Audio recording and distance measuring system

By providing an audio recording and playback system with a measuring device, a unique integrated system is realized which enables users to easily record measured distances and have the measured distances subsequently played back for use. In the preferred embodiment, the audio recording and play back system is constructed in cooperative association with a tape measuring device and is automatically powered whenever the tape is extended from the housing. Then, by pressing an activation switch and orally stating the measurements that have been taken, the orally enunciated information is automatically stored in an associated analog storage array for being subsequently played back whenever required by the user. In this way, an easily employed and particularly convenient system is realized which eliminates the need for manually recording measurements.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
This invention relates to distance measuring devices and, more 
particularly, to spring biased tape measuring devices which enable audible 
messages to be recorded for subsequent playback by the user. 
BACKGROUND ART 
Since the introduction of spring loaded, automatically stowable tape 
measuring devices, these devices have enjoyed substantial commercial 
success by both professionals and amateurs who perform a wide variety of 
jobs and duties. In meeting the ever-increasing demand for improvements in 
such devices, numerous changes have been made over the years for easier 
spring biased retrieval as well as position locking of the measuring tape 
in any desired position. However, in spite of the substantial success 
these products have enjoyed and the substantial effort expended in 
achieving improvements for these devices, one area has remained completely 
incapable of resolution, until the present invention. 
One of the principal drawbacks encountered by most individuals employing 
conventional tape measuring devices is the requirement that the individual 
must either manually or mentally make a record of the measurements being 
taken. In most instances, individuals must either carry pads of paper and 
a pen or pencil with them while employing the tape measuring device, so 
that the measurement being made can be properly recorded. Alternatively, 
the measurements are written on any available surface for later use by the 
individual. However, other than attempting to commit a plurality of 
measurements to memory, some type of manual written record is always 
needed in order to assure proper recording of every measurement being 
taken. 
As is readily apparent, the use of pencil and paper to record the 
measurements is extremely cumbersome, particularly when the same person is 
using the tape measuring device and numerous measurements must be recorded 
for subsequent use. However, in spite of this problem, no prior art system 
has been capable of providing any integrated construction wherein 
measurements can be quickly and easily recorded by the user without 
resorting to handwritten records on paper or other medium. 
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a 
distance measuring system which is capable of recording a plurality of 
measurements without requiring the use of pencil, paper, and the like. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a distance measuring 
system having the characteristic features described above which is easily 
employed, fully complementary to use of a tape measuring device, and 
completely eliminates the need for the user to carry extra materials such 
as paper, pencil, and the like. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an information 
recording and tape measuring system having the characteristic features 
described above which is easily activated by the user during the process 
of measuring a particular dimension and capable of efficiently and 
effectively recording each and every measurement enunciated by the user. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an information 
recording and tape measuring system having the characteristic features 
described above which is capable of easily and conveniently repeating any 
messages recorded therein in response to user activation for such 
information. 
Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part 
appear hereinafter. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
All of the drawbacks and difficulties encountered with prior art measuring 
devices are completely overcome by the present invention. In order to 
overcome these drawbacks, the present invention provides a measuring 
device which incorporates an easily useable information recording and 
playback system. In employing the teaching of the present invention, a 
plurality of alternate constructions can be adopted to achieve the desired 
recording and playback capabilities. In this disclosure, some alternate 
constructions are discussed. However, these embodiments are intended as 
examples, and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the 
present invention. 
In the preferred embodiment, circuitry is mounted directly in the housing 
of a tape measuring device, with the circuit incorporating a mode 
selection button for selecting either a RECORD mode or a PLAY mode. In 
addition, the recording system is automatically activated in response to 
the removal of the measuring tape from the housing. In this way, any time 
the measuring tape is being used, the recording system is powered and 
ready for use. 
The recording system is preferably powered by replaceable battery means and 
is constructed for enabling the user to employ the audio recording and 
tape measuring system in a generally conventional manner. Upon attaining a 
particular measurement, the user presses an activation button and recites 
the measurement. The measurement, as recited, is automatically recorded by 
the audio recording circuitry associated with the audio recording and tape 
measuring system. Once all of the desired measurements have been taken and 
recorded, the measurements are then easily played back, upon demand by the 
user. 
