Systems and methods for delivering activity based suggestive (ABS) messages

A personal electronic device (PED) is provided with a system for delivering activity based suggestive (ABS) messages (e.g., a motivational message, etc.) to a user based upon the current or anticipated activity of the user. In some embodiments, the user can define user preferences, which determine when and how ABS messages are initiated. In some embodiments, the message selection is based upon a detected activity, location, or speed of the user. In some embodiments, the message selection is based upon a detection of a local environmental event.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing suggestive messages to a user based upon an activity the user is or is about to be engaged in, and more particularly, to systems and methods for delivering real time activity based suggestive (ABS) messages (e.g., motivational messages, etc.) to users by way of personal electronic devices (PEDs), such as a wireless telephone, smartphone, MP3 player, radio, etc.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is well known that human beings are by their very nature capable of achieving great things when possessed of the right state of mind or the ability to react to circumstances while engaged in certain activities, such as sports. For example, professional athletes often engage in mind-based exercises in which they are instructed to envision success relative to particular endeavor or event. Olympic downhill skiers are often trained to mentally prepare for a sporting event by first learning a mountain course and then rehearsing their performance relative to that that course in their minds. As such, success or failure often will be attributed to one's mental strength relative to a particular field of endeavor.

Take sales personnel, for example. Companies and organizations have long believed that the power of positive thinking is often the key to sales success. Each year organizations spend significant resources internally and for outside professional coaching services by recognized experts to mentally prepare sales personnel and to produce “winners”—sales people that are mentally prepared to realize a relatively greater number of sales and gains.

While many skeptics have said that positive thinking and sales and other performance success are merely coincidences, the power of positive thinking cannot be underestimated as a tool that everyday people can and should use to better their lives. For example, many people endlessly (and unnecessarily) seek the advice and care of medical practitioners often to “fix” problems that can be solved through simple positive thinking. We have all heard the stories of cancer patients that have long outlived prognoses for short life expectancies as a result of familial support and simple positive thinking wherein one can convince oneself that he or she can truly overcome particular obstacles and live stronger and healthier.

Despite the benefits that have long been attributed to positive thinking, there remain no truly effective way of delivering coaching and other messages to people outside of requiring people to read books by gurus, attend seminars, and the like. Aside from horoscopes and machines that may deliver the same such as in vending and entertainment machine contexts, there remains no effective way for people to receive suggestive and other motivational type coaching messages that are easily obtained and perceived.

U.S. patent application 2003/0058752 filed by Bimbach et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an apparatus and method for delivering psycho-suggestive messages in a PED. However, this apparatus is very rudimentary and not user friendly.

Thus, there exists a need to provide new and improved systems and methods that facilitate user friendly delivery of ABS messages that people can obtain to aid them in thinking more positively about their personnel challenges and about their personal circumstances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for delivering one or more activity based suggestive (ABS) messages (e.g., motivational messages, etc.) to a user by way of a personal electronic device (PED), for example but not limited to, a radio, a wireless telephone, a smartphone, a personal electronic game, a media player (e.g., CD, DVD, MP3), etc.

One embodiment, among others, is a method for implementing in a PED that has a media player. The method comprises the steps of enabling a user to input one or more user preferences, playing media (audio, video, images, etc.), and initiating output of one or more ABS messages based upon the user preferences. An embodiment of a related system has a computer-based architecture and computer software that is stored in memory and executed by one or more processors for performing the foregoing steps. Yet another embodiment of a related system can be implemented in software and/or hardware and has a means for performing each of the aforementioned steps.

Another embodiment is a method for implementing in a PED that has an media player. The method comprises the steps of enabling a user to input one or more user preferences, determining a user activity associated with the user, playing media, and initiating output of one or more ABS messages based at least in part upon the user preferences and the user activity. An embodiment of a related system has a computer architecture and computer software that is stored in memory and executed by one or more processors for performing the foregoing steps. Yet another embodiment of a related system can be implemented in software and/or hardware and has a means for performing each of the aforementioned steps.

