U.S. patent number RE44,115 [Application Number 11/933,932] was granted by the patent office on 2013-04-02 for electronic messenger.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Transpacific Plasma, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Yu-Chieh Lin. Invention is credited to Yu-Chieh Lin.
United States Patent |
RE44,115 |
Lin |
April 2, 2013 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Electronic messenger
Abstract
An apparatus for taking an electronic message from a user and
actively notifying a receiver is disclosed. The apparatus includes
a message input device for receiving the electronic message from
the user, a message storing device for storing the electronic
message therein, a message playing device for playing the
electronic message, a vibration detector for detecting a certain
level of vibration, a controller electrically connected to the
message input device, the message storing device, the message
playing device and the vibration detector, and a case accommodating
the message input device, the message storing device, the message
playing device, the vibration detector and the controller therein.
The vibration detector sends out a trigger signal in response to
the vibration, and the controller allows the electronic message to
be read out from the message storing device and played by the
message playing device in response to the trigger signal.
Inventors: |
Lin; Yu-Chieh (Taipei,
TW) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lin; Yu-Chieh |
Taipei |
N/A |
TW |
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Assignee: |
Transpacific Plasma, LLC
(Wilmington, DE)
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Family
ID: |
21679910 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/933,932 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
10217296 |
Aug 12, 2002 |
6961003 |
Nov 1, 2005 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Dec 11, 2001 [TW] |
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90130611 A |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/692;
379/88.11; 379/67.1; 340/3.31; 340/3.1; 379/88.07; 340/691.6;
348/14.06; 348/113; 455/556.1; 348/152; 348/143 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
1/00519 (20130101); G08B 3/10 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G08B
25/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/500,691.1,692,567,552,3.31,3.1,691.6 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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6-12381 |
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Jan 1994 |
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JP |
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H06-12381 |
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Jan 1994 |
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JP |
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3065782 |
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Nov 1999 |
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JP |
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2000-29661 |
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Jan 2000 |
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JP |
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2000-29661 |
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Jan 2000 |
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JP |
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3079330 |
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May 2001 |
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JP |
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Primary Examiner: Zimmerman; Brian
Assistant Examiner: Yang; James
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus .[.for taking an electronic message from a user and
actively notifying a receiver.]., comprising: .[.an image input
device for receiving.]. .Iadd.a camera configured to capture an
image for inclusion in .Iaddend.a first electronic message .[.from
said user.]. .Iadd.while .Iaddend.in a first state, and
.[.receiving a.]. .Iadd.configured to receive .Iaddend.surrounding
information in real time .Iadd.while .Iaddend.in a second state; a
message storing device; a message playing device; a controller
electrically connected to said .[.image input device.].
.Iadd.camera.Iaddend., said message storing device.Iadd.,
.Iaddend.and said message playing device, .[.and having.].
.Iadd.the controller configured to have .Iaddend.said first
electronic message stored into said message storing device
.Iadd.while .Iaddend.in said first state and .[.determining.].
.Iadd.further configured to determine .Iaddend.whether a change of
said surrounding information exceeds a threshold level.[.,.].
.Iadd.while .Iaddend.in said second state, wherein said first
electronic message .Iadd.including the image captured by the camera
.Iaddend.is .Iadd.configured to be .Iaddend.read out from said
message storing device and played by said message playing device
.[.when.]. .Iadd.in response to a determination that .Iaddend.said
change of said surrounding information exceeds said threshold
level; and a case accommodating said .[.image input device.].
.Iadd.camera.Iaddend., said message storing device, said message
playing device.Iadd., .Iaddend.and said controller therein.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said .[.image input
device is one selected from a group consisting of.]. .Iadd.camera
is .Iaddend.a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera .[.and a
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.]..
