Abstract:
A system for the generation and retrieval of voice memo reminders at designated time intervals. A user controls the system by selecting one or more buttons at a user interface, to initiate voice recording and chose a specific time delay for message playback. A microphone captures voice data when selected by the user. The system is microprocessor-controlled, for storing messages into digital memory and for processing audible replay of individual stored voice messages according to the time delay of the individually stored voice messages. A speaker is provided for audibly replaying the voice messages.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application serial No. 60/341,536, filed Dec. 17, 2001, entitled “VOICE MEMO REMINDER SYSTEM, AND ASSOCIATED METHODOLOGY” and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    There is increasing competition in business environments. To assist in this competition, the marketplace has introduced an array of digital devices, e.g., palm data devices and voice recorders, for storage and retrieval of specific inputted information. Nevertheless, managers and executives still heavily rely on their secretarial and administrative staff because of certain inefficiencies in these devices.  
           [0003]    By way of example, consider voice recorders, which are well known in the prior art. The following patents, each incorporated herein by reference, exemplify various prior art voice recorders: U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,298; U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,737; U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,189; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,011,586. Prior art voice recorders generally include various buttons to initiate and record voice information; another set of buttons are used to play back messages. However, much of the value of these voice recorders is lost because users are too busy to counter-check the recorded information. Accordingly, in order to effectively track recorded information, these users again rely on secretarial and administrative staff to review and separately log voice messages. Altogether, maintaining and tracking the recorded information is a burdensome process; it is often, therefore, neglected entirely.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0004]    In one aspect, a voice memo reminder system is provided. The system is microprocessor-controlled and may be battery-powered. A user controls the system by selecting one or more buttons at a user interface. A microphone captures voice data when selected by the user. Voice data is stored by a processing component as a message file in internal memory, or within a separate memory element. Voice data may be replayed to the user, automatically and/or selectively, through a speaker with the system. Messages are preferably stored in memory with an associated time tag and numerical index number, and then later replayed through the speaker at a time associated with the time tag (e.g., a voice message recorded is entered to have relevance at 10 A.M. the next day and is replayed at that time, or the recorded message is selected for playback one hour later from the time of recording logged by the system). The system appropriately handles recorded messages according to different selections (arrays of options) at the user interface.  
           [0005]    In another aspect, the buttons of the user interface control the selection of recording functions of the system. The user may select user interface buttons to record a voice message, and to select replay of the voice message at a selected time delay. The buttons may be associated with standard numeric values (e.g., 0 to 9) and with the time of day (e.g., A.M. or P.M.) for selection of a date and time for message replay, or associated with set time delay intervals (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, {fraction (1/2)} day, 1 day, 1 month, etc.) measured from a time delay logged by the system. Buttons may also invoke various message functions, such as playback of messages, forward or backward skipping to other messages, and deletion of all messages or a currently selected message. Also, a user may set the current time and date within the system by initiation of one or more interface buttons.  
           [0006]    In yet another aspect, a display informs the user of the total number of recorded messages and/or the current date and time. The display may also provide the selected time delay for message replay, index number of a message that is currently being recorded, played and/or deleted, and may provide the number of messages missed by the user. Further, an illuminator may be included with the system to function either independently, or in conjunction with the display, to alert the user of certain message handing events, such as whether a message has been missed (i.e., played back for the user without acknowledgement of the playback).  
           [0007]    The system may also store task data in association with storage of a particular voice message. Tasks are textual components of a message that provide a title or label to such message (e.g., “Doctor&#39;s Appointment” associated with voice data scheduled for playback in 30 minutes). The task may be entered into the system by one of known techniques, e.g., by a keypad at the user interface, or by another electronic device through an interface unit, or by handwriting onto a data input screen. Tasks may be used to index associated voice messages for viewing on the display.  
           [0008]    In another aspect, the display screen displays a calendar matrix. The calendar matrix may be used for selection of a specific date upon which a stored message or task will be replayed. Dates in which a message/task is scheduled for replay will have a marker (e.g., they are “highlighted”) to differentiate scheduled dates from dates without scheduling so that a user can quickly determine which dates on the calendar matrix have scheduled activities. When a user selects a particular date on the calendar matrix, tasks stored in association with messages scheduled for playback on such date may be displayed next to the matrix (e.g., “Doctor&#39;s Appointment”) such that the user is reminded of the content of the associated message.  
           [0009]    In addition to the above-described aspects for setting a reminder, one optional feature ensures that the user receives the recorded message(s)/reminder(s) in playback by implementing a “snooze” function. Visual and/or audible alerts may continuously remind the user if message playback has not been acknowledged.  
           [0010]    Still another feature of the system is to ensure that the message(s) playback to the correct person. By initiating a numeric password lock, the system only plays back messages when it is unlocked, thereby ensuring privacy and confidentiality.  
