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Patent No. 6940432 Subliminal recording device (Hall, Sep 6, 2005) (See graph)
Abstract
An apparatus for recording and replaying a message comprising a plurality of control buttons for controlling the apparatus; a processor connected to the record control button for communicating instructions to a memory; a memory connected to the processor for storing audio data; a microphone connected to the memory for providing audio data to the memory; and a speaker connected to the memory for producing audio output. Upon activation of a first of said plurality of control buttons a microphone is controlled to receive audio data. The microphone provides the received audio data to a memory for storing the audio data. Upon activation of a second of said plurality of control buttons the processor controls the memory to provide the stored audio data to the speaker for audiblizing at predetermined intervals.
Notes:
BACKGROUND
OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to recording devices and, more specifically, to
a recording device designed for subliminal suggestions, including a combined
LCD alarm clock and recording device. The recording device digitally records
a user's message and repeats the message in delayed increments of time. The
recording device is able to record a message and replay the message at predetermined
intervals until the cycle terminates or until activation of a stop button. Preferably,
the recorded message is an affirmation or subliminal message in the user's voice
which is continually listened to while the user sleeps. Additionally, the apparatus
may include a teddy bear or other stuffed animal encasing, which is conducive
to use of the invention by a child.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous other types of recording devices exist in the prior art, including
tape recorders, MP3 devices, digital voice recorders, and cell phone recorders,
none of which, however, can record messages and repeatedly play them back at
predetermined intervals. While these devices may be suitable for the purposes
for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes
of the present invention, as hereinafter described.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to recording devices and, more specifically, to
a recording device designed for subliminal suggestions, including a combined
LCD alarm clock and recording device. The recording device digitally records
a user's message and repeats the message in delayed increments of time. The
recording device is able to record a message and replay the message at predetermined
intervals until the cycle terminates or until activation of a stop button. Preferably,
the recorded message is an affirmation or subliminal message in the user's voice
which is continually listened to while the user sleeps. Additionally, the apparatus
may include a teddy bear or other stuffed animal encasing, which is conducive
to use of the invention by a child.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a recording device that
overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.
A secondary object of the present invention is to provide a recording device
that includes an LCD alarm clock.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording device including
a processor, memory, microphone, speaker, adjustable volume, audio output jack,
and a plurality of control buttons.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a recording device
wherein a plurality of control buttons activates at least one of a RECORD function,
a PLAY function, a START function, a MODE function, and a SET function.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a recording device that
is encased in a teddy bear.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording device encased
in a teddy bear wherein the control buttons are positioned on the external surface
of the teddy bear.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a recording device
that plays back a recorded message at predetermined intervals.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a recording device
wherein playback of the recorded message may be delayed for a predetermined
period to allow the user to fall asleep prior to playback.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a recording device
for replaying the recorded messages at predetermined intervals after the delay
period.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording device wherein
the replay of the message provides subliminal instructions to the user.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a recording device
wherein the replay of the message provides affirmations to the user.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a recording device wherein
the replay of the message provides subliminal suggestions to the user.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a recording device
simple and easy to use.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a recording
device that is inexpensive to manufacture and use.
Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.
The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing
a recording device that plays a recorded message in the user's voice in delayed
intervals in order to allow a user to listen to the messages while sleeping.
The recording device is combined with an LCD alarm clock and is selectively
positioned adjacent or atop a bed in which the user sleeps. The recording device
may also be encased in a teddy bear or other stuffed animal so as to be positioned
unobjectionably adjacent or atop a child's bed. The recording device includes
a plurality of control buttons, which control the functions of the device. Using
these control buttons, the user can record affirmations or subliminal messages
for improving the self-confidence, self-image, and way the user lives his or
her life.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description
to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings,
which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will
be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized
and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described,
by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the recording device of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the method of using the recording device
of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a front view of the recording device of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the recording device of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the recording device of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a front view of a teddy bear encasing of the recording device of the
present invention;
FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of the teddy bear encasing of the recording device
of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the recording device of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters
denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate
the recording device of the present invention. With regard to the reference
numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing
Figures.