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a voice
input device for a user to leave a second electronic message.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said voice input
device is a microphone.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said message playing
device includes a display for presenting said first electronic
message and a speaker for presenting said second electronic
message.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a
digital-tablet input device for a user to leave a third electronic
message.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a
touch-panel input device integrated with a liquid crystal display,
which allows .[.said.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.user to leave a fourth
electronic message by pointing one of predetermined selective items
on said liquid crystal display.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said message playing
device includes a liquid crystal display for presenting an image
message selected from a group consisting of a designed pattern, a
handwriting note, a photo picture and a motion picture.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said liquid crystal
display is one selected from a group consisting of a thin film
transistor liquid crystal display, a color super twisted nematic
liquid crystal display and a monochrome super twisted nematic
liquid crystal display.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said controller is
one selected from a group consisting of a digital signal processor
(DSP) and an application specific IC (ASIC).
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a
vibration detector for detecting a certain level of vibration,
wherein said controller alternatively allows said first electronic
message to be read out from said message storing device and played
by said message playing device in response to said certain level of
said vibration exceeding a threshold level.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said vibration
detector is one selected from a group consisting of a spring-type
vibration detector and a mercury-type vibration detector.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a button
electrically connected to said controller, wherein said controller
alternatively allows said first electronic message to be read out
from said message storing device and played by said message playing
device in response to an operation on said button.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a timer
electrically connected to said controller, wherein said controller
alternatively allows said first electronic message to be read out
from said message storing device and played by said message playing
device at a preset time .[.point.]. .Iadd.of day.Iaddend..
15. An apparatus .[.for taking an electronic message from a user
and actively notifying a receiver.]., comprising: an image input
device .[.for receiving.]. .Iadd.physically accommodated in a case
of the apparatus and configured to capture .Iaddend.image
information; a message storing device .Iadd.physically accommodated
in the case of the apparatus.Iaddend.; a message playing device
.Iadd.physically accommodated in the case of the
apparatus.Iaddend.; a controller electrically connected to said
image input device, said message storing device and said message
playing device, having said image information stored in said
message storing device as said electronic message during a message
input state and receiving said image information as surrounding
information .[.in.]. .Iadd.during .Iaddend.a surrounding detection
state, wherein said electronic message is read out from said
message storing device and played by said message playing device
.[.when.]. .Iadd.in response to a determination that .Iaddend.a
change of said surrounding information exceeds a threshold
level.Iadd., wherein playing the electronic message includes
displaying image information captured by the image input
device.Iaddend..
16. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said image input
device is one selected from a group consisting of a charge-coupled
device (CCD) camera and a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor
(CMOS) image sensor.
.Iadd.17. An apparatus, comprising: an image input device
physically accommodated in a case of the apparatus and configured
to capture an image for inclusion in a first electronic message in
a first time period, and configured to capture an image
corresponding to surrounding information in real time in a second
time period; and a controller electrically connected to said image
input device, the controller configured to have said first
electronic message stored into a message storing device in said
first time period, the controller configured to determine whether a
change in captured images corresponding to surrounding information
exceeds a threshold level in said second time period, and the
controller configured to have said first electronic message played,
by a message playing device physically accommodated in a case of
the apparatus, in response to a determination that said change in
captured images corresponding to surrounding information exceeds
said threshold level, wherein playing the first electronic message
includes displaying the image captured for inclusion in the first
electronic message..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The apparatus according to claim 17 further comprising a
voice input device configured to allow a first individual to leave
a second electronic message..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The apparatus according to claim 17 further comprising a
vibration detector configured to detect a certain level of
vibration, wherein said controller is configured to allow said
first electronic message to be read out from a message storing
device and played by said message playing device in response to
said certain level of vibration exceeding a threshold
level..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The apparatus according to claim 17 further comprising a
button electrically connected to said controller, wherein said
controller is configured to allow said first electronic message to
be read out from said message storing device and played by said
message playing device in response to an operation on said
button..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The apparatus according to claim 17 further comprising a
timer electrically connected to said controller, wherein said
controller is configured to allow said first electronic message to
be read out from said message storing device and played by said
message playing device at a preset time of day..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. An apparatus, comprising: an input means for capturing an
image for inclusion in a first electronic message in a first time
period and for capturing an image that includes surrounding
information in real time in a second time period, wherein the input
means includes an image input component that is physically
accommodated in a case of the apparatus; and a controller means for
storing said first electronic message into a message storing device
in said first time period, determining whether a change in captured
images that include surrounding information exceeds a threshold
