Patent Abstract:
An audio/video messaging device allows a user to record, store and replay short audio/video messages. Key components of the present audio/video messaging device include a camera to capture video, a microphone to capture audio, memory, such as but not limited to flash memory, or a hard drive for storing the captured audio and video, a display to replay the video, a speaker to replay the audio, and controls to manage the recording and playback of audio/video messages. The present audio/video messaging device allows creation of a predetermined number of audio/video messages corresponding to a predetermined number of message slots. Each audio/video message may last up to a predetermined length of time and are sequentially stored in the memory/hard drive corresponding to the message slots. The controls allow navigation between audio/video message slots for creation, replay and erasure of an audio/video message. A remote control may also be provided to perform the various commands/features/functions of the audio/video messaging device. The present audio/video messaging device provides a level of information and/or communication that conveys the full range of emotional content not available in written, voice or still picture messages.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of and/or priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/861,133 filed Nov. 27, 2006, entitled “Video Messaging System”, the entire contents of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to message creation and delivery devices or messaging devices and, more particularly, to audio and visual messaging devices for creating and posting audio and visual messages. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    The need to communicate with others regarding various matters is vital. This is especially true in families, between co-workers, friends, members, associates and others too numerous to list. Because individuals oftentimes have busy and varying schedules, it is typically not possible to have a personal communication with someone. Because of this, a variety of message devices have been devised that allows one to post a written message. Examples of such message posting devices include cork boards, bulletin boards, dry erase boards and the like. These devices, however, only allow the user to communicate via written means. As such, it may be difficult to adequately convey a message by use of written expression only, which is a passive means of communication. 
         [0006]    In view of the shortcomings of written messages, various devices have been made that allow a user to record an audio message. For instance, telephone answering machines typically now allow a user to record an audio message directly onto the telephone answering machine instead of just receiving and recording telephone messages. Some devices do more than just record an audio message. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,912 issued Feb. 10, 2004 to Vaughn, there is disclosed an audio and visual message center that provides a plurality of communication devices. Particularly, the Vaughn device provides one or more visual communication devices such as an erasable board, a calendar, a pressure sensitive adhesive surface area, a cork board, a felt pad, a clip board, a note pad or metal surface and an audio message communication device that allows the recording and playback of an audio message. The Vaughn device thus allows a user to provide an audio message in addition to a written message and/or the posting of a message. While the Vaughn device is effective in allowing the user to provide an audio message in addition to posting a written or other message, its interactive effects are poor and impersonal. 
         [0007]    In addressing the shortcomings of the prior art such as Vaughn, U.S. Patent Publication 2005/0055797 by Yeh published Mar. 16, 2006, provides an interactive message device that incorporates a photographic device with an audio message recorder. The photographic device allows a user to take a photograph that is displayed on the message device along with the audio message. This provides a more personal message than a written message alone, but does little to further the meaning and/or understanding of the communication. 
         [0008]    It is therefore evident from the above that there is a need for a message or messaging device that provides a more personal level of communication. 
         [0009]    It is also evident from the above that there is a need for a message or messaging device that provides a greater level of communication to a recipient of the message. 
         [0010]    The above needs and others are satisfied by the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention is an audio and video (audio/video) messaging device that records and plays audio/video messages. The audio/video messaging device provides discrete audio/video message slots for recording, playing, storing and erasing audio/video messages all under the control of a user interface. 
         [0012]    Key components of the present audio/video messaging device include a camera to capture video, a microphone to capture audio, memory such as but not limited to flash memory or a hard drive for storing the captured audio and video, a display to replay the video, a speaker to replay the audio, and controls to manage the recording and playback of audio/video messages. 
         [0013]    Each audio/video message may last up to a predetermined length of time and are sequentially stored in the memory/hard drive corresponding to the message slots. The controls allow navigation between audio/video message slots for creation, replay and erasure of an audio/video message. 
         [0014]    In one form, the audio/video messaging device includes one or more communication ports that allow connection to one or more communication channels. This allows the present audio/video messaging device to send and/or receive audio/video messages to and/or from another audio/video messaging device and/or computer. 