           [0011]    In another aspect, a message handling switch selects message handling characteristics for a stored message upon replay. By way of example, the switch can be set for automatic deletion of messages after playback, or automatic retention of messages after playback of such messages, with or without subsequent automatic playback at a specific time delay.  
           [0012]    In another aspect, an interface unit connects with system memory for transferring messages/tasks from the memory to an external device. The interface unit may be configured for transferring digital message data or audio messages to the system. Data may also be communicated from system memory to the external device, in one aspect.  
           [0013]    In another aspect, a housing integrates the user interface, microphone, speaker, microprocessor, and/or display as a monolithic unit that is sized and configured to hold in one hand of a user.  
           [0014]    In another aspect, a method is provided for storing voice messages and for selectively replaying the messages at a selectable time delay. The method includes the steps of: pressing one of several buttons on a hand-held voice memo reminder system, to initiate voice recording and to time tag the voice recording with a time delay, and audibly regenerating the voice recording automatically after the time delay.  
           [0015]    Certain advantages are therefore provided by the systems and method above. For example, one system provides a “one-hand” operating device that can audibly remind the user about entered or recorded tasks or appointments according to a pre-set time. By way of example, the user may select a button corresponding to a particular time delay (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, {fraction (1/2)} day, 1 day, 1 month, 1 year) to enable a very direct and simple setting of automatic voice reminder functions. The user then benefits from the message reminders so they can organize themselves according to individual scheduling of important events; more particularly, they may be reminded of the time by their own recorded voice replayed from system&#39;s speaker. In another example, the systems and method herein do not require third party intervention, thereby reducing transaction costs associated with staff and secretarial staff. The system may further support various uses, including:  
           [0016]    Office or Home Message Center  
           [0017]    Multi-alarm clock with the play-back of recorded voice  
           [0018]    Multi-alarm watch with the play-back of recorded voice  
           [0019]    Voice reminding pill box  
           [0020]    Voice reminding cooking timer  
           [0021]    Portable Reminder  
           [0022]    The system efficiently permits recapture of voice recorded data, more simple and efficient manner as compared to prior voice recorders. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of one voice memo reminder system;  
         [0024]    FIGS.  2 A- 2 C show a schematic circuit diagram, suitable for use with the voice memo reminder system of FIG. 1.  
         [0025]    FIGS.  3 A- 3 D show various views (front view, end view, side view and back view) of one voice reminder system;  
         [0026]    FIGS.  4 A- 4 E show various views (front view, end view, side view, perspective view with cradle pad closed and perspective, view with cradle pad opened) of the system of FIG. 3 and attached to a cradle;  
         [0027]    FIGS.  5 A- 5 C show various views (back view, end view, side view) of the cradle of FIG. 4;  
         [0028]    FIGS.  6 A- 6 B show various views (front view and side view) of another voice memo reminder system;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 7 shows yet another voice memo reminder system;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of one start-up process for one voice reminder system;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of one wake-up from halt mode process for one voice reminder system;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of one scan button operation process for one voice reminder system;  
         [0033]    FIGS.  11 A- 11 B shows a flow chart of one system locking process for one voice reminder system;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of one message playback process for one voice reminder system;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of one clock setting process for one voice reminder system;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of one message recording process for one voice reminder system;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 15 shows a flow chart of one message skipping process for one voice reminder system; and  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 16 shows a flow chart of another message recording process for one voice reminder system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0039]    [0039]FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one voice memo reminder system  10 . System  10  receives voice input, processes and stores the input as a message file, and then replays the recorded message at a time delay selected by a user. System  10  may additionally receive task input as textual data. These tasks are associated with message files to provide a title or label to such messages.  
         [0040]    System  10  has a processing component  20  that includes a primary microprocessor  22 , to provide overall internal control of system  10 , and a voice processor  24 , to digitize voice input received by system  10  for storage thereof. Voice processor  24  may be, for example, a model ISD4003 ChipCorder CMOS-based microprocessor of ISD/WindbondAudio. Primary microprocessor  22  may be, for example, a model SPLB21 8-bit CMOS microprocessor of Sunplus Technology Co. However, it is to be understood that processing component  20  may comprise a single microprocessor (not shown) performing combined functions of primary microprocessor  22  and voice processor  24 . Message and associated task input are stored in storage unit  30 . Although shown externally, storage unit  30  may be an internal memory element  32  within voice processor  24  as a matter of design choice. Storage unit  30  may also include a secondary storage element  34  (e.g., cache memory) connected with primary microprocessor  22  to store embedded software instructions for directing the operation of primary microprocessor  22 . Alternatively, if voice processor  24  does not have internal memory element  32 —for example, if processor  24  is a digital signal processor (DSP) microchip—primary microprocessor  22  and voice processor  24  may share a single storage device (not shown), such as a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) unit, that stores both digitized voice data and embedded software instructions. Additionally, textual data associated with inputted tasks may be stored on either of internal memory element  32  or secondary storage element  34  as a matter of design choice.  
