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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. An audio output device, comprising:
selecting means for selecting among a group of audio functions including
user requested time of day;
synthesizing means for producing audio data corresponding to the audio
function selected;
sound volume means for producing a predetermined sound volume control
signal corresponding to the audio function selected; and
audio output means for producing an audio output at a predetermined level
of sound volume based on the audio data and sound volume control signal.
2. The audio output device of claim 1;, wherein said selecting means
includes logic means for selecting among the group of audio functions
based on a predetermined order of priority.
3. The audio output device of claim 1, wherein the synthesizing means
includes audio data storage means for storing predetermined patterns of
audio data for the audio functions.
4. The audio output device of claim 2, wherein the synthesizing means
includes audio data storage means for storing predetermined patterns of
audio data for the audio functions.
5. The audio output device of claim 1, wherein the sound volume means
includes memory means for storing a plurality of predetermined settings,
one of said predetermined settings corresponding to the sound volume level
of the audio output.
6. The audio output device of claim 5, wherein the memory means includes a
plurality of counters for storing the predetermined settings, each counter
corresponding to one of the group of audio functions.
7. The audio output device of claim 6, wherein the sound volume means
further includes setting means for permitting one of said counters to be
incremented in its predetermined setting and inhibiting the remaining
counters from being incremented in their predetermined settings.
8. The audio output device of claim 7, wherein the setting means further
includes functional selecting means for determining which one of said
plurality of counters can be incremented.
9. The audio output device of claim 5, wherein the sound volume means
includes control means for producing the predetermined control signal
based on one of said predetermined settings.
10. The audio output device of claim 7, wherein the sound volume means
includes control means for producing the predetermined control signal
based on one of said predetermined settings.
11. The audio output device of claim 9, wherein the selecting means
produces an instructing signal representing the audio function selected
and the memory means includes logic means for controlling which of the
predetermined settings is supplied to the control means based on the
instructing signal.
12. The audio output device of claim 10, wherein the selecting means
produces an instructing signal representing the audio function selected
and the memory means includes logic means for controlling which of the
predetermined settings is supplied to the control means based on the
instructing signal.
13. The audio output apparatus of claim 5, wherein the setting means
further includes clock generating means for generating clock signals
wherein the predetermined settings of said memory means are based on the
number of clock signals generated.
14. The audio output apparatus of claim 9, wherein the setting means
further includes clock generating means for generating clock signals
wherein the predetermined settings of said memory means are based on said
clock signals.
15. The audio output apparatus of claim 10, wherein the setting means
further includes clock generating means for generating clock signals
wherein the predetermined settings of said memory means are based on said
clock signals.
16. The audio output apparatus of claim 5, wherein the audio output means
includes additional sound volume means, speaker driving means and speaker
means, said speaker driving means providing current to drive said speaker
means for generating the audio output and wherein the additional sound
volume means is operable for adjusting the current flowing to said speaker
means in response to the sound volume control signal.
17. The audio output apparatus of claim 16, wherein the speaker driving
means and speaker means are connected to each other through a plurality of
resistors connected electrically in series and wherein the additional
sound volume means is connected electrically in parallel with the
plurality of resistors.
18. The audio output apparatus of claim 17, wherein the speaker driving
means includes an operational amplifier and wherein the additional sound
volume means serves as a feedback loop for the operational amplifier.
19. The audio output apparatus of claim 8, wherein the audio output means
includes additional sound volume means, speaker driving means and speaker
means, said speaker driving means providing current to drive said speaker
means for generating the audio output and wherein the additional sound
volume means is operable for adjusting the current flowing to said speaker
means in response to the sound volume control signal.
20. The audio output apparatus of claim 19, wherein the speaker driving
means and speaker means are connected to each other through a plurality of
resistors connected electrically in series and wherein the additional
sound volume means is connected electrically in parallel with the
plurality of resistors.
21. The audio output apparatus of claim 20, wherein the speaker driving
means includes an operational amplifier and wherein the additional sound
volume means serves as a feedback loop for the operation amplifier.
22. The audio output apparatus of claim 11, wherein the audio output means
includes additional sound volume means, speaker driving means and speaker
means, said speaker driving means providing current to drive said speaker
means for generating the audio output and wherein the additional sound
volume means is operable for adjusting the current flowing to said speaker
means in response to the sound volume control signal.