In the preferred embodiment, once the system is powered by the withdrawal 
of the measuring tape from the housing, recording is activated by pressing 
an activation button mounted on the housing of the audio recording and 
tape measuring system. In this way, a user employs the audio recording and 
tape measuring system in the typical manner and, upon determining a 
desired dimension, merely presses the activation button and states the 
measurement which has been taken. The audible message enunciated by the 
user is automatically recorded by the circuitry associated with the audio 
recording and tape measuring system for later use. 
Once the audible message is completed, the user merely removes the 
activation pressure, causing the circuitry to stop recording. If 
additional measurements need to be taken, the user operates the system in 
the same manner, individually recording each and every desired 
measurement. 
Once all of the measurements have been taken, the user moves the 
RECORD/PLAY switch into the PLAY mode for activating the circuitry to 
enable all of the recorded measurements stored in the memory of the 
circuitry to be played, upon demand. With this information, the user is 
able to make any calculations or diagrams needed, using the precise 
measurements that have been recorded. 
In the preferred embodiment, the reusable information recording system 
incorporated into the audio recording and tape measuring system of the 
present invention comprises direct analog storage technology for receiving 
an audible signal, such as a voice message, and recording the audible 
message in a message address which forms a part of the circuitry thereof. 
In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the analog recorded signal is 
retained until overwritten by another message, when so desired by the 
user. 
The analog storage circuitry may be configured with a plurality of message 
addresses for recording a plurality of separate messages in separate 
message addresses. In this way, numerous different measurements can be 
taken by the user and retained in the recording circuitry until needed by 
the user. As a result, the user is not required to stop and write down 
dimensions, while being assured that all of the measurements that have 
been taken are safely preserved. 
Depending upon the size of the tape measuring in it and the amount of 
information to be retained, the size of each of the message addresses 
incorporated into the audio recording and tape measuring system of the 
present invention can be widely varied. Typically, each message address is 
constructed with the capability of holding information which could be 
enunciated within between about five seconds and twenty-five seconds. Of 
course, if special situations exist, where substantially extended memory 
is required, a greatly enlarged analog storage can be employed. 
In addition, in the preferred embodiment, a separate access button is used 
for specifically recording the desired message in a particular message 
address. In the preferred embodiment, four separate buttons are mounted on 
the housing of the tape measuring device, with each button bearing indicia 
designating one particular message address. In this way, the user is 
capable of selecting the memory location of particular measurements that 
have been taken. In addition, the user is also assured that any 
information which might be lost by recording a new message in a previously 
used message address will not consist of current information which may 
still be required. 
In the preferred embodiment, whenever the user desires to play the 
information recorded in any message address, the user first moves the 
RECORD/PLAY switch to the PLAY position and then selects the message 
address within which the desired information is retained. When the mode 
select switch is moved into the PLAY mode, power is connected to the 
circuit, thereby activating the circuitry. Once the system is powered, the 
user merely presses an address activation switch which activates the 
circuitry to retrieve the recorded information from storage and transmit 
the information through amplifier means and a speaker incorporated into 
the housing of the audio recording and tape measuring system. 
Upon activation, the entire contents of the selected address is transmitted 
to the speaker for being audibly presented to the user. If desired, the 
same address can be selected again for repeated audible delivery or, if 
desired, any other message address can be individually selected by 
pressing the activation button corresponding to the desired message 
address. Once selected, the contents of the message address is transmitted 
to the amplifier and speaker. In this way, the measurements recorded in 
any of the message addresses can be quickly and easily retrieved by the 
user whenever the user desires to employ the recorded information. 
As discussed above, numerous variations can be made in the implementation 
of the present invention, without departing from the scope of this 
invention. In particular, various alternate switch configurations can be 
employed, such as a system activation switch for both the record mode and 
the play mode, instead of the activation switch built into the measuring 
tape for activating the system when the measuring tape is withdrawn from 
the housing. In addition, although the preferred embodiment employs a 
separate microphone and a separate speaker, a combined microphone/speaker 
assembly could be employed with equal efficacy. 