Another embodiment is a method for implementing in a PED having one or more audio outputs. The method comprises the steps of: (a) enabling a user to perform a first electronic based intelligence function; (b) enabling the user to perform a second electronic based intelligence function, comprising: (1) enabling the user to input one or more user preferences that will cause the PED to play in the future one or more ABS messages; and (2) initiating output of the one or more ABS messages based upon the user preferences to the one or more audio outputs. An embodiment of a related system has a computer-based architecture and computer software that is stored in memory and executed by one or more processors for performing the foregoing steps. Yet another embodiment of a related system can be implemented in software and/or hardware and has a means for performing each of the aforementioned steps.

Another embodiment is a method for implementing in a PED having one or more audio outputs, a GPS receiver, and map data. The method comprises the steps of: (a) enabling a user to perform a first electronic based intelligence function; (b) enabling the user to perform a second electronic based intelligence function, comprising: (1) receiving location information from the GPS receiver; (2) determining an activity based upon the location information and the map data; and (3) initiating output of the one or more ABS messages based upon the activity to the one or more audio outputs. An embodiment of a related system has a computer-based architecture and computer software that is stored in memory and executed by one or more processors for performing the foregoing steps. Yet another embodiment of a related system can be implemented in software and/or hardware and has a means for performing each of the aforementioned steps.

Another embodiment is a method for implementing in a PED having one or more outputs. The method comprises the steps of: sensing a signal in a local environment associated with the PED; converting the sensed signal to sensed data; detecting an event by comparing the sensed data with reference data that corresponds to the event; and initiating output of the one or more ABS messages based upon the detected event to the one or more outputs. An embodiment of a related system has a computer-based architecture and computer software that is stored in memory and executed by one or more processors for performing the foregoing steps. Yet another embodiment of a related system can be implemented in software and/or hardware and has a means for performing each of the aforementioned steps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now toFIG. 1, depicted therein is a personal electronic device (PED)102having a messaging subsystem100for delivering ABS messages115(messages that are, e.g., motivational, inspirational, sales incentizing, meditative, spiritual, instructional, coaching, educational, etc.) to a user. The PED102can be, for example but not limited to, a wireless telephone, smartphone, radio, media (CD, DVD, and/or MP3) player, a personal data assistant (PDA), an alarm clock with radio functionality, a personal entertainment device, such as an electronic game machine, a GPS navigator, etc., that has an existing electronic based intelligence function (EBIF) subsystem103, which is augmented by another EBIF associated with the present invention. Although not limited to this particular architecture, in the preferred embodiment, the PED102has a computer-based architecture with one or more processors executing computer program instructions (software) for implementing the EBIFs. In accordance with the present invention, the PED102is additionally equipped with a messaging subsystem100(an additional EBIF) for delivering one or more ABS messages. Although not limited to this architecture, the EBIF subsystem103associated with the PED102and the messaging subsystem100can share some of the same hardware and/or software for efficiency purposes. In the preferred embodiment, the subsystems100,103share the output device106and the processor112, memory110, and local interfaces (one or more buses, support circuitry, etc.). Furthermore, as will be clear from the description hereafter, the PED102can be designed to permit concurrent or alternating operation of the PED and messaging subsystem functions (first and second EBIFs).

The messaging subsystem100includes the components to enable delivery of ABS messages. In particular, messaging subsystem100comprises a memory110, including volatile and/or nonvolatile memory elements, such as RAM, ROM, etc., a processor112, and message play logic114in the memory110for managing the playing of the ABS messages on one or more output devices106. The ABS message(s)115can be stored locally in the memory110and/or can be accessed from a remote computer via a suitable transceiver (TX/RX)104and supporting communication software. In some embodiments, depending upon the type of PED102, the messaging subsystem100will have access to GPS data119(detected by GPS receiver118) and/or map data120(onboard and perhaps downloaded from a remote computer), which can be used, as will be described later, to make intelligent decisions on the types of ABS messages that are selected. In yet other embodiments, the messaging subsystem100may include user preferences logic116in software that enables a user to define when and how an ABS message is delivered. In still other embodiments, the messaging subsystem100may include user interface logic121(including, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI), voice recognition software, etc.) in software that enables a user to easily input the user preferences.

