening.
Thus, the maximum volume to be provided by the speaker system 32 can be set by manual control volume 58.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a specific example of circuitry for the automatic volume control 28. It will be appreciated that although the embodiment shown and described in FIG. 2 is simple, inexperienced and effective, other volume control circuits would be acceptable. The specific example of FIG. 2 is not intended to limit the scope of this invention except as is set forth in the claims. As shown in FIG. 2, manual volume control 58 is connected to a transistor 60 through a capacitor 62. In a normal "ON" condition of the radio, the transistor DL: 1076108v1 will be in non-conducting state. That is, when it is not in the sleep or wake-up modes, transistor 60 will be biased (volt bias for an NPN transistor) such that it is not conducting to ground 64. According to the circuitry of FIG. 2, a PWM
signal is received on line 56 and provided through a resistor 66 and a capacitor 68.
Resistor 66 and capacitor 68 act as an RC circuit such that the voltage level at node 70 is the same as the positive plate of capacitor 68 which is fully charged when the duty cycle of the PWM signal on line 56 is at a maximum. That is, the pulse width signal has a duration that allows for the maximum charge to be stored on capacitor 68. The voltage at node 70 is provided to the base input 72 of transistor 60 through a current-limiting resistor 74. Thus, in the embodiment shown, when the PWM signal on line 56 has a maximum duty cycle and the node 70 is at its highest voltage level, the transistor 60 being an NPN transistor will be fully on and fully conductive. Thus, all of the amplified audio signals provided by the audio signal generator 16 will be effectively connected through capacitor 62, through transistor 60, and then to ground 64. Thus, when the voltage at node 70 is at a maximum and transistor 60 is fully on the volume is at a minimum.
Conversely, when the voltage at node 70 is at a minimum, the transistor 60 will be fully off or non-conductive such that the volume output by the speaker system will then be whatever the volume setting is for the manual volume control circuitry 58.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a flow diagram of a clock radio used with the sleep mode, the wake-up mode and the buzzer alarm all activated. As shown in the first block 80, the clock is set such that the sleep mode is on and the wake-up time is set. By starting the sleep mode the radio will be on and the PWM
signal on line 56 as shown in FIG. 2 will be at a minimum such that the voltage level at node 70 will be at a minimum which results in the transistor 60 being in a non-conductive stage. Thus, the music will be playing at a volume selected by the DL: 1076108v1 manual control system 58. It will also be appreciated as indicated by arrow 82 all of the blocks progress with time. That is, each block follows the next block in a time progression order. After the system has been set and the sleep mode started, over a selected period of time which may vary from any desired amount such as S for example from 15 minutes to an hour, microprocessor SO will slowly increase the duty cycle of the PWM signal on line 56 from a zero value to the maximum value over the selected time period as indicated by step 84. Thus, the voltage level on node 70 will slowly increase over this time period and will in turn slowly change the conductive status of transistor 60 from a non-conductive to a fully-10 conductive state. After the volume has been decreased to a minimum, and according to a preferred embodiment, the amplifier 24 and/or receiver 16 may be placed in the "OFF" condition as indicated by box 86. At this point, the system is off and will remain off until the wake-up time as originally set arrives. That is, the clock function will continue to work but the radio portion and/or the sound portion is off. The waiting state is shown at step 88. At the appointed wake-up time, the sound system will be turned back on and the microprocessor will start sending PWM signals having a maximum duty cycle out on line 56 to the volume control circuitry 28, which results in minimum volume as indicated by step 90. Then, as shown in box 90, the duty cycle of the PWM signal will be slowly decreased thereby lowering the voltage level at node 70 and slowly turning transistor 60 into a less and less conductive state. Consequently, it will be appreciated from the above discussions that the volume will begin to increase and will continue to increase until the maximum volume set by the manual volume control circuitry is achieved as indicated at step 94. Thus, over a selected period of time such as from about 15 to 30 minutes the music volume will go from substantially zero to the maximum set volume. Also according to this invention, it will be possible to set the buzzer alarm such that if the buzzer is not turned off before the radio has DL: 1076108v1 been on for a selected time or maximum volume reached, the loud and jarring buzzer will sound as shown at step 96. Further, as is true in most presently available clock radios, after another set period of time of the music playing at the volume set by the manual control such as for example for an hour to two hours, the system may be set to turn itself off as shown in step 98.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.