10 recording device of the present invention
12 main body
14 processor
16 memory
18 microphone
20 speaker
22 volume control
24 START control button
26 MODE control button
28 SET control button
30 PLAY control button
32 RECORD control button
34 AC/DC power socket
36 power source
40 control buttons set 1
41 control buttons set 2
42 liquid crystal character display (LCD) screen
46 battery cover
48 audio output jack
50 teddy bear encasing
52 control button extensions
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS
The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention
and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed,
however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners
skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a
definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to
the appended claims.
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters
denote similar elements throughout the several views. FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate
the recording device of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral
10.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the recording device 10 of the present invention.
The recording device 10 includes a main body 12, a processor 14, and a memory
16, connected to the processor 14 and positioned within the main body 12. The
internal parts include the processor 14 and the memory 16, which communicate
with each other and other parts through a set of connections. The main body
12 also includes a power source 36 connected to the processor 14 for providing
power to the recording device 10. The power source 36 is preferably at least
one of a battery, power acquired from external sources via AC/DC power socket
34, or any other means for powering the components of the recording device 10.
Positioned on the main body 12 is a microphone 18, speaker 20, volume control
22, AC/DC power socket 34, first set of control buttons 40, second set of control
buttons 41, LCD screen 42, and an audio output jack 48. The first set of control
buttons 40 includes a START control button 24, MODE control button 26, and SET
control button 28. The second set of control buttons 41 includes a PLAY control
button 30 and RECORD control button 32. The control buttons 24, 26, 28, 30,
and 32 are connected to the processor 14. The microphone 18 and speaker 20 are
connected to the memory 16. The volume control 22 is connected to the processor
for controlling the volume of speaker 20.
Upon pressing the RECORD control button 32, processor 14 signals the memory
16 to store data received from the microphone 18. Additionally, the processor
14 signals the LCD display to display "REC" thereon indicating the device is
in the record mode. Preferably, the microphone 18 captures analog audio data
representing the user's voice. The audio data is then converted into digital
data and stored in the memory 16. If data was previously stored in memory 16,
the previously stored data will be automatically deleted and replaced by the
new message.
Upon pressing the PLAY control button 30, processor 14 signals the memory 16
to convert the digital data into analog data for output by the speaker 20. Hereinafter,
the above described process will be known as "Replay." Simultaneously, the processor
14 signals the LCD display 42 to display "PLAY" thereon indicating the device
is in the play mode. The Replay can be terminated at any time by pressing either
the PLAY control button 30 or RECORD control button 32. If the user wishes to
listen to the Replay through earphones, the earphones can be inserted into audio
output jack 48, which causes the Replay to be output through the audio output
jack 48. The user can also adjust the volume of the Replay by selectively moving
the volume control 22 for increasing and decreasing the level at which Replay
is output through the speaker 20 or audio output jack 48.
If the user presses the START control button 24, the processor 14 signals the
memory 16 to perform a Replay in accordance with a timing mechanism configured
in processor 14. The timing mechanism predetermines the intervals at which Replays
occur. For example, the timing mechanism may include a cycle of twenty Replays
simultaneously, followed by a delayed period of an hour, followed by another
cycle of twenty Replays, for seven hours. In the above example, the processor
14 signals the memory 16 to perform a Replay 20 consecutive times. The processor
14 includes a timing mechanism for keeping time. When one hour has expired according
to the timing mechanism in the processor 14, the processor signals the memory
16 to Replay the stored data twenty consecutive times. The processor 14 would
continue this cycle until the timing mechanism determines that a seventh hour
has passed. The pattern continues until the cycle of the timing mechanism completes
or the user terminates the cycle by pressing the PLAY control button 30. Preferably
the default configuration of the timing mechanism is as follows: one Replay
and then stop; one hour later Replay twenty times and then stop; two hours later
Replay twenty times and then stop; two hours later Replay twenty times and then
stop; two hours later Replay twenty times and then stop. However, the above
is described for purpose of example only and the cycle of Replays may be performed
at any time intervals and for any number of cycles.