         [0015]    The present invention will be more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram representation of an audio/video messaging device forming the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a front view of an embodiment of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 1  fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a right side view of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 2  taken along line  3 - 3  thereof; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a left side view of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 2  taken along line  4 - 4  thereof; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a rear or back view of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of the controls of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a front view of another embodiment of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 1  fashioned in accordance with the present principles; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 7  taken along line  8 - 8  thereof; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a right side view of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 7  taken along line  9 - 9  thereof; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a rear or back view of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of a portion of the rear of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 7  taken along circle  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a front view of the audio/video messaging device of  FIG. 7  with a screen orientation swivel and shown with the screen in a landscape view as compared with a portrait view as in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of the present audio/video messaging device; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating connection and/or communication options between two of the present audio/video messaging devices; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is an illustration of use of the present audio/video messaging device both as a stand-alone unit and as incorporated into a consumer device. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
         [0033]    An overview of the features, functions and/or configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a block diagram of an audio and video (audio/video or A/V) messaging device  10  in its simplest form according to the principles of the present invention. The A/V messaging device  10  is configured, adapted and/or operable to record, store and play the recorded audio/video messages. In one form, the audio/video messaging device  10  is also configured, adapted and/or operable to receive pre-recorded audio/video messages for storage and playback. The received audio/video messages may be made by another audio/video device  10  or may be made via a computer, camcorder or other audio/video device. In one form, the audio/video messaging device  10  is also configured, adapted and/or operable to record and send the recorded audio/video messages to one or more other audio/video messaging devices  10  for storage and playback. 
         [0035]    In its simplest form, the messaging device  10  has a processor/processing circuitry  18 , an audio/video recorder  12 , an audio/video player  14 , memory/storage device  16 , message controls/indicators  22  and programming  20 . The audio/video recorder  12  is configured, adapted and/or operable to receive and record audio and video messages. The audio/video player  14  is configured, adapted and/or operable to play the recorded (stored) audio and video messages. The memory/storage device  16  is operable to digitally store the recorded audio/video messages. The processor/processing circuitry  18  is configured, adapted and/or operable to control the audio/video messaging device  10  under direction of the programming  20 . The message controls/indicators  22  provide a user interface that allows the user to control the audio/video messaging device  10 . Particularly, the user interface allows the user to determine if an audio/video message has been recorded, record an audio/video message, play (view and hear) a recorded audio/video message, and delete a recorded audio/video message. 
         [0036]    The audio/video messaging device  10  is preferably, but not necessarily, a stand-alone electronic device. However, as explained herein, the audio/video messaging device  10  may be incorporated into other devices such as appliances, structures, electronic devices and/or the like (see e.g.  FIG. 15 ). As such, the present audio/video messaging device  10  may be embodied in various ways. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of the present audio/video messaging device generally designated  30 . The audio/video messaging device  30  has a housing  32  that is supported on a stand  34 . The housing  32  is preferably formed of plastic but may, however, be formed by other materials. The stand  34  is optional as the housing  32  may be mounted or hung directly onto a wall, door, appliance or the like. As best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the stand  34  is configured such that the audio/video messaging device  30  tilts slightly backward. Of course, the housing  32  may be supported on other types and/or configurations of stands. 
         [0038]    The audio/video messaging device  30  has a color video display or screen  36  that is situated in the housing  32  and is configured, adapted and/or operable to show, display or play video. The video is the video portion of an audio/video message as well as live video from a video camera  38  such as during recording of an audio/video message. The display  36  may be any type of display but is preferably a flat panel type of display such as an LCD, a TFT type display or other type of display. In order to receive video for recording and/or storage in memory (e.g. flash memory) or in a storage device (e.g. hard drive) of the present audio/video messaging device  30 , the housing  32  holds the video camera  38 . The video camera  38  is preferably, but not necessarily, a digital video camera such as those used in web cams, digital video recorders (“camcorders”) and/or the like, but may be any type of video camera. An LED  40  is situated proximate the video camera  38  and is operable to indicate to the user that the video camera  38  is on and thus the recording of video is about to occur and/or is occurring. The LED  40  is also operable to indicate that the video camera  38  is off. The video is digitized and stored in the memory, storage device and/or other digital storage device. 
