Abstract:
Alarm clocks, such as alarm clock radios, comprising a video screen wherein at a preset time, the display screen displays a video and broadcasts audio. If a user does not input a required input within a certain time after the alarm mode has started, the video and audio change to a video and audio which are less tranquil. One alarm mode is initiated with waves lapping on a tranquil seashore during a sunny morning. After a while, the video and audio transition to a violent storm with dark clouds, rain, lightening, thunder and large waves crashing onto the shore. Other themes include a couple walking in a park, a couple dancing, and a busy city scene. A “silence alarm” feature requires a user to input correct information based on the display in response to a visual query, in order to stop or change the alarm mode.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention is directed to an alarm clock which, at a preset time, displays at least one video and broadcasts audio. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It is well known in the art to provide people with alarm clocks to help them wake up at a desired time. It is also known to provide such clocks with “snooze” features wherein the sound of an alarm will be temporarily stopped if the person wants to rest for awhile longer. 
         [0003]    While it is helpful to provide a person sleeping with audio sounds to awaken the person from sleep, typical prior art alarms do not encourage a user to fully open their eyes and thereby become fully conscious or fully awake. 
         [0004]    It would therefore be desirable to provide a video alarm clock wherein a user is encouraged to fully open her eyes and transition from a state of sleep to a state of full consciousness. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Various embodiments of the present invention comprise alarm clocks, such as alarm clock radios, comprising a video screen and at least one speaker wherein at a preset time, the video clock will display a video and broadcast audio. The audio is preferably related to the video shown on the display screen. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, if a user does not input a required input within a certain period of time of the device going into the alarm mode, the video and audio change from a first display/broadcast which is generally tranquil and soothing to video and audio which are discernibly less tranquil. According to embodiments of the present invention, the transition from audio and video which are more tranquil to audio and video which are less tranquil, can be abrupt or gradual. According to some embodiments, the less tranquil audio and video display nature, activities and/or people which are actively hostile, violent and/or exhibiting considerable animosity. 
         [0006]    According to one audio/video alarm theme of the present invention, when the alarm mode is initiated, the video screen displays small waves lapping on a tranquil seashore during a sunny morning while the audio broadcasts the sounds of the waves and seagulls. After awhile, the video and audio transition to a violent storm with dark clouds, rain, lightening and large waves crashing onto the shore with a louder volume of corresponding sounds. 
         [0007]    According to another audio/video alarm theme of the present invention, an initial video/audio displayed during an alarm mode shows a couple walking casually in a park holding hands with soft background nature sounds, e.g. birds singing. After awhile, the background noises become louder and noticeably less tranquil, e.g. animals screeching or squealing and the couple begins to argue vehemently. 
         [0008]    According to a still further audio/video alarm theme, the initial alarm mode shows a couple dancing slowly to soft, soothing music in a club. This scene transitions to a couple dancing quickly with abrupt movements, in a different club, to loud, rap music. 
         [0009]    A still further audio/video alarm theme comprises an initial alarm mode showing light, orderly traffic in a city scene, such as a New York City street scene, with a small amount of background noise from people talking and cars honking. As time goes on, the street noises grow much louder, with louder honking, people yelling and more cars arranged in a disorderly, chaotic gridlock. 