         [0041]    Audio unit  40  has a microphone  42  for capturing voice data spoken near to system  10  and a speaker  44  for audibly replaying the message to the user at a time delay. Microphone  42  communicates with voice processor  24 , which converts the voice data from analog to digital data for storage in storage unit  30 . According to the time delay selected by the user at user interface  50 , voice processor  24  will convert the stored digital data to analog for replay on speaker  44 .  
         [0042]    In one embodiment, user interface  50  includes a keypad  52  for entering commands into system  10  regarding the recording, playback, and scheduling of playback of messages. Display  54 , e.g., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), presents information to the user about messages stored in storage unit  30  and times for scheduled message playback.  
         [0043]    To inform the user of certain conditions regarding stored messages, alarm unit  60  has a visual indicator, such as an LED  62  and/or an audio indicator, such as a buzzer  64 . LED  62  may be configured, for example, to illuminate when the user is presently recording a message, or when a message replay has been missed and not acknowledged. Buzzer  64  may produce audio output to inform the user, for example, that scheduled message replay will begin shortly, or that message replay has been missed and not acknowledged.  
         [0044]    Optionally, system  10  includes an interface unit  70  for linking with an external device (not shown), to import and export files to and from storage unit  30 . In one example, interface unit  70  imports digital or analog information, such as voice messages, from an external device (e.g., computer, tape recorder) that are then stored as tasks or messages within storage unit  30 . In another example, interface unit  70  exports message or task data from storage unit  30  to the external device. Interface unit  70  may be, for example, a USB port, I/R port, or an audio jack.  
         [0045]    Those skilled in the art should appreciate that processing component  20  may be one of several types of microprocessors, as a matter of design choice. Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that if voice processor  24  is not provided, other components such as A/D (analog/digital) and D/A (digital/analog) converters may be included within system  10 , for example, to digitize voice data through microphone  42  and to replay voice recordings through speaker  44 . Additionally, an internal battery (not shown) may provide electrical power for system  10 .  
         [0046]    FIGS.  2 A- 2 C show an exemplary circuital architecture  80  suitable for use with voice memo reminder system  10  of FIG. 1, in accord with one embodiment. By way of example, processing component  20  may be configured for processing a plurality of control signals, data signals and/or voice signals, and includes primary microprocessor  22 , FIG. 2A, and voice processor  24 , FIG. 2C. Architecture  80  typically includes power supply and condition circuitry  82  configured for supplying conditioned power to the various components of system  10 , such as primary microprocessor  22  and voice processor  24 .  
         [0047]    Primary microprocessor  22  may be configured to process several control and/or data signals to operatively control certain components of system  10 . For example, primary microprocessor  22  may direct voice processor  24  to record a message when the primary microprocessor  22  receives a control signal from user interface  50 . As such, voice processor  24  may cooperatively record an incoming audio signal with audio unit  40 .  
         [0048]    In FIGS.  2 A- 2 C, primary microprocessor  22  is coupled to voice processor  24  through a plurality of ports, such as segment registers SEG  15  and  16  and ports PA  0 ,  3 , and  7 . Primary microprocessor  22  may be coupled to audio unit  40  through segment register SEG  14  to controllably operate microphone  42  and speaker  44 . Voice processor  24  may also be coupled to audio unit  40  to process audio signals of microphone  42  and speaker  44 .  
         [0049]    Audio unit  40  may include control circuitry  46  for controlling microphone  42  and speaker  44 . For example, when directed by primary microprocessor  22 , control circuitry  46 , through bipolar junction transistor (BJT) Q 6 , may control microphone M 1  of microphone  42  to receive an audio signal or control speaker SPK 1  of speaker  44  to transmit an audio signal. Accordingly, voice processor  24  may process and store audio signals, when the microphone M 1  is, for example, coupled to “analog in” port ANAIN of voice processor  24 ; speaker  44 , when coupled to voice processor  24  at port AUDOUT, for example, may transmit audio signals as processed by the voice processor  24 . Speaker  44  may have additional control circuitry such as switch HIGH/LOW and volume control  48  to condition the amplitude and quality of audio signals from voice processor  24 .  
         [0050]    Voice processor  24  may receive an audio signal from microphone  42  and digitize that signal. Once digitized, the signal may be stored in on-board memory, such as a NVRAM. Stored, digitized-audio signals may be processed from the on-board memory and converted back into analog by voice processor  24  for replay through speaker SPK 1 . Those skilled in the art should appreciate that other types of storage and processing may be used with system  10 .  