         [0039]    In order to receive audio for recording and/or storage in the memory or storage device of the present audio/video messaging device  30 , the housing  32  supports a microphone or other type of audio pickup or reception device  44 . The microphone  44  is preferably, but not necessarily, situated behind a plurality of holes in the front side of the housing  32 . The microphone  44  is operable to receive audio from the user. The LED  40  is operable to indicate to the user that the microphone  44  is on and thus the recording of audio is about to occur and/or is occurring. The LED  40  is also operable to indicate that the microphone  40  is off. The received audio is digitized and stored in the memory, hard drive or other digital storage device of the audio/video message device  30 . A speaker  42  is situated in the housing behind the plurality of holes in the front side of the housing  32 . The speaker  42  is operable to play back the recorded audio. 
         [0040]    Since the audio/video messaging device  30  is electronic, it must use electricity. As such, the audio/video messaging device  30  uses batteries or is connectable to a source of alternating current (A/C) electricity (e.g. a household A/C outlet) either through an appropriate power supply that resides external to the housing  32  (with a power cord) or is internal thereto. A power jack  62  is provided for receipt of a power cord. Optionally, the audio/video messaging device  30  may include battery back-up. An on/off switch  60  is provided in order to turn the audio/video messaging device  30  on and off. It is not necessary to turn the audio/video messaging device  30  on and off between uses as it goes into and remains in a low power consumption (i.e. standby mode) when not in use. 
         [0041]    The user interface or message controls/indicators of the present audio/video messaging device  30  is situated on the front of the housing  32  and includes a Record button or key  50 , a Play/Erase button or key  52 , a Next or right advance button or key  54 , a Previous or left advance button or key  56  and a plurality of LEDs  58 . The Record key  50  is operable to begin recording an audio/video message. The Play/Erase key  52  is operable to play an audio/video message and to erase an audio/video message. The LEDs  58  each represent individual message “slots” or discrete number of audio/video messages that can be recorded and/or played. It should be appreciated that while five (5) LEDs  58  are shown, and thus the audio/video messaging device  30  can accommodate five (5) audio/video messages, the number of LEDs and thus number of audio/video slots may vary as desired. Additionally, while not shown, the individual LEDs  58  representing the number of audio/video message slots may be replaced by other indicators or a single indicator as desired. 
         [0042]    The audio/video messaging device  30  provides a discrete number of audio/video message “slots” for recording audio/video messages and which indicate whether a message slot is empty and thus ready for recording an audio/video message, whether a message slot has a recorded message, and whether a message slot that has a recorded audio/video message has been played or viewed and heard. These message slots are provided for in the memory of the present audio/video messaging device and are represented by the indicators or LEDs of the user interface or control area thereof. 
         [0043]    The Next and Previous keys  54  and  56  are operable to advance or move back and forth between each memory or audio/video message slot. In this manner, the user may cycle through the message slots in order to move to a particular audio/video message slot. A message slot may be unused or open (i.e. no message exists for or is associated with the particular message slot) and ready for recording of an audio/video message. This is represented by having the associated LED  58  off. Referring to  FIG. 6 , such is represented by message slot labeled “ 5 .” A message slot may be occupied or contain or be associated with an audio/video message. The occupied message slot may contain an audio/video message that either has or has not been played. When the message slot has an audio/video message that has not been played, the associated LED  58  will be on and flashing. When the audio/video message has been played, the LED  58  will be on but not flash and be a solid color. An on LED  58  (whether flashing or solid) is of a particular color such as green. In  FIG. 6  occupied message slots labeled “ 1 ”, “ 2 ” and “ 4 ” contain audio/video messages and would be flashing if not previously played or solid if previously played. As the user cycles through the message slots, the associated LED  58  is highlighted (i.e. solid on) by use of a second particular color such as yellow. In  FIG. 6 , the message slot labeled “ 3 ” represents a message slot that has currently been selected. Such selection may be for playing an audio/video message that resides at that particular message slot or may be for recording an audio/video message where no audio/video message resides at the particular message slot. It should be appreciated that other schemes may be used to indicate whether an audio/video message slot is open (empty or unoccupied) or contains an audio/video message and whether it has or has not been played. 
