Abstract: An electrical switch responds to acoustic inputs. A microphone integrated into the electrical switch generates electrical signals in response to the acoustic inputs. A network interface integrated into the electrical switch provides addressable communication with controllers, computers, and other networked devices. The electrical switch may thus be installed or retrofitted into the electrical wiring of all homes and businesses. Users may thus speak voice commands, which are received by the electrical switch and sent for voice control of appliances and other automation tasks.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system connected to a casket to play an audio file selected by a user. The system includes an above-ground unit arranged to lead down into the casket. The above-ground unit includes a wireless module, controller, first speakers, light-emitting devices (LEDs), solar panel, and second speakers. The wireless module establishes a wireless connection with a computing device of the user. The controller facilitates the user to initiate the wireless connection on receiving a push gesture through buttons. The first speakers are configured within an amplifier chassis to generate audio data corresponding to the audio file through the computing device. The LEDs indicate the power status of the system and the connection status of the wireless module. The solar panel generates direct current (DC) electricity. The second speakers generate the audio data corresponding to the audio file selected by the user through the computing device.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to theater seating, and more particularly to theater seating comprising a user interface that can be used to control various elements of the seat, and allow the user to select the language in which media is presented (i.e., systems and methods for providing language selection technology through interface with cinema servers). Embodiments of this system comprise a touchscreen user interface, a processing and IO circuit board, and a head phone audio jack. In some embodiments the touchscreen user interface comprises a menu selectable device. In some embodiments the menus show various controllable features selected from a list comprising: multiple language outputs with volume controls, position control for the seat back recline and foot elevation, potentially a seat temperature control with heat and cooling, and even potentially a customer rewards number input device capable of theater concessions ordering.

Abstract: The solar gravestone display is a funerary structure. The solar gravestone display is a reliquary that stores and displays one or more relics associated with a person. The solar gravestone display comprises a memorial structure and an epitaph device. The memorial structure forms a tombstone for the funerary structure. The memorial structure houses the reliquary of the solar gravestone display. The epitaph device is an electric circuit. The epitaph device: a) detects the presence of a visitor to the site; b) illuminates relics contained within the reliquary; c) initiates an audible presentation appropriate for the function performed by the funerary structure; d) extinguishes the illumination of the reliquary after a predetermined period; and, e) terminates the audible presentation after the predetermined amount of time. The audible presentation is selected from the group consisting of an encomium or music.

Abstract: Performance information of a music performance executed by a user is received, and temporarily stored into a buffer for each given time period. The performance information is recorded into a recording section in response to a recording instruction by the user. Second performance information having a definite time period is reproduced repeatedly, and the user ad-libs a desired musical performance while listening to the repeatedly reproduced tones of the second performance information. The given time period is set to coincide with the definite time period of the second performance information. Temporarily-stored performance information for the given time period is recorded in one of a plurality of recording tracks. In response to a plurality of user's recording instructions, a plurality of different segments of performance information for the given time period are recorded into respective ones of the recording tracks, and these different segments are reproduced repeatedly in synchronized fashion.

Abstract: A new information processing device for presenting information and allowing a user to input sound in relation to the presented information is provided. An information processing device 10 includes: a display section 104 that displays a sentence that is a reading-aloud target; a sound input section 102 to which sound is input; a time measuring section 105 that measures a sound input time in which the sound is input to the sound input section 102; and a test execution section 103 that determines whether or not the reading-aloud target is read aloud based on the sound input time and a silent time after the sound is input to the sound input section.

Abstract: A system and method for speech file processing which provides users with differentially selectable speech file transcripts which can be sent to one or more other users. The speech files may be voicemail messages from which respective voicemail transcripts are created. The voicemail transcripts are provided in a user selectable format from which users may select non-contiguous portions of the transcript.