level in said second time period, and having said first electronic
message played, by a message playing device physically accommodated
in the case of the apparatus in response to a determination that
said change in captured images that include surrounding information
exceeds said threshold level, wherein playing the electronic
message includes displaying the captured image. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising:
a voice input means for allowing a first individual to leave a
second electronic message; and a vibration detector means for
detecting a certain level of vibration, wherein the controller
means further comprises a controller means for allowing said first
electronic message to be read out from said message storing device
and played by said message playing device in response to said
certain level of vibration exceeding a threshold
level..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. A method, comprising: capturing by a camera an image for
inclusion in a first electronic message in a first time period;
capturing by the camera surrounding information in real time in a
second time period; storing said first electronic message into a
message storing device in said first time period; determining
whether a change of said surrounding information exceeds a
threshold level in said second time period; and playing said first
electronic message by a message playing device in response to a
determination that said change of said surrounding information
exceeds said threshold level, wherein the playing comprises
displaying the image captured by the camera, wherein the camera is
accommodated in a case of the message playing device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. An apparatus, comprising: an image input device
physically accommodated in a case of the apparatus and configured
to capture an image for inclusion in a first electronic message in
a first time period; a second input device configured to receive
images corresponding to surrounding information in real time in a
second time period; and a controller electrically connected to said
image input device and said second input device, the controller
configured to have said first electronic message stored into a
message storing device in said first time period, the controller
configured to determine whether a change of said images
corresponding to surrounding information exceeds a threshold level,
in said second time period, and the controller configured to have
said first electronic message including the captured image played,
by a message playing device physically accommodated in the case of
the apparatus, in response to a determination that said change of
said images corresponding to surrounding information exceeds said
threshold level..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. A method, comprising; capturing a first image for
inclusion in an electronic message into an electronic apparatus
using a camera physically accommodated in a case of the electronic
apparatus; storing the electronic message, including the captured
first image, into a message storing device physically accommodated
in a case of the electronic apparatus; and capturing second images
that include surrounding information into the electronic apparatus
using the camera physically accommodated in the case of the
electronic apparatus, the electronic apparatus being configured to
play the electronic message with a message playing device
physically accommodated in the case of the electronic apparatus and
display the first image in response to detecting a change in the
surrounding information of the second images that exceeds a
threshold level, the change in surrounding information being
detectable by the electronic apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The method of claim 32, wherein causing the change in
surrounding information that exceeds the threshold level includes
moving the electronic apparatus such that a vibration detector of
the electronic apparatus detects a vibration caused by the
movement, the vibration exceeding the threshold level.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The method of claim 32, wherein causing the change in
surrounding information that exceeds the threshold level includes
approaching or passing by the electronic apparatus such that the
image input device receives changing image information in real
time, a change in the image information exceeding the threshold
level..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The method of claim 26, further comprising placing the
electronic apparatus in a location accessible to a user, wherein
the user causes a change in surrounding information that exceeds
the threshold level and, in response, the electronic apparatus
plays the electronic message to the user without the user knowingly
operating the electronic apparatus..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The method of claim 26, further comprising operating a
button of the electronic apparatus to cause the electronic
apparatus to play the electronic message..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The method of claim 26, further comprising setting a
timer of the electronic apparatus to cause the electronic apparatus
to play the electronic message at a preset time..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The method of claim 26, further comprising causing a
change in surrounding information that exceeds the threshold
level..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. An apparatus, comprising: a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor configured to capture an image
for inclusion in a first electronic message while in a first state,
and configured to receive surrounding information in real time
while in a second state; a message storing device; a message
playing device; a controller electrically connected to said CMOS
image sensor, said message storing device, and said message playing
device, the controller configured to have said first electronic
message stored into said message storing device while in said first
state and further configured to determine whether a change of said
surrounding information exceeds a threshold level while in said
second state, wherein said first electronic message including the
image captured by the CMOS image sensor is configured to be read
out from said message storing device and played by said message
playing device in response to a determination that said change of
said surrounding information exceeds said threshold level; and a
case accommodating said CMOS image sensor, said message storing
device, said message playing device and said controller
therein..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for taking an
electronic message from a user, and more particularly to an
apparatus for taking an electronic message from a user and actively
notifying a receiver.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A traditional message-leaving device is a note board based on hand
writing. With the development of electronic industry, a voice
recorder such as an answering machine is used for leaving voice
message. These traditional message-leaving devices, however, are
not efficient and user-friendly enough due to their passive and
monotonous features.
