Abstract:
An electronic recording device that has an impact-activated playback function and a body adapted to allow the device sustained repeated physical impacts without damage to its internal components. In operation, a user records a message and then puts the device in motion by, for example, throwing or dropping it. The device plays back the message automatically upon impacting something. The message can any suitable type of recordable content, including audio content such a voice, music, noise, or any other sound and/or visual content, such as graphics, images, video or the like.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to devices that are capable of recording and playing back messages, and in particular, to a throwable recording device that has an impact-activated playback function.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     No other species has a repertoire that matches humanity&#39;s capacity to communicate. Over the course of history, people have developed innumerable devices for communicating messages to one another, from a multitude of written and spoken languages, gestures, signals and images to modern electronic apparatuses capable of delivering messages in ways and with speed that were unimaginable in the past.  
         [0003]     As disclosed and claimed herein below, we have invented a new and exciting apparatus and method for communicating messages.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0004]     The present invention is directed to a throwable electronic recording device that has an impact-activated playback function for playing recorded messages. In operation, a user records a message with the recording device. After recording the message, the user puts the recording device in motion by, for example, throwing or dropping the device. Upon being caught by another person or impacting something, the device plays back the recorded message automatically. The message carried by the device can be any suitable type of recordable content, including audio content such as voice, music, noise or any other sound, and/or visual content such as graphics, images, lighting displays, video or the like.  
         [0005]     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device is a throwable object having a body that can be, for example, a ball, flying disc (Frisbee®) or any other shape that is adapted to be thrown, tossed or otherwise put into motion and passed between a starting point of travel and an ending point. The object also includes a record/playback circuit, an input (e.g., a microphone) and an output (e.g., a speaker) operatively coupled to the record/playback circuit, and a record switch permitting a user to selectively cause the record/playback circuit to record a message received by the input. An impact switch included in the object causes the record/playback circuit to automatically playback the recorded message on the output in response to an impact to the throwable object. The message can include audio content, visual content or audio-visual content.  
         [0006]     Other embodiments, features, aspects, advantages and methods of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional embodiments, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a throwable object in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a throwable object in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the throwable object shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram showing details of the audio record/playback circuit shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an integrated electronics module for housing the messaging circuitry.  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of throwable object containing the integrated electronics module of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  is a partial exploded view of the throwable object shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0015]     Turning now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of a throwable object  10  in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this example, the throwable object  10  is a ball  11  having a record button  12 , a microphone  14 , an optional visual record indicator  18 , and one or more speaker holes  16  located on its surface. Contained within the ball  11  is messaging circuitry, such as audio record/playback circuitry  51  (see  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0016]     In operation, a user records a message with the ball  11  by depressing the record button  12  and speaking into the microphone  14 . After recording the message, the user throws or drops the ball  11 . Upon being caught by another person or hitting something, the ball  11  plays back the recorded message automatically. With impact-activated playback, the recipient simply catches the ball  11  to hear the message. The record/playback circuitry has a message storage device that repeatedly allows a new message to be recorded over the stored message. Thus, the ball  11  can carry a different message each time it is thrown, particularly when it is thrown between different users. This unique messaging device provides a new and exciting twist on the game of playing catch: one that allows almost endless opportunities for creating amusing situations.  
         [0017]     The ball  11  acts as a body for the throwable object  10 , protecting the electronic components and defining the exterior shape of the throwable object  10 . The ball  11  is adapted to be thrown about and to sustain repeated physical impacts without damage to the ball  11  itself or its internal components. The ball can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, and is preferably made of a foam material, such as that used in a conventional Nerf® ball. The ball  11  can be substantially hollow or substantially solid, and can have any suitable configuration or number of internal structures, as well as any desirable surface texture, so long as the ball  11  adequately protects the record/playback components during use. In addition, the ball  11  can have any suitable shape, and is not limited to the spherical shape shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]     The record button  12  is located on the exterior of the ball  11  so that it can be easily operated by the user. Preferably, the record button  12  is slightly recessed on the ball&#39;s exterior surface so that it is not inadvertently depressed (causing a false record) when the ball  11  is caught or hits something after being thrown. The record button  12  may be any suitable switch for operating the record feature, and is preferably a momentary-contact push button switch buried just under the ball&#39;s exterior surface. The switch is integrally located on the body so that a user can selectively cause the record/playback circuit  51  to record sound received by the microphone  14 .  
