WO1992003820A1

WO1992003820A1 - Unique message recording, playback, and response machine

Info

Publication number: WO1992003820A1
Application number: PCT/US1991/006013
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark V. Anderson; James Letts
Original assignee: New-Tronics, Inc.
Priority date: 1990-08-22
Filing date: 1991-08-22
Publication date: 1992-03-05
Also published as: AU8515591A

Abstract

A semi-permanently installed, permanently built-in or portable message machine (10) is provided. The machine (10) is interactive, enabling visitors to receive an oral message and volitionally record responsive messages. The message machine (10) may operate independently of telephone and electrical systems and is designed to be mounted across or include a selectively accessible barrier (10), thereby preserving the confidentiality of all recorded messages.

Description

UNIQUE MESSAGE RECORDING, PLAYBACK, AND RESPONSE MACHINE

The present invention relates to machines for recording and playback of voice messages and recording and playback of responses to those messages. In particular, it relates to a message machine for aurally transmitting and confidentially receiving messages and responses independently of telephone and electrical service. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Telephone answering machines are well known. Typically, such devices respond to the ringing of a telephone line with a prerecorded message inviting a subsequent recording of a message from the caller. As more people have entered the work force and as time has become more valuable, telephone answering machines have become an almost necessary convenience.

Conventional telephonic answering or message machines must be tied to an operating telephone to operate. There are many situations where it would be desirable to provide recorded aural messages and record a response, where access to a telephone is not possible, appropriate, or economically feasible. For example, when delivery or trades people stop at a dwelling and the occupant or owner is not there, frequently they must resort to leaving some sort of a written message or indication of their visit stuck in a door or somehow attached to the exterior of the building. An analogous problem exists in multi-unit or multi-station buildings such as an office buildings or apartment buildings where people have individual private or semi-private places. It would be convenient and efficient for a coworker or visitor to leave an aural, confidential message for an absent person at the desk, office or apartment of the person visited. Such a device would optimally provide a prerecorded message from the absent occupant to a visitor or co-worker, and allow the visitor or co-worker to record a message in response.

Subsequent visitors would be able to listen to the prerecorded message, and leave their own recorded response, without having access to the messages recorded by previous visitors or co- workers. U.S. Patent 4,715,060 addresses some of these concerns in that it discloses a door message apparatus for recording and playing back messages. The device disclosed in the '060 patent, however, must be used in conjunction with a remote telephone answering machine, and relies upon an AC source of power. Specifically, a control unit responds to the operation of a doorbell switch to connect a remote telephone answering machine to a door mounted speaker.

U.S. Patent 4,654,728 discloses a portable message device for broadcasting a message to a visitor or a caller. Somewhat similarly, U.S. Patent 4,291,342 discloses a structure and method of providing a prerecorded message. Neither the '728 or '342 patent, however, suggests a means for a visitor to record a responsive incoming message.

A message recording machine adapted for mounting on a door or the like that could broadcast an outgoing message and receive and confidentially record incoming messages, without the requirement for telephone or electrical service, would be a decided improvement over message recording machines disclosed in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A message relaying and receiving device for placement on a door, desktop, or other surface is provided whereby visitors at the location of the device may receive a prerecorded message and record a confidential response.

The device may be placed at a selectively accessible barrier such as a door and broadly comprises inside and outside receptacles or housings for placement at the inside and outside of the barrier respectively. Both the inside and outside housings have a speaker and microphone means for receiving aural information and both have tactile function control means for actuating operational states.

Broadcasting and receiving circuitry, digital, analog or a combination thereof, operationally interconnects the two housings and may be mounted substantially in the inside housing. In the preferred embodiment, the substantially digital electronic circuitry broadly includes a microcontroller, a memory section, a modulator /demodulator and a memory refresh section. A low power standby mode or "sleep" function is enabled by the circuitry whereby the energy level and capacity of the power source is conserved. Filters, speakers, microphones, amplifiers, AGC circuitry and other components may be provided as required.