First of all, both types of above message-leaving devices cannot
actively transmit the message to the receiver. In other words, they
work only when the receiver purposely checks whether there is any
message on the note board or in the answering machine. Hence, once
the receiver forgets to check or does not pay attention to the
message-leaving device, some important messages are likely to be
missed out or delayed.
Moreover, the traditional message-leaving devices permit only of
simple characters or voices to express their thoughts and emotion.
Sometimes, such expression is not enough for transmitting exactly
what the user wants to convey to the receiver. For example, it
helps little when the user would like to instruct the receiver how
to operate an appliance. Further, it is inconvenient for the people
who cannot give and take messages by handwriting or speaking. For
example, one or both of the user and the receiver cannot read or
write, or they have difficulty in listening or speaking.
Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to develop an
apparatus for taking an electronic message from a user and actively
notifying a receiver, which is called herein as an electronic
messenger, to deal with the above situations encountered in the
prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for
taking an electronic message from a user and actively notifying a
receiver for preventing the electronic message from being delayed
or missed out.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus
for taking an electronic message for some handicapped people to
conveniently operate.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
an apparatus for taking an electronic message from a user and
actively notifying a receiver. The apparatus includes a message
input device for receiving the electronic message from the user, a
message storing device for storing the electronic message therein,
a message playing device for playing the electronic message, a
vibration detector for detecting a certain level of vibration, a
controller electrically connected to the message input device, the
message storing device, the message playing device and the
vibration detector, and a case for accommodating the message input
device, the message storing device, the message playing device, the
vibration detector and the controller therein. The vibration
detector sends out a trigger signal in response to the vibration,
and the controller allows the electronic message to be read out
from the message storing device and played by the message playing
device in response to the trigger signal.
For example, the message storing device can be a memory device.
For example, the message input device can include at least one of
an image input device, a voice input device, a digital tablet and a
touch panel.
For example, the image input device can be a charge-coupled device
(CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
image sensor.
Preferably, the message playing device includes a liquid crystal
display for presenting an image message which is a designed
pattern, a handwriting note, a photo picture or a motion
picture.
In an embodiment, the message input device is a touch panel
integrated with the liquid crystal display, which allows the user
to leave the electronic message by pointing one of predetermined
selective items on the liquid crystal display.
For example, the liquid crystal display can be a thin film
transistor liquid crystal display, a color super twisted nematic
liquid crystal display or a monochrome super twisted nematic liquid
crystal display.
For example, the voice input device can be a microphone and the
message playing device can include a speaker for presenting a voice
message.
For example, the controller can be a digital signal processor (DSP)
or an application specific IC (ASIC).
Preferably, the vibration detector is a spring-type vibration
detector or a mercury-type vibration detector.
Preferably, the apparatus further includes a button for starting
the controller to play the electronic message in response to a
pressing operation of the receiver exerted thereon.
Preferably, the apparatus further includes a timer electrically
connected to the controller for playing the electronic message at a
preset time point.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an apparatus including a message input device for
receiving the electronic message from the user, and receiving a
surrounding information in real time, a message storing device for
storing the electronic message therein, a message playing device
for playing the electronic message, a controller electrically
connected to the message input device, the message storing device
and the message playing device, and in response to a change of the
surrounding information exceeding a threshold level, allowing the
electronic message to be read out from the message storing device
and played by the message playing device, and a case for
accommodating the message input device, the message storing device,
the message playing device and the controller therein.
Preferably, the message input device includes an image input
device. For example, the image input device can be a charge-coupled
device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor
(CMOS) image sensor.
