GB2548333A - Wearable recording device and method of playing a recorded message - Google Patents

Wearable recording device and method of playing a recorded message Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2548333A
GB2548333A GB1603890.3A GB201603890A GB2548333A GB 2548333 A GB2548333 A GB 2548333A GB 201603890 A GB201603890 A GB 201603890A GB 2548333 A GB2548333 A GB 2548333A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
audio data
input command
device
unit
user
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.)
Pending
Application number
GB1603890.3A
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GB201603890D0 (en
Inventor
Niven Norman
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.)
Innventigo Ltd
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Innventigo Ltd
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 Innventigo Ltd filed Critical Innventigo Ltd
Priority to GB1603890.3A priority Critical patent/GB2548333A/en
Publication of GB201603890D0 publication Critical patent/GB201603890D0/en
Publication of GB2548333A publication Critical patent/GB2548333A/en
Application status is Pending legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F10/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by electric means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G13/00—Producing acoustic time signals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/16—Sound input; Sound output
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/16—Sound input; Sound output
    • G06F3/165—Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal operating condition and not elsewhere provided for
    • G08B21/18—Status alarms
    • G08B21/24—Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B3/00—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems
    • G08B3/10—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11C—STATIC STORES
    • G11C7/00—Arrangements for writing information into, or reading information out from, a digital store
    • G11C7/16—Storage of analogue signals in digital stores using an arrangement comprising analogue/digital [A/D] converters, digital memories and digital/analogue [D/A] converters 

Abstract

A wearable audio recording device and method of recording audio messages and playing back the stored recorded message. The wearable audio recording device includes a memory unit and an audio unit 106 receives audio data in response to the audio signals and audio sounds (e.g human voice) captured by a microphone 104. A user interface unit 106 generates input commands whilst a control unit 108 is arranged to respond to a predetermined input command from the user interface unit 106, and to store in the memory unit audio data associated with the audio data output generated by the microphone 104. The device also includes a speaker (audio) port 110 which may connect to an internal speaker or to an audio earphone jack on the unit (218 fig 2). The control unit is arranged to automatically control the memory unit to send the stored audio data to the speaker port after expiration of a predetermined time interval. The audio signal may be the sound of a human voice, which may be heard by the user via the optional speaker. The predetermined interval may be a plurality of time intervals, which may become incrementally smaller and which may be set by the user. Successive pushes of a dedicated push button actuator (206 fig 2) may start an audio recording, stop the recording, send audio to the audio port, and skip back (rewind) and resend the stored audio to the speaker port. The user interface and selection optional may also include a circular (annular) actuator (204 fig 2) in conjunction with a central push button (206), or a single central push button (704 fig 7) operating on more than one axial point. The user interface may include touch sensitive pads and a touch sensitive screen. The invention is aimed as memory aid for forgetful people who suffer from poor memory or memory loss and who may suffer from amnesia or Alzheimers disease. The device provides a means of repeatedly reminding and prompting such a person of an important event or action which they may otherwise forget.

Description

WEARABLE RECORDING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PLAYING A RECORDED MESSAGE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wearable recording device and method of playing a recorded message stored on a wearable recording device.

Background of the Invention

People with poor memory recall often forget important random events and information such as dates and times of medical appointments and time critical messages to relay to a family member or a friend. Such important random events and information can be written down on paper or recorded in electronic form for future reference. However, people with poor memory recall may forget to refer to the messages that that they written down or otherwise recorded. Consequently, important events may be missed and time critical information may be relayed late when it is no longer useful.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to aspects of the invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims .

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a wearable recording device, comprising: a memory unit; a microphone for outputting audio data in response to received audio signal; a user interface unit for generating at least one input command; a control unit arranged, responsive to a predetermined input command from the user interface unit, to store in the memory unit, audio data indicative of the audio data output by the microphone; and a speaker port for outputting the audio data; wherein the control unit is arranged to automatically control the memory unit to send an indication of the stored audio data to the speaker port after expiration of a predetermined time interval.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided method of playing a message stored in the memory unit of a wearable recording device, the method comprising: receiving an input command from a user interface unit of the wearable recording device; storing, in the memory unit, audio data indicative of the audio data output by a microphone of the wearable recording device, wherein the in storing is in response to the input command; and automatically sending from the memory unit an indication of the stored audio data to a speaker port of the of the wearable recording device, wherein the automatically sending is performed after an expiration of a predetermined time interval.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of circuitry of a wearable recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an upper perspective view of a wearable recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the wearable recording device of figure 2 when an annular biased actuator is in a neutral operational state;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the wearable recording device of figure 2 when the annular biased actuator is in a first operational state;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the wearable recording device of figure 2 when the annular biased actuator is in a second operational state;