One of the major advantages of the present invention is that it may enable a dialog without depending upon existing telephone or electric service. Additionally, the message machine of the present invention easily may be adapted to perform intercom, doorbell, and security functions. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of the visitor interactive panel of the present invention mounted on the outside surface of a door. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the occupant interactive panel of the present invention mounted on the inside surface of the door depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the occupant interactive panel of the present invention with the system battery power sources depicted in phantom lines.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the inside and outside housings or receptacles of the present invention and a door depicting the manner in which the housings are mounted to the door. Figure 5 is a top plan view of the invention, with a portion of the door removed to reveal assembly details.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the caller receptacle of the present invention mounted in an alternative environment of use, specifically a desk top. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a modified form of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a block diagram of the electronic circuitry of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a schematic illustrating the electronic circuitry of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a schematic depicting the power supply enable circuitry of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a flow chart depicting the function and decision making sequence of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED DRAWINGS

A message machine 10 in accordance with the present invention is depicted in Figures 1 and 2 mounted for use on a selectively accessible barrier, such as a door D, having a publicly accessible outside surface 12 and a private inside surface

14.

The machine 10 broadly includes inside and outside housings or receptacles, 18, 16 respectively. As will be explained more fully below, each housing 16, 18 is provided with aural receiving and transmission means for receiving and transmitting sound, control means for actuating functional, operational modes and circuitry means for enabling the operational modes and for processing sonic information. Although the housings 16, 18 are depicted as separated by a relatively narrow barrier (door D), a greater distance may separate the housings 16, 18. For example, the outside housing 16 may be located at a security gate far removed from the inside housing 18 located in the home interior (not shown). The outside housing 16 of the message machine 10 is depicted in Figure 1. An aural transmitting and receiving means, including a speaker 20 and a microphone 22, is provided on the outside housing 16. An outgoing message playback button 24 and an incoming message record button 26 are attached on the visitor interactive panel 27 of the housing 16.

The inside housing 18 of the message machine 10 is depicted in Figure 2. The inside housing 18 is provided with an aural transmitting and receiving means, including a speaker 28 and a microphone 30. A control or occupant interactive panel 32 supports an outgoing message record button 38, a play button 36 and an intercom button 34. It should be appreciated that the control panel 32 may be provided with other function buttons such as volume, fast forward, intercom or security function buttons (not shown) as desired. Additionally, while push buttons are depicted in the drawings, it is not beyond the scope of the present invention that the control or actuation buttons may be touch sensitive areas or that certain functions of the machine may be voice activated without requiring the user to touch the machine 10 or push a button.

Figure 3 illustrates additional details of the inside housing 18. Specifically, the housing 18 has a central cavity 40 divided into at least two portions, a power supply section 42 and an electronics section 44. The power supply section 42 may be adapted to contain batteries 46. An insertion bar 43 supports the batteries 46, prevents the owner/occupant from reversing the polarity and ensures that the correct size batteries will be used. The electronics section 44 occupies the other portion of cavity 40 or at least a part thereof. The speaker and microphone, 28, 30, respectively, may be mounted on the outer surfaces of the electronics section 44 and operatively connected to the circuitry therein. The inside housing 18 may include an opening or cover 48 for access to the power supply section 42.

Figures 4 and 5 depict how the message machine 10 of the present invention may be attached on the inside and outside surfaces 14, 12 of a door D. The two housings or receptacles of the machine 10, the inside housing 18 and the outside housing 16, are positioned on the inside and outside surfaces 14, 12 of the door D. The housing 16, 18 also may be located on the inside and outside surfaces of a wall or other barrier (not shown). Apertures 54 are predrilled through the door D to receive mounting screws 56. The inside housing 18 is provided with threaded or non-threaded guide blocks 58 to receive and guide mounting screws 56. The outside housing 16 has threaded seats 60 to receive and take in the mounting screws 56 whereby the inside and outside housings 18, 16, respectively, may be drawn toward one another and tightly held against the door D sandwiched therebetween.

Figures 4 and 5 also depict the operational interconnection or interface, indicated generally at 62, between the inside and outside housings 18, 16. Specifically, a conductive connective cable 64 links the outside housing 16 with the electrical circuitry (see Figures 7 and 8) in the inside receptacle 18.

The cable 64 has a plug connector 66; a socket connector 68 is provided on the rear wall 50 of the inside housing 18. An additional aperture 45 may be provided in the door D for receiving the cable 64. Alternatively, the cable 64 may be run through one of the apertures 54 for receiving the mounting screws 56 or the interconnection may extend from the inside housing 18 to a terminal strip (not shown) on the outside housing 16.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figure 6 placed on the top of a desk D'. This embodiment of the message machine 70 includes an outside console 71 positioned on the outside surface 72 of the desk D¹ and an inside console (not shown) disposed in a selectively accessible, lockable portion of the desk D', such as a drawer or cabinet portion.