23. The audio output apparatus of claim 22, wherein the speaker driving
means and speaker means are connected to each other through a plurality of
resistors connected electrically in series and wherein the additional
sound volume means is connected electrically in parallel with the
plurality of resistors.
24. The audio output apparatus of claim 23, wherein the speaker driving
means includes an operational amplifier and wherein the additional sound
volume means serves as a feedback loop for the operational amplifier.
25. The audio output apparatus of claim 1, wherein the synthesizing means
includes digital to analog converter means for converting the audio data
from a digital to analog signal and shift register means for shifting the
audio data in its digital form by at least one superordination bit.
26. The audio output apparatus of claim 5, wherein the synthesizing means
includes digital to analog converter means for converting the audio data
from a digital to analog signal and shift register means for shifting the
audio data in its digital form by at least one superordination bit.
27. The audio output apparatus of claim 8, wherein the synthesizing means
includes digital to analog converter means for converting the audio data
from a digital to analog signal and shift register means for shifting the
audio data in its digital form by at least one superordination bit.
28. The audio output apparatus of claim 11, wherein the synthesizing means
includes digital to analog converter means for converting the audio data
from a digital to analog signal and shift register means for shifting the
audio data in its digital form by at least one superordination bit.
29. The audio output device of claim 4, wherein the sound volume means
includes memory means for storing a plurality of predetermined settings,
one of said predetermined settings corresponding to the sound volume level
of the audio output.
30. The audio output device of claim 29, wherein the memory means includes
a plurality of counters for storing the predetermined settings, each
counter corresponding to one of the group of audio functions.
31. The audio output device of claim 30, wherein the sound volume means
further includes setting means for permitting one of said counters to be
incremented in its predetermined setting and inhibiting the remaining
counters from being incremented in their predetermined settings.
32. The audio output device of claim 31, wherein the setting means further
includes functional selecting means for determining which one of said
plurality of counters can be incremented.
33. The audio output device of claim 29, wherein the sound volume means
includes control means for producing the predetermined control signal
based on one of said predetermined settings.
34. The audio output device of claim 31, wherein the sound volume means
includes control means for producing the predetermined signal based on one
of said predetermined settings.
35. The audio output device of claim 33, wherein the selecting means
produces an instructing signal representing the audio function selected
and the memory means includes logic means for controlling which of the
predetermined settings is supplied to the control means based on the
instructing signal.
36. The audio output device of claim 34, wherein the selecting means
produces an instructing signal representing the audio function selected
and the memory means includes logic means for controlling which of the
predetermined settings is supplied to the control means based on the
instructing signal.
37. The audio output apparatus of claim 29, wherein the setting means
further includes clock generating means for generating clock signals
wherein the predetermined settings of said memory means are based on the
number of clock signals generated.
38. The audio output apparatus of claim 34, wherein the setting means
further includes clock generating means for generating clock signals
wherein the predetermined settings of said memory means are based on said
clock signals.
39. The audio output apparatus of claim 34, wherein the setting means
further includes clock generating means for generating clock signals
wherein the predetermined settings of said memory means are based on said
clock signals.
40. The audio output apparatus of claim 32, wherein the audio output means
includes additional sound volume means, speaker driving means and speaker
means, said speaker driving means providing current to drive said speaker
means for generating the audio output and wherein the additional sound
volume means is operable for adjusting the current flowing to said speaker
means in response to the sound volume control signal.
41. The audio output apparatus of claim 40, wherein the speaker driving
means and speaker means are connected to each other through a plurality of
resistors connected electrically in series and wherein the additional
sound volume means is connected electrically in parallel with the
plurality of resistors.
42. The audio output apparatus of claim 41, wherein the speaker driving
means includes an operational amplifier and wherein the additional sound
volume means serves as a feedback loop for the operational amplifier.
43. The audio output apparatus of claim 36, wherein the audio output means
includes additional sound volume means, speaker driving means and speaker
means, said speaker driving means providing current to drive said speaker
means for generating the audio output and wherein the additional sound
volume means is operable for adjusting the current flowing to said speaker
means in response to the sound volume control signal.
44. The audio output apparatus of claim 43, wherein the speaker driving
means and speaker means are connected to each other through a plurality of
resistors connected electrically in series and wherein the additional
sound volume means is connected electrically in parallel with the
plurality of resistors.
