Abstract: An audible wristwatch assembly for alerting a blind user of the time of day and calendar date includes a strap that is worn around a user's wrist. The strap is extended through a housing and the housing has a recess therein. An electronic clock is positioned within the housing to track the time of day and the calendar date. A speaker is coupled to the housing to emit audible sounds outwardly from the housing. An announcement button is movably coupled to the housing, and the announcement button is positioned in the recess to inhibit the announcement button from being inadvertently depressed. The speaker audibly emits the time of day and the calendar date when the announcement button is depressed to alert the user to the time of day and the calendar date.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece, including: a counter; a display section; a first processor; a second processor; and a power supply section which supplies electric power to each section from a battery, wherein when an output voltage from the power supply section decreases to less than a predetermined first reference voltage, the first processor stops a display operation by the display section, when the time information is acquired by the processing operation of the second processor, the first processor corrects the time counted by the counter based on the acquired time information and causes the display section to display the corrected time, and when the output voltage decreases to less than the first reference voltage following an acquisition operation of the time information by the second processor, the first processor does not stop a time display operation during a predetermined pending period.

Abstract: A method and system for payments for mobile phone payments with a disabling feature is disclosed. The method includes activating a mobile phone containing contactless payment systems, and having a timeout feature disable the contactless payment systems after a set period of time.

Abstract: A watch includes a first input for a actuating an audible announcement of the time and a second input for adjusting a volume of the announcement. The first input produces a second signal that changes an operating mode of the watch to a second operating mode in which a second parameter is adjusted by the second input. The first input is a cover or glass of the watch and the second input is a rotatable bezel.

Abstract: A talking watch device for helping a user learn time comprising a base having a clock face; a quartz oscillator assembly; a digital counter operatively connected to the quartz oscillator assembly and to a microprocessor, the digital counter keeps track of a time, day, month, and year component; a memory medium for storing a plurality of audio messages; a speaker component operatively connected to a digital to analog converter; and a dial operatively connected to the microprocessor, the dial can move between a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position, wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive input signals from the dial whereupon the microprocessor generates output commands to the speaker to play a time component message and/or a day component message and/or a month component message and/or a year component message.

Abstract: An analog radio controlled clock includes a housing, a plurality of indicating, a radio controlled unit, and an audio alarm arrangement, which includes an alarm control unit and an audio device. The alarm control unit is disposed in the receiving cavity of the housing to communicate with the driving control unit for allowing setup of an alarm time. The audio device is electrically connected with the alarm control unit, and is arranged to generate interactive audible signal to a user regarding setting of an alarm time, wherein the audio device is arranged to commands and transmits them to the alarm control unit for setting up the alarm time, so that the user is able to set up the alarm time through commands such as voice instructions and simple physical actuation to the analog radio controlled lock.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for manufacturer to present Web-based edu-games so as to train retail staff member about the manufacturer and its products and to access edu-game data and retail sales data from a database. A Website can be created to provide a point of interaction between the manufacturer, retailer, and retail staff member. By accessing this Website, the retail staff member is presented with the web-based edu-games and learns about the manufacturer and its products. The retail staff member can be presented with incentives by the manufacturer for completing the web-based training off time, which may prevent the retailer from paying for the costs of training the retail staff member. Alternately, retailers can also do training in-house (e.g., if required by statute). Manufacturers and retailers compare education levels to sales data to determine the effects of the training.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a case accommodating a piezoelectric vibrating piece therein in a piezoelectric oscillator including the piezoelectric vibrating piece, including the steps of: applying deep drawing to a conductive plate member to shape the plate member in a nearly cylindrical shape with a bottom; pressing an inner surface of a bottom part of the plate member by a punch for step drawing while an outer surface of the bottom part is being abutted against a surface including an opening of a hole of a die having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom part, whereby a projecting portion is formed on the outer surface of the bottom part; and cutting the plate member having the projecting portion at a predetermined position on the opening side thereof, whereby a case in a nearly cylindrical shape with a bottom having the projecting portion is obtained.