Preferably, the message input device includes a voice input device.
For example, the voice input device can be a microphone.
According to an additional aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an apparatus including a message input device for
receiving the electronic message from the user, a message storing
device for storing the electronic message therein, a message
playing device for playing the electrical message, a motion
detector detecting a movement of an environmental object, a
controller electrically connected to the message input device, the
message storing device, the message playing device and the motion
detector and a case for accommodating the message input device, the
message storing device, the message playing device, the motion
detector and the controller therein. The motion detector sends out
a trigger signal in response to a certain level of the movement,
and the controller allows the electronic message to be read out
from the message storing device and played by the message playing
device in response to the trigger signal.
Preferably, the motion detector is an infrared-ray motion
detector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention may best be understood through the following
description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is an appearance diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment
of an apparatus for taking an electronic message according to the
present invention;
FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram illustrating the electronic
message-leaving apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a
spring-type vibration detector for use in the electronic
message-leaving apparatus of FIG. 2A as the vibration detector;
FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a structure of a mercury-type
vibration detector for use in the electronic message-leaving
apparatus of FIG. 2A as the vibration detector;
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating another preferred
embodiment of an apparatus for taking an electronic message
according to the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a further
preferred embodiment of an apparatus for taking an electronic
message according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention will now be described more specifically with
reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the
following descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention
are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description
only; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the
precise form disclosed.
Please refer to FIG. 1 which is an appearance diagram illustrating
a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for taking an electronic
message according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the
size of the electronic message-leaving apparatus, which is called
as the electronic messenger hereinafter, is preferably made to be
similar to that of a personal digital assistant (PDA) so that it is
convenient to be carried by the user and mounted in a proper place.
For example, the electronic messenger can be adhered, hung or
disposed on the wall, the table, the door, the door of a
refrigerator or any other place where the electronic messenger can
be easily operated. The electronic messenger includes a message
input device for inputting a message therefrom. The message input
device, for example, optionally includes a charge-coupled device
(CCD) camera 11, a microphone 12, a liquid crystal display (LCD)
13, and/or a digital tablet 14 all accessibly accommodated in a
case 10. The CCD camera 11 permits for image input, either for a
still picture or a motion picture. The microphone 12 permits for
voice input. The LCD 13 may serve as a touch panel for input by
pointing one of predetermined selective items on the display. The
selected items may be patterns or words or any other suitable
forms. The digital table 14 permits for handwriting input. Aside
from a message input device as a touch panel, the LCD also serve as
a message playing device for presenting the message in a visible
form. As for the message in an audible form, it can be presented by
an audio message playing device such as a speaker (not shown in
FIG. 1).
Please refer to FIG. 2A which is a functional block diagram
illustrating the electronic message-leaving apparatus of FIG. 1.
For allowing the message given via the message input device shown
in FIG. 1 to be presented in front of a receiver, the electronic
messenger also includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 20, a
memory device 21, and a vibration detector 22 disposed inside the
case 10. The digital signal processor 20 is electrically connected
to the charge-coupled device camera 11, the microphone 12, the
liquid crystal display 13, the memory device 21, the vibration
detector 22, and the speaker 23. The memory device 21 is used for
storing therein the given message. When the vibration detector 22
detects a vibration level exceeding a predetermined value, the
vibration detector 22 sends out a trigger signal to the digital
signal processor 20 which allows the image, handwriting, pattern,
character andlor voice messages to be read out in response to the
trigger signal. Then, the visible message is played on the liquid
crystal display 13 and the voice message is broadcasted from the
speaker 23. For example, a user left messages in the electronic
messenger via at least one of the message input devices and adhered
the electronic messenger on the door of a refrigerator. Once the
door of the refrigerator is opened, the vibration detector 22 will
detect the vibration and send out the trigger signal to allow the
electronic messages to be automatically played. Thus, the
electronic messenger according to the present invention can
actively notify the receiver of the presence and the contents of
messages, thereby avoiding important messages being delayed or
missed out.