Figure 6 shows a lower perspective view of the wearable recording device of figure 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a plan view of the wearable recording device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the wearable recording device according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of playing a message stored in a memory unit of a wearable recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

Referring to figure 1 there is illustrated a schematic block diagram of circuitry of wearable recording device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The circuitry of the wearable recording device 100 includes a memory unit 102 that may comprise both a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM) as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. There is an audio unit comprising a microphone 104 arranged for outputting audio data in response to a received audio signal, such as speech from a user of the device. In other embodiments, the microphone may be external to the device, and the device may comprise an audio unit for receiving the audio data from the external microphone. The audio unit may be a wired or wireless communication unit. The audio data may comprise an electrical signal. The circuitry for the wearable recording device 100 also includes a user interface unit 106 for receiving input commands from a user. There is a control unit 108 arranged, responsive to a predetermined input command from the user interface unit 106, to store in the memory unit 102, audio data indicative of the output by the microphone 104.

The circuitry of the wearable recording device 100 also Includes a speaker port 110 for outputting the stored audio data. The memory unit 102, microphone 104, user Interface unit 106, and speaker port 110 are coupled to the control unit 108. Also, the control unit 108 Is arranged to automatically control the memory unit 102 to send an indication of the stored audio data to the speaker port 110 after expiration of a predetermined time interval. Typically, the indication of the stored audio data comprises the stored audio data and the speaker port is arranged to transmit a signal (i.e. an audio signal) representing the stored audio data. Thus, a pre-recorded message stored in the memory unit 102 is automatically played to the user after the expiration of the predetermined time interval.

In this embodiment the speaker port 110 is a short range radio transmitter with an antenna 112 for short range coitimunication with an earphone with a radio receiver. However, in other embodiments the speaker port 110 may be a driver coupled to a speaker integrated into the device 100 or a driver coupled to a socket for engaging with a jack-plug or any combinations of the integrated speaker, socket and short range radio transmitter.

In this embodiment there is a removable and re-chargeable battery 120 coupled to the memory unit 102 and control unit 108 powered by the battery 120. In other embodiments the speaker port and/or the user interface unit may also be powered by the battery 120.

In one embodiment the predetermined time interval is one of a plurality of predetermined time intervals and the control unit 108 is arranged to automatically control the memory unit 102 to send the indication of the stored audio data after expiration of each one of the plurality of predetermined time intervals. In one embodiment the predetermined time intervals are incrementally smaller predetermined time intervals and the control unit 108 is arranged to automatically control the memory unit 102 to send the indication of the stored audio data after expiration of each one of predetermined time intervals. Thus, a pre-recorded message stored in the memory unit 102 is automatically played to the user after the expiration of each of the predetermined time intervals.

The control unit 108 can be arranged to cause the memory unit 102 to store the audio data in response to a first user input command from the user interface unit 106, and to stop storing the audio data in the memory unit 102 in response to a second user input command from the user interface unit 106. The control unit 108 can also be arranged to cause the memory unit 102 to send the stored audio data to the speaker port 110 in response to a third user input command from the user interface unit 106. In some embodiments the control unit 108 can also be arranged to cause the memory unit 102 to and skip back (rewind) and then re-send the stored audio data to the speaker port 110 in response to the fourth user input command from the user interface unit 106.

In some embodiments, in response to another user input command from the user interface unit 106, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to stop sending the indication of the stored audio data at the predetermined time intervals.

In some embodiment the control unit 108 is arranged to receive a further input command, from the user interface unit 104, to thereby allow a user to set the predetermined time interval or intervals.

Referring to figure 2 there is illustrated an upper perspective view of a wearable recording device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wearable recording device 200 includes a housing 202 that houses the circuitry of the wearable recording device 100. In one embodiment the device 200 includes an annular biased actuator 204 rotatable about an axis relative to a housing 202. The device comprises a push button actuator 206. In some embodiments the push button actuator is coaxial with, and surrounded by, the annular biased actuator 204. In this embodiment the push button actuator 206 has a concave surface to reduce the possibility of accidental actuation. Furthermore, the push button actuator 206 and annular biased actuator 204 are actuators of the user interface unit 106 as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. It will be realised, however, that in some embodiments the device 200 only comprises the push button actuator 204.