         [0051]    In FIG. 2A, user interface  50  may include keypad  52  and display  54 . Keypad  52  may include two banks of switch connectors, the first bank labeled 0-9 and the second bank labeled PLAY, SKIP, DEL, REL, AM, PM, 5, 10, 15, and 30. As shown, the switch connectors may be coupled to segment registers SEG 1 - 10  of primary microprocessor  22 . For example, as a switch connector is depressed, a control signal may be generated and applied to the associated segment register to input a value of the switch connector to primary microprocessor  22 . Additionally, keypad  52  may include a toggle switch, labeled MANUAL, AUTO, AND MANUAL+SNOOZE, for manually switching operational values to primary microprocessor  22  such that it operates in a particular mode. For example, switching the toggle switch to the MANUAL position may force primary microprocessor  22  to operate in a “manual” mode. Accordingly, switching the toggle switch in the AUTO and MANUAL+SNOOZE positions may, respectively, direct primary microprocessor  22  to operate in “automatic” and “manual snooze” modes.  
         [0052]    Display  54  may be coupled to communication ports COM  1 - 3  of primary microprocessor  22  and to segment registers SEG  17 - 30 . Primary microprocessor  22  may controllably operate display  54  to display information relevant to a user. For example, when directed by primary microprocessor  22 , display  54  may display time and date information to the user.  
         [0053]    Alarm unit  60  may include LED  62  and buzzer  64 . In FIGS. 2A and 2B, LED  62  and buzzer  64  may be coupled to communication ports of primary microprocessor  22 , such as communication ports COM  7  and  8 , respectively. When directed by primary microprocessor  22 , LED  62  and buzzer  64  may alert a user to an event.  
         [0054]    FIGS.  3 A- 3 D show another voice memo reminder system  100 . System  100  may for example include the electrical functions of system  10 , FIG. 1, internal to a housing  102 . System  100  has a user interface  104  in the form of an array of buttons  105  to allow a user to provide input for system functions. Buttons  105  of user interface  104  may include: function invoking buttons  108 , such as message playback, skipping, deleting, and recording buttons, to manage stored voice messages according to individual preferences; alpha-numeric buttons  107  for inputting a desired date and time for message playback; and time delay buttons  106  initiated to immediately record voice data and stamp the data with a selected time delay (e.g., 30 minutes, 2 hours, etc.), the expiration of which causes the message to be played back to the user. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the magnitude of the time delay is a matter of design choice; that is, one of buttons  106  may for example have a 1-day time delay. Also, it is to be understood that the term “time delay” for designating future message playback refers to both a set time delay chosen with time delay buttons  106  (e.g., 1 hour), or a future time and date for message playback chosen with alpha-numeric buttons  107  (e.g., 8:00 A.M., December 20th). A battery access port  110  provides user access to the internal battery (not shown). Exemplary positions for a speaker  112  and a microphone  114  are shown in FIG. 3A. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that speaker  112  and microphone  114  positioning is a matter of design choice.  
         [0055]    As can be seen in FIGS. 3A and 3C, housing  102  integrates the components of system  100  into a compact, monolithic hand-held unit. FIG. 3D depicts message handling switch  116  and volume switch  118 . Switch  116  controls message-handling characteristics for messages being replayed by the system  100 . Switch  116  may be set for automatic deletion of messages after playback thereof (i.e., automatic deletion) or automatic retention of messages after playback, with subsequent automatic playback occurring at a specific time delay (i.e., “snooze” function) or without playback at a specific time delay, but upon initiation by the user (i.e., manual deletion). The delay may be pre-programmed into system memory, or selected by the user in the same fashion as standard message playback. Exemplary volume setting for switch  118  may include low and high volume output for speaker  112 . LED  120  may be provided to alert the user of certain activities of system  100 , such as current message recording, missed message playback with no acknowledgement, or other system conditions.  
         [0056]    Message handling switch  116  regulates message management as follows. When set for “automatic deletion”, messages recorded with time delay buttons  106  (e.g., 30 minutes) are deleted automatically upon playback, and messages recorded for playback at a specific date and time selected with alpha-numeric buttons  107  (e.g., 9:00 A.M., December 17th) are retained and deleted only upon initiation of a “DEL” or delete button  108 . When set for “manual deletion”, messages recorded with both time delay buttons  106  and alpha-numeric buttons  107  are retained upon playback, and only subsequently deleted upon initiation of the delete button either during message playback, or for example within 5 seconds thereafter. Finally, when set for the “snooze function”, messages recorded with either of time delay buttons  106  or alpha-numeric buttons  107  may be acknowledged and retained upon playback by initiating any button  105  (except the delete button  108 ) within 5 seconds of such playback; such messages may alternatively be deleted upon playback by initiating the delete button within 5 seconds of such playback. If no button is initiated within 5 seconds of message playback, LED  120  illuminates (e.g., constant illumination or flash on/off) to inform the user that a message was missed. The user may then initiate message playback to replay the missed message or select the delete button to discharge the message.  
