Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is generally related to an image displays, and more particularly is related to an image display for both storing and displaying images as well as storing and playing audio segments associated with the images.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Picture frames allow individuals to display photographs of friends, family, momentous occasions, etc. The frame protects the photograph and often provides an ornamental border to accent the photograph. In addition to picture frames, paperweights and other novelty items for placement on desks and coffee tables allow photographs to be displayed on the surfaces of the items. For example, a decorative cube displays five photographs, one on the top of the cube and one on each of the four sides of the cube.  
         [0003]     In addition to displaying the photograph, frames have also been equipped with electrical circuitry that plays a previously recorded audio segment. A user presses a button located on the frame, which activates the electrical circuitry causing an audio signal to be transmitted to a speaker located on the frame. This allows the user to reminisce both visually through the photograph and audibly through the audio segment. The audio segment could include the individual&#39;s voice in the photograph, or a song, or speech associated with the photograph. For example, a frame displaying a baseball card could play a sports broadcast of a winning homerun by the baseball player featured on the card.  
         [0004]     Accordingly, it will be apparent that there continues to be a need for an image holder that easily stores multiple photographs and audio segments associated with the stored photographs.  
         [0005]     Thus, a heretofore-unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for displaying images. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The image display can comprise one or more exterior images displayed on an exterior surface of an image display housing and one or more interior images can be stored within the image display housing and removably displayed on one or more interior frames. The display also has an audio storage with one or more audio segments associated with exterior and interior images. The image display also has an audio player wherein activation by a first play button broadcast one of the one or more audio segments.  
         [0007]     Embodiments may include one or more of the following. The image display can also have one or more frame selection buttons wherein activation of one of the one or more frame selection buttons displays one or more of the interior images by moving one of the one or more frames out of the image display housing. The image display can also have one or more frame selection buttons associated with the one or more interior frames and a control circuit wherein the control circuit selects one of the audio segments to broadcast based on activation of the first play button and activation of one or none of the one or more frame selection buttons.  
         [0008]     In another aspect, the image display may have an audio recorder wherein activation by a record button records one of the one or more audio segments to the audio storage, and a control circuit identifies one of the one or more recorded audio segment with an associated image based on activation of the record button and activation of one or none of the one or more frame selection buttons.  
         [0009]     In another aspect of the image display, one interior image is displayed on a front and another interior image is displayed on a back of each of the one or more interior frames. The control circuit selects one of the audio segments to broadcast based on activation of the first play button or a second play button and activation of one or none of the one or more frame selection buttons. The first play button is associated with images on a front side of each of the one or more interior frames and the second play button is associated with images on a back side of each of the one or more interior frames.  
         [0010]     In another aspect of the image display, the control circuit identifies one of the one or more recorded audio segment with an associated image based on activation of the record button, an image record selector, and activation of one or none of the one or more frame selection buttons. The image record selector differentiates between images on a front side of each of the one or more interior frames and images on a back side of each of the one or more interior frames.  
         [0011]     A method of one embodiment can be broadly summarized by the following steps: receiving a signal from a first play button and selecting an audio segment associated with an image based on receiving a signal from one or none of one or more frame selection buttons associated with one of one or more frames of the image display and receiving the signal from the first play button. Selecting and playing an audio segment associate an exterior image is accomplished when none of the one or more frame selection buttons is activated and the signal from the first play button is received. Selecting an audio segment associated with an interior image for play is accomplished when one of the one or more frame selection buttons is activated and the signal fro the first play button is received.  
         [0012]     In another aspect, the method includes receiving a signal from a second play button and selecting an audio segment associate with a back facing image when one or none of the one or more frame selection buttons is activated and the signal for the second play button is received. The method can also include the step of selecting and playing an audio segment associated with a front facing image when one or none of the one or more frame selection button is activated and the signal for the first play button is received.  