         [0019]     As an alternative to the push-button switch, the record button  12  can be implemented as a voice-activated switch that activates the record function upon detecting audio energy at the microphone  14  above a threshold value.  
         [0020]     The microphone  14  is located along the ball&#39;s exterior surface so that it can better receive sound. The microphone  14  can be slightly recessed, or alternatively, it can be buried under the exterior surface of the ball  11  with a hole passing from the ball&#39;s surface to the microphone  14  for allowing sound to reach the microphone  14 . The microphone  14  can be any suitable type of microphone and is preferably an electret microphone.  
         [0021]     The visual record indicator  18  is any means for visually indicating to a user that the ball  11  is currently recording a message. Preferably, the visual record indicator  18  is a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on or near the ball&#39;s surface. The LED lights up when the record button  12  is depressed. The visual record indicator  18  is an optional feature of the throwable object  10 .  
         [0022]     The speaker holes  16  are formed along the exterior of the ball  11  to allow sound to pass from a playback speaker  34  (see  FIG. 3 ) embedded within the ball  11 . The holes  16  can be any suitable shape or number. As an alternative to burying the speaker  34  in the ball  11  and using the ball&#39;s exterior layer or other means to protect the speaker face, the speaker face can be exposed.  
         [0023]     In an alternative arrangement, the microphone  14  and the speaker  34  are combined into a single audio transducer device that provides both microphone and speaker functions. Also, more than one speaker can be included in the object.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a throwable object  20  in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this example, the throwable object  20  is a flying disc  21  having a record button  12 , a microphone  14 , a visual record indicator  18 , and one or more speaker holes  16  located on its upper surface. Contained within the flying disc  21  is messaging circuitry, such as audio record/playback circuitry  51 .  
         [0025]     The flying disc  21  acts as a body carrying the messaging circuitry. The disc  21  functions in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the ball  11  of  FIG. 1 . The flying disc  21  can be any suitable size and can be made of any suitable material and construction, and is preferably made of injection molded plastic.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the throwable object  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The ball  11  includes two mated halves  31 , 33  and audio record/playback circuitry  51 . Each half  31 , 33  is made of an open cell foam, such as polyurethane.  
         [0027]     The audio record/playback circuitry  51  includes an impact switch  52  connected to an audio record/playback circuit  32 . The audio record/playback circuit  32  is wired to a power supply  30  (such as one or more batteries), a speaker  34 , the record button  12 , microphone  14  and visual record indicator  18 .  
         [0028]     The audio record/playback circuit  32  can be any suitable electronic device for recording and playing back audio, but it is preferably based on a commercially-available audio recorder/playback integrated circuit (IC), such as the one illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The circuit  32  includes a memory for storing one or more audio messages. Preferably, the circuit  32  is capable of recording and storing a single message that is erased and recorded over each time the object  10  is used to record a new message. However, in an alternative configuration, the circuit  32  can record, store and playback plural recorded messages. In this configuration, the record/playback circuitry  51  includes additional user interfaces (e.g., buttons) or other means for selecting messages to record, playback and/or delete. The maximum length and number of messages is a matter of design choice.  
         [0029]     The messaging circuitry can be configured to insert a slight playback delay at the beginning of each recorded message. The playback delay is a very useful feature because it allows the sound of the object&#39;s impact to pass before the recorded message plays back. It also allows a recipient to focus his/her attention on the message, rather than the act of catching the object. For example, when playing catch, a message recipient first concentrates on catching the object. Slightly delaying the message allows the recipient to recover his/her attention before hearing the message. Thus, this delay improves the clarity of the delivered message. The length of the delay can be any suitable period of time, such as a delay period between 0.1-0.5 seconds.  
