Handheld record and playback device with flash memory

We claim:

1. A record/playback device for use with a removable, interchangeable, flash memory recording medium which enables extended recording comparable with tape cassette dictating equipment, said device comprising:

a housing;

a microphone element coupled to the housing and configured to receive and process sound into electrical signals;

control circuitry coupled to the microphone element and including signal input circuitry, amplification circuitry, analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, memory control circuitry, signal output circuitry and control logic circuitry for performing record and playback functional operations with respect to the electrical signals and other regulated components of the record/playback device;

said switch means coupled to the control circuitry for selecting the desired functional operations to be performed;

a receiving socket electrically coupled to the memory control circuitry and configured for electrical coupling with a flash memory module which operates as sole memory of the received processed sound electrical signals and is capable of retaining recorded digital information for storage in nonvolatile form;

a speaker coupled to the control circuitry for playback of recorded digital information; and

a power source coupled to the control circuitry for supplying electrical power to the device.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, comprises a flash memory module inserted within the receiving socket and which has the capacity to store digital information without need for ongoing power support.

3. A device as defined in claim 2, wherein the flash memory module includes write protect circuitry operable independent of the record/playback device.

4. A device as defined in claim 3, wherein the write protect circuitry includes power down circuitry which reduces the voltage of signal being sent to the flash memory module to a level below a required threshold voltage level required to modify memory within the flash memory module.

5. A device as defined in claim 4, wherein the threshold voltage level for the flash memory module is approximately 12 volts, said control circuitry including a DC to DC converter for increasing voltage supplied by the battery source to the 12 volts, said power down circuitry of the write protect circuitry comprising means for disabling the DC to DC converter which supplies the required 12 volts.

6. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a hand held, dictation recording device, configured operation with one-hand control means for performing operational functions including play, record, stop, and rewind.

7. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the switch means comprises a manually operable rocker pad mounted upon the housing such that the rocker pad is pivotable on respective right-angle directions responsive to manipulation of the user's thumb.

8. A device as defined in claim 7, further comprising a record control button isolated from the rocker pad to prevent inadvertent over-write when performing other operational functions.

9. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the receiving socket of the device is configured to be Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) compatible and sized to receive the flash memory module.

10. A device as defined in claim 1, said device further comprising compression circuitry coupled to the memory circuitry for compressing digital signal for storage in the flash memory module.

11. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein the control circuitry includes a Digital Support Processor (DSP) and Coder/Decoder (CODEC) which cooperate to compress data at a ratio of at least 16:1 for storage.

12. A device as defined in claim 1, which further includes a single input jack for alternately receiving both an external Alternating Current/Direct Current (AC/DC) power plug and an earphone plug, thereby eliminating need for separate input plugs.

13. A device as defined in claim 12, wherein the single input jack includes power sensing circuitry to sense a presence of a power input signal applied to the jack and to electrically switch off the speaker and associated circuitry.

14. A device as defined in claim 13, wherein the power sensing circuitry includes (i) means for generating a voltage signal at the single input jack, (ii) means to transmit the voltage signal to a Direct Current (DC) power input of the control circuit and (iii) means within the control circuit for maintaining an electrical connection with the speaker when the voltage signal is present.

15. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the control circuit includes a microprocessor having logic instructions for detecting and disabling circuits within the device which can be disabled while not in use, while maintaining other systems in operable status for battery power conservation.

16. A device as defined in claim 15, wherein the microprocessor also includes circuitry shut down means for reducing power requirements of the circuitry on the battery power source down to a minimum circuitry operating level equal to the minimum operational power level of the microprocessor.

17. A device as defined in claim 16, wherein the microprocessor also includes circuitry shut down means for reducing power requirements of the circuitry on the battery power source down to a minimum voltage level sufficient only to trigger the microprocessor to awaken the microprocessor to at least a minimum operating level.

18. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said housing is of sufficiently small dimensions so as to rest within a hand to enable fingers of the hand to simultaneously grip the housing while manipulating a switch means mounted thereon.

19. A record/playback device for use with a removable, interchangeable, flash memory recording medium which enables extended recording comparable with tape cassette dictating equipment, said device comprising:

a housing;

a microphone element coupled to the housing and configured to receive and process sound into electrical signals;

control circuitry coupled to the microphone element and including signal input circuitry, amplification circuitry, memory control circuitry, signal output circuitry and control logic circuitry for performing record and playback functional operations with respect to the electrical signals and other regulated components of the record/playback device;

said switch means coupled to the control circuitry for selecting the desired functional operations to be performed;

a receiving socket electrically coupled to the memory control circuitry and configured for electrical coupling with a recording medium which is capable of retaining recorded digital information for storage;

a flash memory module which operates as sole memory of the received processed sound electrical signals and is capable of retaining recorded digital information for storage in nonvolatile form;

a speaker coupled to the control circuitry for playback of recorded digital information; and

a power source coupled to the control circuitry for supplying electrical power to the device.