In this embodiment the wearable recording device 200 includes a microphone aperture 210 in the annular biased actuator 204. The microphone aperture 210 is aligned with the audio unit comprising the microphone 104 that is housed in the housing 202. In other embodiments, the microphone may be external to the device, and the device may comprise an audio unit for receiving the audio data from the external microphone. The audio unit may be a wired or wireless communication unit. The audio data may comprise an electrical signal. There is also an actuator position indicator in the form of a radial groove 212 formed in the annular biased actuator 204 and located on the push button actuator 206 are diametrically opposed play 214 and skip back (rewind) 216 indicators.

In this embodiment the wearable recording device 200 includes a socket 218, which is part of the speaker port 100, mounted in the housing 202 for engaging with a jack-plug. In other embodiments, as a replacement for or in addition to the socket 218, there may be a speaker integrated into the device 200 or a short range radio transmitter that is part of the speaker port 100.

As illustrated in this embodiment, the wearable recording device 200 includes a clip 220, typically a resilient clip, for attaching the wearable recording device 200 to clothing or apparel of a user.

In operation, in some embodiments, when a user presses and holds the push button actuator 206 in an actuated state the control unit 108 determines that this actuation corresponds to the first user input command. As a result the device 200 starts recording and therefore stores in the memory unit 102, audio data Indicative of the audio data output by the microphone 104. The first user input command may alternatively correspond to a single momentary push of the push button actuator 206.

In some embodiments, when the push button actuator 206 is released from the actuated state the control unit 108 determines that this actuation corresponds to the second user input command. As a result, the control unit 108 controls the memory unit 102 to stop storing (stop recording) the audio data. In another embodiment, the second user input command may correspond to a first predetermined number of momentary pushes of the push of the push button actuator 206, such as two momentary pushes .

Referring to figure 3 there is illustrated a plan view of the wearable recording device of 200 when the annular biased actuator 204 is in a neutral operational state. In this illustration the annular biased actuator 204 can be seen to be in the neutral operational state because the radial grove 212 is equidistant from the diametrically opposed play 214 and skip back (rewind) 216 indicators. Also illustrated is a lanyard 310 captured by the clip 220 to allow the wearable recording device of 200 to be suspended from the neck of a user.

Referring to figure 4 there is illustrated a plan view of the wearable recording device of 200 when the annular biased actuator 204 is in a first operational state. This first operational state is achieved, in some embodiments, by a user rotating the annular biased actuator 204 in a first direction D1 so that the radial groove moves towards the play indicator 214. As soon as the user releases the annular biased actuator 204 it will return to the neutral operational state as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. When the user rotates the annular biased actuator 204 in the first direction D1 the third user input command from the user interface unit 106 is generated. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to send the stored audio data to the speaker port speaker port 110 which thereby transmits a signal representing the stored audio data. In other embodiments, the third user input command corresponds to a second predetermined number of momentary pushes of the push of the push button actuator 206, such as three momentary pushes.

Referring to figure 5 there is illustrated a plan view of the wearable recording device of 200 when the annular biased actuator 204 is in a second operational state. This second operational state is achieved by rotating the annular biased actuator 204 in a second direction D2 so that the radial groove moves towards the skip back (rewind) 216 indicator. Again, as soon as the user releases the annular biased actuator 204 it will return to the neutral operational state as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

When the user rotates the annular biased actuator 204 in the second direction D2 the fourth user input command from the user interface unit 106 is generated. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to skip back (rewind) and then re-send the stored audio data to the speaker port 110. In some embodiments, the fourth user input command corresponds to a third predetermined number of momentary pushes of the push of the push button actuator 206, such as four momentary pushes.

Although not specifically illustrated, in some embodiments the user interface unit may include one or more further actuators. One of the further actuators when actuated may generate another user input command from the user interface unit 106. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to stop sending the stored audio data to the speaker port 110. When another one of the further actuators is actuated it may generate a further user input command or commands from the user interface unit 106. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to adjust the predetermined time interval based on the further user input command or commands.