Other variations that can be incorporated into the circuitry of the present 
invention include battery power preservation means which maintains the 
electronic circuitry in a low battery state until a specific audio level 
is recognized by the system. Once this audio level has been perceived, the 
system is automatically activated into a full power mode, in order to 
record the audible information being received. In this way, power 
consumption may be reduced if the system is activated for long time 
periods, without the need for recording during most of the activation 
time. 
In addition, the audio recording system of this invention can be 
incorporated into distance measuring devices which employ sound or light 
to determine the distance to any object. In this regard, the signal 
corresponding to the measured distance is stored directly in the message 
address or is displayed on a digital display and orally enunciated by the 
user for being recorded in the desired message address. When desired, the 
stored information is retrieved from the address and audibly delivered to 
the user through an amplifier and speaker. 
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, 
combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified 
in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the invention 
will be indicated in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
By referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, along with the following detailed 
disclosure, the overall construction and operation of the present 
invention can best be understood. Although the best mode for constructing 
the present invention is disclosed herein, numerous alterations or 
modifications can be made to the embodiments detailed herein, without 
departing from the scope of this invention. Consequently, the following 
detailed disclosure, and the embodiments shown and discussed, are intended 
as examples for achieving the present invention and are not intended, in 
any way, to limit the scope of the present invention. 
In the present invention, audio recording and tape measuring system 20 
comprises a generally conventional configuration, incorporating housing 
21, elongated, continuous, measuring tape 22 removably mounted in housing 
21, and position locking button 23. As is wall known in this art, 
elongated measuring tape 22 is mounted in housing 21 in a continuous, 
coiled configuration, with its inside, proximal, terminating edge 
interconnected to a coiled spring member. In this way, measuring tape 22 
is able to be removed from housing 21 and extended to any desired length. 
Furthermore, upon completion of use, measuring tape 21 automatically 
returns into housing 21 due to the forces of the spring means mounted 
therein. 
Preferably, audio recording and tape measuring system 20 incorporates 
position locking button 23, which operates in the conventional manner. In 
this regard, whenever measuring tape 22 has been withdrawn from housing 21 
to a particular desired position, the movement of button 23 from an 
unlocked position to a locked position causes measuring tape 22 to be 
retained in the extended position, resisting the spring forces drawing 
measuring tape 22 into housing 21. 
In the present invention, audio recording and tape measuring system 20 also 
incorporates unique circuitry which is mounted in housing 21, preferably 
positioned between a side wall of housing 21 and the coiled measuring tape 
and the internal coiled spring member. By referring to FIG. 2, the overall 
functional elements incorporated within the circuitry mounted in housing 
21 is fully depicted and is detailed below. 
As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of audio recording and tape 
measuring system 20 comprises a slide switch 26 which is movable between 
two alternate positions. Preferably, slide switch 26 is movable between a 
PLAY position and a RECORD position. 
In addition, audio recording and tape measuring system 20 incorporates four 
easily accessed buttons 27, 28, 29, and 30. In the preferred embodiment, 
buttons 27, 28, 29, and 30 each comprise push-type, buttons which are 
activated by merely pressing the button and deactivated by removing the 
pressing force therefrom. 
The construction of audio recording and tape measuring system 20 is 
completed by preferably incorporating therein a microphone 31 and a 
speaker 32. Speaker 32 is mounted in housing 21 in a convenient location 
for enabling the audio output from the circuitry to be easily heard by the 
user. Similarly, microphone 31 is positioned on housing 21 in a convenient 
location for receiving the audible messages from the user and enabling the 
circuitry to record the messages. 
In order to provide audio recording and tape measuring system 20 of the 
present invention with the capability of recording audible messages and 
replaying the recorded messages whenever desired, housing 21 incorporates 
the requisite electronic circuitry mounted therein. The preferred 
circuitry for attaining the present invention is detailed in FIG. 2. By 
referring to FIG. 2, along with the following detailed discussion, the 
function and operation of the present invention and its associated 
circuitry can best be understood. 
As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the preferred 
construction of the recording and playback system incorporated into the 
audio recording and tape measuring system of the present invention 
comprises message address selector means 27, 28, 29, and 30, each of which 
are independently connected to a direct analog storage circuit or 
controller 35. Preferably, storage circuit or controller 35 comprises an 
integrated circuit, constructed for performing the various functions 
detailed herein. 