If the user presses and holds the SET control button 28 for a predetermined
amount of time, the processor 14 causes control buttons 24, 26, 30, and 32 to
be locked in an inoperable state. The processor 14 simultaneously signals the
LCD display 42 to display "HOLD" thereon. When the user presses and holds the
SET control button 28 for a second predetermined amount of time, the processor
14 causes the control buttons 24, 26, 30, and 32 to be unlocked and operable.
Preferably, the predetermined amount of time is two seconds. However, the predetermined
amount of time may be greater or less than two seconds.
If the user presses and holds the MODE control button 26 for a predetermined
amount of time, the processor 14 instructs the recording device to enter into
a clock setting mode, while simultaneously causing the LCD display 42 to display
the digital clock with the minutes flashing. In the clock setting mode, the
user inputs data representing the hour of the day which is simultaneously displayed
on the LCD display 42. The user can then press SET control button 28 to adjust
the minutes as displayed on the LCD display 42. By pressing the MODE control
button 26 again, the user can toggle between hour, year, month, day, and hour
display type (12:00 or 24:00) in sequence. By pressing the SET control button
28, the user can adjust the values accordingly. By maintaining the SET control
button 28 in a depressed position, the user can speed up the adjustment process.
If the user does not press any control buttons for five seconds, the processor
terminates the function and ends the clock setting.
If the user presses (without holding) the MODE control button 26, the processor
14 causes the recording device to enter into an alarm setting mode, while simultaneously
causing the LCD display 42 to display "ALARM." In the alarm setting mode, the
processor 14 collects the information input by the user while simultaneously
displaying that information on the LCD display 42. If the user depresses the
MODE control button 26 for a predetermined amount of time, while the recording
device is in the alarm setting mode, the processor 14 causes the LCD display
42 to display the clock with the minutes field flashing. Thereafter, the user
presses the SET control button 28 to adjust the minutes as displayed on the
LCD display 42. By pressing the MODE control button a second time, the user
can switch to hour, year, month, day, alarm on/off, and alarm type. By pressing
the SET control button 28, the user can adjust the values of the above fields
accordingly. By holding the SET control button 28, the user can speed up the
adjustment process. The alarm types include "0", which is a daily alarm, and
"1", which is the special recorder message playing circuit function, as described
above. At the time when the alarm activates, the user can deactivate the alarm
by pressing any control button.
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that illustrates the steps performed in the main function
of the recording device of the present invention. In step S100, the user presses
the RECORD control button and records a message. In step S102, the user presses
the START control button before he or she goes to sleep. The recording device
plays the message back once and then stops, as stated in step S104. In step
105, the timing mechanism in the processor waits for one hour. At the expiration
of the hour, the processor instructs the memory to replay the message again,
as stated in step S106. The processor then increments a counter in step S108.
In step S110, the value of the counter is checked to see if it is greater than
twenty. If the value is less than or equal to twenty, the message is repeated.
If the value of the counter is greater than twenty, the device delays Replay
for two hours. After two hours elapses, a second counter is incremented in step
S114. The value of the counter is checked in step S116. If the counter value
is less than or equal to two, the process returns to step S106 to replay the
message. If the counter value is greater than two, the processed is stopped
as in step S118. The user can terminate the cycle at any time by pressing the
PLAY control button, also shown in step S118.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the recording device 10 of the present invention.
A plurality of pieces fit together as the main body 12. Positioned on the main
body of the recording device 10 are the microphone 18, speaker 20, volume control
22, AC/DC power socket 34, first set of control buttons 40, second set of control
buttons 41, LCD screen 42, and audio output jack 48. The first set of control
buttons 40 includes the START control button 24, MODE control button 26, and
SET control button 28. The second set of control buttons 41 includes the PLAY
control button 30 and RECORD control button 32.