         [0010]    Preferred embodiments offer a user a choice of different themes for display/broadcast during the alarm mode. As noted above, such themes can include, for example, a seashore, a couple walking in a park, a couple dancing, or traffic moving in a city. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the present invention requires a user to accurately answer a question from information appearing visually on the video screen in order to return the clock from the “alarm” mode to the “time” or “photo” mode. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of a radio alarm clock of one embodiment of the present invention in an alarm mode. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in a normal time mode. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the alarm clock of  FIG. 1  displaying a second audio/video alarm theme, i.e. a tranquil beach/ocean scene. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  after the audio and video have transitioned to display a violent storm. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the alarm clock of  FIG. 1  displaying a second audio/video alarm theme, i.e. a couple slowly dancing. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  with a couple dancing faster and to louder music. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the alarm clock of  FIG. 1  displaying a third audio/video alarm theme, i.e. showing a couple holding hands walking in a park. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 7  after the scene has become less tranquil and the couple is arguing vehemently. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the alarm clock of  FIG. 1  displaying a fourth audio/video alarm theme, i.e. with light traffic and background noises. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 9  after the traffic and background noises have transitioned to a louder, more intense, chaotic scene with gridlock. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention useful with the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention useful with the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5 to 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to alarm clocks. comprising suitable user input controls, at least one audio speaker and a video screen designed to play at least one and most preferably a plurality of sequentially orchestrated videos and audio at predetermined “alarm” times. The video displayed on the screen may have a central theme which preferably remains generally the same but the character of both the video and audio changes from one of generally soothing, peaceful tranquility and harmony to one of disharmony, tumult, chaos and/or vehement animosity. The video and accompanying audio shown on the screen preferably become discernibly more intense, more turbulent and/or increasingly exhibiting greater animosity as time passes from the start of the alarm cycle. The sound played through the audio speakers preferably corresponds to the video. The video can change fairly rapidly, e.g. over a few seconds, or more gradually, e.g. over a minute or more. In any event, the video is designed to encourage the user to open her eyes. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention wherein an alarm clock  10  comprises two audio speakers  15  on the ends of the housing (only one is shown), a video screen  20  and suitable user input controls. The illustrated controls comprise an ALARM button  32 , a CLOCK button  34 , a PHOTO button  36 , a AUDIO/VIDEO button  38 , a RADIO button  40 , a SELECTOR ring  42 , a SELECT button  44  and an EXIT button  46 . Operation of the clock radio is controlled during, control/input modes described below. During the input of various controls, SELECTOR ring  42  allows a user to move between different options appearing on the video screen  20 , while SELECT button  44  allows a user to select a highlighted option, similar to an “Enter” button on a computer. EXIT button  46  causes the screen to exit the control/input mode and default to a photo frame mode during which stored photos are displayed. 
         [0026]    During normal operation, video screen  20  will display the time of day as shown in  FIG. 2 . A user wishing this mode when another non-alarm mode is displayed will simply depress the CLOCK button  34 . If, alternatively, the user wishes to display one or more photos stored within the clock radio on a memory device (not shown), the user simply depresses the PHOTO button  36 . Optionally, depression of the PHOTO button  36  will initially bring up a control/input display allowing a user to select one of a plurality of photos or a slide show by responding to prompts on video screen  20  and by using SELECTOR ring  42  and SELECT button  44 . Similarly, a user can operate the radio function of the alarm by initially depressing RADIO button  40  which will result in the display of a control/input screen with various radio functions, such as the current radio station, a plurality of preset buttons, volume control and other common radio functions. Again, through the use of SELECTOR ring  42  and SELECT button  44 , a user can control the radio functions of the device. 
         [0027]    Alternatively and/or in addition to providing for user control/input with the illustrated buttons, SELECTOR ring  42  and SELECT button  44 , video screen  20  is preferably a touch screen which allows user input simply by touching icons or other indicia displayed on various portions of video screen  20 . 
         [0028]    In order to activate the alarm feature of the illustrated clock radio, a user initially depresses ALARM button  32  which provides the user with the option of inputting various controls via a touch screen  20  or through SELECTOR ring  42  and SELECT button  44 . Initially, the user has the option of turning the alarm feature on or off. The user is then preferably provided with several options, including waking up to a radio station, at least one audio/video, or a buzzer. If the user selects to wake up to a video, then the user is preferably provided with the option of selecting from a plurality of video/audio themes such as the illustrated ocean theme, a dancing couple, a couple walking in a park, or a New York City street scene. The user is also provided with the ability to input the desired time at which the alarm mode will commence. 
         [0029]    AUDIO/VIDEO button  38  also acts as a demo button wherein the user of this alarm clock can depress AUDIO/VIDEO button  38  in order to demonstrate the available audio/videos to a friend or to simply view the available audio/video selections stored within alarm clock  10 . An input port, such as a USB port (not shown), is also provided to allow a user to download additional audio/video selections which can be made available, for example, on the world wide web. 