45. The audio output apparatus of claim 44, wherein the speaker driving
means includes an operational amplifier and wherein the additional sound
volume means serves as a feedback loop for the operational amplifier.
46. The audio output apparatus of claim 5, wherein the synthesizing means
includes digital to analog converter means for converting the audio data
from a digital to analog signal and shift register means for shifting the
audio data in its digital form by at least one superordination bit.
47. The audio output apparatus of claim 32, wherein the synthesizing means
includes digital to analog converter means for converting the audio data
from a digital to analog signal and shift register means for shifting the
audio data in its digital form by at least one superordination bit.
48. The audio output apparatus of claim 35, wherein the synthesizing means
includes digital to analog converter means for converting the audio data
from a digital to analog signal and shift register means for shifting the
audio data in its digital form by at least one superordination bit.
49. The audio output device of claim 1, wherein the sound volume means
includes means for adjusting the sound volume control signal whereby the
predetermined level of sound volume of the audio output is correspondingly
adjusted.
50. The audio output device of claim 5, wherein the sound volume means
includes means for adjusting the sound volume control signal whereby the
predetermined level of sound volume of the audio output is correspondingly
adjusted.
51. The audio output device of claim 8, wherein the sound volume means
includes means for adjusting the sound volume control signal whereby the
predetermined level of sound volume of the audio output is correspondingly
adjusted.
52. The audio output device of claim 11, wherein the sound volume means
includes means for adjusting the sound volume control signal whereby the
predetermined level of sound volume of the audio output is correspondingly
adjusted
53. An audio output device, comprising:
selecting means for selecting one of at least two audio announcing
functions and producing a first signal and a second signal based on the
selected functions, said two audio functions selected from the group of
functions consisting of a user request time of day function, an alarm
announcing function, a stopwatch audio announcing function, a timer audio
announcing function and an automatic speaking announcing function;
synthesizing means for producing an audio output signal based on the first
signal and corresponding to the selected function;
sound volume storage means for storing sound volume data associated with
each of the functions;
sound volume control means for adjusting the sound volume data from the
sound volume storage means in response to the second signal whereby the
adjusted sound volume data corresponds to the selected function and
producing sound volume setting signals; and
audio output means for producing an audio output based on the audio output
signal and the sound volume setting signals whereby the audio output is at
a predetermined sound volume.
54. The audio output device of claim 53, wherein the sound volume means
includes means for adjusting the sound volume setting signals whereby the
predetermined level of sound volume of the audio output is correspondingly
adjusted.
55. The audio output device of claim 52, wherein said at least two audio
announcing functions includes a user requested time of day function.
56. The audio output apparatus of claim 52, wherein the audio output means
includes additional sound volume control means, driver means and speaker
means, the driving means providing current to the speaker means to drive
the speaker means for generating the audio output and wherein the
additional sound volume means is operable for adjusting the current
flowing to the speaker means in response to the sound volume setting
signals.
57. The audio output device of claim 52, wherein the synthesizing means
includes shift register means operable for shifting the audio output
signal prior to being produced by the synthesizing means by at least one
superordination bit in response to the sound volume setting signals.
58. The audio output device of claim 52, wherein the sound volume data
associated with at least two functions correspond to different levels of
sound volume.
59. The audio output device of claim 53, wherein the audio output means
includes additional sound volume control means, driver means and speaker
means, the driving means providing current to the speaker means to drive
the speaker means for generating the audio output and wherein the
additional sound volume means is operable for adjusting the current
flowing to the speaker means in response to the sound volume setting
signals.
60. The audio output device of claim 53, wherein the synthesizing means
includes shift register means operable for shifting the audio output
signal prior to being produced by the synthesizing means by at least one
superordination bit in response to the sound volume setting signals.
61. The audio output device of claim 53, wherein the sound volume data
associated with at least two functions correspond to different levels of
sound volume.