         [0030]     Using a voice record/playback integrated circuit (IC), such as the one shown in  FIG. 4 , the playback delay can be a period of silence stored in digital memory at the beginning of each recorded and stored message. The voice record/playback IC is programmed or otherwise configured to store digital values representing silence in the appropriate memory spaces.  
         [0031]     To increase battery life, the record/playback circuitry  51  can be configured to enter a low-power standby state when not in use.  
         [0032]     The impact switch  52  can be any suitable impact-activated electrical switch for triggering the playback function of the circuit  32 . The impact switch  52  causes the record/playback circuit  32  to playback the recorded sound on the speaker  34  in response to an impact against the throwable object  10 . Preferably, the switch  52  is a momentary contact switch having a coil spring conductor mounted in close proximity to a fixed conductor. Using this type of switch, when the object  10  receives an impact, the coil spring moves, contacting the fixed conductor to momentarily complete the circuit and trigger the playback function.  
         [0033]     The sensitivity of the impact switch  52  can be selected so that it properly triggers the playback function of the record/playback circuit  32  during the anticipated normal use of the object  10 , while minimizing false playback triggering. For instance, the sensitivity of the switch  52  can be set so that the record/playback circuitry  51  differentiates between when the throwable object  10  is thrown by a user and when the throwable object  10  is caught or hits something. Generally, the acceleration force on the object  10  when it is being thrown or otherwise released by a message sending user is less than the deceleration force on the object  10  when it impacts the intended message recipient. Properly setting the sensitivity of the switch  52  is important so that the recorded messages are played back when expected, and not prematurely.  
         [0034]     Using an impact switch having a coil spring conductor as described above, the sensitivity of the switch  52  can be varied by changing the spring coefficient of the spring conductor and/or changing its physical location relative to the fixed conductor.  
         [0035]     Each half  31 , 33  of the ball  11  has corresponding internal cavities  38 , 40  formed therein for receiving respective components  30 , 32  of the audio record/playback circuitry  51 . One or more corresponding cavities  42 , 44 , 46 , 48  are formed in the halves  31 , 33  at or near the exterior surface of the ball  11  for receiving the speaker  42 , microphone  44 , visual indicator  18 , and record button  12 , respectively. The cavities  38 , 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48  are shaped and sized to frictionally receive their respective components so as to secure them in place. Additionally or alternatively, a suitable adhesive can be used to secure the circuitry components in their cavities.  
         [0036]     Wire tracks (not shown) connecting the cavities  38 , 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48  can be formed as grooves on one or both of the interior faces  39  of the halves  31 , 33 . The wire tracks receive the wires connecting the electrical components  12 , 14 , 18 , 30 , 34  to the audio record/playback circuit  32 .  
         [0037]     To assemble the object  10 , the audio record/playback circuitry  51  is first placed into the cavities of one of the halves  31 , 33 . The two halves  31 , 33  are then mated together and secured using an adhesive or any other suitable means, such as Velcro strips located on the faces  39 . Using a non-permanent fastener such as Velcro, rather than an adhesive, allows the two halves  31 , 33  to be separated so that the batteries  30  can be conveniently replaced by a user.  
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram showing a specific exemplary implementation of the audio record/playback circuit  32  shown in  FIG. 3 . This implementation of the circuit  32  includes a Chipcorder® voice record/playback IC, part no. ISD1200 available from Winbond Electronics Corporation of Taiwan, connected to appropriate passive electrical components (resistors and capacitors).  
         [0039]     An optional capacitor (not shown) can be connected in parallel with the impact switch  12  for conditioning the output signal of the impact switch.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an integrated electronics module  60  for housing the audio record/playback circuitry  51 . The substantially rectilinear module  60  secures and protects the circuitry  51  in a universal housing  62  having a standardized form factor so that the circuitry  51  can be readily integrated into throwable objects having different sizes and shapes.  
         [0041]     The housing  62  includes a substantially hollow upper portion  66  mated to a substantially hollow lower portion  67 .  