Upon pressing the RECORD control button 32, processor 14 signals the memory
16 to store data received from the microphone 18. Additionally, the processor
14 signals the LCD display to display "REC" thereon indicating the device is
in the record mode. Preferably, the microphone 18 captures analog audio data
representing the user's voice. The audio data is then converted into digital
data and stored in the memory 16. If data was previously stored in memory 16,
the previously stored data will be automatically deleted and replaced by the
new message.
If the user presses the START control button 24, the processor 14 signals the
memory 16 to perform a Replay in accordance with a timing mechanism configured
in processor 14. The timing mechanism predetermines the intervals at which Replays
occur. For example, the timing mechanism may include a cycle of twenty Replays
simultaneously, followed by a delayed period of an hour, followed by another
cycle of twenty Replays, for seven hours. In the above example, the processor
14 signals the memory 16 to perform a Replay 20 consecutive times. The processor
14 includes a timing mechanism for keeping time. When one hour has expired according
to the timing mechanism in the processor 14, the processor signals the memory
16 to Replay the stored data twenty consecutive times. The processor 14 would
continue this cycle until the timing mechanism determines that a seventh hour
has passed. The pattern continues until the cycle of the timing mechanism completes
or the user terminates the cycle by pressing the PLAY control button 30. Preferably
the default configuration of the timing mechanism is as follows: one Replay
and then stop; one hour later Replay twenty times and then stop; two hours later
Replay twenty times and then stop; two hours later Replay twenty times and then
stop; two hours later Replay twenty times and then stop. However, the above
is described for purpose of example only and the cycle of Replays may be performed
at any time intervals and for any number of cycles.
If the user presses and holds the SET control button 28 for a predetermined
amount of time, the processor 14 causes control buttons 24, 26, 30, and 32 to
be locked in an inoperable state. The processor 14 simultaneously signals the
LCD display 42 to display "HOLD" thereon. When the user presses and holds the
SET control button 28 for a second predetermined amount of time, the processor
14 causes the control buttons 24, 26, 30, and 32 to be unlocked and operable.
Preferably, the predetermined amount of time is two seconds. However, the predetermined
amount of time may be greater or less than two seconds.
If the user presses and holds the MODE control button 26 for a predetermined
amount of time, the processor 14 instructs the recording device to enter into
a clock setting mode, while simultaneously causing the LCD display 42 to display
the digital clock with the minutes flashing. In the clock setting mode, the
user inputs data representing the hour of the day which is simultaneously displayed
on the LCD display 42. The user can then press SET control button 28 to adjust
the minutes as displayed on the LCD display 42. By pressing the MODE control
button 26 again, the user can toggle between hour, year, month, day, and hour
display type (12:00 or 24:00) in sequence. By pressing the SET control button
28, the user can adjust the values accordingly. By maintaining the SET control
button 28 in a depressed position, the user can speed up the adjustment process.
If the user does not press any control buttons for five seconds, the processor
terminates the function and ends the clock setting.
If the user presses (without holding) the MODE control button 26, the processor
14 causes the recording device to enter into an alarm setting mode, while simultaneously
causing the LCD display 42 to display "ALARM." In the alarm setting mode, the
processor 14 collects the information input by the user while simultaneously
displaying that information on the LCD display 42. If the user depresses the
MODE control button 26 for a predetermined amount of time, while the recording
device is in the alarm setting mode, the processor 14 causes the LCD display
42 to display the clock with the minutes field flashing. Thereafter, the user
presses the SET control button 28 to adjust the minutes as displayed on the
LCD display 42. By pressing the MODE control button a second time, the user
can switch to hour, year, month, day, alarm on/off, and alarm type. By pressing
the SET control button 28, the user can adjust the values of the above fields
accordingly. By holding the SET control button 28, the user can speed up the
adjustment process. The alarm types include "0", which is a daily alarm, and
"1", which is the special recorder message playing circuit function, as described
above. At the time when the alarm activates, the user can deactivate the alarm
by pressing any control button.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the recording device 10 of the present invention. A
plurality of pieces fit together as the main body 12. Positioned on the outside
of the recording device 10 is the microphone 18, speaker 20, volume control
22, first set of control buttons 40, second set of control buttons 41, LCD screen
42, and battery cover 46. The first set of control buttons 40 includes the START
control button 24, MODE control button 26, and SET control button 28. Battery
cover 46 connects with the main body 12 to hold the battery (not shown) within
the recording device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the recording device 10 is
slim, yet balanced to stand upright. The slim structure and the optional battery
power source make the recording device easy to transport.