         [0057]    FIGS.  4 A- 4 E show system  100  coupled with a cradle  200 , in accord with one embodiment. Preferably, system  100  snaps to cradle  200  through a physical connection between system housing  102  and a mating element of cradle  200 . Cradle  200  includes a memo pad storage unit  202  slidably mounted therein, wherein paper  204  may be accessed and written on, if desired, by a user. As shown in FIG. 4E, memo pad storage unit  202  extends from cradle  200  when in use; conversely, when not in use, storage unit  202  stores within cradle  200  as shown in FIG. 4D. A pen socket  220  may be included within cradle  200 , to store a pen therein. A display screen  130 , e.g., an LCD display, may show various states for any of the functions described herein. For example, display screen  130  in FIG. 4A shows the total number of messages stored by system  100  and the current time. However, display screen  130  may also show the index number associated with a message currently being replayed, the current date, the selected playback date and/or time for the message number selected, among other system information.  
         [0058]    FIGS.  5 A- 5 C show further features of cradle  200 , including a recessed area  214  which stores memo pad storage unit  202  within the dimensions of cradle  200 , and pen socket  220 . A pen  218  is shown as stored with cradle  200  in FIG. 5B. An arrow  219  indicates how pen  218  is attached or “snapped” into, or pulled out of, pen socket  220 , as shown in FIG. 5A. Alternatively, socket  220  may be sized and configured such that pen  218  is inserted therein and removed therefrom longitudinally from above, with lips  224  securing the position of pen  218 . FIG. 5A further shows a specific location  222 , where memo pad storage unit  202  fits within cradle  200  to store paper  204  therein.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIGS. 6A and 6B show another voice memo reminder system  300 . System  300  may include the electrical functions of system  10 , FIG. 1, internal to a housing  302 . FIG. 6A shows an exemplary layout for a user interface  304  comprised of a keypad  306  having an array of buttons  308  for providing system input, and a display screen  310 , e.g., a LCD display. Buttons  308  of user interface  304  may include: function invoking buttons  312 , such as message playback, skipping (i.e., forward or reverse skipping), deleting, and recording buttons, to manage stored voice messages according to individual preferences; and alpha-numeric buttons  314  for inputting a desired date and time for message playback. Each function invoking button  312  may be associated with one or more functions performed by system  300 , the number of functions depending on whether the individual button has fixed or dynamic functionality. For example, one button  312  may designate whether a time entered for message playback is an “A.M” or “P.M.”, and also control security locking of the keypad  306  to prevent unauthorized use. A battery access port (not shown) is preferably located on a back surface  315  of housing  302 , to provide user access to the internal battery (not shown). To allow for hand-held use and easy transportation of system  300  with or on the user, housing  302  for system  300  may be configured to have overall dimensions of less than about 140 mm in width, 140 mm in height, and 25 mm in thickness. FIG. 6B shows the low profile nature of housing  302 . An interface unit  316 , which may be interface unit  70  of FIG. 1, shown as an audio jack, facilitates the exporting of audio messages and associated data stored in storage unit  30  to another device (e.g., a computer or cassette recorder). A speaker  317  and a microphone  318  are positioned as shown in FIG. 6A; however, those of skill in the art will appreciate that speaker  317  and microphone  318  positioning is a matter of design choice. A LED  320  may be provided to alert the user of certain activities of the system  300 , such as current message recording, missed message playback with no acknowledgement, or other system conditions. System  300  may also have a message handling switch (not shown) and volume switch (not shown) with the same functionality as switches  116 ,  118  of system  100 , and integrated with housing  302 .  
         [0060]    Display screen  310  may display the current date, time, and one of a number of message characteristics (e.g., total number of messages stored, current message number being played, number of messages missed, bar graph representation of the degree of message memory fullness, etc.). Preferably, display  310  is further configured to display a calendar matrix  311  through which a specific date may be selected for the playback of a stored message. The calendar matrix  311  may be continuously displayed, or the matrix mode may be toggled into and out of with the initiation of a designated button  308 . Specific function buttons  312 , such as arrow buttons  322 , may be used to navigate the calendar matrix grid to arrive at a specific date for selection; a marker or other visual cue (e.g., “highlighted” or shaded cursor box) can be moved across the number matrix such that the user sees what specific date is selected. Once the user sets the date on the matrix  311 , the playback time on that date is set with alpha-numeric buttons  314  and a message may be recorded. Upon completion of recording, the selected date on the matrix  311  may become shaded or “highlighted” to indicate that a message is to be played back on that date. The calendar matrix  311  may also be pre-programmed with indicators for standard holidays (e.g., by shading on the calendar or an audio announcement).  