The outside console 71 has a speaker and microphone 75a and 75b and is provided with function buttons, including a play outgoing message button 76 and a record button 80. The inside console also may be equipped with a speaker and microphone and function controls (not shown), including at least play and record record controls; rewind, fast forward, volume and other functions may be provided for as well.

The method for mounting the machine 70 to the desk D' may be similar to that disclosed in Figures 4 and 5; however, other suitable means may be used to secure the machine 70 in place. It should be appreciated that certain advantages are derived by placing the outside console 71, with its limited operational options, on the exterior of the desk D' and the inside console, with its full range of operational options and access to the recording mechanism, in a lockable interior area of the desk D'. Any messages recorded by visitors will be kept confidential and secure since visitors have no access to visitor- recorded messages, the owner /occupant-recorded outgoing message is safe from accidental or purposeful erasure by visitors and the electronic circuitry is protected.

Figure 7 depicts an embodiment wherein a single portable housing 73 is placed on a desk top D'. The housing is provided with DC power from an AC adapter; power cord 74 is connected to an AC adapter at a wall outlet (not shown).

Function buttons include play outgoing and record incoming message buttons 76, 80, and play incoming and record outgoing message buttons 78, 82. A function lock 77 is provided so the owner /occupant may control access to certain functions. The function lock 77 may be mechanical or electro-mechanical.

Figure 8 is a block diagram depicting the electronic circuitry of the present invention. A microcontroller 90, such as the 80C52 manufactured by Intel, controls all functions of the message machine 10. The microcontroller 90 is provided with control inputs 92 and digital inputs and outputs and data transmission lines 94 for communication with the rest of the component circuitry. The microcontroller 90 is connected through a memory bank selector 96 to the memory section 100. Three memory banks 102a, 102b, 102c are illustrated, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention that any number of such memory banks 102 be incorporated into the circuitry. The individual memory banks 102a, 102b, 102c may advantageously be a one megabit dynamic RAM (D-RAM) memory such as the TMS4C1024-10 manufactured by Intel or static RAM (S-RAM) memory. An automatic memory refresh 104 for the memory, including a timer, such as the TLC555C manufactured by National, is provided to create a periodic square wave signal to refresh memory.

The microcontroller 90 is connected to a continuous variable slope modulator /demodulator 110. A representative component would be the Harris HC-55564 modulator /demodulator. This delta modulator /demodulator

110 converts the analog voice inputs to digital information and the digital memory outputs to analog voice information for the message broadcast and record functions. Various filters 112, such as TP3040 type filters by National, may be incorporated into the circuitry as required. Analog instruments, including but not limited to speakers, microphones, and amplifiers 114 may be provided as required. Additionally, reset, debounce or AGC circuitry may be provided.

The present invention is designed to be DC powered and may rely upon batteries or power cells 46 for the DC power. The circuitry has been designed to minimize power consumption, thereby maximizing the useful lifetime of the batteries 46. To minimize power consumption, the microcontroller 90 is connected to a power supply enable network 116 (see Figures 8 and 10). The present invention operates in at least two modes; a standby mode and an active mode. The active mode occurs during use of record, playback, or intercom functions. In the standby mode most components are not powered. Power is thereby provided to the essential functions for any give jtate. Memory bank 102a (see Figure 9) memory refresh is powered at all times to retain memory for the memo (outgoing message). Memory refresh for memory banks 102b and 102c is powered via outputs A and B when additional memory capacity is required. Similarly, output C provides power to the filters 112 and CVSD chip 110 during the active mode of playback, recording, or intercom. During the active mode output D provides power to the audio amplifiers and speakers.

Figure 9 is a schematic of the electrical circuitry of the present invention and has reference numerals in common with Figure 8. The Figure 9 schematic depicts preferred pin connections, arrangement of circuit elements and more details of circuit elements, including the power supply enable circuitry 116 and the memory refresh circuitry 104. Figure 10 depicts more details of the power supply enable circuitry 116.

Figure 11 is a flow chart depicting the continuous loop function and decision flow path of the present invention; the decision blocks are diamond shaped, rectangular or square boxes indicate function states.