20. A device as defined in claim 19, wherein the single input jack includes power sensing circuitry to sense a presence of a power input signal applied to the jack and to electrically switch off the speaker and associated circuitry.

21. A device as defined in claim 19, wherein said power source includes a single input jack for alternately receiving both an external AC/DC power plug and an earphone plug, said single input jack being coupled to the signal output circuitry to provide audio signal to the earphone plug when inserted within the single input jack.

22. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein the power sensing circuitry includes (i) means for generating a voltage signal at the single input jack, (ii) means to transmit the voltage signal to a DC power input of the control circuit and (iii) means within the control circuit for maintaining an electrical connection with the speaker when the voltage signal is present.

Description Submit all comments and votes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to voice recording and playback devices which include a removable recording medium capable of ready transfer to another similar recording device. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a voice recording and playback device which utilizes a nonvolatile, computer memory chip for record or playback operation for time durations equivalent to cassette tape recorders.

2. Prior Art

The development of devices that are capable of electronic recording and playback using interchangeable recording media has evolved through many technologies. Such electronic reproduction of speech has generally relied on the use of a separate and removable medium, such as a cassette tape, which stores a signal capable of reproduction through some form of amplification system. Such mediums have also included vinyl records and plastic laser disks.

A common characteristic of each of these media is a dependence upon the relative movement of the medium with respect to a sensor to facilitate recovery of the stored signal for reproduction. This requirement for physical movement has necessitated substantial power requirements implemented with hardware components which take up significant space. For example, early records made of vinyl required a turn table and drive mechanism for maintaining a controlled rate of speed. Similarly, cassette recordings utilize a capstan and mechanical drive belt system for maintaining tape speed at a predetermined rate. Laser disks require comparable drive mechanisms to facilitate relative movement of the sensor with respect to the compact disc media.

In addition to mechanical movement of the media, technical difficulties in minimizing background noise associated with sensor pickup continues to test the best minds within the recording industry. For example, stylus design for records has placed primary focus on controlling physical contact of the needle on the vinyl record. Advanced filtering techniques were applied to circuits to reduce resultant noise to a minimum.

Although laser disc technology has overcome many of the physical contact problems, optical reading systems still require conversion of an optical signal to an electrical signal. This conversion process also generates artifact signals which lead to unwanted background noise.

Concurrent with progressive improvement in drive mechanisms has been an increasing consumer interest in reduced size and increased versatility of the recorder itself. As a consequence, pocket sized recorders have become commonplace, whether based on cassette tapes or more current compact disk technology. Nevertheless, the requirement for a drive mechanism continues to limit the extent of size reduction. Indeed, most of the weight and volume of a typical record and playback device comprises the mechanical drive mechanism, associated power supply and control system. Despite decades of technical development, the voice recording and playback industry (dictation devices) continues to depend on the combination of mechanical movement of a removable recorded medium in combination with a pickup sensor.

This almost universal commitment to the use of a moveable medium, such as a cassette tape, continues despite years of experience with fixed memory within computers. For example, it is well known to store virtually all forms of data in either digital or analog format within a computer. This data may even include voice information. Although this information is available for recall, it has not led to the development of a hand-held dictation device which allows convenient use of a removable medium that can be readily inserted into a simple recording device for immediate playback or simple transfer to another similar hand-held recorder.

This use of a fixed memory storage system for voice information has also branched into peripheral components of other equipment, such as telephones. Even when used as part of a telephone answering machine for providing the prerecorded message, common practice is still to apply a cassette recording system for recording incoming messages for storage and playback. Therefore, the basic system either uses a conventional cassette recorder or relies on fixed memory storage which lacks the ability for simple and convenient transfer to other similar units as part of a readily removable, interchangeable, recording medium.