Abstract: An electronic assistant issues audible, spoken, digitally recorded, medication reminders at programmed times, entered using a microphone and a recessed rotary switch that requires a tool for access. The device repeats medication reminders, and, if the reminders are not acknowledged within a predetermined time, it generates an audible alarm as well as an electronic signal that summons help and includes GPS-derived location information. A spoken medical history can be recorded digitally in the same device for playback by emergency personnel.

Abstract: A clock has a solid state memory or other storage medium containing many messages, each of which preferably is appropriate to a particular date, time of day, week, season, etc. The clock is self-contained, without connection to any network for message content. In setting the clock the user can choose that a message be selected by the internal microprocessor at the appointed time. A specific embodiment is a clock radio which can be set for alarm, radio programming and/or day-specific message. The stored messages are presented in verbal form for the user, via digital storage or voice synthesizer. In specific forms the clock or clock radio contains messages relating to similar dates in history, horoscopes based on the user's birth date, anonymous-type programs, or other messages that have appropriate content for a particular time or date.

Abstract: An educational alarm clock radio is provided that speaks a new word each day when the alarm goes off, the words each being stored in a memory cartridge as an individual increments of information in a sequential set of increments. When the alarm goes off, the word of the day, the definition of that word of the day and its use in a sentence are spoken via the audio portion of the device as the next information increment in the sequence. The word will also be displayed on a screen so the user can see the correct spelling of the word. The word may be replayed at any time during the day by activating a device control. Prior words may be displayed by energizing a reverse control. The entire sequence of previously played words, moreover, can be played in serial fashion through further activation of control or combination of controls. The device also serves as an alarm clock radio with alarm types such as wake by buzzer or radio as well as the wake by words function.

Abstract: The medicine administration method employs a reminder device with a digital recorder, a visual display device, an audio speaker, a microphone, a resonator and light, a power supply, a computer processor unit, and appropriate controls encased in a housing. A code signal is entered into the device to open a recording function. An oral reminder message is recorded. A time schedule for playing the reminder message is inserted into the processor. When it is time to play the reminder message, a light is illuminated and a resonator is energized. A play button is pressed and the reminder message is played. Messages that are to be played in the future can be played by entering the time the future message is to be played and then playing the reminder message. After the message is played the current month, date and time is entered.

Abstract: An educational alarm clock radio is provided that speaks a new word each day when the alarm goes off, the words each being stored in a memory cartridge as an individual increments of information in a sequential set of increments. When the alarm goes off, the word of the day, the definition of that word of the day and its use in a sentence are spoken via the audio portion of the device as the next information increment in the sequence. The word will also be displayed on a screen so the user can see the correct spelling of the word. The word may be replayed at any time during the day by activating a device control. Prior words may be displayed by energizing a reverse control. The entire sequence of previously played words, moreover, can be played in serial fashion through further activation of control or combination of controls. The device also serves as an alarm clock radio with alarm types such as wake by buzzer or radio as well as the wake by words function.

Abstract: A combination clock radio, weather station and message organizer includes a base unit having a visual display, a controller located in the base unit including a central processor for controlling operation of the combination, and a temperature sensor for obtaining outdoor temperature readings, the temperature sensor being in communication with the controller. The controller is adapted to present a hue on the visual display that is a function of the outdoor temperature reading. The combination may also include a pressure sensor in communication with the controller for monitoring a rate of change in atmospheric pressure and providing a weather forecast animation that is a function of the changes in the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A portable timer with an alarm, wherein the timed period is limited to multiples of certain discrete periods of time (i.e. fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, one hour, two hours, etc.) without reference to the actual time of the day or to any specific minute or hour of the day. Thus, users need never convert to actual time the length of a period to be timed nor set the device to local time prior to use. The alarm may be set and the timing function initiated with the push of a single button. The device is further operable to provide audible feedback in the form of human speech regarding its operation and operative mode. Additionally, the device allows for the recording of a short message to be played in lieu of an alarm tone at the end of the timed period.