If the user presses the START control button 24, the processor 14 signals the
memory 16 to perform a Replay in accordance with a timing mechanism configured
in processor 14. The timing mechanism predetermines the intervals at which Replays
occur. For example, the timing mechanism may include a cycle of twenty Replays
simultaneously, followed by a delayed period of an hour, followed by another
cycle of twenty Replays, for seven hours. In the above example, the processor
14 signals the memory 16 to perform a Replay twenty consecutive times. The processor
14 includes a timing mechanism for keeping time. When one hour has expired according
to the timing mechanism in the processor 14, the processor signals the memory
16 to Replay the stored data twenty consecutive times. The processor 14 would
continue this cycle until the timing mechanism determines that a seventh hour
has passed. The pattern continues until the cycle of the timing mechanism completes
or the user terminates the cycle by pressing the PLAY control button 30. Preferably
the default configuration of the timing mechanism is as follows: one Replay
and then stop; one hour later Replay twenty times and then stop; two hours later
Replay twenty times and then stop; two hours later Replay twenty times and then
stop; two hours later Replay twenty times and then stop. However, the above
is described for purpose of example only and the cycle of Replays may be performed
at any time intervals and for any number of cycles.
If the user presses and holds the SET control button 28 for a predetermined
amount of time, the processor 14 causes control buttons 24, 26, 30, and 32 to
be locked in an inoperable state. The processor 14 simultaneously signals the
LCD display 42 to display "HOLD" thereon. When the user presses and holds the
SET control button 28 for a second predetermined amount of time, the processor
14 causes the control buttons 24, 26, 30, and 32 to be unlocked and operable.
Preferably, the predetermined amount of time is two seconds. However, the predetermined
amount of time may be greater or less than two seconds.
If the user presses and holds the MODE control button 26 for a predetermined
amount of time, the processor 14 instructs the recording device to enter into
a clock setting mode, while simultaneously causing the LCD display 42 to display
the digital clock with the minutes flashing. In the clock setting mode, the
user inputs data representing the hour of the day which is simultaneously displayed
on the LCD display 42. The user can then press SET control button 28 to adjust
the minutes as displayed on the LCD display 42. By pressing the MODE control
button 26 again, the user can toggle between hour, year, month, day, and hour
display type (12:00 or 24:00) in sequence. By pressing the SET control button
28, the user can adjust the values accordingly. By maintaining the SET control
button 28 in a depressed position, the user can speed up the adjustment process.
If the user does not press any control buttons for five seconds, the processor
terminates the function and ends the clock setting.