As detailed above, message address selectors 27, 28, 29, and 30 preferably 
comprise buttons or switches mounted to housing 21, with each of the 
buttons separately connected to controller 35. In this way, controller 35 
receives a separate activation signal from each memory zone selector and 
responds thereto, in a manner detailed below. 
Controller 35 is also directly connected with record/play selector 26 for 
receiving the signal transmitted by record/play selector 26. In response 
to the signal received therefrom, controller 35 activates the system to 
function in either the RECORD mode or the PLAY mode, as desired by the 
user. 
The preferred circuitry also incorporates a storage address 39 which are 
directly connected with a storage array containing storage addresses 36. 
As discussed above, the preferred embodiment comprises four separate and 
independent storage addresses 36, each of which are independently 
accessible by activating a corresponding storage selector, 27, 28, 29 or 
30. As is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, any number of 
storage addresses can be employed and each storage address can be of any 
desired size, in order to provide any desired storage capabilities. In 
addition, if desired, a single storage address can be used with a single 
storage selector, if such a construction is preferred. 
The preferred circuit of the present invention incorporates a microphone 31 
which is connected directly to an amplification and filter circuit 40 
which receives the audible messages enunciated by the user and assures 
that the message is properly transmitted to storage addresses 36 for 
retention therein. In addition, the system contains an amplifier 37 which, 
in turn, is connected to speaker 32. In this way, any information retained 
in storage address 36 is easily retrieved therefrom, when desired, and 
transmitted to speaker 32 for being heard by the user. 
The final element incorporated into the circuitry of the preferred 
embodiment of the present invention is tape extension sensor 38. As 
discussed above, when record/play selector 26 is placed in the record 
mode, the removal of measuring tape 22 from housing 21 automatically 
activates the circuitry into the ON mode. In this embodiment, tape 
extension sensor 38 is mounted in conjunction with measuring tape 22 and 
is activated to transmit a signal whenever measuring tape 22 is removed 
from housing 21. The signal from sensor 38 is transmitted to controller 
35, causing controller 35 to activate the system and enable the system to 
be ready to receive and record any messages desired by the user. 
In addition to construction changes or alterations that may be made to the 
circuitry or the structure of the preferred embodiment of the present 
invention, the present invention may also be implemented in a distance 
measuring device which uses sound waves or light waves to determine the 
distance to be measured. Typically, these prior art systems transmit a 
sound wave or light beam to a remote surface and, based upon the reflected 
signal, determines the distance between the measuring device and the 
surface being measured. This information is then transmitted to a digital 
readout. By employing the teaching of the present invention, the user 
operates the system while audibly stating the measurement displayed on the 
digital readout. In this way, the measured distance is transmitted to the 
desired storage address. Once all of the desired measurements have been 
taken, the recorded information is retrieved, when needed, and transmitted 
to the speaker for being heard and used. 
In the foregoing detailed disclosure, the construction of the audio 
recording and tape measuring system of this invention has been fully 
detailed. In addition, alternate embodiments and constructions have been 
discussed as a part of this detailed disclosure. However, in order to 
assure a full, complete understanding of the present invention, the 
overall operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is 
detailed below. 
In the typical use of the present invention, the user positions play/record 
selector switch 26 in the RECORD position prior to employing audio 
recording and tape measuring system 20 for measuring any desired length. 
When switch 26 is positioned in the RECORD mode, audio recording and tape 
measuring system 20 is in its OFF mode, with an open circuit existing 
between the power source and the electronic circuit. In this way, power 
can be preserved when system 20 is not in use. 
Whenever any desired length needs to be measured, the user withdraws 
measuring tape 22 from housing 21, in the conventional manner, securing 
the distal end of measuring tape 22 at one position and extending housing 
21 to the second position with the sufficient length of measuring tape 22 
being exposed so the desired measurement can be accurately determined. 