Abstract: An educational audio visual clock having an image window adjacent each numeral on the clock face to show the images of twelve Presidents of the United States at any given time. Images are on an image plate behind the clock face and display the images of the first twelve presidents from midnight until noon wherein the image plate is rotated to reveal the images of the second twelve Presidents of the United States for the next twelve hours, at which point the image wheel returns to its original position. At the top of each hour an LED illuminates the corresponding presidential image and an audio device plays an audio clip related to that president.

Abstract: A teaching aid for teaching a user how to tell time. The teaching aid includes a clock assembly comprising a face member and a plurality of arm members. The arm members is rotatably coupled to the face member of the clock assembly whereby the arm members are designed for indicating a time to the user when the arm members are rotated with respect to the face member. A clockwork assembly is operationally coupled to the arm members. The clockwork assembly is for rotating the arm members with respect to the face member for indicating the time of day. A stimulus assembly is operationally coupled to the clockwork assembly whereby the stimulus assembly is designed for providing audio and visual stimulus to the user to indicate the time.

Abstract: An audible medical emergency system for a patient comprising a bracelet which is battery operated and is worn on patient. The bracelet contains about 60 seconds of audible information about the wearer's health, including warnings about allergies to drugs, medical conditions, doctor's name and phone number, health insurance infomation, next of kin, etc. Information is loaded by computer onto a chip in the bracelet. When a button is pressed, a paramedic or doctor or anyone rendering assistance can listen to the information to aid in helping the wearer in an emergency. The information repeats by pushing the button again after it has played. The medical information is entered into a computer from information provided by the wearer and the computer loads the chip or disk in about two seconds. The audio is in a computer generated voice, so that the audio is quite clear.

Abstract: A human type clock capable of mutual talks is disclosed, in which besides the conventional time-displaying and alarming functions, the clock responds in human voices in accordance with the relevant situations, and therefore, a pleasant sense of intimacy is given to a lonely person. Further, the voice of a stage performer or an athletic star whom one likes can be stored and outputted, and a human intelligence type training is possible. The human type clock capable of mutual talks according to the present invention includes the following elements. That is, a central processing unit (301) is loaded with an overall-controlling program, a time function being installed therein, and a data memory (303) stores a voice information. A voice recognizing part (304) receives a voice of a user through a mike (305) to recognize the voice, and a voice outputting part (306) outputs a voice data through a speaker (308) in accordance with the relevant situation.

Abstract: An electronic timekeeping and broadcasting device for use near a user's ear while resting includes a cover portion with a speaker inside the cover, a digital voice synthesizer connected to the speaker, and an electronic clock connected to the synthesizer, and a switch connected to the synthesizer, and includes a power supply. Upon turning on the switch and activating the synthesizer, the time is broadcast from the speaker. The device enables a resting user to learn the time with the least possible effort, not even having to move his or her head or open his or her eyes.

Abstract: A teaching device adapted to teach the reading of an analogue clock face comprising first and second components one of which is transparent, one of said components being marked to represent a clock face displaying minutes and on which a minute clock had can be manually rotated and the other of said components being marked to represent a clock face displaying hours and on which an hour clock hand can be manually rotated, and means for removably connecting said first and second components together with said minute and hour clock face superimposed one above the other to display a complete analogue clock face showing hours and minutes and having hour and minute hands.

Abstract: An Interactive Voice Recognition and Speech Synthesis Clock Radio wherein the voice recognition circuitry is trained to recognize a number of predetermined phrases spoken by one or more specific users. The speech synthesis circuitry includes a number of predetermined phrases generated in response to verbal utterances by a user.

Abstract: A timepiece for exactly indicating the approximate time, has a timepiece face without a minute hand and an indicator for indicating the approximate time in conversational terms. The indicator may be visual or oral. The conversational terms either never indicate the exact numeric time correct to the minute or indicate the exact numeric time correct to the minute only on integral multiples of 15 minutes.