The message play logic114can be implemented in software and/or hardware, but in the preferred embodiment, the message play logic114is implemented as software that is stored in the memory110and executed by the processor112. The message play logic114(as well as the other software and software logic described in this document), which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, can be embodied in any non-transitory computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “non-transitory computer-readable medium” can be any means that can contain or store the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The non-transitory computer readable medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the non-transitory computer-readable medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) or DVD (optical).

When the PED102is a device that can output audio (such as music), video, or images, the message play logic114can be configured to cause the ABS messages to be provided between audio tracks, video tracks, or images, or alternatively, concurrently during a audio track, video track, or image. In a configuration when an ABS message is played between tracks, the messaging subsystem100exchanges information with the PED electronic based intelligence function PED-EBIF) subsystem103. The messaging subsystem100receives track monitoring information from the PED-EBIF subsystem103so that the messaging subsystem100can schedule an ABS message. The messaging subsystem also communicates requests to the PED-EBIF for control over the output device106and supporting hardware/software.

When an ABS message is played concurrently with an audio or video track with an audio track, the message play logic114can be designed with logic to cause the volume associated with the audio to be lowered while playing the ABS message, so that the ABS message is heard in the background of the primary audio track. This can be accomplished with a direct interface to the appropriate amplifier controllers or control circuits, or by way of instructions communicated from the message play logic114to the PED-EBIF subsystem103.

The mixing of an audio signal (e.g., music) and the ABS message signal so that the audio and ABS message are played concurrently on the same one or more speakers106can be accomplished with a variety of circuits and/or techniques. As examples, the following U.S. patents/publications illustrate and describe circuits that can be used for mixing the signals with precision: U.S. patent application 2003/0059067, U.S. patent application 2007/0286426, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,283,634, all of the foregoing of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

When the PED102is a device that can render display images on a display screen106, the message play logic114can be configured with logic to cause the graphical and/or text ABS messages to be displayed on the screen106, concurrently with existing images or video associated with the existing EBIF, between such images or video tracks, or instead of such images or video. The ABS message can also be rendered as a watermark type image on the display screen.

The PED102may have one or more input devices105. The input devices105may include one or more of the following: a keyboard, touchpad, touchscreen, transducer for sensing an environmental condition and converting it into an electrical signal for analysis, etc. The user can input or otherwise select user preferences with the one or more input devices105.

The PED102may have one or more output devices106. The output devices106may include one or more of the following: a speaker, a display screen, etc. The ABS message data115can be an audio signal, video signal, image, and combinations thereof.

The processor112in conjunction with the memory114and the message play logic114are used to play ABS messages115, for example, voice based ABS messages, and in some embodiments, based upon user preferences that can be defined by a user. The ABS message data115can be stored in, for example but not limited to, a Microsoft compatible .wav file formats, in jpeg (.JPG) format, MP3 formats, etc.

User Preferences

Although not necessary for many of the embodiments disclosed herein, in some of the embodiments, the PED102is equipped with user preferences logic116, as illustrated inFIG. 1, in the form of software, for enabling a user to input via input device(s)105and store via memory110one or more user preferences that can be used to define if and/or when an ABS message is delivered to the output device(s)106.

As shown inFIG. 2, the user preferences logic116can include a user preferences database124(preferably, relational), lookup tables, or some other suitable data organization scheme, many of which are known in the art, that stores inputted user preferences as user preferences data. The user preferences data can include, as nonlimiting examples, one or more of the following: type data125A, time data125B, content provider data125C, message geographical data125D, message track data125E, message volume level data125F, user message data125G, event reference data125H, message frequency data125I, speed reference data125J, location reference data125K, etc. The user interface logic121can be designed to solicit and receive input(s) from the user to define any or all of the foregoing user preferences via the input device(s)105with perhaps assistance from the output device(s) (display screen)106.

The type data125A can indicate a type of message that the user wishes to hear or see. Examples include: motivational, spiritual, educational, sport (e.g., skiing, running, etc.), etc.

The time data125B can indicate, for example, a time or time period when the messages will be initiated, a time or time period when the messages will be blocked, etc.

The content provider data125C can indicate, for example, the provider of the message content. Examples include a particular company, network, database, person, etc.