Upon removal of measuring tape 22 from housing 21, tape extension sensor 
38 is activated and transmits an activation signal to controller 35. In 
response to this signal, controller 35 activates the entire system into 
the ON mode, effectively connecting the power means to the circuitry. This 
assures that the system is ready for receiving and recording any audible 
message. 
Once the user has accurately determined the first measurement to be taken, 
the user merely presses one of the address selector switches 27, 28, 29, 
or 30 and audibly enunciates the desired message to be recorded. The 
activation of one of the switches 27, 28, 29 or 30 transmits the 
appropriate signal to controller 35 which initiates the RECORD mode, while 
simultaneously receiving and recording the audible message delivered to 
microphone 31. 
The signal received by microphone 31 is transmitted by controller 35 to 
storage address 36 and retained therein for access by pressing the 
particular address selector switch employed by the user for storage. This 
recording process continues until all of the available storage address 
space in the particular storage address is filled or the user removes the 
activation pressure from the selector switch. 
If any additional measurements are to be recorded, the same process is 
employed with the user, preferably employing another address selector 
switch to assure that the storage address is not filled and information is 
not lost. By providing, four separate and independent addresses in storage 
address 36, the ability to record numerous measurements in their entirety 
is assured and the capability of any individual to employ this system and 
completely record measurements in virtually any desired application is 
provided. 
Once all of the desired measurements have been fully recorded, measuring 
tape 22 is automatically returned to its fully stowed position in housing 
21. The return of measuring tape 22 to housing 21 deactivates tape 
extension sensor 38, causing the power to the circuitry to be turned OFF, 
in order to conserve battery power. 
Whenever the user is ready to employ the measurements that have been 
recorded in storage address 36, the user moves slide switch 26 from the 
RECORD position to the PLAY position. This signal is transmitted to 
controller 35 in order to initiate the PLAY mode. In addition, in the 
preferred embodiment, the selection of the PLAY mode also simultaneously 
connects power to the circuitry in order to properly operate the 
circuitry. If desired, alternate battery activation systems can be 
employed, without departing from the scope of this invention. However, 
power activation in this manner has been found to be most desirable. 
With selector switch 26 in the PLAY position and power to the circuitry 
turned ON, the user merely presses one of the address selector buttons 27, 
28, 29, or 30 in order to obtain the information that has been stored in 
the address corresponding to that particular selector switch. For example, 
if the desired measurements have been stored by pressing address selector 
button 27, the user would press address selector button 27, causing 
controller 35 to retrieve the information retained in storage address 36 
corresponding to selector switch 27. 
Once button 27 has been pressed, controller 35 accesses the appropriate 
storage address 36, causing the analog information stored therein to be 
transmitted back to controller 35. Controller 35 then transmits the signal 
to amplifier 37 and speaker 32, so that the recorded information is 
audibly transmitted for being heard by the user. Once all of the 
information in the selected storage address 36 has been audibly 
transmitted through speaker 32, the system is placed in a STOP mode. 
By repeating the same process, the user is able to access and obtain 
audible transmissions corresponding to the information stored in each of 
the other storage addresses 36. As detailed above, this process is easily 
attained by the user merely pressing the appropriate address selector 
button corresponding to the storage address within which the desired 
information is stored. Once an appropriate address selector button has 
been pressed, the corresponding information is transmitted from storage 
address 36 to controller 35, which then causes the information to be 
transmitted to amplifier 37 and to speaker 32 for being heard by the user. 
Once the user has had all of the stored information audibly enunciated 
through speaker 32 for the user's convenience, record/play selector switch 
26 is preferably returned into the RECORD mode for effectively switching 
power from the ON mode to the OFF mode. In this way, battery power is 
preserved and longer term use of the system is realized. 
As discussed above, the construction detailed herein is the preferred 
embodiment for attaining a highly effective and easily employable audio 
recording and tape measuring system. However, numerous structural changes 
as well as electronic circuitry changes can be made to the present 
invention without departing from the scope of this invention. 
Consequently, it is to be understood that the particular embodiments 
detailed above are considered as preferred examples of the present 
invention and are not intended as limiting the present invention to these 
embodiments. 
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made 
apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, 
since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without 
departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter 
contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings 
shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover 
all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein 
described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a 
matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.