Referring to figure 6 there is illustrated a lower perspective view of the wearable recording device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wearable recording device 200 includes a planar surface 610 at a free end of the clip 220. This planar surface 610 provides for a name tag mount that may be used to record the user's name and address.

Referring to figure 7 there is illustrated a plan view of the wearable recording device 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The wearable recording device 700 includes a housing 702 that houses the circuitry of the wearable recording device 100. The device 700 includes a single push button actuator 704 biased to a neutral position and is part of the user interface unit 106 as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In this embodiment the wearable recording device 700 includes a socket 718, which is part of the speaker port 100, mounted in the housing 702 for engaging with a jack-plug. In other embodiments, as a replacement for or in addition to the socket 718, there may be a speaker integrated into the device 7 00 or a short range radio transmitter that is part of the speaker port 100. Also shown is a lanyard 722 captured by a clip (not shown) to allow the wearable recording device of 700 to be suspended from the neck of a user.

In this embodiment the wearable recording device 700 includes a microphone aperture 710 in the push button actuator 704. The microphone aperture 710 is aligned with the microphone 104 that is housed in the housing 702. In other embodiments, the microphone may be external to the device, and the device may comprise an audio unit for receiving the audio data from the external microphone. The audio unit may be a wired or wireless communication unit. The audio data may comprise an electrical signal. Displayed on the push button actuator 704 are function indicators which are a record indicator 706, a stop recording indicator 708, a play recording indicator 714 and a skip back (rewind) indicator 716. The push button actuator 704 is arranged to pivot at its centre so that switched aligned with the function indicators 706, 708, 714 and 716 may be actuated by the appropriate pressure applied to the push button actuator 704.

In operation, in this embodiment when a user presses the push button actuator 704 at a location proximal to the record indicator 706 the control unit 108 determines that this actuation corresponds to the first user input command. As a result the device 700 starts recording and therefore stores in the memory unit 102, audio data indicative of the audio data output by the microphone 104. When a user presses the push button actuator 704 at a location proximal to the stop recording indicator 708 the control unit 108 determines that this actuation corresponds to the second user input command. As a result, the control unit 108 controls the memory unit 102 to stop storing (stop recording) the audio data.

When the user presses the push button actuator 704 at a location proximal to the play recording indicator 714 the third user input command from the user interface unit 106 is generated. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to send the stored audio data to the speaker port speaker port 110 which thereby outputs a signal representing the stored audio data. When the user presses the push button actuator 704 at a location proximal to the skip back (rewind) indicator 716 the fourth user input command from the user interface unit 106 is generated. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to skip back (rewind) and then re-send the stored audio data to the speaker port 110.

Although not specifically illustrated, in some embodiments the user interface unit may include one or more further actuators. One of the further actuators when actuated may generate another user input command from the user interface unit 106. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to stop sending the stored audio data to the speaker port 110. When another one of the further actuators is actuated it may generate a further user input command or commands from the user interface unit 106. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to adjust the predetermined time interval based on the further user input command or commands.

It will also be appreciated be a person skilled in the art that the in some embodiments push button actuator 704 may be replace with a touch sanative pad such as a touch screen.

Referring to figure 8 there is illustrated a plan view of the wearable recording device 800 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The wearable recording device 800 includes a housing 802 that houses the circuitry of the wearable recording device 100. The device 800 includes a push button actuator 804 and is part of the user interface unit 106 as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In this embodiment the wearable recording device 800 includes a socket 818, which is part of the speaker port 100, mounted in the housing 802 for engaging with a jack-plug. In other embodiments, as a replacement for or in addition to the socket 818, there may be a speaker integrated into the device 800 or a short range radio transmitter that is part of the speaker port 100. Also shown is a lanyard 822 captured by a clip (not shown) to allow the wearable recording device of 700 to be suspended from the neck of a user.

In this embodiment the wearable recording device 800 includes a microphone aperture 810 In the push button actuator 804. The microphone aperture 810 is aligned with the microphone 104 that is housed in the housing 802. In other embodiments, the microphone may be external to the device, and the device may comprise an audio unit for receiving the audio data from the external microphone. The audio unit may be a wired or wireless communication unit. The audio data may comprise an electrical signal.