The message geographical data125D can indicate a desire or not to receive geographically based messages, a location and/or change in location that triggers a message, etc. In some embodiments, a suitable message can be produced or selected based upon knowing the user location via the GPS data119and/or map data120. As an example, consider a skier on a ski slope or ski lift at a ski resort. Specific ABS audio ABS messages relating to skiing can be played to ease the user's fears.

The message track data125E can indicate, for example, a desire to receive or not a message between or during audio, image, and/or video tracks.

The message volume level data125F can indicate, for example, a desired volume level of an audio and/or video message having an audio track, on a sale or relative to an existing media track.

The user message data125G can be, for example, one or more messages inputted or selected by the user.

The event reference data125H can be, for example, any type of data (threshold, numerical array (for example, one, two, or three dimensional), signal level, signal replica, etc.), that will enable detection of an event in the local environment, which will cause initiation of an ABS message. As will be discussed later in this document, one or more transducers can be associated with the PED102(onboard or connected) for sensing one or more environmental conditions in order to detect occurrence of an event, that can be used as a trigger for initiating an ABS message. An event can be any change in acoustic, thermal, optical, electromagnetic (EM), chemical, dynamic, wireless, atmospheric, or biometric conditions.

The message frequency data125I can indicate, for example, how often the ABS message is outputted. The ABS messages can be played periodically or at non-period intervals, as desired.

The speed reference data125J can indicate, for example, a speed and/or change in speed that triggers an ABS message.

ABS Messages Selected/Input by User

The message play logic114of the messaging subsystem100may be designed to enable the user to select an ABS message from a set of stored ABS messages or input an ABS message via an input device(s)105(with, in some embodiments, assistance from output device(s)106) that will be outputted to the user, when appropriate. As an example of the latter scenario, the user may speak an appropriate ABS message into a microphone106, and this ABS message will be stored for play back in ABS message data115of memory110. As another example, a meaningful picture, such as of a son or daughter, can be captured with a PED camera and stored for later play back during a time of user need.

ABS Messages Selected/Communicated by Remote Computer

The messaging subsystem100may include a TX/RX104with appropriate support circuitry and/or software for enabling the PED102to access and download ABS messages from a remote computer system (server). The TX/RX104communicates to the remote computer system via one or more networks, which can include one or more of any suitable networks, for example but not limited to, a wireless, wired, analog, digital, packetized, nonpacketized, cellular, Internet, etc. The design of the TX/RX104as well as supporting protocol software depends upon the type of network that is used.

In these embodiments, as shown inFIG. 3, at a high conceptual level, the message play logic114has logic131for communicating the location data to a remote server computer system, and logic132for receiving the ABS message that is selected by the remote server computer system.

Remote ABS Message(s) Selection Based on Location

The message play logic114can be designed with logic to play ABS messages based upon the location or change in location of the PED102. For example, with respect to a runner running up a hill, the message play logic114may select an ABS message for that specific context, like “Don't give up.” In these possible embodiments, as shown inFIG. 4, the message play logic114, has logic141for monitoring location data associated with the PED102, and logic142for initiating an ABS message based at least in part on the location data.

The logic141can track PED locations by accessing the GPS data119and/or map data120. The map data120can also include elevation and/or terrain information, so that hills, ski slopes, etc., can be identified.

After the logic141forwards the location information to the logic142, the logic142can access the ABS message data115corresponding to the location(s) and have it played on an appropriate output device(s)106. In some embodiments, a simple lookup table or the like is utilized.

ABS Message(s) Selection Based on Activity Status

The message play logic114can be designed with logic to play ABS messages based upon the activity associated with a user of the PED102. In these possible embodiments, as shown inFIG. 5, the message play logic114has logic151for determining an activity associated with a user of the PED102, and logic152initiating an ABS message based at least in part on the determined activity. Activities can include, for example but not limited to, a sport (e.g., running, skiing, hiking, bicycling, golfing, auto racing, etc.), falling down, riding a ski lift, riding in a motor vehicle, train, or ship, etc.

For example, in the case of a skier having a smartphone with a GPS receiver118and map data120, appropriate ski music and/or skiing ABS message can be selected, such as “Relax” or “Find your center over the skis” or “Watch50feet in front and don't look down.” The message play logic114can determine that a PED user is skiing based upon the GPS data119, which indicates the current location of the PED102, and a known location of a ski slope, which can be and is typically included in map data120.