62. An audio output device, comprising:
selecting means for selecting among a group of audio functions including
user requested time of day, for producing an instructing signal and
including logic means for selecting among the group of audio functions
based on a predetermined order of priority;
synthesizing means for producing audio data corresponding to the audio
function selected and including audio data storage means for storing a
predetermined pattern of audio data for each of the audio functions;
sound volume means for producing a predetermined sound volume control
signal corresponding to the audio function selected and including a
plurality of counters for storing a plurality of predetermined settings,
each counter corresponding to one of the group of audio functions: setting
means for permitting one of said counters to be incremented in its
predetermined setting, for inhibiting the remaining counters from being
incremented in their predetermined settings and including functional
selecting means for determining which one of said plurality of counters
can be incremented; and clock generating means for producing clock signals
wherein the predetermined settings of the counters are based on the clock
signals; and
audio output means for producing an audio output at a predetermined level
of sound volume based on the audio data and sound volume control signal
and including additional sound volume means, speaker driving means and
speaker means, the speaker driving means operable for providing current to
drive the speaker means for generating the audio output and the additional
sound volume means operable for adjusting the current flowing to the
speaker means in response to the control signal.
63. A method for generating an audio output at a predetermined level of
sound volume, comprising:
selecting among a group of audio functions which includes user requested
time of day;
storing audio data corresponding to the group of audio functions;
selecting the stored audio data corresponding to the selected audio output
function;
storing a plurality of predetermined sound volume settings, each sound
volume setting associated with one of the group of audio functions;
selecting one of the sound volume settings based on the selected audio
function; and
producing an audio output based on the selected audio data and selected
sound volume setting. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a system for controlling the sound
volume of an audio output device, and more particularly to a system for
controlling the sound volume of an audio output device such as a timepiece
based the audio function selected.
Audio output such as music, human voice, or the like can be
permanently/fixedly or temporarily/variably stored in a magnetic or
semi-conductor storage device of a timepiece. Conventional timepieces
control the sound volume without regard to (i.e. independently of) the
audio function selected. Audio functions include, but are not limited to,
alarm, time of day, stop watch, and timer functions. Typically, the sound
volume associated with these different audio functions is generated based
on treating the audio functions as a single group regardless of the kind
of timepiece used.
A timepiece such as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open Application No.
57-175282 announces the beginning of each hour (e.g. 1:00, 2:00, etc.).
Based on surrounding conditions and, in particular, based on brightness of
the ambient light, the apparatus automatically varies the sound volume of
the hourly message and alarm.
Another type of timepiece such as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open
Applicant No. 57-59192 includes a sleep mode during which time the sound
volume is adjusted so that any periodic time of day announcements do not
awake anyone who is near the timepiece. Thus, the sound volume is
automatically reduced from the start of the "sleep" mode operation to
either the start of alarm release operation or the release of "sleep" mode
operation.
The foregoing conventional timepieces suffer from several drawbacks. Under
the alarm mode the volume should be significantly louder than the volume
for announcing the time of day when requested by an individual since a
user in setting an alarm is not concerned with the present time of day but
rather in being awakened or otherwise being made aware that a particular
point in time has been reached. None of the conventional timepieces are
designed to automatically generate sound volumes suitable for the typical
ambient noise levels associated with each of the audio functions selected.
When requesting the time of day, a user often is surrounded by relative
silence and does not require or desire the announcement to be made at the
high level of sound volume used for an alarm condition.
Conventional timepieces which announce the time of day at high levels of
sound volume during an alarm mode do not allow the sound volume to be
automatically varied between the alarm condition and a request for time of
day (hereinafter referred to as "switch announcing"). In other words, the
audio output is generated at the same sound volume regardless of the audio
function selected. The timepiece when used for awakening an individual
must be set at a high level of sound volume associated with the alarm
condition to ensure that the user is awakened by the alarm. Once the user
is awakened, however, the sound volume may need to be lowered if, for
example, the switch audio announcing function is desired and the
individual is surrounded by a low level of ambient noise (e.g. silence).
Conventional timepieces therefore require adjustment by the user depending
on the audio function selected to ensure that a suitable audio output is
provided.
A user momentarily awakened during the middle of the night who wishes to
determine the present time should be able to press a switch on the
timepiece (i.e. switch announcing or user requested time of day), keeping
his or her eyes closed, while listening to the time being announced. If
the timepiece already has been set in an alarm mode, that is, at a high
level of sound volume, the sound volume when announcing the present time
will be at a totally unsuitable sound level which may awaken another
individual proximate to the timepiece. The undesirable high level of sound
volume also creates a degree of discomfort to the user although not at the
same level of discomfort as would be created if the user had to open his
or her eyes in determining the time of day.