Attempts have also been made to apply fixed memory storage to hand-held devices. Commercial success, however, has been frustrated by the same inadequacies that have sustained allegiance to the standard cassette recorder over the years. For example, Information Storage Devices, Inc., has developed a small, voice record/playback device having nonvolatile memory which is stored in an EEPROM in natural analog form. Unfortunately, the analog storage format has only limited memory capacity, resulting in a short operation span of less than several minutes. Furthermore, the device retains the conventional computer format with no removable and interchangeable recording media comparable to the standard cassette. Without this convenient interchangability aspect, the small device operates with the same limitations of a conventional computer system.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a record/playback device utilizing a computer chip memory which offers long play operation similar to standard cassette tapes or compact disks.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device which has no moving parts, and in particular, no drive mechanism or means for moving a recording medium.

Yet another object of this invention is a record/playback device which utilizes nonvolatile memory stored in an integrated chip of compact size.

A still further object of this invention is to develop a record/playback device which is approximately the size of a business card with capability of recording and playing messages which are permanently stored without a need for continuous power to maintain the memory.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved dictation device which has enhanced operational control, efficiency and compactness.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a record/playback device which may be inserted in a file or personal record and which carries a stream of recorded, ongoing data which can be accessed for later use such as records relating to medical data on an individual.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a record/playback device which can be readily incorporated into monitoring devices which provide data output for keeping a permanent record of such data output.

These and other objects are realized in a record/playback device for use with a removable, interchangeable, flash memory recording medium which enables extended recording of 30 minutes or more. The device includes a microphone element configured to receive and process sound into electrical signals and control circuitry coupled to the microphone element and including signal input circuitry, amplification circuitry, analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, memory circuitry, signal output circuitry and control logic circuitry for performing record and playback functional operations with respect to the electrical signals and other regulated components of the record/playback device. A receiving socket is electrically coupled to the memory circuitry and configured for electrical coupling with a flash memory module which is capable of retaining recorded digital information for storage in nonvolatile form. A speaker is coupled to the control circuitry for playback of recorded digital information and a power source is coupled to the control circuitry for supplying electrical power to the device.

Other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, based upon the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram providing a functional layout for the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an alternate block diagram providing additional detail on the functional operations of the subject invention.

FIG. 3 is a graphic illustration of the present invention in product form.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating component circuitry of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an additional schematic diagram showing other circuitry associated with the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B comprises a split circuit diagram for a flash memory module for use with the present invention, the combined figures representing a single circuit diagram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention departs from long standing tradition which dictates the use of a moving media such as a cassette tape or compact disk as a requirement for an acceptable dictation device. Instead, it offers the advantages of a removable element smaller in size than a cassette tape, but which has no moving parts. This removable component comprises a flash memory chip or module which has the capacity to store digital information without need for ongoing power support. The stored information is substantially permanent and is not susceptible to magnetic erasure or modification. This information can be immediately recovered by inserting the module into any compatible recorder for immediate playback. It therefore functions in a manner comparable to a conventional handheld recorder, but without the deficiencies noted above for mechanical drive systems.

The record/playback device comprises a microphone element 20 which is coupled to control circuitry 21 which processes the audio signal. Any microphone element may be used. The illustrated microphone is an electret element which is commonly used in handheld dictaphone equipment.

The control circuitry 21 includes signal input and amplification circuitry 22, analog-to-digital conversion circuitry 23, memory circuitry 24, signal output circuitry 25 and control logic circuitry 26 for performing record and playback functional operations with respect to the electrical signals and other regulated components of the record/playback device. Some of these functions are manually controlled by the operator with switches 27, as well as automatic operations controlled by software and firmware elements of the device. These components are discussed in greater detail hereafter.

An electronic interconnect means 28 is electrically coupled to the memory circuitry 24 and is configured for removable, electrical coupling with a flash memory module 29 capable of retaining recorded digital information for storage in nonvolatile form. The flash memory module is a digital memory storage device manufactured by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,218). This module 29 includes a plurality of memories arranged in an array, which can be electrically programmable or erasable. Prior applications have been substantially limited to storage of data as part of a computer memory. Their use with a handheld dictation device has not been noted, perhaps because of the traditional expectation for need of a moving recording media.

Control of the circuitry may be by voice command where appropriate voice-to-text software is imbedded for converting the audible signal to digital command form, or it may be by manual switches as illustrated in the drawings. Specifically, a single, manually operable rocker pad 27 is centrally mounted upon a pivot support such that the rocker-pad is pivotable on respective right-angle directions responsive to manipulation of the user's thumb. This configuration enables the user to grip the recording device with one hand and easily manipulate the rocker pad to selectively execute any of a plurality of command schemes. In addition to PLAY, PAUSE, REWIND, FAST FORWARD, and SCAN commands, the rocker-pad enables INCREMENTAL FORWARD AND REARWARD MOVEMENT, DELETE, SPEED ADJUSTMENT, and other features which are essentially programmed within the control circuitry. The details of design for the rocker-pad are the subject matter of a copending patent application entitled MULTIDIRECTIONAL SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR HAND HELD RECORDING DEVICES, filed concurrently with the present disclosure, and incorporated herein by reference.