Abstract: A voice-controlled timing and calculating device includes a microphone to receive a user's vocal signal, a voice amplifier amplifying the vocal signal, a comparison circuit comparing the vocal signal with information stored in a memory to retrieve an associated instruction, a processor performing the instruction of serving as a timer or a calculator to generate a result, and a voice synthesizer which converts the result from the processor into a synthetic voice which is then broadcast by a speaker so that the device may be operated with vocal input and vocal output. Further, the device may be provided with visual display to show the result of the processor. Also, a manually actuateable switch may be provided to allow a user to alternatively switch the processor between the timer and the calculator.

Abstract: A system for assisting in the prevention of bed wetting. The bed wetting prevention system includes a device that produces an alarm to wake the child at intervals during the night. The alarm device is only deactivatable at a remote location, such as the bathroom.

Abstract: A timer alarm device is supported on an ear as an earring by pinching an earlobe of the ear with an arm and a clip. Spring force to pinch the earlobe is produced by permitting a spring provided on the clip to run on a corner of a flat part. A timer circuit, a piezoelectric buzzer, and a battery cell, etc., are accomodated on a head part provided on the upper part of the arm. Since the piezoelectric buzzer for outputting an alarm sound is located in the vicinity of an earhole, a user can hear a greater sound even with a smaller sound volume and hence attention of the user can be securely called. Since functions and component parts are limited to eliminate the need of setting and confirmation that rely upon eyes, even a visually handicapped user can conveniently use the device.

Abstract: A data recorder constructed in the form of a hand set (10) with an actuating mechanism function switch (14) and a time switch clock coupled to an audible signal transmitter with a time setting means, the reset key or the reset function is inhibited until after the data recall, in which each data recording is storable with a presettable time at which the audible signal transmitter is activated by means of a timing circuit, and/or wherein the data recording is individually inhibited until its recall againt an inadvertent reset so that the recorder can be employed as an appointment scheduler.

Abstract: A driver alertness maintaining device that includes timer/output mechanism circuitry that is programmable by the user to select and repeatedly output an audible alerting message through a speaker at a user selected interval; the driver alertness maintaining device further including a device housing including a circuitry compartment for containing the timer/output mechanism circuitry; a time display unit responsive to a display output signal from the timer/output mechanism circuitry; a visual alarm LED responsive to a visual output signal from the timer/output mechanism circuitry; a speaker responsive to an analog audio signal generated by a digital-to-analog converter circuit forming a portion of the timer/output mechanism circuitry, a speaker cover provided on the exterior of the device housing, an on/off switch in controlling connection with the timer/output mechanism circuitry, an interval set switch in controlling connection with the timer/output mechanism circuitry, a time set switch in controlling conne

Abstract: A data storing/reproducing apparatus includes a storing unit for storing inputted data, a range designating unit for designating an arbitrary range within the inputted data, an outputting unit for outputting the data stored in the storing unit, and a control unit for not outputting data in a range designated by said range designating unit when the data stored in the storing unit is outputted from the outputting unit. In this data storing/reproducing apparatus, when voice or sound is externally entered to be stored in the storing unit, and voice data is reproduced/outputted, a range used to limit the voice data output is set by the range setting unit. Then, when the data stored in the storing means is outputted by the outputting unit, since no data is outputted only in the designated range under control of the control unit, the secrecy of the stored voice data can be maintained.

Abstract: A reprogrammable device for removably receiving a medicine container and for providing audio instructions to a patient for taking a medication. When a medicine container is removed from the device by the patient so that the patient may take the medicine, the device can be activated to play a pre-recorded individualized message from the pharmacist providing the patient audio instructions for taking the medication.