If the user presses (without holding) the MODE control button 26, the processor
14 causes the recording device to enter into an alarm setting mode, while simultaneously
causing the LCD display 42 to display "ALARM." In the alarm setting mode, the
processor 14 collects the information input by the user while simultaneously
displaying that information on the LCD display 42. If the user depresses the
MODE control button 26 for a predetermined amount of time, while the recording
device is in the alarm setting mode, the processor 14 causes the LCD display
42 to display the clock with the minutes field flashing. Thereafter, the user
presses the SET control button 28 to adjust the minutes as displayed on the
LCD display 42. By pressing the MODE control button a second time, the user
can switch to hour, year, month, day, alarm on/off, and alarm type. By pressing
the SET control button 28, the user can adjust the values of the above fields
accordingly. By holding the SET control button 28, the user can speed up the
adjustment process. The alarm types include "0", which is a daily alarm, and
"1", which is the special recorder message playing circuit function, as described
above. At the time when the alarm activates, the user can deactivate the alarm
by pressing any control button.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the recording device 10 of the present invention. A
plurality of pieces fit together as the main body 12. Positioned on the outside
of the recording device 10 is the volume control 22, AC/DC power socket 34,
first set of control buttons 40, second set of control buttons 41, LCD screen
42, and audio output jack 48. First set of control buttons 41 includes the PLAY
control button 30 and RECORD control button 32.
Upon pressing the RECORD control button 32, processor 14 signals the memory
16 to store data received from the microphone 18. Additionally, the processor
14 signals the LCD display to display "REC" thereon indicating the device is
in the record mode. Preferably, the microphone 18 captures analog audio data
representing the user's voice. The audio data is then converted into digital
data and stored in the memory 16. If data was previously stored in memory 16,
the previously stored data will be automatically deleted and replaced by the
new message.
Upon pressing the PLAY control button 30, processor 14 signals the memory 16
to convert the digital data into analog data for output by the speaker 20. Hereinafter,
the above described process will be known as "Replay." Simultaneously, the processor
14 signals the LCD display 42 to display "PLAY" thereon indicating the device
is in the play mode. The Replay can be terminated at any time by pressing either
the PLAY control button 30 or RECORD control button 32. If the user wishes to
listen to the Replay through earphones, the earphones can be inserted into audio
output jack 48, which causes the Replay to be output through the audio output
jack 48. The user can also adjust the volume of the Replay by selectively moving
the volume control 22 for increasing and decreasing the level at which Replay
is output through the speaker 20 or audio output jack 48.
FIG. 6 is a front view of the teddy bear encasing 50. The recording device 10
as shown in FIG. 1 is positioned within the teddy bear encasing. The user can
activate the control buttons as shown in FIG. 1 by pressing control button extensions
52, which are preferably strategically located on paws of the teddy bear. The
above is described for purpose of example only and the encasing is not limited
to teddy bears, but may also include any stuffed animal encasing that is conducive
to the operation of the recording device by children. The operation of the recording
device 10 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 1-5 and 8.
FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of the teddy bear encasing 50. The main body 12 of
the recording device 10 is positioned within the teddy bear encasing 50. If
the user presses the control button extension 52 that corresponds to the RECORD
control button 32 (e.g., the left paw), the recording device 10 can selectively
record the voice message of the user through the microphone 18. If the user
presses the control button extension 52 that corresponds to the PLAY control
button 30 (e.g., the right paw), the recording device 10 can produce a Replay
of the user's voice message through the speaker 20. If the user presses the
control button extension 52 that corresponds to the START control button (e.g.,
the left foot), the recording device produces a Replay, or set of Replays, in
accordance with an internal timing mechanism of the recording device 10. The
operation of the recording device 10 is described herein above and after with
specific reference to FIGS. 1-5 and 8.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the recording device 10 of the present invention.
A plurality of pieces fit together as the main body 12. The internal parts include
the processor 14 and the memory 16, which communicate with each other and other
parts through a set of connections. The main body 12 also includes power source
36, which includes a battery and power acquired from external sources via AC/DC
power socket 34. The power source 36 provides power to any part of the recording
device 10 that requires power. The external parts of the recording device 10
include the microphone 18, speaker 20, volume control 22, control button set
40, control button set 41, LCD screen 42, audio output jack 48, and AC/DC power
socket 34. Control button set 40 includes START control button 24, MODE control
button 26 (as shown in FIG. 1), and SET control button 28. Control button set
41 includes PLAY control button 30 and RECORD control button 32. All control
buttons 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 are connected to the processor 14. The microphone
18 and speaker 20 are connected internally to the memory 16. The volume control
22 is connected indirectly to both the memory 16 and the speaker 20. Alternatively,
if the recording device 10 is positioned within the teddy bear encasing 50 as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of control button extensions 52 correspond
to the first set of control buttons 40 and second set of control buttons, which
are further connected to processor 14.