The activity associated with the user can be determined by analyzing data from one or more transducers105, or sensors, associated with the PED102. Non-limiting examples are an accelerometer data, gyroscope data, GPS data119, map data120, microphone data, etc. An activity can also be determined based upon detection of an event, which functionality will be described later in this document.

After the logic151forwards the activity information to the logic152, the logic152can access the ABS message data115corresponding to the activity(s) and have it played on an appropriate output device(s)106. In some embodiments, a simple lookup table or the like is utilized.

In other embodiments, the message play logic114may be designed with logic to play ABS messages when an activity changes or between activities. For example, the message play logic114may be designed to monitor a runner on a known running trail with the GPS data119and the map data120, and when the runner walks between running segments, the logic114may be designed to play one or more motivational ABS messages.

Another example of an application is in connection with golfing. A PED user walking to a hole may be delivered ABS messages, including reminders or instructions on how to play a particular hole.

ABS Message(s) Selection Based on Speed Status

The message play logic114can be designed to play ABS messages based upon the speed or change in speed of the user associated with the PED102. In these possible embodiments, as shown inFIG. 6, the message play logic114has logic161for determining the speed or change in speed associated with a user of the PED102, and logic162initiating an ABS message based at least in part on the determined speed or change in speed.

In order to determine speed or a change in speed, the logic161can be designed to analyze GPS data119in memory110. The location, change in location, and rate of location change can be directly computer/determined from the GPS data119.

After the logic161communicates the speed information to the logice162, the logic162can be designed to retrieve ABS message data115from memory, as appropriate, and, if desired, pursuant to user preferences by accessing speed reference data125J in user preferences database124(FIG. 2), and have it played on an appropriate output device(s)106. In some embodiments, a simple lookup table or the like is utilized.

As an example, one user preference could be as follows. When the user transitions from a walk pace to a run pace, play an audio ABS message, such as “Go for it. Don't quit. Keep it up.” Another example would be if a user is running and starts to walk, an audio ABS message could be outputted, such as “Don't quit running. Start running again. You need to lose weight.”

Local ABS Message(s) Selection Based on Location

The message play logic114can be designed to play ABS messages based upon the location or change in location of the user associated with the PED102. In these possible embodiments, as shown inFIG. 7, the message play logic114has logic171for determining the location or change in location associated with a user of the PED102, and logic172initiating an ABS message based at least in part on the determined location or change in location. Location can be defined in one, two, or three dimensions. Location can include the elevation of the PED user, so that elevation or elevational changes trigger ABS messages.

In order to determine location or a change in location, the logic171can be designed to analyze GPS data119and/or map data120in memory110. The location and change in location can be directly computed/determined from the GPS data119and/or map data120.

After the logic171communicates the location information to the logic172, the logic172can be designed to retrieve message data115from memory110, as appropriate, and, if desired, pursuant to user preferences by accessing message geographical data125D in user preferences database124(FIG.2),), and have it played on an appropriate output device(s)106. In some embodiments, a simple lookup table or the like is utilized.

As an example, the user may predefine a user preference (message geographical data125D ofFIG. 2) to the effect that when the user enters a dangerous neighborhood, an ABS message should be communicated to the user, such as an audio ABS message saying “Do not fear. God is with you.”

As another example, a PED user in an airplane may be played an ABS message to calm fears when in flight or during landing.

ABS Message(s) Selection Based on Detected Event

The message play logic114can be designed to play ABS messages on one or more output devices106based upon an event that is detected in the local environment of the PED102. In these possible embodiments, as shown inFIG. 8, the message play logic114(FIG. 1) has logic181designed to sense a signal in a local environment associated with the PED102; logic182designed to convert the sensed signal to data; logic183designed to detect an event by comparing the sensed data with reference data that corresponds to the event; and logic184designed to initiate output of the one or more ABS messages based upon the detected event to the one or more output devices106(FIG. 1).

As an example, the message play logic114may be designed to detect that storm thunder has occurred and provide an encouraging audio ABS message to the user via a speaker106, for example, “Don't be afraid” or “Don't worry, God will protect you.”