Japanese Patent Laid Open Application Nos. 57-175282 and 57-591892 are
designed to minimize the inconvenience and reduce the discomfort to a user
who awakens in the middle of the night and wishes to determine the time of
day. The timepiece disclosed in Application No. 57-175282 automatically
reduces the volume at which it announces the time every hour on the hour
when the ambient light level surrounding the timepiece is at a low level
(i.e. dark). The timepiece disclosed in Application No. 57-59192 includes
a "sleep" mode which when activated reduces the volume at which it
announces the time every hour on the hour until the alarm goes off or the
"sleep" mode ends. Neither of these Japanese Applications, however, allow
a user the option to determine the time of day other than every hour on
the hour.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a timepiece which allows a user to
select from among a plurality of audio functions, each function being
associated with a particular and suitable sound volume level.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention an audio output device
includes a selector for selecting among a group of audio functions which
includes user requested time of day, a synthesizer for producing audio
data corresponding to the audio function selected, sound volume circuitry
for producing a predetermined sound volume control signal corresponding to
the audio function selected and audio output circuitry for producing an
audio output based on the audio data and sound volume control signal.
The group of audio functions includes a time of day announced periodically
(hereinafter referred to as "automatic speaking"), a time of day announced
by user request (i.e. switch announcing), a stopwatch announcement, a
timer announcement and a time of day announced as an alarm (hereinafter
referred to as "alarm time"). The audio data for each of the audio
functions is stored in storage circuitry which is supplied to the
synthesizer based on the audio function chosen by the selector. The sound
volume circuitry also includes a memory device for storing an appropriate
sound volume setting for each of the audio output functions and control
circuitry for producing the sound volume control signal based on the sound
value setting corresponding to the selected audio function.
The audio output circuitry includes speaker driving circuitry to drive the
speaker and additional control circuitry for controlling the current flow
to the speaker based on the sound volume control signal produced by the
sound volume circuitry.
Since the sound volume of each audio function is automatically preset at a
level appropriate for the audio function selected, the undesirable high
level of sound volume associated with alarm time is not imposed upon
switch announcing. More particularly, the sound volume control signal
associated with each audio function is automatically preset at a suitable
level thereby avoiding announcements at the same sound volume as provided
by conventional timepieces.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention a relatively high level of
sound volume is automatically preset for announcing the time in connection
with the audio functions of stopwatch, timer and automatic speaking.
Therefore, an individual preoccupied with work, running or the like who is
too absorbed to pay attention to or who is not near the timepiece will
nevertheless be made aware of the announced audio function.
Further, by automatically presetting the sound volume level based on the
audio function selected, a user who might otherwise tend to forget to
change the sound volume from a low level to a high level will not miss an
announcement as compared to conventional timepieces.
The invention also provides a user the freedom to vary the preset level of
sound volume as desired. Therefore, the user is not bound by sound volume
levels which are incompatible with the user's needs.
The invention also provides different weights of importance with each audio
function. More particularly, the audio output associated with one function
is generally of less importance to a user than the audio output associated
with another function. Therefore, if two or more audio functions are ready
to be announced at the same time, the selector will choose the more
important function to announce first. For example, a timepiece places a
higher level of priority to a stopwatch announcement than to automatic
speaking. Consequently when both of these audio functions are ready to be
announced at the same time, the stopwatch announcement is provided first.
Therefore, a user will not erroneously mistake a time of day for the
elapsed time of the stopwatch.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved audio
output device which provides a plurality of audio functions each of which
is associated with a level of sound volume suitable for its intended use.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved audio output
device which includes a switch announcing function whose sound volume
level is suitable for its intended use.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved audio output
device in which the sound volume level associated with each audio function
is automatically preset at a suitable level for its intended use.
It is still another object of the invention to provide an improved audio
output device in which a plurality of audio functions have been
prioritized in importance to avoid erroneously mistaking one function for
another.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious
and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and a relation of one
or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the
apparatus embodying features of construction, a combination of elements
and arrangements of parts which are adapted to effect such steps, all is
exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the
invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the
following description taken in connection with the accompanied drawings,
in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an audio output device in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a block and circuit diagram of certain portions of the device;
FIG. 3 is a block and circuit diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a
sound volume controlling circuit;
FIG. 4 is a block and circuit diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a
sound volume controlling circuit;
FIGS. 5(a), (b), (c) illustrate different sound volume waveforms produced
by the device;
FIG. 6 is a block and circuit diagram of certain portions of the device in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 7 is a block and circuit diagram of the certain portions of the device
in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For exemplary purposes only, as shown in FIG. 1 an audio output device 10
will hereinafter be described in connection with a timepiece.