         [0013]     The image display and method allows a user to easily display and store images along with audio segments associated with the images. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or 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 systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram providing a top perspective view of an image display with audio device, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram providing a front view of the image display with audio device of  FIG. 1  with a frame of a stored image partially extending from the top for display.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram providing a top view of the image display with audio device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram providing a side view of the image display with audio device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the components of the audio device.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing an audio segment based on an image that is displayed, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a method of recording an audio segment based on an image that is displayed, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram providing a top perspective view of an image display with audio device, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing an audio segment based on an image that is displayed, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a method of recording an audio segment based on an image that is displayed, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]     A top perspective view of an image display device  100  with audio device, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, is shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a top view further illustrating the image display device  100 , while  FIG. 4  is a side view further illustrating the image display device  100 . Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 4  the image display device  100  has a front display  102 , a frame one  104 , a frame two  106 , a frame three  108 , and a frame four  110  secured within the image display device  100 . An image displayed via the front display  102  is inserted within a front cover  112  and provides for a permanent display of the image. The four frames  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  are temporarily secured within the image display device  100  and also maybe temporarily displayed by user selection as is described in detail below. The front display  102  and four frames  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  are used to display and store photographs or images. It should also be understood that a variety of other items could be displayed and stored within the front display  102  and frames  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  for example, but not limited to sports cards, greeting cards, and other memorabilia. It should be noted that more or fewer frames may be provided within the image display device  100 .  
         [0026]     The user displays a secured frame by selecting the frame to display and pressing a button associated with that frame. Each frame has an associated frame selection button, i.e., frame one  104  has a frame one selection button  114 , frame two  106  has a frame two selection button  116 , frame three  108  has a frame three selection button  118 , and frame four  110  has a frame four selection button  120 . A user displays frame one  104 , for example, by activating the frame one selection button  114 . Once the frame one selection button is pressed, frame one  104  slides vertically upward displaying the image within frame one  104  (as shown in  FIG. 2 .). The image associated with the frame is displayed on the front side of the frame above the front display  102  (as shown in  FIG. 2 .). Once the user is finished viewing the image associated with frame one  104 , the user can press frame one  104  back down within the image display device  100  for storage. Frames two  106 , three  108 , and four  110  similarly can be displayed by activating their respective frame selection buttons,  116 ,  118 , and  120 .  
         [0027]     A spring mechanism (not shown) is employed within the image display device  100  to raise the frames from within the image display device  100 . By pressing a frame selection button  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  the spring mechanism is released and forces the associated frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  upward into a display position above the front display  102  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Once the image has been viewed, the spring is compressed back into storage position by the user pressing the frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  back down within the image display device  100 . A damper (not shown) can also be employed with the spring mechanism to provide a smooth motion of the frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  from storage position to display position. It should also be understood by an individual having ordinary skill in the art that a variety of mechanisms can be employed to move the frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  from within the image display device  100 , for example, but not limited to a motor or lever mechanism. In addition, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that switching the frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  from the display position to the storage position may be performed automatically via use of a motor that moves the frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  upon pressing the frame selection button  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  a second time, or pressing a separate close button (not shown).  
         [0028]     Along with displaying images, the image display device  100  also includes components for playing and recording audio segments. The front display  102  and each of the four frames  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can have a stored audio segment associated with each of them. The user plays the audio segment by pressing one of the frame selection buttons  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  and pressing a front play button  122 . The audio segment is then broadcast over a speaker  124  located on the front side of the image display device  100 . The method and components used to play audio segments are discussed in more detail in the specification section associated with  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  
         [0029]     The image display device  100  also has a microphone  126  and record button  128  to allow the user to record an audio segment for each of the four frames  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and front display  102 . The user selects the image to record the respective audio segment, presses the record button  128  and speaks into the microphone  126 . While recording, a record light emitting diode (LED)  130  illuminates, signaling to the user that the audio segment is being recorded. At the completion of the audio segment the user releases the record button  128  and the audio segment is stored for later playback within a memory  504  ( FIG. 5 ). To prevent accidentally recording over an audio segment, the image display device  100  also may have a record lock  132 . When the record lock  132  is activated the user is prevented from recording an audio segment. This allows a user that wishes to save a recording for long term or permanently, to prevent the accidental recording over of a previously recorded audio segment. When the record lock  132  is deactivated the user again can record over previously recorded audio segments. The method and components used to record audio segments are discussed in more detail in the specification section associated with  FIGS. 5 and 7 .  
         [0030]     Referring further to  FIG. 2 , the front side of the image display device  100  has frame one  104  extending through the top of the image display device  100 . The front cover  112  has the front display  102 , which may be made of glass or a transparent material such as plastic or any other transparent material. The front display image associated with the front display  102  is stored in a slot located within the front cover  112 . The front display image shows through the transparent window of the front display  102 . The speaker  124  is located under the front display, however, the speaker  124  can be located on any of the surfaces of the image display device  100 . Frame one  104  is secured behind the front display  102  (in the stored position) within the image display device  100 . By pressing the frame one selection button  114 , frame one  104  is moved to the display position above the image display device  100 . The frames  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can also be made of glass or a transparent material, with a slot for holding an image. In addition, borders  202  of each frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can have a decorative portion to accent the display of the images. When the user has completed viewing image one on frame one  104  the user can press the frame one  104  back into the image display device  100 . The user can then select the frame two selection button  116  to view image two on frame two  106 . Similarly, frame two  106  is moved from a storage position located behind frame one  104  to a display position above the image display device  100 .  
         [0031]     Referring further to  FIG. 3 , the play button  122  is located towards the front on the top of the image display device  100 , however, the play button  122  can be located anywhere on the image display device  100  that is accessible by the user. Frame one  104  is positioned behind the play button  122 . The frame one selection button  114  is located on the top surface of frame one  104 . Frame two  106  is located next in line behind frame one  104  with the frame two selection button  116  located on frame two&#39;s  106  top surface. Similarly, frames three  108  and four  110  are located in sequence behind each other with the frame three selection button  118  and frame four selection button  120  located on the top surfaces of their respective frames  108 ,  110 .  
         [0032]     In another embodiment not shown, the frame selection button can be composed of switches and latches located within the image display device  100 . A frame selection switch is activated by pressing down on the top surface of the selected frame. The downward pressure releases the latch holding the frame in a storage position allowing the frame to slide up into a display position. The movement of the latch can also activate a switch to signal the audio components that the frame is in a display position. The frame could then be pushed back down into a storage position within the image display device  100  by pressing downward on the top surface of the frame. Once the entire frame is within the image display device  100  the latch catches the frame and holds the frame in the storage position. The movement of the latch signals that the frame is no longer selected and is in the storage position.  
         [0033]     Referring further to  FIG. 4 , the microphone  126 , record button  128 , record lock  132 , and a record LED  130  (or another illuminative device) are located on the side of the image display device  100 . The frames  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  extend vertically through the top of the image display device  100 . Each frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  preferably has a top surface that matches the surface of the image display device  100 , although matching is not a necessity. The frames  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  also have a clear front portion for displaying the image within the frame as discussed earlier. Each frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can have a slot located on the side of the frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  wherein the images can be slid into position from the side of the frame  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 . In another aspect the frames could have clips or a different securing mechanism on the front surface that holds the image in place.  
         [0034]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram of the audio component  500  is shown. A controller circuit  502  receives input signals from input/output devices, such as, switches and buttons located on the surface of the image display device  100 . These switches and buttons comprise play buttons  510 , frame selection buttons  512 , a record button  514 , a record lock switch  516 , and image record selector switch  518 . The frame selection buttons  512  comprise the four frame selection buttons  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120 . The frame selection buttons  512  signal which image the user is currently viewing to the controller circuit  502 . In accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, the image display device  100  has the front play button  122  associated with the play buttons block  510 , which is capable of signals to the controller circuit  502  to play an audio segment previously stored in a memory  504 . In accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, the image display device  800  ( FIG. 8 ) has a front play button  822  and a back play button  823  associated with the play button block  510 , in which pressing the different play buttons  822 ,  823  causes the controller circuit  502  to play different audio segments. The methods used by the controller circuit  502  to select an audio segment for broadcast in the first and second embodiments are discussed in more detail in the specification sections associated with  FIGS. 6 and 9 .  
         [0035]     Referring to  FIG. 5  the record button  514  signals to the controller circuit  502  to record a new audio segment to the memory  504 . The record lock  516  signals to the controller circuit  502  not to record any new audio segments and to ignore signals from the record button  514 . The image record selector  518  signals to the controller circuit  502  which audio segment to record. The image record selector  518  is discussed in more detail in the specification section associated with  FIG. 10 . The controller circuit  502  may illuminate the record LED  520  to signal to a user that the controller circuit  502  is recording the audio segment received by the microphone  508  to the memory  504 . Audio segments are stored in the memory  504 , however, a variety of other recording media could be used and are within the scope of the invention, for example, but not limited to electronic and optical memory. In addition, a variety of formats can be used to store the audio segments, for example, but not limited to Motion Picture experts group-1 audio layer-3 (MP3), Windows Audio Video (WAV), or Windows Media Audio (WMA).  
         [0036]     When the play buttons  510  are selected, the controller circuit  502  responds by selecting a correct audio segment from memory  504  based on the algorithm shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 . The controller circuit  502  then broadcasts the audio segment over the speaker  506 . When the record button  514  is selected the controller circuit  502  responds by selecting a correct location in memory  504  corresponding to an associated image based on the algorithm shown in FIGS.  7  and  10 . The controller circuit  502  then receives the audio segment from the microphone  508  and stores it in the specified location.  
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method of playing an audio segment based on an image that is displayed in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the controller circuit  502  selects the correct audio segment to play based on a method of  FIG. 6 , also referred to herein as a front play button algorithm  600 . The algorithm allows the controller circuit  502  to determine which image the user is currently viewing and play the audio segment corresponding to that image with the user only having to press the front play button  122  ( FIG. 1 ). Once the user presses the front play button (block  602 ), the controller circuit  502  determines whether the frame one selection button  114  is activated (block  604 ). If the frame one selection button  114  is activated the controller circuit  502  plays the audio segment associated with image one on frame one (block  606 ). If the frame one selection button  116  is not activated the controller circuit  502  determines whether the frame two selection button  116  is activated (block  608 ). If the frame two selection button  116  is activated the controller circuit  502  plays the audio segment associated with image two on frame two (block  610 ). If the frame two selection button  116  is not activated the controller circuit  502  determines whether the frame three selection button is activated (block  612 ). If the frame three selection button  118  is activated the controller circuit  502  plays the audio segment associated with image three on frame three (block  614 ). If the frame three selection button  118  is not activated the controller circuit  502  determines whether the frame four selection button  120  is activated (block  616 ). If the frame four selection button  120  is activated the controller circuit  502  plays the audio segment associated with image four on frame four (block  618 ). If the frame four selection button  120  is not activated the controller circuit  502  plays the audio segment associated with the front display image (block  620 ). Therefore, as demonstrated, front play button algorithm  600  allows the user to play an audio segment associated with an image without too much of effort by the user. It will be apparent to an individual skilled in the art that separate play buttons for each image may be provided on the image display device  100  allowing the user to select an audio segment for play by selecting the specific play button without the use of the above method associated with  FIG. 6 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a method of recording an audio segment based on an image that is displayed in accordance. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the controller circuit  502  selects the correct storage location in memory  504  to record an audio segment based on the record button algorithm  700 . The algorithm allows the controller circuit  502  to determine which image the user is currently viewing and records an audio segment corresponding to that image when the user presses the record button  128 . Once the user presses the record button  128  (block  702 ), the controller circuit  502  determines if the record lock  132  is activated (block  704 ). If the record lock  132  is activated the controller circuit  502  does not record the audio segment (block  706 ). If the record lock  132  is not activated the controller circuit  502  activates the record LED (block  708 ). The controller circuit  502  next determines if the frame one selection button  114  is activated (block  710 ). If the frame one selection button  114  is activated the controller circuit  502  records the audio segment to a location in memory  504  associated with image one on frame one (block  712 ). If the frame one selection button  114  is not activated the controller circuit  502  determines whether the frame two selection button  116  is activated (block  714 ). If the frame two selection button  116  is activated the controller circuit  502  records the audio segment to a location in memory  504  associated with image two on frame two (block  716 ). If the frame two selection button  116  is not activated the controller circuit  502  determines whether the frame three selection button  118  is activated (block  718 ). If the frame three selection button  118  is activated the controller circuit  502  records the audio segment to a location in memory  504  associated with image three on frame three (block  720 ). If the frame three selection button  118  is not activated the controller circuit  502  determines whether the frame four selection button  120  is activated (block  722 ). If the frame four selection button  120  is activated the controller circuit  502  records the audio segment to a location in memory  504  associated with image four on frame four (block  724 ). If the frame four selection button  120  is not activated the controller circuit  502  records the audio segment to a location in memory  504  associated with the front display image  726 . It should be noted that the audio segment is received via the microphone  508  or any device capable of receiving an audio input, or store an audio segment such as, but not limited to, a floppy disc or compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM). The record button algorithm  700  allows the user to record an audio segment to a location in memory  504  associated with an image, without too much effort by the user.  
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram providing a top perspective view of an image display with audio device. Referring to  FIG. 8 , a top perspective view of an image display with audio device is shown, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The image display device  800  has a front display  802 , a back display  803 , and four frames  804 ,  806 ,  808 ,  810  stored within the image display device  800 . The image in the front display  802  is inserted within the front cover  812  and provides for a permanent display of the image. The image in the back display  803  is inserted within the back cover and also provides for permanent display of the image. The four frames  804 ,  806 ,  808 ,  810  allow a user to temporarily secure the frames  804 ,  806 ,  808 ,  810  within the image display device  800  and temporarily display the image by selecting the frame. Each frame  804 ,  806 ,  808 ,  810  displays two images, one image on the front surface of the frame and one image on the back surface of the frame. As an example, frame one  804  displays image one on the front surface  112  while image eight is displayed on the back surface. Frame two  806  displays image two on the front surface while image seven is displayed on the back surface. Frame three  808  displays image three on the front surface  112  while image six is displayed on the back surface. Frame four  810  displays image four on the front surface  112  while image five is displayed on the back surface.  
         [0040]     Similar to the first embodiment, the image display device  800  of the second exemplary embodiment also includes components for playing and recording audio segments. The front display  802 , back display  803 , and each of the eight images on the four frames  804 ,  806 ,  808 , and  810  can have an audio segment associated with them. The user plays the audio segment by pressing one of the frame selection buttons  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  and pressing either the front play button  822  or the back play button  823 . The audio segment is then broadcast over the speaker  824  located on the front side of the image display device  800 . The method and components used to play audio segments are discussed in more detail in the specification sections associated with  FIGS. 5 and 9 .  