         [0044]    When a highlighted message slot is occupied, pressing the Play/Erase key  52  will play the audio/video message. Preferably, but not necessarily, the display  36  will automatically turn off and the audio/video messaging device  30  will go into a standby mode after the playing of the audio/video messaging device  30  and/or within a predetermined period of time of non-use. The audio/video messaging device  30  does not have to be physically turned off between uses, as it will remain in a low power consumption state (i.e. standby mode) until the next operator activity. Holding down the Play/Erase key  52  for a predetermined amount of time (e.g. 5 seconds) will erase the audio/video message from the particular message slot. All audio/video messages will remain in memory until they are erased, even if the audio/video messaging device  30  is turned off or unplugged. After an audio/video message has been erased, the particular message slot is ready to record another audio/video message. 
         [0045]    Recording of an audio/video message is initiated by selecting an open message slot utilizing the Next and/or Previous message slot navigation keys  54  and  56 . Pressing the Record key  50  will turn on the display  36  and show a live image from the camera  38 . The LED  40  indicator will flash for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 5 seconds) giving the user time to position himself/herself as appropriate. The LED  40  will turn to a solid color (e.g. green) and the camera  38  and the microphone  44  being recording an audio/video message. Preferably, but not necessarily, a predetermined amount of time (e.g. 60 seconds) is provided per audio/video message. When the predetermined amount of recording time has expired, the recording stops and the audio/video message is stored in the memory, hard drive or other digital storage media/device. Pressing the Record key  50  before the predetermined amount of record time has expired will stop recording at that point. The audio/video message will then be stored in the memory, hard drive or other digital storage media/device. 
         [0046]    In another manner or in addition to the above, when initiating a recording, the color display  36  may show a black and white image while the LED  40  is flashing during the positioning period or instead of the flashing LED  40  to provide a more distinct indication of the positioning period. After the predetermined positioning period of time, the display  36  goes to color indicating that recording is taking place. 
         [0047]    The audio/video messaging device  30  also includes a telephone jack  64  for connection to a telephone line. This allows the audio/video messaging device  30  to communicate via services offered through a telephone line such as is described below. Moreover, the audio/video messaging device  30  includes an Ethernet jack  66  for connection to an Ethernet port. This allows the audio/video messaging device  30  to communicate via Ethernet such as is described below. In brief, such communication involves sending and/or receiving audio/video messages to and/or from another audio/video messaging device. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7-12 , there is shown another embodiment of an audio/video messaging device generally designated  80  fashioned in accordance with the present principles. The audio/video messaging device  80  has a panel or housing  82  that is supported on and/or by a stand  84 . The housing  82  and stand  84  are preferably formed of plastic but may, however, be formed by other materials. The stand  84  has a base  86  and an upright or arm  88  that extends from the base  86 . The housing supports a color video display or screen  90  that is configured, adapted and/or operable to show, display or play video. The video is the video portion of an audio/video message as well as live video imaged from a video camera  94 , likewise supported in the housing  82 . The video camera  94  receives video for recording and/or storage in memory (e.g. flash memory) or in a storage device (e.g. hard drive) of the present audio/video messaging device  80 . The display  90  may be any type of display but is preferably a flat panel type of display such as an LCD, a TFT type display or other type of display. 
         [0049]    The video camera  94  is preferably, but not necessarily, a digital video camera such as those used in web cams, digital video recorders (“camcorders”) and/or the like, but may be any type of video camera. An LED or indicator  96  is situated proximate the video camera  94  and is operable to indicate to the user that the video camera  94  is on and thus the recording of video is about to occur and/or is occurring. The LED  96  is also operable to indicate that the video camera  94  is off. The received video is digitized and stored in the memory, storage device and/or other digital storage device. 