DL: 1076108v1
Claims (22)
1. A sound system having an output volume which varies over a selected period of time comprising:
first circuitry for generating electrical signals having frequencies within the audio frequency band;
second circuitry for receiving and selectively amplifying said electrical signals in response to a volume control signal which increases or decreases over said related period of time;
third circuitry for generating clock-based control signals;
a volume control circuitry connected to said third circuitry and for generating said volume control signal as a function of said clock-based control signals; and an audio speaker connected to said second circuitry for receiving said amplified electrical signals and for generating sound representation of said electrical signals and at a volume determined by said control signal.
first circuitry for generating electrical signals having frequencies within the audio frequency band;
second circuitry for receiving and selectively amplifying said electrical signals in response to a volume control signal which increases or decreases over said related period of time;
third circuitry for generating clock-based control signals;
a volume control circuitry connected to said third circuitry and for generating said volume control signal as a function of said clock-based control signals; and an audio speaker connected to said second circuitry for receiving said amplified electrical signals and for generating sound representation of said electrical signals and at a volume determined by said control signal.
2. The sound system of claim 1 wherein said third circuitry includes a source of clocking signals and a microprocessor for generating a PWM (pulse-width-modulated) signal and said clock-based signal and said volume control signal vary according to the duty cycle of said PWM signal.
3. The sound output of claim 2 wherein said volume control circuitry is an electronic switch having an input for receiving a bias control voltage and connected to said second circuitry for providing said volume control signal and also connected to said microprocessor for receiving said PWM signal such that said bias control voltage to said electronic switch varies in response to changes in the duty cycle of said PWM signal.
4. The sound system of claim 2 wherein said volume control circuitry includes a transistor connected between said second circuitry and ground, and an RC circuit connected between the base of said transistor for receiving said PWM
signal such that the duty cycle of said PWM signal controls the bias voltage on said transistor which in turn controls the impedance between said second circuitry and ground.
signal such that the duty cycle of said PWM signal controls the bias voltage on said transistor which in turn controls the impedance between said second circuitry and ground.
5. The sound system of claim 4 wherein said transistor is a bipolar junction transistor or Field Effect Transistor (FET).
6. The sound system of claim 1 and further including switching circuitry controlled by said microprocessor for switching at least one of said first and second circuits on and off and wherein said microprocessor switches said at least one of said first and second circuits "on" at a preselected time and said control signal increases the volume output from said audio speakers over said selected period of time.
7. The sound system of claim 1 and further including circuitry controlled by said microprocessor for switching at least one of said first and second circuits on and off and wherein said control signal decreases the volume output from said audio speaker over a selected period of time and said microprocessor switches said at least one of said first and second circuits "off" subsequent to said output volume being decreased.
8. The sound system of claim 7 wherein at a predetermined time subsequent to said microprocessor switching said at least one of said first and second circuits off, said microprocessor switches said at least one of said first and second circuits back on and said control signal increases the volume output from said audio speaker over another selected period of time.
9. The sound system of claim 1 wherein said circuitry for generating electrical signals within said audio frequency band is a radio receiver.
10. The sound system of claim 1 wherein said circuitry for generating electrical signals within said audio frequency band is selected from one or more of a record player, a CD player, and a cassette player.
11. The sound system of claim 1 wherein said circuitry for generating electrical signals within said audio frequency band is an oscillator for generating sound signals for producing a "buzzer" sound.
12. The sound system of claim 4 wherein said transistor is a bipolar junction transistor or an FET.
13. The sound system of claim 4 and further including switching circuitry controlled by said microprocessor for switching at least one of said first and second circuits on and off and wherein said microprocessor switches said at least one of said first and second circuits "on" at a preselected time and said control signal increases the volume output from said audio speakers over said selected period of time.