Abstract: An approach for creation of an electrical vault cover that is able to generate power that is stored in a battery for use by a heater to maintain the temperature above a minimum in a utility vault.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the disclosure relate to data entry and menu selection. Applications include: (a) data entry for ideographic languages, including Chinese, Japanese and Korean; (b) fast food ordering; (c) correction of documents generated by optical character recognition; and (d) computer access and speech synthesis by persons temporarily or permanently lacking normal motor capabilities. In a preferred embodiment, each option of a menu is associated respectively with a selectable region displayed adjacent an edge of a display, forming a perimeter menu and leaving a region in the center of the perimeter menu for the output of an application program. Selectable regions may be on the display, outside the display, or both. A menu option may be selected by clicking on the associated selectable region, by dwelling on it for a selection threshold period or by a cursor path toward the selectable region, or by a combination thereof.

Abstract: A format for modified IRIB-G time code, with added message fields while preserving pulse width coding rule of the standard IRIG-B time code, having a time interval field for carrying time interval between the local time signal and a received time signal, and a user-defined or padded field for carrying user-defined time and/or control messages. An encoding and a decoding methods and devices for high-precision time transfer, where the modified IRIG-B time code carries more messages, and enabling transmission of timing messages and testing messages of two-way time comparison via a single message channel at the same time, which reduces fluctuation due to encoding and decoding manipulation and correlation with working frequencies via exact synchronization between the on-times of the output encoded time code and the transmitted time signal, and between the on-times of the output decoded time signal and the input time code, and improves precision of time transfer.

Abstract: Method for performing announcements in a means of transport that has an announcement device having at least one loudspeaker and an entertainment device, having the following steps: an announcement start signal is sent from the announcement device to the entertainment device at the beginning of an announcement; an interruption to the reproduction of the reproduction appliance is prompted by the entertainment device when the announcement start signal is received; the announcement is reproduced as an audible announcement signal via the announcement loudspeaker; continuation of the reproduction of the reproduction appliance is prompted by the entertainment device when an announcement end signal is received or at the end of reception of the announcement start signal, characterized by detection of an audio signal that is output by the announcement loudspeaker by the entertainment device, wherein the reproduction of the reproduction appliance is automatically interrupted after the audio signal is detected.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for selectively presenting received messages in a vehicle via an in-vehicle computing system. In some embodiments, a method of selectively presenting the received messages includes extracting information of a received message and determining an operating condition of the vehicle. The method further includes selectively presenting the received message based on the operating condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A solar powered digital music player for a grave system is a digital music player assembly that is adapted for use with a grave marker and a corresponding casket. The casket may have at least one interior speaker. An electronic digital music player is located in a secure box near the bottom of the grave marker. An external jack on the grave marker accesses the electronic digital music player in the grave marker. Internally, the grave marker is molded with the first conductive wires which are the solar panel power cord and the headphone jack wire harness internally cast and extending to the digital music player in the secure box within the grave marker, and through the bottom of the grave marker to a coupler. The plurality of second conductive wires, bound in a harness, connect the casket to the electronic digital music player located in the grave marker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating post-burial audio communications from surviving family members, friends, and loved ones by adapting a burial casket with an electronic audio communication system that automatically generates post-burial communications in the casket. The burial casket is thus adapted with an audio message system containing electronically stored audio and music files that are automatically played in accordance with a programmed schedule thereby allowing surviving members means for communicating to the deceased for a period of time after burial. An electronic device having a data storage system for storing recorded audio, such as messages from family and friends, music, or any other suitable audio file is provided. A date tracking timer allows for the selective broadcast of audio content automatically in accordance with user programmed and selected scheduling. A battery power source provides electrical power for the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating post-burial audio communications from surviving friends and loved ones in a casket by providing a burial casket, and providing an electronic audio communication system for placement in said casket to automatically electronically generate post-burial communications in said casket. The burial casket is thus adapted with an audio message system containing electronically stored audio and music files that are automatically played in accordance with a programmed schedule thereby allowing surviving members means for communicating to the deceased for a period of time after burial. An electronic device having a data storage system for storing recorded audio, such as messages from family and friends, music, or any other suitable audio file is provided. A timing mechanism maintains track of the date, day, and time, to allow for the selective broadcast of audio content automatically in accordance with user programmed and selected scheduling.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system having a substrate supporting a magnetic field sensor in a channel with a first electrical conductor supported on the substrate positioned at least in part along the channel gap and in direct contact with at least some surface of the magnetic field sensor ands a second electrical conductor supported on the substrate positioned at least in part along the channel gap in a region thereof adjacent to, but separated from, the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A tombstone for communicating audio and visual data related to the deceased from the tombstone to a user, the tombstone comprising an indicia bearing and viewing portion, a visual display, an audio transmitter for communicating sound waves to a user, data related to the deceased, the data comprising audio and visual images of the deceased, the data stored within storage media, and means for reproducing the audio and visual images of the deceased from the data related to the deceased utilizing one or more players, readers or drivers for the one or more of the storage media.

