GB2368966A

GB2368966A - Message recording system

Info

Publication number: GB2368966A
Application number: GB0117216A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian James Mcdermott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-11-14
Filing date: 2001-07-16
Publication date: 2002-05-15
Also published as: GB0027789D0; GB0117216D0

Abstract

The message recording system is designed for location at the ingress position of premises. The system comprises an instruction notice, a microphone and an actuating control accessible from without the ingress position, and a container housing audio recording means, or linked to audio recording means, for recording signals from the microphone when the actuating control is operated. A replay control is provided that can only be operated by an authorised person. The microphone may be external and connected by wires or internal and connected by an audio transmitting link such as a tube. The recording system may have a time limitation to restrict message length and a time marker for each recording. The recording may be made on a magnetic medium or a semi-conductor memory. The replay may be controlled by a key operated switch, replay control, a code controlled access system or a jack plug operated switch with an associated loudspeaker or earphones. Preferably the system is supplied with electrical power from batteries or from mains with battery back-up.

Description

MESSAGE RECORDING SYSTEM This invention relates to a message recording system particularly for installation at the ingress position to homes, offices and other premises.

When visiting premises, such as homes, offices, small manufacturing works, etc. the caller may receive no reply when pressing a doorbell or other annunciator facility available at the entrance. The reason may be that the occupant is absent, unable to access the entrance due to disability or engaged in some vital task that cannot be interrupted. The fact that a visit has been made is often established by leaving a calling card; a card alone may not be adequate. Messages may be written on a calling card or sheet of paper but this is both time consuming and inconvenient, particularly in inclement weather.

The present invention provides a message recording system for installation at the ingress position to premises which overcomes the problems associated with the use of calling cards and written messages.

According to the present invention there is provided a message recording system for location at the ingress position on premises comprising an instruction notice, a microphone and an actuating control accessible from without the ingress position, and a container housing audio recording means, or linked to audio recording means, for recording signals from the microphone when the actuating control is operated and a replay control which can only be operated by an authorised person.

The actuating control is preferably a push button that may be pressed continuously while the operator records a message or which initiates a timing device so that a fixed period of time is available in which the operator may record a message. Optionally an indicator device, such as an LED or LCD indicator, may display the status of the recording system.

The audio recording means comprises a microphone, amplification means for any signals generated by the microphone, a recording medium for receiving and storing the audio signals in a retrievable form. The amplification means may include signal processing circuits, such as volume compressors, noise reduction systems and filter networks, to improve the quality of the recording in known manner. The recording medium may be a magnetic medium such as a ferromagnetic wire or tape carrying at least one ferromagnetic layer. Alternatively the recording medium may be a semiconductor memory which retains the audio signals in analogue or digital form.

When the audio recording means uses a ferromagnetic tape recording medium it is preferably spooled within a cassette so that any recording of a message may be removed and the cassette replaced if a long term record of any recorded message is required.

The replay control, for security reasons, must only be operable by an authorised person. The replay control may be controlled by a key operated switch using a key held by an authorised user or by a code controlled access system requiring the entry of a number of characters in a specified order before access can be obtained to any recorded message. A four figure PIN (personal identification number) is the preferred embodiment. In an alternative embodiment access to the replay signals and control can be made through a replay control switch attached to a connector, such as a jack plug, which enables the control switch to initiate the replay of any recorded message. The recorded signals may be replayed through a loudspeaker associated with the recording means. Alternatively the recorded signals may be replayed through earphones on a lead associated with the replay control switch and connected to the recording means through the same jack plug.

In its simplest form the message recording system comprises a small container having an aperture providing audio access to a microphone, a record push button and a key switch or similar access restriction system which can be used to replay any recorded messages. The container may be attached to a door jamb or wall near to the ingress position of a building. Such an arrangement is vulnerable to theft, vandalism and the action of weather.

In an alternative embodiment the container, as described above, is located within the premises. Only the microphone need be located outside the premises and can be connected by wires to the recording system.

Externally mounted components can be avoided entirely if an audio link, such as a speaking tube, is used to carry sound to the microphone within the container. In either case a remote push button switch or other contact sensor is situated outside the ingress position so that a caller can operate the recording system.

In certain embodiments only the microphone and the actuating control are situated close to the ingress position. The audio signals and operating signals from the actuating control are linked to the container housing the audio recording means by wires or a radio link. In this embodiment a series of ingress positions on premises may each have an actuating control and a microphone which all serve a single audio recording means.

Identification signals or data may be provided so that the source of each recorded message is ascertainable.

The recording means may also contain a clock to provide time signals that can be associated with each recording to indicate the time at which it was made and, preferably, the date.

The recording means can be supplied with electrical power from an associated battery or from electricity supply mains if available. The use of replaceable batteries or a mains supply with battery back-up is preferred so that operation is not dependent on a functioning mains supply.

For the hard of hearing a small amplifier and loudspeaker may be connected to the recording means through a jack socket or similar means when replaying any recorded messages.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A message recording system for location at the ingress position on premises comprising an instruction notice, a microphone and an actuating control accessible from without the ingress position, and a container housing audio recording means, or linked to audio recording means, for recording signals from the microphone when the actuating control is operated and a replay control which can only be operated by an authorised person.
2. The message recording system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the microphone is adapted to be located by the ingress position externally and connected to the container by wires.
3. The message recording system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the microphone is adapted to be located by the ingress position internally and connected through audio transmitting, such as a tube, to the exterior of the ingress position.
4. The message recording system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating control has an associated timer that limits the period of operation of the recording means for a preset duration.
5. The message recording system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that an indicator device displays the status of the recording means.
6. The message recording system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the audio signals are recorded on a magnetic medium.
7. The message recording system as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the audio signals are recorded in a semi-conductor memory.
8. The message recording system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the replay control is a key operated switch.
9. The message recording system as claimed any of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the replay control has a code controlled access system.
10. The message recording system as claimed any of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the replay control is a jack plug operated switch with an associated loudspeaker or earphones into which the recorded messages are replayed.
11. The message recording system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the recording means includes a clock providing a recorded time identification message on each recording.
12. The message recording system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the system is supplied with electrical power from batteries.
13. The message recording system as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that the system is supplied with electrical power from a mains supply and the batteries act as back-up.
14. Messages recording systems as claimed in claim 1 and as herein described.