         [0050]    As best seen in  FIG. 9 , the panel  82  is attached to the arm  88  via a pivot  92 . This allows the panel  82  and thus the display  90  to tilt back and forth as represented by the arrows in  FIG. 9 . In  FIGS. 7-10 , the panel  82  and thus the display  90  is situated in a portrait orientation. The pivot  92  also allows the panel  82  and thus the display  90  to rotate as represented by the arrows in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  also shown the panel  82  and thus the display  90  situated in a landscape orientation. 
         [0051]    In order to receive audio for recording and/or storage in the memory or storage device of the present audio/video messaging device  80 , the base  86  supports a microphone or other type of audio pickup or reception device  100 . The microphone  100  is preferably, but not necessarily, situated behind a plurality of holes in the base  86 . The microphone  100  is operable to receive audio from the user. The LED  96  is operable to indicate to the user that the microphone  100  is on and thus the recording of audio is about to occur and/or is occurring. The LED  96  is also operable to indicate that the microphone  100  is off. The received audio is digitized and stored in the memory, hard drive or other digital storage device of the audio/video message device  80 . A speaker  98  is situated in the base  86  behind the plurality of holes in the top of the base  86 . The speaker  98  is operable to play back the recorded audio. 
         [0052]    Since the audio/video messaging device  80  is electronic, it must use electricity. As such, the audio/video messaging device  80  uses batteries or is connectable to a source of alternating current (A/C) electricity (e.g. a household A/C outlet) either through an appropriate power supply that resides external thereto (with a power cord) or is internal thereto. A power jack  114  is provided for receipt of a power cord. Optionally, the audio/video messaging device  80  may include battery back-up. An on/off switch  112  is provided in order to turn the audio/video messaging device  80  on and off. It is not necessary to turn the audio/video messaging device  80  on and off between uses as it goes into and remains in a low power consumption (i.e. standby mode) when not in use. 
         [0053]    The user interface or message controls/indicators of the present audio/video messaging device  80  is situated on the base  86  and includes a Record button or key  102 , a Play/Erase button or key  104 , a Next or right advance button or key  106 , a Previous or left advance button or key  108  and a plurality of audio/video message slot LEDs  110 . The Record key  102  is operable to begin recording an audio/video message. The Play/Erase key  104  is operable to play an audio/video message and to erase an audio/video message. The LEDs  110  each represent individual message “slots” or discrete number of audio/video messages that can be recorded and/or played. It should be appreciated that while five (5) LEDs  110  are shown, and thus the audio/video messaging device  80  can accommodate five (5) audio/video messages, the number of LEDs and thus number of audio/video slots may vary as desired. Additionally, while not shown, the individual LEDs  110  representing the number of audio/video message slots may be replaced by other indicators or a single indicator as desired. 
         [0054]    The audio/video messaging device  80  provides a discrete number of audio/video message “slots” for recording audio/video messages and which indicate whether a message slot is empty and thus ready for recording an audio/video message, whether a message slot has a recorded message, and whether a message slot that has a recorded audio/video message has been played or viewed and heard. 
         [0055]    The Next and Previous keys  106  and  108  are operable to advance or move back and forth between each memory or audio/video message slot. In this manner, the user may cycle through the message slots in order to move to a particular audio/video message slot. A message slot may be unused or open (i.e. no message exists for or is associated with the particular message slot) and ready for recording of an audio/video message. This is represented by having the associated LED  110  off in the same manner as that described for the audio/video device  30  described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . A message slot may be occupied or contain or be associated with an audio/video message. The occupied message slot may contain an audio/video message that either has or has not been played. When the message slot has an audio/video message that has not been played, the associated LED  110  will be on and flashing. When the audio/video message has been played, the LED  110  will be on but not flash and be a solid color. An on LED  110  (whether flashing or solid) is of a particular color such as green such as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . As the user cycles through the message slots, the associated LED  110  is highlighted (i.e. solid on) by use of a second particular color such as yellow. Selection may be for playing an audio/video message that resides at that particular message slot or may be for recording an audio/video message where no audio/video message resides at the particular message slot. It should be appreciated that other schemes may be used to indicate whether an audio/video message slot is open (empty or unoccupied) or contains an audio/video message and whether it has or has not been played. 