A record control button 37 is isolated from the rocker-pad master control switch to prevent inadvertent over-write when processing through the previously described functions. This record switch 37 activates the record circuitry which requires increased voltage levels for data transfer to the flash memory module. Repeated depressing of the switch 37 operates to toggle the record circuitry between ON and OFF. A conventional LED 38 provides notice to the user when the record mode is activated.

The interconnect means 28 comprises a socket 30 configured to be PCMCIA compatible and sized to receive the flash memory module 29. When inserted within the socket 30, pins of the module 29 seat within pin receptacles of the interconnect means 28. In this sense, the small memory module is functionally similar to a cassette, in that it is inserted and removed at will. Furthermore, it can be readily inserted in other compatible machines for interchangeable use.

It will be noted from the figures that the memory module 29 is adaptable to small sizes and variable shapes because there is no requirement for moving reels or spindles to carry tapes or discs. Accordingly, size reduction benefits arise within both the recorder device which no longer requires a complex mechanical drive system, as well as the recording medium itself. The illustrated size has been adapted with contour 33 to match the shape and contour 35 of the handheld recorder. Virtually any shape may be selected, however, as long as the PCMCIA insert portion is compatible with its receiving slot 30.

A speaker 36 is coupled to the control circuitry 21, and specifically to the record playback circuitry 25, for playback of recorded digital information. Hereagain, the speaker device and attachment techniques are conventional parts of a recorder device. Selection of a specific speaker will depend on the desired quality of reproduction, as well as size limitation. For example, the speaker may consist of an ear plug jack and removable ear plug. Where the device is used for playback of music, a high fidelity speaker may be desired.

The control circuitry 21 and associated functional components are powered by a battery source 40, which is described in greater detail hereafter. Control circuitry is provided to enhance power conservation and to more effectively control allocation of voltage levels to circuitry components in accordance with specific power needs. The control circuitry includes embedded software commands for disabling certain circuitry components when not needed, as well as trigger commands to restore power for rapid response of disabled circuits. An alternate AC/DC input port is also provided.

An additional significant feature of the present device comprises compression circuitry 41 and 42 coupled to the memory circuitry 24 (generally forming part of the control circuitry generally identified as 21) for compressing digital signal for storage in the flash memory module. This circuitry includes a DSP 41 and CODEC 42 which cooperate to compress data at a ratio of 16:1 for storage. Applying such data compression provides record times of 60 minutes or more, corresponding to traditional cassette tape recording times. These same components 41 and 42 cooperate as data retrieval circuitry for expanding compressed signal to a useful output signal to be sent to the speaker 36.

Those skilled in the art will be enabled to practice the present invention based upon the preceding functional description of the inventive features, referenced to the block diagrams of FIGS. 1 and 2. The following expanded explanation is provided to facilitate an understanding of the preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the drawings for a handheld device for voice dictation and retrieval. Reference to block diagram numerals will be made where possible. More specific detail as to circuitry components will be understood by those skilled in the art and may be implemented with components currently available in the market.

Overall system design is based on the use of a microprocessor which can drive all system components. This eliminates the need for use of multiple interface logic that demands a lot of board space within the circuitry. The DSP or digital support processor is coupled to the microprocessor and to a CODEC for coding and decoding the analog signal received from the microphone or transmitted to the speaker. Codec also performs the analog to digital conversion. It functions to receive the analog signal input and convert it to PCM or pulse code modulation and then feed this signal to the DSP. Conversely, when operating in play back mode, the DSP will feed pulse code modulation digital signal to the codec and the codec converts it to an analog signal that can be fed through an amplifier to a speaker.

Once the DSP compresses that data through customary hardware handshaking techniques, it feeds the data back to the microprocessor through a host bus. The basic functionality is as follows. If in a recording mode, the microprocessor sends commands to the DSP placing it into a record mode. The microprocessor places the DSP in a record mode where it retrieves data from the codec, compresses it and returns it to the microprocessor in the form of status words. The micrcontroller then takes that data and sends it out to the PCMCIA connector or through the PCMCI connector to the flash memory module.

To get the data back, the status request command is sent by the microprocessor and data is returned in compressed f