An embodiment of the vibration detector 22 used in the above
electronic messenger is a spring-type vibration detector shown in
FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2B, a metal stick 24 penetrates through a
spiral spring 25. When the spiral spring 25 is vibrated or trembles
due to a certain level of vibration, the spiral spring 25 is in
contact with the metal stick 24. Therefore, the electricity is
conducted, resulting in that the spring-type vibration detector 22
sends out the trigger signal.
In addition, the spring-type vibration detector 22 can be replaced
by a mercury-type one. As shown in FIG. 2C, the mercury-type
vibration detector includes a container 26 accommodating mercury 27
therein, and two metal conductive wires 28 and 29 inserted into the
container 26 and being disposed just above the liquid surface of
mercury. When the container 26 is vibrated due to a certain level
of vibration, the electrically conductive mercury 27 trembles and
becomes in contact with both of the metal conductive wires 28 and
29. Therefore, the electricity is conducted, resulting in that the
mercury-type vibration detector sends out the trigger signal.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating another preferred
embodiment of an electronic messenger according to the present
invention. The functions and structures of the electronic messenger
are similar to those of the electronic messenger shown in FIG. 2A
so as not to be redundantly described herein. The electronic
messenger of FIG. 3, however, includes a motion sensor instead of
the vibration detector 22 of FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 3, the
charge-coupled device camera 11 is used not only as a message input
device for receiving the image message from the user but also as a
motion sensor for detecting a change of surrounding information in
real time. In other words, after the image message, if any, is
stored in the memory device 21, the charge-coupled device camera 11
still keeps operating to receive the surrounding information and
transmit it to the digital signal processor 20. The image
information received at this time point will be compared with the
image information received at the time point just before this time
point via the software program operation. When the change of image
information between these two time points is larger than a
threshold, the digital signal processor 20 determines that somebody
approaches or passes and then allows the image and/or voice
messages to be read out from the memory device 21. Further, the
liquid crystal display 13 plays the image message and/or the
speaker 12 broadcasts the voice message.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the electronic messenger further
includes a button 31 and a timer 32. The receiver can actively
check the message by touching or pressing on the button 31. The
timer 32 is used to play the message at preset time especially for
purpose of reminding, for example, reminding of taking
medicine.
For another embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the functions and
structures of the electronic messenger are similar to those of the
electronic messenger of FIG. 3 except that the motion detector is
an infrared-ray motion detector 41. The infrared-ray motion
detector 41 is connected to the digital signal processor 20 and
used for detecting a movement of an environmental object. When the
infrared-ray motion detector 41 sends out a trigger signal in
response to a certain level of movement, the digital signal
processor 20 controls the memory device 21 to send out the image
and/or voice messages. Thus, the image and/or voice messages are
further played by the liquid crystal display 13 and/or the speaker
23, respectively.
The liquid crystal display used in the above embodiments can be a
thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFTLCD), a color super
twisted nematic liquid crystal display (color STNLCD) or a
monochrome super twisted nematic liquid crystal display (monochrome
STNLCD).
The charge-coupled device camera 11 can be replaced by a
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. In
addition to the digital signal processor, an application specific
IC (ASIC) specifically designed for these electronic
message-leaving apparatuses can be used as a controller for
reducing the cost. Furthermore, all electronic message-leaving
apparatus according to the present invention can further include
the button 31 and the timer 32 as the embodiment shown in FIG.
3.
To sum up, the electronic messenger according to the present
invention provides a function to actively notify the receiver
instead of completely depending on the receiver's attention. Thus,
the electronic message from the user won't be missed out or
delayed. In addition, the electronic messenger according to the
present invention provides a convenient way for some handicapped
people to leave or take messages. For example, those who cannot
write may leave message by voice input via the microphone, and
those who cannot speak may leave message by inputting sign language
via the CCD camera. Of course, an indicator light or sound may be
additionally provided to notify of the playing of the message.
Further, the electronic messenger according to the present
invention provides a way to transmit the exactly information or
emotion from the user to the receiver.
While the invention has been described in terms of what are
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention need not be
limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which
are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
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