         [0061]    As another feature, the display screen  310  of system  300  may be configured with a portion having a PDA-type touch screen interface (not shown) that will accept input through handwriting thereon with a stylus. Screen  310  registers the writing, and a signal is generated which is converted by the microprocessor  22  to digital data that may be stored in storage unit  30  as task data associated with a particular message. The touch screen interface also allows for the use of the stylus to select a specific date on the calendar matrix  311 . If the user has inputted task data into system  300  in association with a particular audio message, and the date upon which the message is to be replayed is selected on the calendar matrix  311 , such task (e.g., message title or label) will be displayed on screen  310  adjacent to calendar matrix  311 . This reminds the user of the contents of the message that is to be replayed on that particular date. The task data may be entered into the system through microphone  318 ; a portion of the message entered may be converted to a text component for indexing and display as a task, or the user may enter a text component with alpha-numeric buttons  314  in association with recording the message. Still further, tasks may be entered by another means (e.g., externally by interface unit  316 , or by handwriting onto the touch screen interface). The tasks are preferably presented to the user in a drop-down list on screen  310  when the user selects a specific date on calendar matrix  311 ; selection of a particular indexed task from the list (e.g., with a stylus or scrolling with arrow buttons  322 ) will initiate playback of the audio message associated with the task.  
         [0062]    Another voice memo reminder system  400  is shown in FIG. 7, for use with a personal computer  430 . System  400  may have functionality similar to systems  100 ,  300 , of FIGS. 3 and 6, respectively, and may include the electrical functions of system  10  of FIG. 1. Data of system  400  is presented to the user as a software graphical user interface (GUI)  402  on a display screen  420  of personal computer  430 . The processing components, storage units and audio units of personal computer  430  may run the operation of, and perform the functions inputted on, GUI  402 .  
         [0063]    A module residing within computer  430  may provide for a user interface similar to user interfaces  104  of FIGS. 3A and 304 of FIG. 6A, but may have a on-screen keypad  406  formed directly into GUI  402  displayed on computer screen  420 . GUI  402  may display, similar to system  300 , the current date, time, and one of a number of message characteristics (e.g., total number of messages stored, current message number being played, number of messages missed, bar graph representation of the degree of message memory fullness, etc.), as well as a calendar matrix through which a specific date may be selected for the playback of a stored message. Various buttons  408  may be provided on keypad  406  with the same functionality as buttons  105  and  308  of FIGS. 3A and 6A, respectively, including message playback, skipping (i.e., forward or reverse skipping), deleting, and recording buttons, to manage stored voice messages according to individual preferences; buttons  408  may further include time delay buttons  410  initiated to immediately record voice data on computer  430  and stamp the data with a selected time delay (e.g., 30 minutes, 2 hours, etc.). Alphanumeric data may be entered into text boxes  412  of the GUI  402  so that a desired date and time for message playback may be chosen. Input on buttons  408  and time delay buttons  410 , as well as in text boxes  412  may, for example, be initiated by keystrokes on a keyboard  432  of computer  430 , or by selecting items with a mouse  434  of computer  430  (e.g., clicking on the desired button  408 ,  410  on screen  420 ). Alternatively, voice-recognition software and a microphone may be provided with computer  430  such that keypad  406  and/or text boxes  412  may be unnecessary for system  400  and commands and message playback times may be selected through voice commands. In one embodiment, the user may select different operating modes of system  400 , such as “manual”, “automatic” and “manual snooze” modes.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 8 shows one start-up process  600  for systems  100 ,  300 . The user will turn on the systems  100 ,  300  by initiation of designated buttons  105 ,  308 , in step  602 . Primary microprocessor  22  is then initialized  604  and the LCD segments of display screens  130 ,  310  fully illuminate  606 . The user is informed of systems  100 ,  300  powering on by an audible beep in step  608  and the clearing of display screens  130 ,  310 . Input buttons  105 ,  308  are then checked by systems  100 ,  310  to ensure proper functionality and no short circuits, and the current time is displayed, in step  610 . Systems  100 ,  300  then enter halt mode to await further instructions for the user.  
         [0065]    One wake-up process  700  is shown in FIG. 9. Systems  100 ,  300  awake from halt mode  702  and a determination is made as to whether there is to be a clock update, in step  704 . If not, systems  100 ,  300  check the message handling functions (i.e., automatic deletion of messages, manual deletion of messages, snooze function) and display the clock on display screens  130 ,  310 , in step  706 . If yes, systems  100 ,  300  add 0.5 seconds to the clock, check the message handling functions, display the clock, and check to see if a message playback time has been reached or passed  708 . Subsequently, systems  100 ,  300  determine whether any button or buttons  105 ,  308  have been initiated  710 ; if yes, then the function associated with the button is executed  712 , and the determination of button initiation continues until no buttons are initiated for a certain amount of time (e.g., 1 minute); if no buttons  105 ,  308  have been initiated, or if button initiation has ceased, systems  100 ,  300  return to halt mode.  