The flow program may be entered by user activation at any depicted decision block. Typically, an owner- occupant may enter at the memo decision block 130, transferring the program to the record memo fimction 132 and enabling the inside microphone 131. Upon completion of recording, the program automatically reverts to the standby mode flow path, line A. A visitor typically will enter the flow path at hear memo decision block 134, transferring the program to the play memo block 136 and enabling the outside speaker 135, where a pre-recorded owner-occupant message may be broadcast to the visitor. At the end of the pre-recorded message, the program reverts to the standby mode flow path A. To leave a message, the flow path is entered at the record message decision block 138, transfering the program to the record message block 140 and enabling the outside microphone and inside speaker 139. If the visitor elects no further recording, the program goes back to the standby mode flow path A.

The owner-occupant has the exclusive option (relative to visitors) to enter the flow at the hear messages /talk decision block 142, whereupon the program is transferred to the play incoming messages block 144 and enabling the inside speaker 143. At the end of the recorded incoming messages, the program automatically reverts to the standby mode flow path A. The active mode flow path B may be entered by the owner-occupant at the intercom decision block 148, if the present invention is an embodiment including the required intercom circuitry. In this case, the program is transferred to the enable speaker and microphone block 150, whereby sound transmission is enabled between the inside and outside housings 18, 16 of the present invention. When the intercom mode is active either the inside speaker and outside microphone, or the outside speaker and inside microphone, are enabled depending on the state of the hear message /talk decision block 142. This prevents audio feedback in the intercom mode.

Additional details of the function and decision flow path of the present invention are depicted in Figure 11. Specifically, initialize A block 156 and initialize B block 158 initialize flags and set registers in the microcontroller 90 and memory 102 upon installation of batteries 46 and /or upon application of DC power. In the standby mode, power down/refresh block 160 enables power down relative to unused circuitry and enables the memory refresh for the memory in use. Reset decision block 162 determines if any of the active mode functions (part of active mode flow path B) are activated, returning to the standby mode if they are not. Initialize B block 164 initializes flags and sets registers (as did block 158) in preparation for the active mode. Refresh block 166 provides memory refresh and erase (or change) as necessary during memory 102 usage and update during the active mode.

Installation of the present invention should be well understood from Figures 4, 5 and 6, but those figures depict installation of the present invention only in a door D or desk D'. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention that the machine 10 (or 70) might be installed in a more permanent,

"built-in" fashion in a wall near a door or in other pieces of furniture such as file cabinets. Additionally, the message machine of the present invention might be mounted having the inside and outside housings 16, 18 remote with respect to each other, as when the outside housing 16 is placed near property lines on appropriate structures such as gate posts or guard houses and the inside housing 18 is at the interior of a house. Although the device 10 (or 70) may include mounting brackets for setting the device in a wall between wall studs, a typical installation is similar to that depicted in Figures 4 and 5 wherein a "sandwich" effect is created by mounting the outside housing 16 to the outside surface 12 of a door D, and the inside housing 18 on the inside surface 14. In this fashion a secure installation is provided for the machine 10 and the owner or occupant can be sure that messages will be safeguarded.

The operation of the message machine 10 of the present invention is convenient and straight forward. The device may be programmed as required and the owner may record an outgoing message thereon. When a visitor arrives at the site or location of the present invention, that person merely pushes the playback function button 24 on the exterior housing 16 to hear the outgoing message. At the end of that message, the visitor may elect to record an incoming message to the occupant by pushing the incoming message record button 26. Alternatively, the device may be programmed to go into an automatic incoming message record mode at the termination of the outgoing message. In this instance, the machine 10 would turn off the record mode after an occupant-selected period of time. When the occupant returns, playback of any messages recorded is initiated by the play button 36 on the control panel 32. The occupant also may have the option of erasing and changing the outgoing message and erasing incoming messages.

It will be appreciated that the mounting of the two housings across a selectively accessible barrier allow for the confidential recording of incoming messages. In particular, the outside housing 16 provides to a visitor a more limited range of operational options than are available to the owner-occupant.

For example, only the owner-occupant may play back incoming messages recorded by visitors. Additionally, the enabling circuitry is located substantially in the interior housing 18, reducing the likelihood of inadvertent damage by visitors or intended vandalism.

As suggested in the Figures, it is not beyond the scope of the present invention that the message machine 10 be adapted to provide directly interactive, communicative intercom functions. In this instance, intercom actuation controls, including "listen" and "talk" features, may be provided on both the inside and outside housings 18, 16 of the machine 10.