         [0042]     The upper and lower portions  66 , 67  include, respectively, front convex portions  68 , 69  having a speaker grille  64  formed therein. The speaker  34  is mounted inside the housing  62  behind the front convex portions  68 , 69 . The upper front convex portion  68  and the lower front convex portion  69  have corresponding openings  70   a - b  respectively formed therein for receiving the record visual indicator  18 , corresponding openings  72   a - b  respectively formed therein for receiving the microphone  14 , and corresponding openings  74   a - b  respectively formed therein for receiving the record button  12 .  
         [0043]     Behind the speaker mounts along opposing interior side walls of the housing portions  66 , 67  are mounts  82  for securing the audio record/playback circuit  32 . Each of the mounts  82  include two substantially parallel vertical walls  78 , 80  extending away from respective opposing interior side walls. The parallel walls  78 , 80  form vertical slots  76  for receiving edges of the circuit board of the record/playback circuit  32 .  
         [0044]     To assemble the module  60 , the audio record/playback circuitry  51  is first placed into the mounts  82 , 70   b , 72   b , 74   b  of the lower portion  67 . The two portions  66 , 67  are then mated together and secured using an adhesive or any other suitable fastening means, such as screws or the like.  
         [0045]     The housing  60  is preferably made of injection molded plastic.  
         [0046]     The circuitry  51  of  FIG. 5  illustrates the use of coin cell batteries  75 , which are smaller and lighter than conventional batteries.  
         [0047]     The housing  62  illustrated in  FIG. 5  is exemplary only. The housing  62  can have any suitable shape, size, structure and configuration and be within the scope of the claimed invention.  
         [0048]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary throwable object  100  containing the integrated electronics module  60  of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. The object  100  has a substantially solid spherical body  102  having an open cavity  101  formed therein for receiving the electronics module  60 . The open cavity  101  is shaped and sized so that the module  60  fits snuggly therein. The module  60  is secured in cavity  101  using a suitable adhesive. The body  102  may be made of any suitable material, and it is preferably made of an open cell foam, such as polyurethane.  
         [0049]     The radius of curvature of the convex front portions  68 , 69  of the housing  60  is in proportion to that of the body  102  so as not to distort the body&#39;s spherical shape.  
         [0050]     A cover  104  is attached over the module  60  using an adhesive or other suitable attaching means to generally conceal the module  60 . The cover  104  is preferably made of the same material as the body  102 . The cover has one or more speaker holes  110  formed therein, as well as a microphone hole  106 , record button hole  108  and record visual indicator hole  111 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 7  is a partial exploded view of the throwable object  20  shown in  FIG. 2 . The flying disc  21  includes a disc portion  23  having a center hole or compartment  150  formed therein for receiving the electronics module  60 . The module  60  can be secured into the center hole  150  using an adhesive or any other suitable fastening means.  
         [0052]     For a throwable object that carries visual messages or audio-visual messages, video record/playback circuitry can be embedded in the object in a manner similar to that described above for audio only record/playback messaging. For video, a commercially-available digital or analog video record/playback circuit (preferably digital) can be securely mounted in the body of the object so that it is not damaged during use of the object. A user record interface is mounted in the body so that it is user accessible for the body&#39;s exterior. The record interface includes a miniature video camera, microphone (for audio-visual versions of the throwable object), recorder controls and the like. A playback output interface is mounted in or on the body so that it is visible from outside the body. The output interface includes a video display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit or a video projector, and a speaker for audio-visual messaging. The impact switch included in the throwable object triggers the playback function.  
         [0053]     In an alternative version of the throwable object, a manually-operated playback switch (not shown) is substituted for the impact switch  52  in the above embodiments. The manually-operated playback switch is located at or near the surface of the object, in a manner similar to that for the record button  12 , so that a user can manually activate the message playback function of the circuitry  51 . The manual playback switch can be any suitable switching device, such as a momentary-contact push-button switch or the like. Although this version does not provide the automatic playback function, it may be desirable in some circumstances.  
         [0054]     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that more embodiments and implementations, other than those specifically described above, are possible that are within the scope of this invention. Further, the foregoing summary, detailed description and drawings are considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Since other modifications and changes may be or become apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is thus not limited the exact embodiments shown and described above, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are deemed to fall within the scope of the invention, as it is defined by the claims below.