In operation. In this embodiment when a user presses the push button actuator 804 once within a time window the control unit 108 determines that this actuation corresponds to the first user input command. As a result the device 800 starts recording and therefore stores in the memory unit 102, audio data Indicative of the audio data output by the microphone 104. When a user presses the push button actuator 804 twice within the time window the control unit 108 determines that this actuation corresponds to the second user input command. As a result, the control unit 108 controls the memory unit 102 to stop storing (stop recording) the audio data.

When the user presses the push button actuator 804 three times within the time window the third user input command from the user interface unit 106 is generated. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to send the stored audio data to the speaker port speaker port 110 which thereby transmits a signal representing the stored audio data. When the user presses the push button actuator 804 four times within the time window the fourth user input command from the user interface unit 106 is generated. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to skip back (rewind) and then re-send the stored audio data to the speaker port 110.

Again, although not specifically illustrated, in some embodiments the user interface unit may include one or more further actuators. One of the further actuators when actuated may generate another user input command from the user interface unit 106. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to control the memory unit 102 to stop sending the stored audio data to the speaker port 110. When another one of the further actuators is actuated it may generate a further user input command or commands from the user interface unit 106. In response, the control unit 108 is arranged to adjust the predetermined time interval based on the further user input command or commands.

Referring to figure 9 there is a flow chart illustrating a method 900 of playing a message stored on in a memory unit of a wearable recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention. By way of illustration only the method 900 will be described with reference to the circuitry of wearable recording device 100 and is thus primarily controlled by the control unit 108.

At a decision block 910 the method 900 waits to receive an input command from the user interface unit 106. Once the command is received, a storing block 920 provides for s storing, in the memory unit 102, audio data indicative of the audio data output by the microphone 104. Next at a time interval test block 930 the control unit 108 determines if a time predetermined interval has expired. When the time interval has expired a block 940 provides for automatically sending from the memory unit 102 an indication of the stored audio data to the speaker port 110. Thus, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art the automatically sending is performed after an expiration of the predetermined time interval.

At an end decision block 950 it is determined if a user has actuated the user interface 106 to indicate that the user no longer wishes to receive, via the speaker port 110 further identical indications of the stored audio data. If it is determined that the user no longer wishes to receive, via the speaker port 110 further identical indications of the stored audio data then the method 900 returns to the decision block 910. Otherwise, the method repeats blocks 930 to 950. Thus, when blocks 930 to 950 are repeated the predetermined time interval becomes one of a plurality of predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, when block 940 is repeated the automatically sending is repeated thereby sending the indication of the stored audio data after expiration of each one of the plurality of predetermined time intervals. This automatically sending is repeated until it is determined, at end decision block 950, that the user no longer wishes to receive further identical indications of the stored audio data.

In some embodiments the time intervals are incrementally smaller predetermined time intervals thereby assisting in reminding the user to act on the indication of the stored audio data. Also, the indication of the stored audio data may comprise the stored audio data. Consequently, the automatically sending comprises the speaker port outputting a signal representing the stored audio data so that a recorded audio message can be played to the user.

In some embodiments the input command is a first input command of one of a plurality of input commands including a second input command for stopping storing, in the memory unit 102, the audio data. Typically, the method 900 determines the first and second user input commands based on a number of actuations of the user within a time window. Also, the plurality of input commands may include a third user input command for causing the memory unit 102 to send the stored audio data to the speaker port 110. Typically, the method 900 determines the third user input command based on a number of actuations of the user within the time window. In addition, the plurality of input commands may include fourth user input command for causing the memory unit 102 to skip back and then re-send the stored audio data to the speaker port 110. Typically, the method 900 determines the fourth user input command based on a number of actuations of the user within the time window.

Advantageously, the device or method of the present invention allows for a user to store a message associated with an important random event or time critical information. The device or method sends an indication of the message (stored audio data) to the speaker port after expiration of the predetermined time interval or intervals. As a result the user is reminded of the important random event or time critical information.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination. except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims .

Claims (30)

1. A wearable recording device, comprising: a memory unit; an audio unit for receiving input audio data in response to an audio signal captured by a microphone; a user interface unit for generating at least one input command; a control unit arranged, responsive to a predetermined input command from the user interface unit, to store in the memory unit audio data based on the input audio data; and a speaker port for outputting the audio data; wherein the control unit is arranged to automatically control the memory unit to send an indication of the stored audio data to the speaker port after expiration of a predetermined time interval.
2. The wearable recording device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined time interval is one of a plurality of predetermined time intervals and wherein the control unit is arranged to automatically control the memory unit to send the indication of the stored audio data after expiration of each one of the plurality of predetermined time intervals.
3. The wearable recording device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the predetermined time intervals are incrementally smaller predetermined time intervals.
4. The wearable recording device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is arranged to receive the at least one input command to allow a user to set the predetermined time interval.
5. The wearable recording device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is arranged, responsive to a predetermined input from the user interface, to control the memory unit to stop sending the indication of the stored audio data at the predetermined time intervals.
6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the indication of the stored audio data comprises the stored audio data and the speaker port is arranged to output a signal representing the stored audio data.
7. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the speaker port is one of: a driver coupled to a speaker integrated into the device; a driver coupled to a socket for engaging with a jack-plug; or a short range radio transmitter.
8. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is arranged to cause the memory unit to store the audio data in response to a first user input command from the user interface unit, and to stop storing the audio data in the memory unit in response to a second user input command from the user interface unit.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the control unit is arranged to cause the memory unit to send the stored audio data to the speaker port in response to a third user input command from the user interface unit.
10. The device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the control unit is arranged to cause the memory unit to skip back and then re-send the stored audio data to the speaker port in response to a fourth user input command from the user interface unit.
11. The device of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the user interface unit includes a push button actuator.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein when the push button actuator is held in an actuated state the control unit determines that this actuation corresponds to the first user input command.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein when the push button actuator is released from the actuated state the control unit determines that this actuation corresponds to the second user input command.
14. The device of claim 9 or 10 wherein the user interface unit includes an annular biased actuator rotatable about an axis relative to a housing of the device .
15. The device of claim 14 including a push button actuator coaxial with and surrounded by the annular biased actuator.
16. The device of claims 14 or 15 when the annular biased actuator is rotated in a first direction a third user input command from the user interface unit is generated and the control unit is arranged to cause the memory unit to send the stored audio data to the speaker port in response to a third user input command.
17. The device of claims 14 to 16 when the annular biased actuator is rotated in a second direction a fourth user input command from the user interface unit is generated and the control unit is arranged to control the memory unit to skip back and then re-send the stored audio data to the speaker port.
18. The device of claim 8, wherein the control unit is arranged to determine the first and second user input commands based on a number of actuations of the actuator within a time window.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the control unit is arranged to determine the third and fourth user input commands based on the number of actuations of the actuator within the time window.
20. The device of claims 1 to 10, wherein the user interface unit includes a touch sensitive pad.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the touch sensitive pad is a touch sensitive display screen.
22. A method of playing a message stored in the memory unit of a wearable recording device, the method comprising: receiving an input command from a user interface unit of the wearable recording device; storing in the memory unit, in response to the input command, audio data indicative of input audio data received from a microphone associated with the wearable recording device; and automatically sending from the memory unit an indication of the stored audio data to a speaker port of the of the wearable recording device, wherein the automatically sending is performed after an expiration of a predetermined time interval.
23. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the predetermined time interval is one of a plurality of predetermined time intervals and the automatically sending is characterised by sending the indication of the stored audio data after expiration of each one of the plurality of predetermined time intervals.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the predetermined time intervals are incrementally smaller predetermined time intervals.
25. The method of claims 22 to 24 wherein the indication of the stored audio data comprises the stored audio data and the automatically sending comprises the speaker port outputting a signal representing the stored audio data.
26. The method as of claims 22 to 25 wherein the input command is a first input command of one of a plurality of input commands including a second input command for stopping storing, in the memory unit, the audio data wherein the method determines the first and second user input commands based on a number of actuations of the user within a time window.
27. The method as claimed in claim 26 wherein the plurality of input commands includes third user input command for causing the memory unit to send the stored audio data to the speaker port, wherein the method determines the third user input command based on a number of actuations of the user within the time window.
28. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the plurality of input commands includes fourth user input command for causing the memory unit to skip back and then re-send the stored audio data to the speaker port, wherein the method determines the fourth user input command based on a number of actuations of the user within the time window.
29. A wearable recording device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 8.
30. A method of playing a message substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 9.
GB1603890.3A 2016-03-07 2016-03-07 Wearable recording device and method of playing a recorded message Pending GB2548333A (en)

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