Abstract: A storage device stores a plurality of information, each having first and second partial information. A reading device reads the first partial information of one arbitrarily selected information to be reproduced, and the corresponding first partial information is reproduced. Also, a reading device reads the second partial information of the arbitrarily selected information during the reproduction of the first partial information.

Abstract: An automated data storage library accesses data storage media from storage shelves in response to commands from external host(s). The library receives a code update image while continuing to operate. The library is operated to an off-line status at external interface(s) that permit communication with the host(s). Then, and after the image is stored in nonvolatile memory, the processor(s) are reset, thereby activating the code update image, the processor(s) subsequently coming up from the reset to an operational state. Then, the library goes to an on-line status at the external interface(s).

Abstract: A device that controls background music interspersed with commercial messages by using an unmodified Compact Disc (CD) player loaded with custom discs. The custom discs provide the music and commercial content, and inform the device of the rate at which the commercial messages should interrupt the music. Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signals are employed to provide control signals to the device to inform it of the disc type, track end, and rate of interspersion of commercial messages. The CD player is controlled by either a wired or wireless remote.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use in conjunction with the marketing of automobiles including a protective case including a u-shaped bracket for secured mounting over automobile door window, the case containing mechanism for playback of messages relating to the characteristics and price of an automobile for sale, the playback mechanism being accessible through a cover in the case adjacent the window accessible when the case has been removed from the window but not when the case is in place on the window; and activating controls for the playback mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting and improving an existing analog audio recording as it is converted into a digital format with reliable tone detection and interpretation. Specifically, the digitized audio undergoes three tone detection processing steps: silence detection and removal, anomaly detection and removal and page/chapter identification.

Abstract: Method and system for enhancing the reliability of an available storage subsystem. Data storage units are equipped with a number of I/O controller-card adaptors that mate with complementary adaptors affixed to a number of redundant I/O controller cards. The data storage devices plug directly into I/O controller cards and receive all data, control signals, and power equally from the I/O controller cards, eliminating the need for a midplane circuit card.

Abstract: A light switch cover plate having mechanism for recording and playing back an audio sample through a speaker when the light switch is turned either on or off. Several messages can be recorded and they can be played back serially or randomly.

Abstract: A remote recording unit, which is worn by a child, monitors the ambient sounds in a day care center (for example) and records selected sound bytes that are played back on a docking unit. The time duration between sound bytes is periodic and re-programmable. The remote recording unit is "childproof" and tamper-evident to generate an internal "flag" which will be displayed on the docking unit, indicating that the remote recording unit was removed by an unauthorized person. The device is equally applicable to a patient, older person or pet left in the care of a third person or persons or placed in a facility or institution.

Abstract: A light switch cover plate having mechanism for recording and playing back an audio sample through a speaker when the light switch is turned either on or off. Several messages can be recorded and they can be played back serially or randomly.

Abstract: An automatic story-telling apparatus includes a storage media having temporally parallel data storage tracks containing story content. The story content is stored on each of the temporally parallel tracks in successive information segments. The information is stored on the tracks in a predetermined timed sequence for providing story content varying dependent upon the temporally parallel tracks that are automatically selected during playback. A controller reads random switching control code information from the media and randomly switches between the tracks of the storage media for enabling automatic random playback of the story content. The command codes may also include memory storage commands and memory switching commands so as to maintain continuity of story characters, plot-lines, etc., once they are randomly chosen.