         [0066]    One button or button scan operation process  800  is shown in FIG. 10. A determination is made, in step  802 , based on the kind of buttons  105 ,  308  initiated by the user: if alpha-numeric buttons  107 ,  314  are depressed, systems  100 ,  300  may receive  804  an inputted time for message playback, which is followed by the user selecting “AM” or “PM” and holding a record button for recording; if instead a “PM” button is depressed and held  806 , systems  100 ,  300  may receive  808  a clock set time from the user; if instead an “AM” button is depressed and held  810 , systems  100 ,  300  may be locked or unlocked from the locked state in step  812  to restrict unauthorized usage thereof; if instead a skip button is depressed  814 , the current message slated for replay is skipped  816  either forward or backwards to the next message; if instead the delete button is depressed  818 , the current message being replayed is deleted  820 . In step  822 , if instead the play button is depressed, systems  100 ,  300  will begin playback  824  of stored messages; if instead the record button is depressed and held  826 , systems  100 ,  300  will begin recording  828  of a message with no specific playback time—the user will hold the record button continuously until the message is finished recording and LEDs  120 ,  320  will preferably be illuminated during such time. Finally, in step  830 , if instead a time delay button  106  is depressed and held, the user will hold the time delay button continuously until a message is finished recording, at the releasing of which the message is stored for playback at the selected time delay according to the specific button  106  initiated (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.).  
         [0067]    One process  900  for temporary locking of systems  100 ,  300  to prevent unauthorized access is shown in FIGS.  11 A- 11 B. In step  902 , display screens  130 ,  310  show a dashed line to indicate either depression of the “AM” button for &gt;0.5 seconds or initiation of a number with alpha-numeric buttons  107 ,  314 . A determination is made as to whether the “AM” button and an alpha-numeric button are both being depressed, in step  904 . If so, a determination is made as to whether systems  100 ,  300  are in the locked mode  906 . If not, systems  100 ,  300  determine whether the “AM” button is no longer depressed or was depressed for longer than 10 seconds, in step  908 . If so, locking process  900  is then exited in FIG. 11B. If not, the process is returned to step  902 . Returning to step  906 , if systems  100 ,  300  are locked, an inquiry is made as to whether the correct code was inputted with alpha-numeric buttons  107 ,  314 , in step  910 . If systems  100 ,  300  are not locked, a determination is made as to whether a 3 digit number was entered, in step  912 . In step  910 , if the secret code entered is not correct, locking process  900  is then exited in FIG. 11B with systems  100 ,  300  remaining locked from unauthorized use. If the code is correct, the process proceeds to step  912 . If the user has inputted a 3 digit number—either to lock or unlock the unit depending on whether systems  100 ,  300  were previously locked or unlocked—then display screens  130 ,  310  show in step  914  of FIG. 11B a blinking dashed line icon. If the number inputted is not a 3 digit number, the process is returned to step  902 . From step  914 , an inquiry is made as to whether the “AM” button has been released  916 . If so, systems  100 ,  300  will store  918  a lock flag if the system is in the locked state and the process will repeat to unlock the unit. If not, the blinking dashed line icon at step  914  will be continuously displayed unit the “AM” button is released, allowing process  900  to proceed to step  918 .  
         [0068]    One process  1000  for playing messages stored in storage unit  30  of systems  100 ,  300  are shown in FIG. 12. First, systems  100 ,  300  determine  1002  whether a locked mode is current or whether messages are present. If yes, process  1000  is exited; if no, a determination is made as to whether a message playback was missed and not acknowledged  1004 . If there was no acknowledgment (i.e., missed message), systems  100 ,  300  search for the missed message, in step  1006 . If there was acknowledgment (i.e., no missed message), systems  100 ,  300  will search for the next message in storage unit  30  at step  1008 . The user may then initiate  1010  playback of the message and a message number corresponding with that message will be displayed. Systems  100 ,  300  then determine whether one of the functions invoking buttons  108 ,  312  have been depressed  1012 ; if so, process  1000  continues to step  1014 , where it is determined if the button depressed was a delete (“DEL”), record (“REC”), or skip (“SKIP”) function invoking buttons. If not, in step  1016 , systems  100 ,  300  inquire as to whether playback of the message is finished. If playback is finished, process  1000  is exited. If not, the process is returned to step  1010 . In step  1014 , if one of the delete, record or skip function invoking buttons are depressed, process  1000  is then exited. If not, the process is returned to step  1010 .  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 13 shows one clock setting process  1100  for systems  100 ,  300 . Display screens  130 ,  310  present the current time kept by the clock, in step  1102 . Determination of whether the “PM” is initiated then occurs in step  1104 . If the “PM” button is not initiated, then the time displayed is not changed. If the “PM” button is initiated, then it is determined whether the button is depressed  1106  for &gt;2 seconds. If not, then process  1100  is exited. If so, the currently set time is displayed  1108  and a determination is made if alpha-numeric buttons  107 ,  314  have been initiated  1110 . If so, the chosen values are displayed in step  1108  until the time has been selected. If not, or once time selection has finished, systems  100 ,  300  inquire  1112  as to whether an “AM” or “PM” button has been selected for the inputted time. If not, another determination is made if another button besides the “AM” or “PM” buttons have been depressed, or if no button is pushed for &gt;10 seconds, in step  1114 . If either the “AM” or “PM” button was depressed, systems  100 ,  300  determine whether the user is finished setting the time, in step  1116 . Returning to step  1114 , if another button besides the “AM” or “PM” buttons were depressed, or if no button is pushed for &gt;10 seconds, process  1100  then exits; otherwise, process  1100  returns to step  1108 . Returning to step  1116  if the user has not finished setting the time, process  1100  returns to step  1108  and the set time is displayed. Otherwise, process  1100  is exited.  