In some embodiments, the message play logic114may be designed with logic for storing identification information relating to a plurality of events and with logic for enabling the user to select which of the events will be detected.

The message play logic114is designed to include a detection engine215, which detects events in the local environment of the PED102, and message retrieval logic350, which retrieves one or more ABS messages from ABS message data115based upon event detection.FIG. 9shows the one or more input devices105, such as but not limited to, an audio microphone130as shown, etc., for receiving one or more event reference signatures (event reference data125H ofFIG. 2) that are used to identify environmental events. The input devices105can include any transducer for sensing acoustic, thermal, optical, electromagnetic, chemical, dynamic, wireless, atmospheric, or biometric conditions (e.g., a body function, such as blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, sugar level, heart beat, oxygen level, etc.), for example but not limited to, an audio microphone, video camera, Hall Effect magnetic field detector, flux gate compass, electromagnetic field detector, accelerometer, barometric pressure sensor, thermometer, ionization detector, smoke detector, gaseous detector, radiation detector, biometric sensor, etc. The detection engine215may also receive reference signatures from a remote computer216via the Internet210.

The detection engine215stores the one or more reference signatures in memory110(event reference data125H ofFIG. 2) that are used to identify environmental events, that correlates sensed environmental signals with the reference signatures, and that detects occurrences of the environmental events. A non-limiting example of such a detection engine215is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,872,574, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The discussion hereafter will describe incorporation of the latter detection engine215in the architecture of the present invention.

The event detection engine215is designed to be operated in several modes. The architecture of the event detection engine215will be described as each of these modes is described in detail hereafter.

First Mode

In a first mode, the remote computer216is connected to a reference memory array260by a switch250. One or more reference signatures are collected by the remote computer216and loaded into the reference memory array260.

Reference signatures, such as storm thunder, emergency signals, etc. can be collected from the remote computer216.

In this example, when an audio event is being detected, the event detection engine215is designed to transform audio recordings into suitable numerical arrays to create the reference signatures for recognition. The frequency range of 0.2 Hz to 20 KHz is sufficient for storm thunder applications. Furthermore, a time interval of several seconds is normally sufficient.

The preprocessor270extracts the reference signals from the reference memory array260and reformats them to facilitate rapid correlation. The frequency domain is a preferred format for sonograms. The preprocessor270analyzes each signature by a sequence of Fourier transforms taken repeatedly over a period of time corresponding to the duration of the signature. The Fourier transform is preferably a two-dimensional vector, but a single measure of amplitude versus frequency is sufficient. In the preferred embodiment, among many possible embodiments, the event detection engine215processes a 3-dimensional array of amplitude, frequency, and time. The transformed signature arrays are stored back into a reference memory array260for subsequent rapid correlation. Preferably, each reference signature array includes an identifier field associated with the signature. As an example, for a storm thunder identification, this may be the name and picture/image of a lightning bolt or storm cloud associated with the signature. Or, in the case of an emergency signal, the identifier can simply be an indication of the type of emergency, for instance, a police siren. Furthermore, the emergency identifier can also indicate an appropriate evasive or corrective action.

Second Mode

In a second mode of operation, event detection engine215can acquire the reference signature signal directly from the local environment via an input device105, for example, the audio microphone230, as shown inFIG. 9. Audio signals from the microphone230are amplified and converted to digital signals by amplifier and analog-to-digital converter (ADC)240. The digital signal from amplifier and ADC240is selected by the user via the switch250and loaded directly into the reference memory array260. Preferably, several seconds of signal are collected in this particular application. Then, the preprocessor270reformats the reference signal for rapid correlation, preferably by Fourier transform.

A gain control241associated with the ADC240can be controlled by the user to control the range of the microphone230(or another input device, if applicable, and depending upon the application).