Device 10 has five audio functions including alarm time switch announcing,
stopwatch announcing, timer announcing and automatic speaking. The alarm
time function, which is different from a normal alarm, generates an audio
output at a high level of sound volume announcing the present time of day.
The switch announcing function announces the present time by use of
trigger as a switch input. The stopwatch function announces the elapsed
time based on the value of a counter serving as a stop watch. The timer
function announces the time based on the value of another counter serving
as a timer. The automatic speaking function announces the present time
each minute or every hour on the hour. The five functions are prioritized
with the highest priority given to alarm time followed in descending order
by the timer, stopwatch, switch announcing and the automatic speaking
functions.
As shown in FIG. 1, a source frequency signal generated by an oscillating
circuit 100 is supplied to a dividing circuit 101 which generates a
reference clock signal supplied to a stopwatch counter 114, a timer
counter 116 and a time keeping circuit 102. Time keeping circuit 102
maintains the present time by counting the number of pulses within the
reference signal provided by dividing circuit 101.
The alarm time is set by an external switch (not shown) or the like and
stored in an alarm time storage circuit 105. An alarm coincident detecting
circuit 103 continuously or periodically compares the contents of time
keeping circuit 102 (i.e., the present time) with the contents of alarm
time storage circuit 105 (i.e., the alarm time). When the contents of
circuits 102 and 105 are the same, alarm coincident signals are outputted
from alarm coincident detecting circuit 103 and supplied to an alarm audio
announcing controlling circuit 104.
When a user wishes to have device 10 announce the present time of day a
time announcing switch 112 is pressed, activating a switch announcing
controlling circuit 113. Switch announcing circuit 113 produces switch
audio announcing output signals to audio output selecting circuit 120.
Upon receiving the switch audio announcing output signals and assuming no
signals associated with higher prioritized audio functions are received by
circuit 120 at the same time, audio output selecting circuit 120 generates
a pair of signals O and K representing the switch audio announcing
function. Signal O is supplied to an audio output controlling circuit 121
which also receives the outputs from time keeping circuit 102. The outputs
of stopwatch counter 114 and timer counter 116 are also connected to
circuit 121. The signals supplied from time keeping circuit 102 are
processed by audio output controlling circuit 121 to determine the present
time. The output from audio output controlling circuit 121 (representative
of current time) is supplied to an audio synthesizing circuit 124 which
reads out the predetermined pattern of audio data corresponding to current
time as stored in an audio data storage circuit 125. The selected
digitized synthesized audio data is then converted by a digital to analog
converter included within audio synthesizing circuit 124 to produce audio
data signals D which are supplied to an audio output circuit 126. Included
within audio output circuit 126 are a speaker driving circuit 127, another
sound volume controlling circuit 128 and a speaker 129.
Signal K is produced simultaneously with output signal O by audio output
selecting circuit 120 and supplied to a sound volume selecting storage
circuit 122. Sound volume controlling circuit 123 receives an output
signal from sound volume selecting storage circuit 122 based on signal K
which corresponds to the audio function selected (e.g., switch
announcing). The sound volume selecting storage circuit 122 stores a
plurality of different sound volumes corresponding to the plurality of
audio functions in for instance a random access memory (RAM). Sound volume
selecting storage circuit 122 also includes switching which allows a user
to vary the preset level of sound volume for each audio function at a
level other than the level stored in the RAM. A more detailed explanation
concerning sound volume selecting storage circuit 122 and/or sound volume
controlling circuits 123 or 128 is described below in connection with
FIGS. 2, 6 and 7.
Sound volume controlling circuit 123 produces a sound volume setting signal
C which is supplied to sound volume controlling circuit 128. Speaker
driver circuit 127 supplies a driving signal to sound volume controlling
circuit 128 based on audio data signal D. Sound volume control circuit 128
adjusts the driving signal supplied by speaker driving circuit 127 based
on sound volume setting (i.e. control) signal C. An audio output signal
supplied to speaker 129 by speaker driving circuit 128 and adjusted by
sound volume control circuit 128 represents the selected audio output
function at a suitable level of sound volume.