         [0070]    One message recording process  1200  is shown in FIG. 14, preferably for use with time delay buttons  106 . First, it is determined whether storage unit  30  memory is sufficient to store additional messages, in step  1202 . If storage unit  30  is full, then process  1200  is exited. If not, upon user initiation of the recording through the appropriate buttons  105 ,  308 , LEDs  120 ,  320  will preferably illuminate while the recording  1204  takes place. System  100 ,  300  will then determine  1206  if the appropriate recording buttons  105 ,  308  have been released. If not, recording continues at step  1202  mindful of the fullness of the storage unit  30 ; if so, the message is stored in storage unit  30  and process  1200  is exited.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 15 shows one process  1300  for skipping through the playback of messages stored on systems  100 ,  300 . In step  1302 , a determination is made if systems  100 ,  300  are currently playing a message. If so, upon completion of the message, the next message is played  1304  without initiation of the skip button and skipping process  1300  is exited. If not, then the message number displayed is incremented  1306  by adding one and the new, current number is displayed  1308 . Subsequently, an inquiry is made as to whether a button has been pushed, in step  1310 . If so, then another inquiry is made if the skip button was the specific button pushed, in step  1312 . If no button has been pushed, a determination is made if the message number has been displayed for &gt;3 seconds, in step  1314 . Returning to step  1312 , if the skip button was pushed, then step  1306  is reentered and the message number is incremented by one, resulting in playing of the next message. If the skip button was not pushed, process  1300  exits. Returning to step  1314  if the message number was displayed for &gt;3 seconds, process  1300  exits. If not, then step  1308  is reentered and the current message number is displayed.  
         [0072]    Another message recording process  1400  is shown in FIG. 16, preferably for use with message playback times set with alpha-numeric buttons  107 ,  314 . Display screens  130 ,  310  present the time kept by the clock, in step  1402 , until alpha-numeric buttons  107 ,  314  are initiated for inputting a message playback time. Determination of whether alpha-numeric buttons  107 ,  314  are initiated then occurs at step  1404 . If such alpha-numeric buttons  107 ,  314  are initiated, then process  1400  returns to step  1402  for setting of the desired playback time. Otherwise, if button initiation is completed, systems  100 ,  300  inquire  1406  as to whether an “AM” or “PM” button has been selected for the inputted time. If not, another determination is made if another button besides the “AM” or “PM” buttons have been depressed, or if no button is pushed for &gt;10 seconds, in step  1408 . If either the “AM” or “PM” button is depressed, systems  100 ,  300  determine whether the user is finished setting the time, in step  1410 . Returning to step  1408 , if another button besides the “AM” or “PM” buttons is depressed, or if no button is pushed for &gt;10 seconds, process  1400  exits; otherwise, process  1400  returns to step  1402 . Returning to step  1410 , if the user has not finished setting the time, process  1400  returns to step  1402  and the set time is displayed. Otherwise, if the user has finished with setting the time, systems  100 ,  300  inquire  1412  as to whether the “REC” or record button has been selected for recording a message. If not, a determination is made if another button besides the “REC” button has been depressed, or if no button is pushed for &gt;10 seconds, in step  1414 . If the “REC” button is depressed, systems  100 ,  300  determine whether the system storage unit  30  is sufficient to store additional messages, in step  1416 . Returning to step  1414 , if another button besides the “REC” button is depressed, or if no button is pushed for &gt;10 seconds, process  1400  exits; otherwise, process  1400  returns to step  1412 . Returning to step  1416 , if system storage unit  30  is full, then process  1400  is exited. If not, upon user initiation of the recording through the appropriate buttons  105 ,  308 , LEDs  120 ,  320  preferably illuminate while the recording  1418  takes place. Systems  100 ,  300  then determine  1420  if the appropriate recording buttons  105 ,  308  have been released. If not, recording continues in step  1416  mindful of system storage unit  30 ; if so, the message is stored in storage unit  30  and process  1400  exits.  
         [0073]    Since certain changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departing from the scope hereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover certain generic and specific features described herein.