         [0056]    When a highlighted message slot is occupied, pressing the Play/Erase key  104  will play the audio/video message. Preferably, but not necessarily, the display  90  will automatically turn off and the audio/video messaging device  80  will go into a standby mode after the playing of the audio/video messaging device  80  and/or within a predetermined period of time of non-use. The audio/video messaging device  80  does not have to be physically turned off between uses, as it will remain in a low power consumption state (i.e. standby mode) until the next operator activity. Holding down the Play/Erase key  104  for a predetermined amount of time (e.g. 5 seconds) will erase the audio/video message from the particular message slot. All audio/video messages will remain in memory until they are erased, even if the audio/video messaging device  80  is turned off or unplugged. After an audio/video message has been erased, the particular message slot is ready to record another audio/video message. 
         [0057]    Recording of an audio/video message is initiated by selecting an open message slot utilizing the Next and/or Previous message slot navigation keys  106  and  108 . Pressing the Record key  102  will turn on the display  90  and show a live image from the camera  94 . The LED  96  indicator will flash for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 5 seconds) giving the user time to position himself/herself as appropriate. The LED  110  will turn to a solid color (e.g. green) and the camera  94  and the microphone  100  being recording an audio/video message. Preferably, but not necessarily, a predetermined amount of time (e.g. 60 seconds) is provided per audio/video message. When the predetermined amount of recording time has expired, the recording stops and the audio/video message is stored in the memory, hard drive or other digital storage media/device. Pressing the Record key  102  before the predetermined amount of record time has expired will stop recording at that point. The audio/video message will then be stored in the memory, hard drive or other digital storage media/device. 
         [0058]    In another manner or in addition to the above, when initiating a recording, the color display  90  may show a black and white image while the LED  96  is flashing during the positioning period or instead of the flashing LED  96  to provide a more distinct indication of the positioning period. After the predetermined positioning period of time, the display  90  goes to color indicating that recording is taking place. 
         [0059]    The audio/video messaging device  80  also includes a telephone jack  116  for connection to a telephone line. This allows the audio/video messaging device  80  to communicate via services offered through a telephone line such as is described below. Moreover, the audio/video messaging device  80  includes an Ethernet jack  118  for connection to an Ethernet port. This allows the audio/video messaging device  80  to communicate via Ethernet such as is described below. In brief, such communication involves sending and/or receiving audio/video messages to and/or from another audio/video messaging device. 
         [0060]      FIG. 13  depicts a simple functional block diagram of the present audio/video messaging device generally designated  130  representing the various embodiments of the audio/video messaging devices described herein and showing another feature that may be incorporated into any one of the present audio/video messaging devices. The audio/video messaging device  130  includes a housing  132  holding a processing portion  134 . The processing portion  134  includes a processor  140  and memory/digital storage  142 . The processor  140  receives video and audio input from video input  144  and audio input  146  respectively from the recording of an audio/video message. The memory/digital storage  142  is on communication with the processor  140  for receiving and storing the audio/video messages. A display  136  and speaker  138  are in communication with the processor  140  for displaying the video and playing the audio of the audio/video messages. Controls and LEDs  148  are in communication with the processor  140  for controlling the recording, playing, erasing, receiving and sending of audio/video messages. As such, a modem  150  or other communication device is in communication with the processor  140  for receiving and sending audio/video messages. The modem  150  is in communication with phone and Ethernet jacks  152  which are, in turn, respectively connected to a telephone line and the Internet and/or LA/V. 