Abstract: A schedule management system which can display a schedule on a screen and enables the user to enter schedule topics promptly and accurately without performing complicated operation is provided. An external voice is input through a microphone or a network control unit and is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter and a coder. An identifier related to the digital signal is generated. The identifier is displayed on a schedule on a display unit. The digital signal is stored in a memory in relation to the identifier. A user specifies the displayed identifier through an operation section, whereby the digital signal related to the identifier is extracted from the memory by a CPU, the extracted digital signal is converted into an analog signal by a D/A converter, and the analog signal is output as a voice through a loudspeaker or the network control unit to the outside. Like a voice, an image can also be handled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for instructing an impaired individual to perform an act using:a voice recorder capable of recording a series of different voice recordings of a person whose voice is recognized by the individual to provide a series of different recorded instructions to the impaired individual, a playback capable of playing seriatim one of the series of said recorded instructions in the series, a repeating means connected to the playback and capable of repeating the playing of said recorded instructions until stopped, a timer connected with the playback, the timer capable of activating said playback at multiple, preselected time intervals to provide for a series of multiple timed recorded instructions played seriatim during the day to the impaired individual, and a switch for the repeating means operated by the impaired individual to stop the repeating means after anyone of a selected playback of a recorded instruction.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing electronic timepiece apparatus which is capable of recording a voice or other audible signal wherein the voice is played back at the preset alarm time. The apparatus is an improvement over other such devices inasmuch as it utilizes microprocessor technology to control all functions of the alarm set and triggering of the alarm as well as the control of the input and output of digitized audio signals.

Abstract: An audio wristwatch is provided which consists of numerous functional features such as on/off, minutes, reset, next displayed message, previous displayed message, stop, time/date adjustment, save, erase, edit, and train enabling the user to verbally record, verbally retrieve and set alarms for appointments and tasks.

Abstract: A wristwatch mounting an animated head of a figure and including a moveable nose overlying a watch face and formed by one end of a moveable member, the opposite end forming an armature. The moveable member is mounted on a laterally extending pivot pin such that magnitude of the torque due by the gravitational pull on such centers of mass on the opposite sides of such pivot pin are equal. A integrated circuit is provided which combines the capability to control clock functions, actuate the animation feature, synthesize speech and drive a dynamic speaker to provide overall control of the animation from a single actuation. Firmware incorporated in the integrated circuit includes means to selectively vary the message and comment in order to provide enhanced animation and novelty.

Abstract: A radio alarm clock with removable cassette player/recorder is powered by a rechargeable battery which is recharged when the removable cassette player/recorder is installed on the radio alarm clock. The radio and the cassette player/recorder may be played independent of the clock. Five wakeup modes are disclosed: tone only, radio only, cassette player/recorder only, tone then cassette player/recorder and radio then cassette player/recorder. The cassette player/recorder may be removed from the radio alarm clock so that it may be used as an electronic memo pad; the messages dictated to it during the course of a day may be replayed the following morning when the alarm clock activates the cassette player/recorder. When installed on the radio alarm clock the cassette player/recorder plays back through the larger radio alarm clock amplifier and speaker.

Abstract: A talking analog clock comprises an analog mechanical clock movement in which the minutes mechanism has attached to it a switch that opens and closes for each minute elapsed. A digital synchronizing circuit is included that senses the closing and opening of the switch and uses these events to increment a digital time-keeping circuit. A directional switch attached to a winding stem and connected to the digital synchronizing circuit allows the digital time-keeping circuit to be incremented or decremented with the winding stem. The time in the current time memory is thereafter locked in synchronization with the analog time shown on the display dial. A user can therefore set the time or an alarm time in a simple way.

Abstract: A vocal reporting device for pointer type timers comprising a printed circuit board which converts the positions of the pointers into electric signals and sends the same to a microprocessor to broadcast the time associated therewith with a voice synthesizing circuit and a speaker. A photoelectric calibration device detects the positions of the pointers and then calibrate the microprocessor with the detected pointer positions.

Abstract: A vocal reporting device for pointer type timers includes an encoding board on which three separate encoding circuits are printed, respectively representing an hour signal, a higher order digit minute signal and a lower order digit minute signal. Three signal pick up devices are synchronously rotatable with the pointer shafts of the timer to sweep through the respective encoding circuit and pick up hour and minute signals. These signals are then processed by a central processing unit and a vocal processing unit and broadcast in a synthetic voice via a speaker.