Abstract: For saving memory space, the use of a sophisticated compressor is to be preferred to a simple reduction of the sampling frequency. However, for very high compression rates the total number of calculations is such that the compressor would no longer be capable of following the timing with which the samples arrive. Particularly in the case of a telephone/recorder where sound messages are received in separate call elements of limited duration, the invention consists of finally compressing once again samples that one has not been able to compress in real time at a sufficiently high compression rate.

Abstract: Time-based compressed data representing a program is supplied from a local conditional access circuit to two recording signal processing circuits which supply the data to be recorded simultaneously in time-compressed form by a digital VTR and an HDD (hard disc drive). The HDD need only store enough data to allow the digital VTR to record the entire program and to synchronize the output of the VTR with the output of the HDD. Once the program has been recorded on the VTR, it is reproduced therefrom concurrently with the portion of the program reproduced by the HDD and, once synchronization therebetween is reached, the VTR-reproduced data replaces the HDD-reproduced data. The reproduced data is supplied to an MPEG decoder circuit to be output as a reconstructed program for immediate display.

Abstract: An automatically actuated voice message delivery system is provided. At least one motion sensor (40) and one or more optional presence detectors (45) are strategically placed within an enclosed area so as to monitor delineated zones thereof for entering individuals. When an entering individual is detected by one of the sensors (40) or detectors (45), a pre-recorded voice message pertaining to the entered zone is automatically delivered to that individual. When the entering individual exits a given zone and subsequently enters a different zone, delivery of the pre-recorded voice message pertaining to that zone is triggered by the monitoring sensor (40) or detector (45) thereof. A plurality of logically related messages may thereby be progressively delivered as an individual makes his or her way through an enclosed area monitored by the subject automatic message delivery system.

Abstract: A listening and display unit for playing and promoting audio recordings, including a display surface for promotional and instructional messages, two or more audio jacks connected by an audio cable to one of several player units, a AC/DC power unit to power the player units, a DC power jack connected by a power cable to the power unit and connected by a wiring harness to the player units.

Abstract: A marker such as a grave stone or tombstone for visually identifying the resting place of the remains of a once living entity, with the marker preferably having a location for written information to be applied thereto for specifically identifying the remains. The marker includes an audio system which can audibly broadcast information relevant to or regarding the identified remains. The audible broadcast may be an epitaph, music, poems, favorite sayings, stories, voice messages to the world or loved ones, combinations thereof, and or anything which can be broadcast by an audio speaker in audible tones or voice(s). The audio system includes capabilities for electronically retrieving the information for audible broadcast from digital information stored within semiconductor electronics, and thereby electrical power consumption is kept low, as is the number of moving parts in the audio system. An electrical power supply, preferably including a photovoltaic panel, is used for electrically powering the audio system.

Abstract: An FM audio system has an FM tuner, a CD player, a stereo modulator for modulating an audio signal from the CD player to produce a composite signal so as to be received by the FM tuner, for reproducing the audio signal. A notification system has a controller and a muting circuit. The controller produces a control signal in response to the changing of function of the CD player. The muting circuit attenuates the audio signal from CD player in accordance with the control signal. Speech information is generated in response to the changing of the function of the CD player. The speech information is added to an attenuated audio signal and applied to the stereo modulator so as to reproduce the audio signal together with the speech information.

Abstract: A message door lock includes a trigger switch for trigging a playing operation of a recorder and player operatively recorded for leaving a message in the recorder formed on a door lock, an actuator of the trigger switch mounted on a thumbturn or doorlock spindle having an insulator flange normally interrupting the trigger switch from a circuit of the recorder and player and having a pair of notches diagonally recessed in the flange, whereby upon a rotation of the thumbturn inside a door or unlocking the doorlock outside the door, the flange of the actuator is rotated to match the notch in the flange with the trigger switch for resiliently contacting the trigger switch with the contact of the recorder and player circuit for playing the message already recorded in the recorder whenever rotating the thumbturn or unlocking the doorlock for a convenient and safe messaging purpose.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted apparatus is capable of recording customized voice road feature descriptions along with location information as the vehicle travels along the road. A vehicle location signal generating device is associated with the vehicle and is capable of producing a vehicle location signal in response to an audio input signal initiated by the device operator. When an audio input signal is entered, a processor generates a unique event sequence indicator for each audio input signal. Each event sequence indicator is unique to the particular audio input signal for which it is produced and indicates the order in which the respective audio input signal is produced in relation to any other audio input signals. An audio sequence generating device synthesizes an audio sequence signal for each event sequence indicator and this audio sequence signal is recorded in an audio recording device along with a custom feature description dictated by the device operator.