The audio output signals corresponding to the alarm time function are
produced by device 10 in a manner similar to the production of the audio
output signals corresponding to the switch announcing function. More
particularly, alarm audio announcing controlling circuit 104 upon
receiving alarm coincident signals from alarm coincident detecting circuit
103 supplies an output signal to audio output selecting circuit 120. Audio
output selecting circuit 120 upon receiving the output signal from alarm
audio announcing controlling circuit 104 produces signals 0 and K
corresponding to the alarm time function. The audio data provided to audio
synthesizing circuit 124 from audio data storage circuit 125 represents a
predetermined pattern of alarm data. The audio data from audio data
storage circuit 125 is supplied to audio synthesizing circuit 124 based on
the signals supplied to audio synthesizing circuit 124 from audio output
controlling circuit 121. Audio output selecting circuit 120 produces
signals O and K if device 10 is not currently producing audio output
signals corresponding to some other audio output function (i.e., no
requirement to produce audio output signals precedent to the signals from
circuit 104 has been received by audio output selecting circuit 120 or the
signals from circuit 104 are the first signals received by audio output
selecting circuit 120).
Signal K which now represents the alarm time function is supplied to sound
volume selecting storage circuit 122 from audio output selecting circuit
120. Sound volume selecting storage circuit 122 provides suitable sound
volume data for an alarm condition to sound volume controlling circuit
123. Control signal C produced by sound volume controlling circuit 123,
which now represents the sound volume level suitable for an alarm
condition rather than for a time announcing function, is supplied to sound
volume controlling circuit 128. Analog audio data signal D produced by
audio synthesizing circuit 124 is supplied to speaker driving circuit 127
and represents the audio data for an alarm condition. If desired the sound
volumes for both the alarm condition and switch announcing function can be
adjusted to the same level by user.
The stopwatch and timer functions of device 10 are begun by turning on
switches 106 and 108, respectively. Alternatively, the stop watch and
timer functions are initiated once predetermined values are reached by
stopwatch counter 114 and 116, respectively.
Stopwatch controlling circuit 107 and timer controlling circuit 109 control
the start, end and time setting of the stop watch and timer functions and,
in turn, are controlled by switches 106 and 108, respectively. Stopwatch
counter 114 and timer counter 116 maintain a running count of the clock
frequency produced by dividing circuit 101. When stopwatch counter 114 or
timer counter 116 reaches a predetermined count value, an output signal is
sent from stopwatch counter 114 or timer counter 116 to stopwatch
announcing controlling circuit 115 or timer announcing controlling circuit
117, respectively. Output signals produced by stopwatch announcing
controlling circuit 115 or timer announcing circuit 117 are supplied to
audio output selecting circuit 120. Signals O and K corresponding to the
selected audio function are then produced by audio output selecting
circuit 120. The audio data pattern corresponding to the stopwatch
function or the timer function is then supplied to audio synthesizing
circuit 124 based on whether audio output selecting circuit 120 has
selected the stopwatch or timer function. Similarly, control signal C
corresponding to whether the stopwatch or timer functions has been
selected as represented by signal K are produced by sound volume
controlling circuit 123.
The automatic speaking function announces the present time of day
periodically, for example, each minute and/or each hour. Preferably, the
automatic speaking function announces the present time each minute. The
automatic speaking function is activated by turning on switch 110. Time
keeping circuit 102 provides an output signal to automatic speaking
announcing controlling circuit 119 which passes the present time keeping
information to an automatic speaking counter 118. When automatic speaking
counter 118 reaches a predetermined count value, automatic speaking
announcing controlling circuit 119 produces an output signal which is
supplied to audio output selecting circuit 120. Audio output selecting
circuit 120, audio output controlling circuit 121, sound volume selecting
storage circuit 122, sound volume controlling circuit 123, audio
synthesizing circuit 124, audio data storage circuit 125 and audio output
circuit 126 operate in a manner similar to the operation of the switch
audio function once the output signal from circuit 119 is received by
audio output selecting circuit 120. The only difference in operation is
that the sound volume and audio data is now based on the automatic
speaking function rather than the switch announcing function.