A num IT of variations of the present invention can be accomplished and other changes can be made. For example, while the inside and outside housings 18, 16 are shown in close proximity to one another, they may be more removed from one another, particularly where the message machine 10 might be installed in an apartment building with a single external or outside housing mounted at the entrance to the building and a plurality of inside housings mounted at or in each apartment. In this instance, the wiring for a pre-existing security system might be used to interconnect the inside and outside housings. A visitor to a particular apartment could initiate and hear an occupant recorded outgoing message at the building entrance and could record a responsive message for the occupant of that particular apartment.

Although entirely digital electronics are suggested herein, the present invention may be adapted to include analog processing and storage of aural information. In this situation, a miniature cassette tape recorder (not shown) having a two-way record /playback capability might be housed in the inside housing 18 and, in fact, the entire inside housing 18 could be such a record /playback cassette recording machine with a remote speaker and controls provided at the exterior of a building or other structure.

Other changes within the scope of the present invention might include visible indicia regarding the state of the message machine 10; the indicia may include a low battery warning light or other warning lights or LEDs. Solar panels might be provided on the outside housing 16 to provide power and to recharge a battery power source. In situations where it is not possible to secure or mount the message machine 10 (or 70) as suggested in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the machine may include a locking feature whereby the inside and outside housings may be locked together. Additional features such as a clock feature for recording the time of messages might be included and emergency signal features might be incorporated. Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been presented, it is contemplated that various changes, including those mentioned above, could be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. It is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive, and that reference be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed: 1. A message broadcasting and recording device for mounting at a selectively accessible barrier having an inside and an outside whereby a visitor having access to said outside may hear an aural message and may leave an aural message on said device without having access to said inside, said device comprising: a first housing adapted for location at the inside of said barrier; a second housing adapted for location at the outside of said barrier; recording means for recording a first aural message for broadcast at a later time and for volitionally recording subsequent aural messages in response to the playing of said first message, said recording means including memory means housed substantially within one of said housings; operating means operably coupled to said recording means for operating said device; tactile means operably carried by said housings and operably coupled to said operating means for selectively initiating the broadcast of said messages; and interface means for operably coupling said tactile means with said memory means through said barrier.

2. The message broadcasting and recording device according to claim 1, wherein said operating means comprises a programmable microprocessor.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said tactile means provided on said second housing is operably coupled to said microprocessor, whereby said visitors may selectively initiate broadcast of said first message.

4. A message broadcasting and recording device for mounting at a selectively accessible barrier having a first surface and an opposed second surface whereby a visitor having access to one of said surfaces can leave a voice message on said device without the need for access to the other of said surfaces, said device comprising: a first receptacle adapted for mounting on the first surface of said barrier; a second receptacle adapted for mounting on the second surface of said barrier; recording means for recording a first voice message for broadcast at a later time and for volitionally recording a second voice message in response to the playing of said first message, said recording means including memory means housed substantially within one of said receptacles; programmable microprocessor means operably coupled to said recording means for operating said device; tactile means operably carried by said receptacles and operably coupled to said microprocessor means for selectively initiating the broadcast of said messages; and interface means for operably coupling said tactile means with said memory means through said barrier.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said selectively accessible barrier is a door and further wherein said first surface is the inside of the door and said second surface is the outside of the door.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said tactile means provided on said second receptacle is operably coupled to said microprocessor, whereby said visitor may selectively initiate broadcast of said first message.

7. A message broadcasting and receiving device having at least a two piece housing, an inside housing and at least one outside housing, said device for mounting near an entrance or exit of a dwelling or the like and comprising: a microprocessor control means received within said inside housing for controlling the performance of the device; a memory means received within said inside housing for receiving and remembering incoming and outgoing messages and functions; a sound transmission means carried by said inside housing and said outside housing for receiving and transmitting aural information; and an encoding means operably coupling said memory means and said sound transmission means for changing said aural information to digital information and for changing said digital information to aural information.

8. The message device according to claim 7, wherein the device is powered by direct current.

9. The message device according to claim 4, wherein the device is mounted in a door.

10. The message device according to claim 4, wherein the device is mounted in a wall.

11. The message device according to claim 4, wherein the device is mounted in a piece of furniture.

12. The message device according to claim 7, wherein said sound transmission means comprises a pair of speakers and microphones, one of said pair on carried by said outside housing and the other of said pair carried by said inside housing.

13. The message device according to claim 12, wherein said memory means comprises digital electrical circuitry.

14. The message device according to claim 13, wherein said memory means comprises analog means for recording messages.