Abstract: A vending machine adapted to reproduce audio and video messages relating to the products being dispensed. The video portion of the message is produced by a video synthesizer which displays objects which are animated in response to the audio message. For example, a human-like face can be synthesised, the lips of which move in response to speech being replayed. The vending machine can also be a music juke-box.

Abstract: A low cost verbal annunciator which uses a plurality of inexpensive cassette tape players in a central monitoring and control panel is disclosed. Each tape player has an individualized endless cassette tape for playing particular messages over a public address system in response to the occurence of particular monitored conditions. One embodiment for use with a plurality of unique sensors for monitoring a wire manufacturing process is disclosed.

Abstract: A point-of-purchase advertising device generates a prerecorded audio message automatically whenever a person is nearby, and then resets itself automatically to prepare for the presence of another person. A motion detector generates a logic level signal whenever movement is sensed. This logic level signal causes a tape recorder to begin generating a prerecorded audio message. The audio output produced by the tape recorder is processed and converted to another logic level signal. This other logic level signal keeps the tape recorder on, and also disables the motion detector. The tape recorder turns off when the prerecorded message is over--since its processed audio output signal is all that keeps it on. The operation of the motion detector remains inhibited, however, until a preset period of time elapses after the prerecorded audio message is over.

Abstract: An image signal reproducing apparatus for reproducing image signals from a record bearing medium on which image signals consisting of a plurality of groups of image planes are recorded is arranged to reproduce the image signals recorded on the record bearing medium; to extract, from among the reproduced image signals, representing image signals corresponding to representing image planes; to form position information signals indicative of the recorded positions on the record bearing medium of the representing image signals; and to produce the representing image signal together with the position information signals which respectively correspond to the representing image signals. The arrangement of the apparatus disclosed enables the operator to readily know the contents of the image signals recorded on the record bearing medium.

Abstract: A vehicle safety and personal message system primarily designed to be incorporated into a vehicle to provide the driver with a pre-recorded speech message pertaining to either a vehicle safety alert or a personal message. The safety alerts include such events as: door ajar, burgler alarm ON or OFF, speed limit exceeded and a fire/police siren detector. The personalized messages includes reminders such as birth dates, anniversaries, meeting date/time and scheduled maintenance periods. All the messages can be recorded in any language and in any local or ethnic jargon and the personal messages may be programmed to occur at anytime within a one-year period. Although the system's primary usage is for vehicles, it can also be adapted for use on many other products that utilize short messages. These products include robotics, ATM machines, telephone answering machines, fire detection devices, toys and numerous other consumer oriented products.

Abstract: An information device is provided with a storage unit for storing information, with an input element comprising keys, with a memory including a plurality of memory locations, with a computer, and with a unit connected to the storage unit to display the information stored therein. Command sequences which can predetermined are stored in the memory locations in the form of status blocks, the computer having access to the command sequence in each status block. Memory locations in the respective status blocks are associated with the keys so that when one of the keys is actuated, the associated memory location in the status block actually called up by the computer is activated to release an address signal which is used by the computer to control release of information from the storage unit, which released information is displayed through the display unit. The information stored in the storage unit may be used for sales promotion, and may contain details about a product or the like.