14. The sound system of claim 13 and further including circuitry controlled by said microprocessor for switching at least one of said first and second circuits on and off and wherein said control signal decreases the volume output from said audio speaker over a selected period of time and said microprocessor switches said at least one of said first and second circuits "off"
subsequent to said output volume being decreased.
subsequent to said output volume being decreased.
15. The sound system of claim 8 wherein said circuitry for generating electrical signals within said audio frequency band is selected from one or more of a radio receiver, record player, CD player, cassette player, a sound generating IC
and a buzzer.
and a buzzer.
16. The sound system of claim 3 and further including switching circuitry controlled by said microprocessor for switching at least one of said first and second circuits on and off and wherein said microprocessor switches said at least one of said first and second circuits "on" at a preselected time and said control signal increases the volume output from said audio speakers over said selected period of time.
17. The sound system of claim 16 and further including circuitry controlled by said microprocessor for switching at least one of said first and second circuits on and off and wherein said control signal decreases the volume output from said audio speaker over said selected period of time and said microprocessor switches said at least one of said first and second circuits "off' subsequent to said output volume being decreased.
18. The sound system of claim 3 wherein said circuitry for generating electrical signals within said audio frequency band is selected from one or more of a radio receiver, a record player, a CD player, a cassette player, a sound generating IC and a buzzer.
19. A method for varying the output volume of a sound system over a selected period of time comprising the steps of:
generating electrical signals having frequencies within the audio frequency band;
receiving and selectively amplifying said electrical signals in response to a volume control signal which increases or decreases over said selected period of time;
generating clock pulses;
generating said control signal as a function of said clock pulses;
receiving and amplifying electrical signals; and generating sound representations of said amplified electrical signals at a volume determined by said control signal.
generating electrical signals having frequencies within the audio frequency band;
receiving and selectively amplifying said electrical signals in response to a volume control signal which increases or decreases over said selected period of time;
generating clock pulses;
generating said control signal as a function of said clock pulses;
receiving and amplifying electrical signals; and generating sound representations of said amplified electrical signals at a volume determined by said control signal.
20. The method of claim 19 and further comprising the steps of:
beginning the generation of said electrical signals at a preselected time and decreasing said volume over a preselected period of time after the generation of said electrical signals has begun.
beginning the generation of said electrical signals at a preselected time and decreasing said volume over a preselected period of time after the generation of said electrical signals has begun.
21. The method of claim 19 and further comprising the steps of:
decreasing the volume output of said sound representation to substantially zero over said selected period of time; and then at a preselected time increasing said volume output over another preselected period of time.
decreasing the volume output of said sound representation to substantially zero over said selected period of time; and then at a preselected time increasing said volume output over another preselected period of time.
22. The sound system of claim 18 wherein said step of generating said control signal comprises generating a PWM signal for charging a capacitor and biasing a transistor according to the charge level of said capacitor.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US45201899A | 1999-11-30 | 1999-11-30 | |
| US09/452,018 | 1999-11-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2327130A1 true CA2327130A1 (en) | 2001-05-30 |
Family
ID=23794679
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2327130 Abandoned CA2327130A1 (en) | 1999-11-30 | 2000-11-30 | Ascending or descending volume control for clock radio |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2327130A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2359428A (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3931621A (en) * | 1973-12-10 | 1976-01-06 | Rca Corporation | Variable amplitude timed alarm system |
| US4343043A (en) * | 1980-12-17 | 1982-08-03 | General Electric Company | Radio having a crescendo audio alarm |
| US5153580A (en) * | 1990-01-16 | 1992-10-06 | Rca Thomson Licensing Corporation | Retriggerable sleep timer with user-prompting mode operation |
| US5243568A (en) * | 1992-02-18 | 1993-09-07 | Nancy Burch | Bioclock |
-
2000
- 2000-11-30 GB GB0029253A patent/GB2359428A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-11-30 CA CA 2327130 patent/CA2327130A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0029253D0 (en) | 2001-01-17 |
| GB2359428A (en) | 2001-08-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |