U.S. patent application number 13/721377 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-11 for video device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMERICHIP, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Americhip, Inc.. Invention is credited to Timothy P. Clegg, Michael D. Ronk.
Application Number | 20130177291 13/721377 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41721820 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130177291 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clegg; Timothy P. ; et
al. |
July 11, 2013 |
VIDEO DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
An article of print media that includes an electronic module
that has at least one chip for storing data and for controlling the
electronic module and first means for closing the electronic module
such that at least a first video is shown.
Inventors: |
Clegg; Timothy P.;
(Manhattan Beach, CA) ; Ronk; Michael D.; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Americhip, Inc.; |
Torrance |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AMERICHIP, INC.
Torrance
CA
|
Family ID: |
41721820 |
Appl. No.: |
13/721377 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13225084 |
Sep 2, 2011 |
8341858 |
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13721377 |
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12413343 |
Mar 27, 2009 |
8011122 |
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13225084 |
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12263277 |
Oct 31, 2008 |
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12413343 |
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12199740 |
Aug 27, 2008 |
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12263277 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
386/230 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/08 20130101;
G11B 33/06 20130101; B42D 15/022 20130101; B42D 3/123 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/230 |
International
Class: |
B42D 15/02 20060101
B42D015/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: at least a first page and a second page
that are movable with respect to each other between a closed
position and an open position; wherein the second page comprises an
electronic module having a circuit, the electronic module
comprising: at least one chip for storing data and for controlling
the electronic module; a video screen in data communication with
the at least one chip, the video screen being mounted on the second
page and not being viewable when the first page is in the closed
position; at least first and second push button switches in
electrical communication with the chip mounted on the second page,
wherein closing of the first push button switch causes a first
video to be played on the video screen and closing of the second
push button switch causes a second video to be played on the video
screen, wherein the first and second videos are stored on the chip
contemporaneously.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic module, chip and
video screen are housed in a foldable support structure.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a rechargeable
power source for powering the electronic module.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a port connected to
the rechargeable power source for recharging the rechargeable power
source.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a third push button
switch in electrical communication with the chip mounted on the
second page, wherein closing of the third push button switch causes
a third video to be played on the video screen.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a fourth push button
switch in electrical communication with the chip mounted on the
second page, wherein closing of the fourth push button switch
causes a fourth video to be played on the video screen.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first page does not include
an opening therein through which the video screen may be
viewed.
8. A method of playing a video, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a foldable support structure having a video screen, a
memory having at least first and second videos stored therein, an
energy source and at least one port, wherein the foldable support
structure has a closed position and an open position and the
foldable support structure is initially in the closed position,
moving the foldable support structure to the open position to
reveal the video screen, pushing a first button, thereby closing a
first switch and playing the first video on the video screen,
pushing a second button, thereby closing a second switch and
playing the second video on the video screen, plugging a source of
energy into the port and recharging the energy source housed in the
foldable support structure, and plugging a data source into the
port and uploading media to the memory housed in the foldable
support structure.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the video screen is not viewable
by a user until the foldable support structure is moved to the open
position.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the foldable support structure
comprises a first page and a second page, and wherein the first
page does not include an opening therein through which the video
screen may be viewed.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein the memory includes at least a
third video stored therein, and the method further comprises the
step of pushing a third button, thereby closing a third switch and
playing the third video on the video screen.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the memory includes at least a
fourth video stored therein, and the method further comprises the
step of pushing a fourth button, thereby closing a fourth switch
and playing the fourth video on the video screen.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/225,084, filed Sep. 2, 2011, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/413,343, filed
Mar. 27, 2009, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,122, which is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/263,277, filed Oct. 31, 2008, now abandoned, which is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/199,740, filed Aug. 27, 2008, now abandoned, the entireties of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to video novelty
devices, and, more particularly, to recordable video novelty
devices and methods for operating same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Video displays are known in the art including video displays
that are incorporated into apparel and statues. As used herein,
"video" means video alone or in combination with audio. As used
herein "message" means a message that is either visual, audio or
both.
[0004] In addition, there are audible greeting cards that play
prerecorded messages activated either by a slide tongue mechanism
that begins to play the recorded message when the card is opened or
by a button that is pressed to initiate the playback. Other cards
are able to record short audio messages that are later played back
when the card by either opening the card and triggering the tongue
mechanism or pressing a button located somewhere on the card. There
are yet other cards that play prerecorded music or make other
sounds. None of these cards, however, are able to perform two or
more sensory actions at once, where one of the actions is created
by the user or do some other combination of sensory displays
simultaneously that involve some personalized message or display
created by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0005] The present invention is a novelty method and device
suitable for insertion into print media such as greeting cards,
magazines, packaging, direct mail, point of purchase ("POP")
displays, gift cards; into apparel such as t-shirts, caps, and
hats; other devices such as plastic novelty items, sculpted novelty
items, figurines, statues, models, watches, jewelry, or any other
type of object in which a personalized message would be
desired.
[0006] An embodiment of the present invention comprises an
electronic module containing at least one microchip for storing
data and for controlling the electronic module and means for
triggering the electronic module in a first manner such as, but not
limited to, the use of a switch, pressure button, solar cell,
magnets, light sensors, motions sensors, vibration trigger, tilt
trigger, or the like, which causes at least a first sensory action
such as, but not limited to, sound, music, music and sound, lights,
flashing lights, vibration, shaking, release of a scent, the
spraying of confetti, a visual display, a video, or any other type
of visual, auditory, physical or olfactory effect, to occur.
Thereafter, when the module is triggered in a second manner, such
as, but not limited to, by the use of second means for closing,
which may be, but is not limited to, a second switch, a pressure
button, solar cell, magnets, light sensors, motions sensors,
vibration trigger, tilt trigger, or the like, a personalized second
sensory action or message may be created by the user at the same
time as the first sensory action occurs, and/or a new video may be
recorded to replace the original video.
[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, in which there
is a personalized secondary sensory action, it may be an auditory
message which will be recorded by the user onto the microchip, a
visually displayed message displayed on LCD, a synchronized and
illuminated OLED, fiber optics, LED or other type of programmable
visual display connected to the microchip, a recorded or
prerecorded video which is stored by the user onto the microchip,
music or vocals that are selected from a variety of music and/or
vocals recorded and stored on the microchip by the user or some
other type of personalized visual or auditory message.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user
can continually recreate or record the personalized secondary
sensory action until a satisfactory personalized message is
obtained.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment in which a video is to be the
first or second sensory action, means for downloading the sensory
action is provided, which may be a USB or some other type of
downloading port or connector known in the art.
[0010] In many of the embodiments of the invention, once the
satisfactory message is obtained, the ability to record a new
message is disabled, so that no further recording can occur. This
can be achieved by a mechanical, electrical or wireless signal
disruption, or by any other means to prevent a recording from
taking place.
[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the novelty
item contains a third means for closing which may be, but is not
limited to, a switch, pressure button, solar cell, magnets, light
sensors, motion sensors, vibration trigger, tilt trigger, or the
like, which when activated causes the speed of the playback of the
personalized recorded message to change via the software contained
on the chip. In another embodiment of the present invention, there
may be another means for closing, which may be, but is not limited
to, a different switch, pressure button, solar cell, magnets, light
sensors, motion sensors, vibration trigger, tilt trigger, or the
like, which when activated, causes the microchip to process the
personalized message so that the message is altered. By way of
example and not limitation, in one embodiment of the invention
where a vocalized message has been recorded, by pressing this
switch or button or the like, the message is processed by the
microchip such that the voice of a particular movie star, cartoon
character, robot or some other person or entity is heard
speaking/singing the message, or in another embodiment, the message
is processed such that a special effect is imposed upon the voice
originally recorded such that, by way of example, and not
limitation, the message sounds like the person is underwater or is
electronically talking or has some other speech altering effect
imposed upon the original recording.
[0012] In a method of the present invention, an electronic module
containing a memory chip and software, is charged by, such as, but
not limited to, the closing of a switch, the pressing of a button,
exposing a solar cell or a light sensor to light, joining of
opposing magnets, moving a motion sensor, vibration trigger, tilt
trigger, or the like, such that at least a first sensory action
occurs. The sensory action could be, but is not limited to sound,
music, music and vocals, lights, flashing lights, vibration,
shaking, release of a scent, confetti or the like, the playing of a
video or other visual effect or another physical, visual, audible
or olfactory action of some type. After the module is charged
again, the software stored on the memory chip causes the first or
another sensory action to occur while a personalized message, such
as a vocals, music, sound, the programming of an LED, OLED or LCD
display or another type of programmable visual display or a video
to be created by the user.
[0013] By way of example and not limitation, in a particular
embodiment, a video could be created by using CCD chipsets, an
on-board movie camera, another type of video recorder, a flash card
or the like, connecting the module to another device using a cable
or wireless communication device.
[0014] After the message is created and recorded, when the module
is charged again, the microchip detects the recorded message and
causes the message to be played at the same time as the sensory
action that was occurring while the message was being created. In
yet a further embodiment of the present invention, more than one
sensory effect can occur while the message is playing by adding the
appropriate chipsets, software, sensory devices, and triggers.
[0015] In yet another method of the present invention, the user can
continually recreate messages or download videos until a
satisfactory message or video is created. In yet another method of
the present invention, once a satisfactory message or video is
created, the ability to create another version of the message or
download a different video is disabled.
[0016] In yet a further method of the present invention, a user can
speed up or slow down the playback of the message and/or the
sensory action. In yet another method of the present invention, the
software processes the vocal message after it is recorded so that
it no longer sounds like it did when it was created, such that it
can sound like a particular movie star, cartoon character, other
person, robot, person talking underwater or it causes the message
to be processed by any other type of vocally altering or distorting
effect.
[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a thin video display is incorporated into print media
such as a greeting card, magazine, advertisement, POP, packaging or
the like. Means are provided to record, download or replace the
video to be shown on the video display. In some embodiments means
are also provided to recharge the power source for the video
display.
[0018] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a novelty item that includes an
electronic module having at least one chip for storing data and for
controlling the electronic module; and first means for closing the
electronic module such that at least a first video is shown. In a
preferred embodiment, the novelty item includes a second means for
closing the electronic module such that at least a second video is
shown. Preferably, the electronic module and chip are housed in a
foldable support structure, the first means for closing the
electronic module is a slide tongue that moves when the foldable
support structure is opened or closed, and the second means for
closing the electronic module is a button.
[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment there is provided a
method of playing a video. The method includes providing a foldable
support structure having a video screen, a memory having at least a
first video stored therein and an energy source, wherein the
foldable support structure has a closed position and an open
position and the foldable support structure is initially in the
closed position. The method also includes moving the foldable
support structure to the open position, thereby causing a first
switch to be closed and the first video to be played on the video
screen.
[0020] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided an
article of print media comprising an electronic module that
includes at least one chip for storing data and for controlling the
electronic module, a video screen, and a first switch activator for
closing a first switch in the electronic module such that at least
a first video is shown on the video screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The present invention may be more readily understood by
referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals
refer to like parts, and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic of one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention as it is used in a greeting card.
[0024] FIG. 3A is a plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment
of the present invention as it is used in a greeting card.
[0025] FIG. 3B is a detail view of element 11 shown in FIG. 3A.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another alternate preferred
embodiment of the present invention as it is used in a greeting
card.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternate preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the
embodiment of FIG. 5.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternate preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] In the following descriptions of the invention, terms such
as "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "side," and the like are used
herein merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation
of the components as shown in the Figures.
[0031] Generally, the present invention may be briefly described as
follows. Referring first to FIG. 1, a schematic of the electronic
module 100 of the present invention is shown.
[0032] The electronic module 100 can be mounted into, onto or
affixed to print media such as greeting cards, magazines,
packaging, direct mail, point of purchase ("POP") displays, gift
cards; into apparel such as t-shirts, caps, and hats; other devices
such as plastic novelty items, sculpted novelty items, figurines,
statues, models, watches, jewelry, or any other type of object in
which a personalized message would be desired.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic module 100
comprises a first and a second electronic microchips 10 and 20. In
alternate embodiments only one microchip may be used that performs
the same functions as the first and second microchip 10 and 20.
Likewise, additional microchips can be added to the module 100 to
increase the functionality, add additional sensory effects or cause
additional sensory effects to occur.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, microchip 10 contains all of the
prerecorded data and the software that controls the various
features of the module. In the same preferred embodiment, microchip
20 controls the recording and playback features of the module.
However, one microchip that performs both functions may be
used.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, microchip 10 is coupled to a
switching means 13. In the preferred embodiment, switching means 13
is comprised of two switches 12 and 18, but in an alternate
embodiment a third switch 24 is used. As used herein, switch shall
be interchangeably used with pressure button, solar cell, magnets,
light sensors, motions sensors, vibration trigger, tilt trigger, or
the like; however, any structure known in the art that can cause a
module to close and let power flow through can be used.
[0036] The switching means 13 is connected to a power source 14,
which in a preferred embodiment is comprised of button batteries of
sufficient size to power the module and software. However, any
miniature mountable power source of sufficient power may be used
such as, but not limited to, solar cells, direct drives,
mechanically driven drives and the like. The preferred button
batteries used to power the device are of sufficient capacity as to
allow the device to be operated repeatedly for several months.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the batteries are laid flat and
mounted on the same module board containing the first and second
microchips 10 and 20.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
power source is rechargeable. Thus, a port (not shown) such as a
USB port, an AC or DC connector port, or another type of port known
in the art is connected to the power source which recharges the
power source using a computer or another power source.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the output of the first microchip
10 is connected to the input of the second microchip 20.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the
second microchip 20 is connected to a microphone 22 for recording a
verbal message or vocals. In the same preferred embodiment, the
output of the second microchip 20 is connected to a flat speaker
16. However, in alternate embodiments, numerous speakers (not
shown) may be connected to provide stereo or surround sound or any
means that generates sound other than speakers can be used with
suitable electronic modifications made to the microchip for driving
the speakers.
[0041] In alternate embodiments of the present invention such as
the one shown in FIG. 3A, the second microchip 20 either may be
connected directly to a video recorder (not shown) for recording a
video message which then is recorded onto the microchip 10 or is
connected through a USB or other type port (not shown) to a
computer or other video device to download a video onto the
microchip. In a preferred embodiment, the port may be the same port
referred to above for recharging the power source. In a preferred
embodiment, see 3A, the visual display 113 may be, but is not
limited to, an LCD, OLED or LED device, that is attached to the
output of one of the microchips. The input can be a prerecorded
plug in player, a small still 52 or movie camera (not shown), a CCD
array or the like. In another embodiment, the input can be from a
flash drive, a wireless communication device, a hard wired device,
a USB or other type port connected to a computer or to a video
camera and the like.
[0042] Likewise in other alternate embodiments of the present
invention, either of the microchips may be connected to OLEDs, LEDS
(not shown) or to miniature light bulbs or other light generating
devices known in the art, in order to create a visual effect such
as a steady, flashing or synchronized light. In other alternate
embodiments, the microchips may be connected to a mechanism such as
an offset motor 54 or any other similar device known in the art
that will cause the device to vibrate, shake or cause some other
physical action. In yet further embodiments of the present
invention, the microchips may be connected to a small housing 15
containing a capsule (not shown) containing confetti, some other
item, or a scent, and, at the appropriate time determined by the
microchip, the capsule will break in response to a signal from the
first microchip 10 to release the contents.
[0043] In an embodiment this can be achieved by using a capsule
under pressure that is electronically or mechanically ruptured,
such as, but not limited to, triggering a spring loaded arm with a
striker that breaks the capsule.
[0044] In other embodiments, the capsule may be a spray tube so
that in response to a signal from the first microchip 10, a spring
loaded or the like nozzle will cause the contents of the spray tube
to be released.
[0045] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
another switching means 26 is attached to the second microchip 20.
In some embodiments, the switching means 26 will be a pressure
button, which when pressed, will trigger the software to cause the
speed at which the message is played to change so that the message
will be played back either faster or slower. In other embodiments,
the switching means 26 can causes the original message to become
altered by triggering the appropriate software to process the
original message. By way of example and not limitation, switching
means 26 could trigger software contained within the first or
second microchip to process the original verbal message so that the
voice becomes that of a cartoon character, well-known personality,
or becomes distorted in some way such as sounding electronic,
sounding like it was recorded underwater, or some other distorted
way.
[0046] In operation, the module of the present invention operates
as follows. When switch 12 is first closed, the microchip 10 is
powered such that it causes a preprogrammed first sensory action to
occur. By way of example and not limitation, that first sensory
action could be the playback of prerecorded music, the playback of
prerecorded music and vocals, the playback of a video, the playback
of sounds, the flashing or steady shining of a light, the vibration
or shaking of the object on which the electronic module has been
attached, the spraying of a spray tube containing a scent, or any
type of aural, visual, olfactory or physical action and the
like.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when
switch 18 is closed, microchip 10 is powered such that it causes
both the first sensory action to occur and causes microchip 20 to
begin to record a personalized message. As set forth above, the
personalized message may be vocal or visual. By way of example and
not limitation, when the first sensory action is the playback of
music, the personal message might be vocals sung by the user or
another verbal message, the possibilities are limitless.
[0048] Alternatively, the personal message might be a video that
may be recorded by the second microchip 20. In alternative methods
of the present invention, when switch 18 is closed microchip 10
powers a programmable visual display 113 on which the user inputs a
message that is recorded to be displayed on the visual display
device 113 attached to microchip 20.
[0049] After the personalized message or alternate video is
recorded, when switch 12 is closed again, the personalized message
or video will be played back at the same time that the first
sensory action occurs if desired.
[0050] In a preferred method of the present invention, the step of
creating a personalized message or video can be repeated over and
over again by repeatedly closing switch 18 until a satisfactory
personalized message or video is created. In yet another
embodiment, an additional switch, switch 24 can be connected to the
module, to erase the previous recordings, so as to allow the
personalized message or video to be rerecorded.
[0051] In yet a further preferred method of the present invention,
after a satisfactory personalized message or video is created,
switch 18 is permanently disabled. In a preferred embodiment, the
disabling means 11 (see FIG. 3B) may be a tape, a string, a button
or the like physically attached to switch 24, such that pulling on
the disabling means 11 will disable or break switch 24 so that the
module is unable create any further recordings. The disabling means
could also be a button or switch attached to the module that when
pressured will permanently disable any future recordings.
[0052] In the present invention, once microchip 10 determines
whether a message or new video has been recorded, it will select
the next action to take place when the module is again closed by
switch 12.
[0053] In a preferred method of the present invention, when switch
26 is closed, microchip 20 causes the speed of the playback of the
personalized message to change so that it is faster or slower than
originally recorded. In yet another method of the present
invention, microchip 10 processes the recorded message causing the
original message to become altered. For example, when the original
message is a vocal recording, the microchip can make the original
recording sound like it emanated under water, or was spoken by a
cartoon character or by some other famous person or distort or
alter the recording in any other similar manner using special
effects well known in the art.
[0054] Likewise, in another method of the present invention,
another sensory action, such as those previously mentioned, which
are also stored on the first microchip 10, could be triggered upon
the particular occurrence of the closing of the module so that it
occurs at the same time as the playback of the message.
[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
sensory action is prerecorded music and vocals stored on microchip
10. By way of example and not limitation, in that embodiment, when
switch 12 is closed, the prerecorded music and vocals play.
Thereafter, when switch 18 is closed, just the prerecorded music is
heard through speaker 16 so that the vocals of the user can be
recorded by microchip 20 via microphone 22. In the same embodiment,
the next time that switch 12 is closed, the prerecorded music and
the user recorded vocals will be played back so that they are heard
at the same time. In another embodiment, instead of vocals being
recorded, the user can record a personalized visual message (such
as a video, or a message to be displayed on the visual display)
with appropriate alterations to the module 100. For example, the
module 100 can have a USB connector (not shown) attached thereto or
contain a wireless communication device (not shown), a flash drive,
or any other video device for downloading a video onto the module.
In other embodiments, the module may contain a video camera, a CCD
array or the like for recording a video.
[0056] Referring next to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of the
present invention is shown mounted onto a support structure 117 in
a greeting card 110. In FIG. 2, greeting card 110 has a slide
tongue mechanism 12a that operates switch 12. Slide tongue
mechanism 12a is connected to microchip 10, such that sliding of
the tongue mechanism 12a generally along one dimension causes
either activation or deactivation of the microchip 10. The switch
12 is activated by the tongue mechanism 12a such that the folding
or unfolding of the greeting card causes the tongue mechanism 12a
to either deactivate or activate the switch 12 and thereby activate
or deactivate the microchip 10, respectively. In another
embodiment, instead of using a slide tongue mechanism, the switch
12 can be operated by a push mechanism or button (not shown), a
light sensor, pressure button, switch, magnets, motions sensor,
vibration trigger, tilt trigger, or the like, or any other module
closing device known in the art with appropriate modifications to
the module. The push mechanism can be a small dome or membrane
having conductive material with an electric insulator such that the
unfolding of the device can cause the module to close.
[0057] In the greeting card embodiment of the present invention, a
speaker 16 and a microphone 22 is shown. Batteries 14 are connected
to the provide the power necessary to run the system. There also is
another switch activator which is shown as a push mechanism 24,
although any switching mechanism can be used. In the embodiment
shown, the switch activator 24 is a small dome or membrane having
conductive material with an electric insulator which is receptive
to touch so that pushing on the push mechanism will cause the
recording of the personalized message to occur. Likewise, in a
greeting card embodiment, switch activators 18 and/or 26 can also
be a push mechanism, however, any switch activator known in the art
can be used. The slide tongue 12 is also referred to herein as a
switch activator.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment the greeting card is a karaoke
card on which prerecorded music has been stored in microchip 10.
When switch activator 24 is triggered by the user, it closes the
module and energizes microchips 10 and 20 so that vocals can be
recorded at the same time as the music is playing. Thereafter when
switch 12 is activated, the recorded vocals will be played back at
the same time as the music.
[0059] In one embodiment, the greeting card also contains
prerecorded music and vocals on microchip 10 that are played back
every time that there are no recorded vocals. The vocals can be the
lyrics to the song sung by a professional singer or could be
instructions on how to operate the card.
[0060] In one embodiment, continuous pushing on switch activator 26
will alter the speed of the playback of the recorded vocals and
music. Alternatively in other embodiments, pushing on switch
activator 26 will alter the recorded vocals such that they do not
sound the same as when they were originally recorded.
[0061] By repeatedly pressing on push button 24, the vocals may be
recorded over and over until satisfactory recorded vocals are
created by the user. Thereafter, disabling means 11 such as a tape,
string, button or the like, may be attached to switch 24 such that
pulling on it will disable or break switch 24 so that the module is
unable create any further recordings.
[0062] In addition, the greeting card could contain at least one
gap through which a small bulb or LED could emit light for creating
a visual effect when switch 24 is triggered. Likewise, the card
could have an additional mechanism (not shown) attached for
creating a physical action when switch 24 is triggered.
[0063] In yet further embodiments, the greeting card could contain
a means for selecting prerecorded music by way of example, and not
limitation, by having a plurality of music choices stored on the
microchip and having a switch which is turned to input the exact
music selected by the user.
[0064] Referring once again to FIG. 3A, an alternate preferred
embodiment of the present invention is shown mounted onto a support
structure 117 in a greeting card 110. In FIG. 3A, greeting card 110
has a slide tongue mechanism 12a. Slide tongue mechanism 12a is
slidably connected to switch 12 which is connected to microchip 10
in FIG. 1, such that sliding of the tongue mechanism generally
along one dimension causes either activation or deactivation of the
microchip 10. The switch 12 is activated by the tongue mechanism
12a such that the folding or unfolding of the greeting card causes
the tongue mechanism to either deactivate or activate the switch 12
and thereby activate or deactivate the microchip 10, respectively.
In another embodiment, instead of using a slide tongue mechanism,
the switch 12 can be operated by a push mechanism or button (not
shown), a light sensor, pressure button, switch, magnets, motions
sensor, vibration trigger, tilt trigger, or the like, or any other
module closing device known in the art with appropriate
modifications to the module. The push mechanism can be a small dome
or membrane having conductive material with an electric insulator
such that the unfolding of the device can cause the module to
close.
[0065] In the greeting card embodiment of the present invention, a
speaker 16 and a microphone 22 is shown. Batteries 14 are shown
connected to the provide the power necessary to run the system.
There also is another switch activator 24 which is shown as a push
mechanism, although any switching mechanism can be used. In the
embodiment shown, the switch activator 24 is a small dome or
membrane having conductive material with an electric insulator
which is receptive to touch so that pushing on the push mechanism
will cause the recording of the personalized message to occur.
Likewise, in a greeting card embodiment, switch activator 26 is
also a push mechanism, however, any switch activator known in the
art can be used. Pushing on switch activator 26 can cause the
recording to do something unusual like speed up, slow down, come
out in a different voice, etc. For example, where a vocalized
message has been recorded or prerecorded, by pressing switch
activator/button 26 or the like, the message is processed by the
microchip such that the voice of a particular movie star, cartoon
character, robot or some other person or entity is heard
speaking/singing the message, or in another embodiment, the message
is processed such that a special effect is imposed upon the voice
originally recorded such that, by way of example, and not
limitation, the message sounds like the person is underwater or is
electronically talking or has some other speech altering effect
imposed upon the original recording.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, a greeting card contains a video screen
113 on which a video has been stored in microchip 10. When switch
activator 24 is triggered by the user, it closes the module and
energizes microchips 10 and 20 so that a new video can be recorded
to replace the existing video. In a preferred embodiment, a new
video is recorded through the use of a suitable connector such as
the USB connector 120 shown in FIG. 4, although any suitable
connection port may be used. Thereafter when switch 12 is
activated, the new video will be played back. In addition, the
embodiment may also contain a port 122 for recharging the energy
source. Thus, the present invention has the ability to have real
video in print and to be able to download new content into print to
supplement a pre-recorded video, or download overtop of the
pre-recorded with a new video, as well as also be able to re-charge
the batteries for repeated playings of the video.
[0067] In one embodiment, the greeting card also contains
prerecorded music and vocals and/or a video on microchip 10 that
are/is played back every time that there are no recorded vocals
and/or video. When it is prerecorded music and vocals, the vocals
can be the lyrics to the song sung by a professional singer or
could be instructions on how to operate the card. When it is a
video, the video can explain how to operate the card and rerecord a
new video.
[0068] In one embodiment, continuous pushing on switch activator 26
will alter the speed of the playback of the recorded vocals and
music or video. Alternatively in other embodiments, pushing on
switch activator 26 will alter the recorded vocals such that they
do not sound the same as when they were originally recorded.
[0069] By repeatedly pressing on push button 24, the vocals or
video may be recorded over and over until satisfactory recorded
vocals or video are created by the user. Thereafter, disabling
means 11 such as a tape, string, button or the like, may be
attached to switch 24 such that pulling on it will disable or break
switch 24 so that the module is unable create any further
recordings.
[0070] In addition, the greeting card could contain at least one
gap through which a small bulb or LED could emit light for creating
a visual effect when switch 12 is triggered. Likewise, the card
could have an additional mechanism such as a camera 52 affixed
thereto for creating images when the switch 12 is triggered and
thereafter the images could be shown on video screen 113.
[0071] In yet further embodiments, the greeting card could contain
a means for selecting prerecorded music by way of example, and not
limitation, by having a plurality of music choices stored on the
microchip and having a switch which is turned to input the exact
music selected by the user.
[0072] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, a further device 15 is
supplied in which there is a small housing containing a scent such
that when the recipient of the card pulls on a tab, the scent
contained within the sealed capsule, a striker will rupture the
capsule releasing the scent. Alternatively instead of scent being
housed in the capsule, confetti or other items could be released.
Alternatively housing 15 could contain a spring loaded capsule such
that when the user presses a release, the contents is released.
[0073] FIGS. 5-6 show another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the foldable support structure 117
comprises a card 110 that includes a video screen 113 and a
plurality of buttons/switch activators (referred to herein as first
button 32, second button 34, third button 36 and fourth button 38).
The internal components (e.g., the slide tongue, switches,
microchips, speaker, mic, video screen, buttons, etc.) associated
with the card 110 are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS.
1-4 above. This exemplary embodiment is directed to an
implementation of how those components work together to create a
commercial embodiment.
[0074] A first predetermined media, such as a video (e.g., a movie
trailer, song video or the like) is stored in the memory of
microchip 20. When the cover 40 of the card 110 is opened, as a
result of movement of slide tongue 12a, microchip 10 is activated
and the movie trailer stored in microchip 20 begins to play on
video screen 113. To stop the trailer from being played, the cover
40 is closed, and, as a result of movement of slide tongue 12a,
microchip 10 is deactivated. Accordingly, the first predetermined
media (also referred to herein as video one) is associated with
slide tongue 12a/switch 12.
[0075] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
buttons 32, 34, 36 and 38 each have a different predetermined media
associated with them (also referred to herein as videos two through
five). Each of the buttons 32, 34, 36 and 38 actuates a switch that
causes another predetermined media stored in microchip 20 to be
played. Accordingly, the second predetermined media is associated
with first button 32, the third predetermined media is associated
with second button 34, the fourth predetermined media is associated
with third button 36, and the fifth predetermined media is
associated with fourth button 32. It will be understood that the
number of buttons and/or media pieces or clips is not a limitation
on the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a fifth
button 42 having a sixth predetermined media associated therewith
can be included.
[0076] In use, as described above, when cover 40 is opened, video
one begins playing on screen 113. If one of the buttons 32, 34, 36
or 38 is pressed, video one will stop playing and the video
associated with the depressed button will begin to play.
[0077] Generally, any type of video screen that is thin and can be
incorporated into printed material (e.g., greeting card, newspaper,
magazine, flyer, brochure, book, folder, etc.) is within the scope
of the present invention. For example, see FIG. 7, where the video
screen 113 is incorporated in a magazine 200.
[0078] As described above, the video screen 113 can include LCD
(liquid crystal display) technology. However, this is not a
limitation on the present invention. The video screen 113 can be
any type of video screen technology known in the art, such as
monochrome, electro-chromic, TFT (thin film transistor), OLED
(organic light emitting diode), CSTN (color super-twist nematic),
DSTN (double layer STN, dual scan STN), FRSTN (fast response STN),
FSTN (film compensated STN, formulated STN or filtered STN), FFSTN
(double film super-twist nematic), MSTN (monochrome super-twist
nematic), active-matrix electrophoretic display (e-ink) or any
other video screen technology now known or later developed.
[0079] In another embodiment similar to the one shown in FIG. 5,
instead of including a plurality of buttons a single button that
cycles through the plurality of videos can be used. In other words,
video one is associated with the slide tongue 12a and videos
two-five (or any number) are associated with a single button that
when pressed the first time starts video two, when pressed a second
time starts video three and so on.
[0080] These embodiments could be useful, for example, for a movie
studio that is releasing a number of different films for the
upcoming summer season. They could mail out these cards with the
various trailers stored in the memory of the card to consumers,
movie houses, businesses, etc. Also, the different clips operated
by either the slide tongue or the buttons could be different
chapters in a movie or TV show (similar to what is used in DVD's).
In another embodiment, a single button can be pressed more than
once to cycle through the different media or video clips. For
example, pressing the button once causes trailer one to play,
pressing it again causes trailer two to play, pressing it again
causes trailer three to play, etc.
[0081] In another embodiment, to make the cards more attractive to
consumers, the memory can contain prerecorded media, such as the
movie trailers described above, but can also include the capability
of recording new videos or downloading new videos as well. For
example, a user could have his/her own card for recording and
playing back videos (operated by, e.g., button 32), while at the
same time, every time he/she opens the card, the movie trailer
associated with the slide tongue 12a is played. In other words, in
an example, the microchip includes a gigabyte of memory and
includes a prerecorded video that takes up 100 megabytes of memory.
This prerecorded video is "locked in" and cannot be erased.
However, the chip still includes 900 megabytes of free memory that
the user can use to record whatever they desire. For example, the
use could go to youtube.com and download videos and play those back
at a later time. In this embodiment, the card may include a button
or buttons that are specifically devoted to the recording and
playback of bonus materials.
[0082] The media clips can be recorded into memory by the user by
pressing a button and recording audio and/or video (as described
above), inserting a flash/thumb drive, etc. to USB port 122 to
either download to memory or to play directly from the memory of
the drive.
[0083] It will be understood that the basic configuration of the
present invention can include the electronic module including a
printed circuit board, speaker, batteries and a video screen.
Playing of a video can be actuated in a number of different ways,
including a slide tongue, push button, motion sensor, light sensor,
magnets, etc. And this can be done to play one or a series of
videos. Another embodiments can include a slide tongue actuating
the first video and push buttons for actuating other videos. In
another embodiment, the slide tongue can be omitted and a plurality
of push buttons or other actuation methods (described above) can
actuate the videos. In another embodiment, the slide tongue can be
omitted and a single push button or other actuation method can be
used to cycle through a plurality of videos. In yet another
embodiment, the user can download additional information from a
computer or other memory storage device to overwrite any
pre-recorded messages. In yet another embodiment, the user can
download additional information from a computer or other memory
storage device in addition to unerasable, pre-recorded messages
that still play back even after the additional information has been
added by the user.
[0084] In another embodiment, instead of activation of a video or
audio clip, the closing of the switches can cause something related
to smell, touch or taste to occur.
[0085] Those skilled in the art will understand that this type of
novelty device can be used in a variety of objects such as print
media such as greeting cards, magazines, packaging, direct mail,
point of purchase ("POP") displays, gift cards; into apparel such
as t-shirts, caps, and hats; other devices such as plastic novelty
items, sculpted novelty items, figurines, statues, models, watches,
jewelry, or any other type of object in which a personalized
message would be desired.
[0086] The embodiments and methods described above are exemplary
embodiments and methods of the present invention. While particular
embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and
described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses of, and
departures from, the above-described embodiments and methods
without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
Thus, the construction of the embodiments and the steps of the
methods disclosed herein are not limitations of the invention.
Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely by the
scope of the following claims.
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