By changing the predetermined count value of automatic speaking counter
118, the automatic speaking function can be changed from announcing the
present time each minute to each hour or at some other suitable
predetermined time interval.
FIG. 2 illustrates the method for controlling the sound volume level for
each audio function. A sound volume data memory group 210 performs the
same function as sound volume selecting storage circuit 122 of FIG. 1.
Audio output selecting circuit 120 includes four AND gates 350, 351, 352,
and 353 which are operable for receiving at least two of the output
signals produced by circuits 104, 113, 115, 117 and 119 and a line 354
connected directly to circuit 104. AND gates 350, 351, 352 and 353 and
line 354 prioritize these output signals so that audio output selecting
circuit 120 chooses the most important of the available output signals
based on a predetermined order. The order of priority of audio functions
chosen by audio output selecting circuit 120 in descending order is alarm
time, timer, stopwatch, switch audio and automatic speaking
A sound volume setting circuit 200 includes a switch 201 which controls the
number and timing of clock signals supplied to a counter 203 of circuit
200. A pair of OR gates 355 and 366 are used for resetting counter 203.
Counter 203 includes three outputs Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2 and Q.sub.3. Two
inverting inputs of OR gate 356 are connected to outputs Q.sub.1 and
Q.sub.2 of counter 203. A third noninverting input of OR gate 356 is
connected to output Q.sub.2 of counter 203. When outputs Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2
and Q.sub.3 have logic levels of 1, 0, 1, respectively, counter 203 is
reset. Counter 203 also can be reset by a reset signal supplied by an
external reset line 390.
A functional selecting circuit 204 includes a plurality of NOR gates 360,
361, 362, 363 and 364, the inputs of which are connected to the outputs of
counter 203. Counter 203 has five functions and is commonly referred to as
a quinary counter. Each of the five outputs of functional selecting
circuit 204 is connected to one of the inputs of one of AND gates 367-371.
Based on the value of this quinary counter, functional selecting circuit
204 permits one and inhibits the other four of five AND gates 367, 368,
369, 370 and 371 to be turned on. The other input of each of these AND
gates 367-371 is connected to a dc voltage source (not shown) through a
resistor R.sub.10. A switch 202 serves to vary the logic level applied to
AND gates 367-371. Depending on the number of times that switch 202 is
closed and opened and depending upon which of the AND gates 367-371 is
provided with a high logic level from functional selecting circuit 204,
one or more clock signals are supplied to and thereby increments one of
five binary counters 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 of sound volume setting
data memory group 210. Specifically, the output of each of AND gates
367-371 is respectively coupled to the clock input of the corresponding
counter 205-209.
Each of the five counters 205-209 can be reset through external line 390.
Connected to a pair of outputs Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.2 of counters 205, 206,
207, 208 and 209 are pairs of AND gates 375 and 376, 377 and 378, 379 and
380, 381 and 382, and 383 and 384, respectively. Based on which of the
pairs of AND gates 375-384 receives a high logic level signal (i.e.
instructing signal) from audio output selecting circuit 120, the count
value from one of the five counters 205-209 will pass through one of these
pairs of AND gates to a pair of inputs of a pair of OR gates 385 and 386.
OR gates 385 and 386 include a pair of outputs Q'.sub.1 and Q'.sub.2,
respectively which are connected to sound volume controlling circuit 123.
Sound volume controlling circuit 123 includes one OR gate 387 and one AND
gate 388 each having a pair of inputs connected to gates 387 and 388 of
memory group 210. Circuit 123 also includes outputs C.sub.1, C.sub.2 and
C.sub.3 which produce control signal C. Outputs C.sub.1 and C.sub.3 are
the outputs of gates 388 and 387, respectively. Output C.sub.2 is
connected directly to output Q'.sub.2 of OR gate 385.
Counters 205-209 store four different values/states and are used for
setting the sound volumes of the switch announcing, automatic speaking,
alarm time, timer and stopwatch functions, respectively. With outputs
Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2 and Q.sub.3 of counter 203 all at a low logic level,
outputs Q'.sub.1 and Q'.sub.2 reflect the count value of counter 205. More
particularly, OR gate 360 of functional selecting circuit 204 provides a
high logic level only to AND gate 367 Outputs Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2 of counter
205 can assume a pattern of low, low; high, low; low, high; and high, high
logic levels based on switch 202 initially being closed and thereafter
being opened one, two and three | | |