         [0041]     Similar to the first embodiment, the image display device  800  also has a microphone  826  and record button  828  to allow the user to record an audio segment. Each of the eight images on the four frames  804 ,  806 ,  808 ,  810 , back display  803  and front display  802  can have an audio segment associated with the image. To record an audio segment, the user selects the image to record the respective audio segment, switches the image record selector  829  based on the intended image, presses the record button  828  and speaks into the microphone  826 . A record LED  830  illuminates when recording, thereby signaling to the user that the audio segment is being recorded. At the completion of the audio segment the user releases the record button  828  and the audio segment is stored for later playback. To prevent accidentally recording over an audio segment the image display housing  800  also has a record lock  832 . When the record lock  832  is activated the user is prevented from recording an audio segment. This allows a user that wishes to save a recording for long term or permanently to prevent the accidental recording over of a previously recorded audio segment. When the record lock  832  is deactivated the user can again record over previously recorded audio segments. The method and components used to record audio segments are discussed in more detail in the specification sections associated with  FIGS. 5 and 10 .  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the controller circuit  502  for the second embodiment selects the correct audio segment to play based on whether the front play button  822  or back play button  823  is selected. If the front play button  822  is selected the controller circuit  502  follows the same front play button  822  algorithm  600  as discussed for the first embodiment and shown in  FIG. 6 . If the back play button  823  is selected the controller circuit  502  follows the back play button algorithm  900  shown in  FIG. 9 . Both the front play button algorithm  600  and the back play button algorithm  900  allow the controller circuit  502  to determine which image the user is currently viewing and play the audio segment corresponding to that image with the user only pressing either the front play button  822  or back play button  823 . Once the user presses the back play button  902 , the controller circuit determines if the frame one selection button is activated  904 . If the frame one selection button is activated the controller circuit plays the audio segment associated with image eight on frame one  906 . If the frame one selection button is not activated the controller circuit determines whether the frame two selection button is activated  908 . If the frame two selection button is activated the controller circuit plays the audio segment associated with image seven on frame two  910 . If the frame two selection button is not activated the controller circuit determines whether the frame three selection button is activated  912 . If the frame three selection button is activated the controller circuit plays the audio segment associated with image six on frame three  914 . If the frame three selection button is not activated the controller circuit determines whether the frame four selection button is activated  916 . If the frame four selection button is activated the controller circuit plays the audio segment associated with image five on frame four  918 . If the frame four selection button is not activated the controller circuit plays the audio segment associated with the back display image  920 . The back play button algorithm  900  and front play button algorithm  600  allow the user to play an audio segment associated with an image without too much effort by the user.  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the controller circuit  502  for the second embodiment selects the correct storage location in memory  504  to record an audio segment based on the record button algorithm  1000  for the second embodiment. The algorithm allows the controller circuit  502  to determine which image the user is currently viewing and records an audio segment corresponding to that image with the user only having to switch the image record selector  829  and press the record button  828 . Once the user presses the record button  1002 , the controller circuit determines if the record lock is activated  1004 . If the record lock is activated the controller circuit does not record the audio segment  1006 . If the record lock is not activated the controller circuit activates the record LED  1008 . The controller circuit next determines if the image record selector is set to front or back  1009 . If the image record selector is set to front the controller circuit follows the same algorithm starting at block  710  in  FIG. 7  associated with the first embodiment  1011 . If the image record selector is set to back the controller circuit next determines if the frame one selection button is activated  1010 . If the frame one selection button is activated the controller circuit records the audio segment to a location in memory associated with image eight on frame one  1012 . If the frame one selection button is not activated the controller circuit determines whether the frame two selection button is activated  1014 . If the frame two selection button is activated the controller circuit records the audio segment to a location in memory associated with image seven on frame two  1016 . If the frame two selection button is not activated the controller circuit determines whether the frame three selection button is activated  1018 . If the frame three selection button is activated the controller circuit records the audio segment to a location in memory associated with image six on frame three  1020 . If the frame three selection button is not activated the controller circuit determines whether the frame four selection button is activated  1022 . If the frame four selection button is activated the controller circuit records the audio segment to a location in memory associated with image five on frame four  1024 . If the frame four selection button is not activated the controller circuit records the audio segment to a location in memory associated with the back display image  1026 . The record button algorithm for the second embodiment  1000  allows the user to record an audio segment to location in memory associated with an image without too much effort by the user. It will be apparent to an individual skilled in the art that the above method associated with  FIG. 10  can also be used for selecting audio segments for play. The user may select the audio segment by using a selector similar to the record selector  829 . Based on the position of the selector, the controller circuit  502  determines whether to play an audio segment associated with a front side image or to play an audio segment associated with a back side image.  
         [0044]     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

Technology Category: g