Abstract: A plurality of kinds of guidance information are stored in advance in an automatic money receiving and paying apparatus, and the information, which is recorded on a recording medium, on the characteristics of a user is read, the necessary kinds of information being then selected from the above-mentioned plurality of kinds of guidance information on the basis of the information on the characteristics of the user so as to use the selected information for guiding the user. Therefore, the operational guidance for a user can be done suitably, and the time for operating an automatic money receiving and paying apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A door message apparatus has a control unit which responds to operation of a doorbell switch to connect a door speaker/microphone to an automatic telephone answering and recording machine. The control unit applies a ring signal to the answering machine so that the machine then plays back a prerecorded message which is broadcast to the door caller. After the playback, the door caller may talk into the door speaker/microphone to produce a message which is recorded by the answering machine.

Abstract: A programmed conversation recording system utilizes distinctive control signals to condition voice actuated circuitry to respond to silence intervals, pause intervals, and speech length intervals to select and start the appropriate prerecorded message for creating a facsimile of a live conversation with an unrehearsed and untrained respondent.

Abstract: A point of purchase advertising system is provided which senses the presence of a person in the vicinity of an advertising display and thereupon renders an appropriate advertisement such as a recorded verbal message or a visual or aural demonstration. In preferred forms, the overall apparatus includes an ultrasonic sensing circuit for detecting the approach of a potential customer, an advertisement giving device, typically an endless tape playback unit and a coupled speaker, and a controller for operation of the playback unit in response to detection of a customer. A voice operated relay circuit is advantageously coupled with the audio output of the playback unit and the playback controller, so that operation of the playback unit is maintained until the entire recorded advertisement has been given.

Abstract: A portable message device comprises a box-like housing, including a channel hook mounting bracket, for detachable mounting on the edge a closure of an automobile, or a building, and includes a cassette tape player mounted within the housing for playing a prerecorded message. In one embodiment, the tape player is mounted on one end of the bracket and the speaker for the player, and an activating switch is mounted on the other so that the player can be secured within an enclosure with the speaker and activating switch being externally accessible. The player is activated by a push button on the exterior of the speaker housing and includes control means that automatically stops the tape at the end of the message.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette includes a casing with a substantially straight side along which a peripheral wall has an opening for access to magnetic tape contained in the casing between its top and bottom walls which have edge portions projecting beyond the peripheral wall along the straight side, and a lid member having an elongated plate portion dimensioned to extend along the straight side of the casing and to fit closely between the projecting edge portions and ears projecting from opposite ends of the plate portion for disposition against respective end portions of the peripheral wall. Pivot pins are loosely received in respective, preferably triangular, apertures for connecting the ears of the lid member with the casing to permit pivoting of the lid member and its bodily displacement relative to the casing in directions at right angles to the pivoting axis.

Abstract: A talking book includes front and back panels. A microcassette tape player and logical circuitry with left and right infrared detectors are located at the top of the back panel. A ring binder is located at the left of the back panel adjacent the spline and below the left and right infrared detectors. A housing below the ring binder carries an infrared source that energizes the left and right infrared detectors. The housing also carries a headset jack. A conduit located beside the ring binder accommodates wires between the logical circuitry and the housing.

Abstract: A self service terminal for dispensing voice and video information, printed documents, and goods; and for accepting service orders and payments therefor by currency or credit card. The terminal comprises a cathode ray tube display with mass storage for presenting information about the product or service sold, a keyboard for entry of customer requests, a printer for delivering coupons and tickets, a vending machine for dispensing small items, a coinbox and credit card reader for accepting payments for goods and services, and a telephone interface for communicating with the staff of a command center. The operation of the terminal is controlled by a microprocessor linked to an automated reservation system. The preferred embodiment of the invention is dedicated to the promotion and sale of travel services. The terminal is operated from three memory devices. A non-volatile memory is used to store the operating program for the terminal.

Abstract: An electronic reminder system is described for recording a plurality of different spoken messages on a record medium, which messages are to be played-back at a specific point-of-time for each message. The system comprises a microphone for recording the spoken messages, a keyboard for inputting data representing the specified point-of-time at which the respective spoken message is to be play-back, a real-time clock for measuring time in a real-time manner and for producing an output corresponding to such real-time measurement, control means controlled by the clock for signaling automatically the arrival of each specified point-of-time at which a recorded spoken message is to be played back, and a speaker for effecting the play-back of the spoken message.