         [0030]    The embodiments described below and illustrated in  FIGS. 3-12  have similar input controls and/or touchscreens. Additionally, each of the video alarm clocks either comprise or are connected to a source of power, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery, or a source of AC power with an electrical cord (not shown). 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates an initial alarm mode of this embodiment of the present invention wherein the video screen  20  displays a tranquil, tropical rainforest scene theme comprising foliage and fluttering butterflies. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , but in the clock mode wherein screen  20  is displaying the time of day. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the video screens  120  are displaying a beach scene. Both  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  are in the alarm mode. In  FIG. 3 , the video screen  20  is displaying a tranquil ocean scene during a sunny day wherein small waves from a calm ocean are lapping gently onto the shore. Sounds corresponding to a tranquil ocean such as sounds of small waves lapping on the shore and seagulls crying off in the distance are broadcast through speakers  15 . According to this embodiment of the present invention, if the person does not input predetermined controls, i.e. by depressing button  44 , the video display and accompanying sound transitions into a violent thunderstorm with lightening bolts and large waves crashing down in a violent, tumultuous scene as illustrated on video display  20  in  FIG. 4 . Corresponding sound at a louder volume including the sound of rain hitting water, loud cracks of thunder accompanying the display of lightening, and the sounds of large waves crashing are broadcast through speakers  15 . If desired, for purposes of the enhanced “silence alarm” feature described below in relation to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a boat can be added to the video of this ocean theme. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an alternative audio/video alarm theme of the present invention wherein in the initial, tranquil alarm mode, video screen  20  shows a mature couple dancing slowly while audio speakers  15  play slow, quiet music. In the absence of required user input, the video shown on display  20  and accompanying audio from speaker  15  transition to a couple dancing much faster to a much faster, louder thumping beat, e.g. a rap song. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a still further audio/video alarm theme of the present invention wherein in an initial alarm mode, a couple walks peacefully through a park along a quiet path to accompanying sounds of birds chirping. If the alarm mode is permitted to continue for at least a predetermined length of time, e.g. 30 seconds, the couple starts to disagree, then they stop walking, face each other, and engage in an argument of growing intensity which turns to vehement argument and gesticulations with corresponding dialog expressing elevating levels of animosity. Concurrently, the background noises preferably become noticeably less tranquil, for example with birds screeching, raccoons squealing, and dogs barking viciously. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a further embodiment wherein in the initial alarm mode shown in  FIG. 9  a few cars are driving peacefully along a city street while audio speaker plays far off background city noises such as an occasional car honking, car and bus engines running and partially muted sounds of people conversing. The subsequent video display shown in  FIG. 10  illustrates a chaotic scene of gridlock wherein cars in and around an intersection have effectively blocked each other causing a complete standstill, which is displayed to accompanying loud, frequent angry honking, drivers yelling out of their windows at other cars, and threatening other drivers with physical harm. 
         [0037]    The aforementioned alarm modes will continue to play until a user has input a required input which will return the alarm clock to either the time mode or the photo mode. According to one aspect of the present invention, the alarm can be silenced simply by pressing SELECT button  44  on the front of the alarm clock. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate enhanced “alarm silence” modes which are caused to appear on video screen  20  when a user depresses SELECT button  44  during the alarm mode. In order to silence the alarm, the user must correctly answer a question which appears on video screen  20 . For the “alarm silence” mode displayed in  FIG. 11 , a car displayed during an alarm mode is caused to flash on the video screen  20 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , a user must correctly identify the color of the flashing car shown in a city traffic scene, for example, either of those shown in  FIGS. 9  or  10 . The text of the question and choices for responses may be overlaid on the display of the traffic scene so that the user can still see the flashing car. According to the “alarm silence” display in  FIG. 12 , a user is simply requested to properly identify the color of the man&#39;s shirt. Again, this question and answers can be overlaid on a screen comprising a man, such as one of screens shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . 
         [0039]    While the transitioning displays are the preferred embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments of the present invention simply comprise a scene wherein the general tone and character of the video display and audio broadcast do not change. Also, while the illustrated embodiments have buttons for inputs, it is also within the scope of the present invention to simply have a touchscreen wherein all inputs are controlled on the touchscreen. The actual electronics and software utilized to provide the functionality of the various aspects of the present invention described herein are within the level of one of ordinary skill in the art who has reviewed the present description and drawings, and are, therefore, not set forth in detail herein. 
         [0040]    According to another aspect of the present invention the transition to a more turbulent video/audio broadcast is stopped and the initial scene from the alarm mode continues to be displayed if a user enters predetermined input. For example, if a user answers a question, such as a question shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  correctly, then rather than returning to a time mode or a photo display mode, the audio/video can be programmed to return to the initial alarm mode audio/video. The continued display of the initial alarm mode audio/video scene can be displayed indeterminately or can function as a “snooze” feature wherein this scene will be displayed for a predetermined and/or programmable length of time, e.g. 5, 10 or 15 minutes, after which the audio/video of the less tranquil scene will be initiated.