         [0061]    The audio/video messaging device  130  also includes a remote control receiver  154  that is in communication with the processor  140 . The remote control receiver  154  is configured, operable and/or adapted to receive and decode signals/commands from a remote control  156  in order to control the recording, playing and erasing of audio/video messages and provide such commands to the processor  140  for execution by the audio/video messaging device. To this end, the remote control  156  includes a Record button or key, a Play/Erase (P/E) button or key, a Previous button or key, and a Next button or key whose functions are the same as those described above. While not shown, the remote control  156  may also include buttons and/or keys to provide for the receiving and/or sending of audio/video messages as described herein. Other features and/or functions may be incorporated into the remote control  156  as desired. The remote control  156  and thus the remote control receiver  154  may use infrared (IR) technology such as is known in the art, radio frequency technology such as known in the art or otherwise. Such remote control may be incorporated into any one of the various audio/video messaging devices. 
         [0062]    The video protocol, audio protocol, and digital video storage protocol used by the present audio/video messaging device  30  are those known in the art such as webcam or digital video protocols, digital audio protocols and the like. As well custom programming may be used if desired. 
         [0063]    The present audio/video messaging device is also capable of transmitting and/or receiving audio/video messages from one audio/video messaging device to other audio/video messaging device. This is illustrated in  FIG. 14  and reference is now made thereto. In  FIG. 14  there is shown unit # 1  representing any one of the present embodiments of an audio/video messaging device fashioned in accordance with the present principles (here being an audio/video messaging device  80   a ) and unit # 2  also representing any one of the present embodiments of an audio/video messaging device fashioned in accordance with the present principles (here being an audio/video messaging device  80   b ). The audio/video messaging devices  80   a  and  80   b  are shown utilizing various connections or communication modes. In particular, three main connection or communication modes are achievable with the present audio/video messaging device: 1) from an audio/video messaging device to another audio/video messaging device; 2) from a PC to an audio/video messaging device; and 3) from an audio video messaging device to a PC. Connection variations may provide other connection or communication modes as shown. 
         [0064]    One manner of communication between unit #  1  and unit # 2  is via their internal modems and telephone jacks  116   a  and  116   b . Units # 1  and # 2  are connected via a telephone line to the telephone jacks  116   a  and  116   b  of respective audio/video messaging devices  80   a  and  80   b . This allows an audio/video message created on one audio/video messaging device to be sent to and received and stored by the other audio/video messaging device. As the telephone line may be used to access the Internet, audio/video messages may be sent by and/or received through the Internet via a PC. A PC may utilize a webcam to generate an audio/video message. 
         [0065]    Another manner of communication between unit # 1  and unit # 2  is via an Ethernet connection, LA/V, WA/V or the like by connection with the Ethernet jacks  118   a  and  118   b  of the respective audio/video devices  80   a  and  80   b . Again, this allows an audio/video message created on one audio/video messaging device to be sent to and received and stored by the other audio/video messaging device. 
         [0066]    Another manner of communication between unit # 1  and unit # 2  is via PC connection to each audio/video messaging device via the Ethernet jacks  118   a  and  118   b  of respective audio/video messaging devices  80   a  and  80   b . This allows an audio/video messaging device to communicate via the Internet or via another PC and webcam. 
         [0067]    Referring lastly to  FIG. 15 , there is shown an audio/video messaging device  80  sitting on a counter in a kitchen, illustrating where the preset audio/video messaging may be placed. The remote control  156  is shown which may control one or both of the audio/video messaging devices. The audio/video messaging device  80  is connected to a household A/C outlet  166  via an electrical cord  162  and power source/transformer  164 . The audio/video messaging device  80  is also shown in communication with a communication jack  170  via a communication line  168 . The communication jack  170  may be a telephone jack or Ethernet jack. 
         [0068]      FIG. 15  also depicts a refrigerator  169  incorporating the present audio/video messaging device  30  as representative of the ability of the present audio/video device to be incorporated into various consumer products and/or appliances. Examples of other consumer products/appliances, without being exhaustive, include microwaves, stoves, ovens, telephones, televisions, washers, dryers, toasters, coffee makers and digital picture frames. The present audio/video messaging device may also be provided in automobiles. 
         [0069]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7