Third Mode

In a third mode of operation, the event detection engine215monitors the environment continuously (at discrete successive short time intervals due to the computer-based architecture) for signals that match those stored in the reference memory array260. To reduce computational burden, the preprocessor270is designed to monitor the microphone230for a preset threshold level of signal before beginning the correlation process. When the signal exceeds the preset threshold level, the preprocessor270begins executing a Fourier transform. After several seconds or a period equal to the period of the reference signatures, the transformed active signal is stored at the output of the preprocessor270. Then, array addressing logic280begins selecting one reference signature at a time for correlation. Each reference signature is correlated by a correlator290with the active signal to determine if the reference signature matches the active signal from the environment.

The comparator300compares the magnitude of the output of the correlator290with a threshold to determine a match. When searching for events in the active signal, such as emergency signals, the correlator290is compared with a fixed threshold. In this case, the switch310selects a fixed threshold311for comparison. If the correlation magnitude exceeds the fixed threshold311, then the comparator300has detected a match. The comparator300then activates the correlation identifier register320and the correlation magnitude register330. The magnitude of the comparison result is stored in the correlation magnitude register330, and the identity of the source is stored in the correlation identifier register320. The fixed threshold311can be predefined by a programmer or the user of the PED102.

After event detection by the event detection engine215, the process is stopped and the array addressing logic280is reset. A search for new active signals then resumes.

Fourth Mode

In a fourth mode of operation, the event detection engine215searches for the best match for the sensed signal. In this case, the correlation magnitude register330is first cleared. Then, the switch310selects the output312of the correlation magnitude register330as the threshold input to the comparator300. The array addressing logic280then sequentially selects all stored references of a set for correlation. After each reference in the set is correlated, the comparator300compares the result with previous correlations stored in the correlation magnitude register330. If the new correlation magnitude is higher, then the new correlation magnitude is loaded into the correlation magnitude register330, and the respective identifier is loaded into the correlation identifier register320.

In an alternative embodiment, the correlation process can be performed by an associative process, where the active reference is associated directly with the stored references in a parallel operation that is faster than the sequential operation. New device technologies may enable associative processing. For example, reference memory array260can utilize content addressable memory devices for associative processing. ASIC devices and devices, such as the Texas Instruments TNETX3151 Ethernet switch incorporate content addressable memory. U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,541, entitled “Optical Associative Identifier with Joint Transform Correlator,” which is incorporated herein by reference, describes optical associative correlation.

This correlation process continues until all stored reference signatures in the set under analysis have been correlated. When the correlation process is completed, the correlation identifier register320holds the best match of the identity of the source of the active signal. The message retrieval logic350reads this register320and then selects and retrieves the appropriate ABS message from ABS message data115in memory110, and then has the ABS message forwarded to the appropriate output device(s)106. In addition, the identity of the event can also be displayed as a photo or text description in a display106or as a verbal announcement via a speaker106. If the final correlation magnitude is lower than a predetermined threshold, then the active signature can be loaded into the reference memory array260as a new unknown source.

Two or more PEDs102can function cooperatively to provide sensory enhancement over a wider range than that covered by a single PED102in order to better detect one or more events occurring in the environment. Multiple cooperating PEDs102can simultaneously monitor for selected environmental events, and exchange information pertaining to the events. Detection of an event could occur in one PED102and then this PED102could communicate that information to another PED102, which delivers the ABS message. In another scenario, a PED102may receive partial information, such as correlation information, from another PED102and then make a decision on event detection based upon information from a local transducer as well as the partial information from the other PED102.

VARIATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND OTHER POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS

With respect to variations, note that although not specifically described for simplicity, any combination of the various systems/methods that have been described under headings above may be implemented.

As an example of an application, a radio may be outfitted in accordance with the present invention to be used in the sales and spiritual products marketplaces. Such a radio, for example, can now be configured to automatically play a new, unique pre-recorded, digital ABS message of a predefined duration, say 5-10 minutes, for example, every day of the year. Such ABS messages can be recorded by world-renowned experts in the fields of sales and spirituality.

As another example of an application, each morning when a user either wakes from sleep (such as a result of clock radio initiating manifestation of a radio broadcast) or gets into a shower stall where a shower radio is in operation, the user can be presented with a meditative/spiritual/sales ABS message.

As another example of a variation, note that the comparing process that is performed by the event detection engine215in order to detect an environmental event associated with a PED102can be performed in the time domain as opposed to the frequency domain, and in some cases, this may be the preferred methodology.