Abstract: A wristwatch mounting an animated head of a figure and including a moveable nose overlying a watch face and formed by one end of a moveable member, the opposite end forming an armature. The moveable member is mounted on a laterally extending pivot pin such that magnitude of the torque due by the gravitational pull on such centers of mass on the opposite sides of such pivot pin are equal. An electrical circuit is provided with an actuation switch that may be pressed to actuate an audio speaker which emits a simulated time indicating voice in synchronism with intermittent energization of such armature to selectively move such nose between mouth open and mouth closed positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for audibly outputting a series of numbers represented by words and divided into blocks includes a voice data memory group for storing voice data. The voice data memory group includes a commonly used memory for storing voice data which may be utilized for any of the blocks, word ending memory for storing voice data corresponding to word endings which have a distinct intonation dependent upon for which block they are to be used and a block only memory for storing block specific voice data. A block voice selecting unit selects the memory from which the voice data is to be output from among the common use memory, word ending memory and the block only memory in accordance with the block type and the number to be output.

Abstract: In an electronic time measuring apparatus combined with a timepiece, acoustic data such as voice information related to the time measurements can be recorded in relation to the measured time data, for instance, split times and lap times the electronic time measuring apparatus includes: a time measuring circuit for counting a reference signal so as to obtain time data; a display unit for displaying the time data acquired by the time measuring circuit; a start/stop controlling circuit for controlling a start/stop of the counting operation for the reference signal by the time measuring means; a switch operable while the counting operation by the time measuring circuit is carried out under the control of the start/stop control means; an intermediate time data memory for storing intermediate time data measured by the time measuring circuit when the switch operation by the switch is performed; a recording circuit coupled to the switch, capable of recording acoustic information externally supplied thereto when the s

Abstract: A timepiece includes an audio output device operable for announcing a plurality of different audio functions including stopwatch, timer, automatic time of day, alarm and user requested time of day. Selecting circuitry chooses among the group of audio functions based on a predetermined prioritized order. The device is operable for announcing one or more of the audio functions at different levels of sound volume.

Abstract: A timepiece whose functions are controlled by making a voice instead of operating manual switches. Operating signals for functioning the timepiece, except for turning off of the alarm sound, are applied to a voice recognizing circuit. Operation of turning off of the alarm sound is performed by detecting a volume level of voice which is made by the user. Thus, it eliminates difficulty to recognize only the voice of the user while the alarm sound is generated because the voice of the user and the alarm sound are mixed together.

Abstract: A personal alarm clock is designed to fit within or behind the ear for alerting the user to a preset time without disturbing others in close proximity.

Abstract: An electronic learning device (10) for teaching how to tell time is provided. A student provides input to the device, in a preferred embodiment, by a plurality of keys (14) which select the learning activity and its difficulty level. In certain activities, the device (10) request (visually and/or auditorily) the student to engage in a randomly selected time-identification problem. The student's response is compared with the correct response, and the information concerning the appropriateness of the response is provided to the student. In the case of erroneous response, the correct response can be presented to the student both orally and visually. A speech synthesizer (38) (and/or analog and/or digital display) serves to generate a request to the student concerning time identification problems, and comments on the appropriateness of the student's response.

Abstract: In a recording/reproducing apparatus, voice message information is encoded into voice message data by an encoder, and keyed in data information is converted into synthesizing speech data by a speech synthesizing circuit. Both the voice message data and the synthesized speech data are separately stored in a semiconductor memory. The speech data is independently read out from the semiconductor memory.

Abstract: Repeated announcements by a talking timepiece are selectable in two modes: predetermined intervals selected by a selector switch, or arbitrary intervals selected by a keyboard.

Abstract: In a talking alarm clock, coincidence of real-time and preset alarm-time causes output of a fixed-plus-variable word message. Fixed words are stored in a ROM, while variable words are entered and stored in a circulating analog semiconductor memory.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece is disclosed which simplifies operations otherwise needed for executing a variety of functions. The electronic timepiece is characterized in that any desired alarm message may be activated by an extremely simple key operation. In addition, the alarm message timepiece can automatically set time data corresponding to respective alarm messages all at once when a battery is loaded therein.