Upon pressing the RECORD control button 32, processor 14 signals the memory
16 to store data received from the microphone 18. Additionally, the processor
14 signals the LCD display to display "REC" thereon indicating the device is
in the record mode. Preferably, the microphone 18 captures analog audio data
representing the user's voice. The audio data is then converted into digital
data and stored in the memory 16. If data was previously stored in memory 16,
the previously stored data will be automatically deleted and replaced by the
new message.
Upon pressing the PLAY control button 30, processor 14 signals the memory 16
to convert the digital data into analog data for output by the speaker 20. Hereinafter,
the above described process will be known as "Replay." Simultaneously, the processor
14 signals the LCD display 42 to display "PLAY" thereon indicating the device
is in the play mode. The Replay can be terminated at any time by pressing either
the PLAY control button 30 or RECORD control button 32. If the user wishes to
listen to the Replay through earphones, the earphones can be inserted into audio
output jack 48, which causes the Replay to be output through the audio output
jack 48. The user can also adjust the volume of the Replay by selectively moving
the volume control 22 for increasing and decreasing the level at which Replay
is output through the speaker 20 or audio output jack 48.
If the user presses the START control button 24, the processor 14 signals the
memory 16 to perform a Replay in accordance with a timing mechanism configured
in processor 14. The timing mechanism predetermines the intervals at which Replays
occur. For example, the timing mechanism may include a cycle of twenty Replays
simultaneously, followed by a delayed period of an hour, followed by another
cycle of twenty Replays, for seven hours. In the above example, the processor
14 signals the memory 16 to perform a Replay 20 consecutive times. The processor
14 includes a timing mechanism for keeping time. When one hour has expired according
to the timing mechanism in the processor 14, the processor signals the memory
16 to Replay the stored data twenty consecutive times. The processor 14 would
continue this cycle until the timing mechanism determines that a seventh hour
has passed. The pattern continues until the cycle of the timing mechanism completes
or the user terminates the cycle by pressing the PLAY control button 30. Preferably
the default configuration of the timing mechanism is as follows: one Replay
and then stop; one hour later Replay twenty times and then stop; two hours later
Replay twenty times and then stop; two hours later Replay twenty times and then
stop; two hours later Replay twenty times and then stop. However, the above
is described for purpose of example only and the cycle of Replays may be performed
at any time intervals and for any number of cycles.
If the user presses and holds the SET control button 28 for a predetermined
amount of time, the processor 14 causes control buttons 24, 26, 30, and 32 to
be locked in an inoperable state. The processor 14 simultaneously signals the
LCD display 42 to display "HOLD" thereon. When the user presses and holds the
SET control button 28 for a second predetermined amount of time, the processor
14 causes the control buttons 24, 26, 30, and 32 to be unlocked and operable.
Preferably, the predetermined amount of time is two seconds. However, the predetermined
amount of time may be greater or less than two seconds.
From the above description it can be
seen that the present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art
by providing a recording device that repeats a message several times in one
set and in delayed intervals between sets. The recording device provides an
ideal medium for affirmation, self-hypnotic suggestion, or subliminal instruction.
The recording device looks like an alarm clock and can be unnoticeably placed
next to a user's bed. The alternate embodiment of the invention including the
teddy bear encasing can be unnoticeably placed near a child's bed. The timing
mechanism allows the user to listen to the affirmations, self-hypnotic suggestions,
or subliminal instructions while in the subconscious state of sleep.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more
together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing
from the type described above.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described
and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited
to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications,
substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated
and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing
in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the
present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt
it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint
of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of this invention.