Voice activated portable audio/video request, play and record system

Abstract

An audio/video control device for providing audio and/or video signals to a user. The audio/video control device includes a base unit and a portable unit. The base unit includes a housing having a recess extending therein and a first processor for controlling operation of the base unit. A first audio/video storage and reproduction device is positioned within the housing and controlled by the processor to store and reproduce audio and video signals. A device for connection with an external source of audio and video signals is also connected to the first processor. The processor is able to receive control commands for operating the device through a microphone. The portable unit is releasably connected within the recess of the base unit either jointly or separably. The portable unit includes a second processor and a connector for selectively connecting the second processor to the first processor. A touch screen display is connected to the second processor for displaying a menu of operation selections and providing manual control signals to the second processor for controlling operation of the device upon contact of one of the displayed menu operation selections. A device for reproducing and storing audio and video signals on a storage medium as well as a second audio/video storage and reproduction device positioned and a second device for connection with an external source of audio and video signals are connected to the second processor. A user is able to operate the device using either audible and manual control signals.

Description

oOperation operation is a menu driven system including audio signals which accompany the menu to provide added ease of operation. Furthermore, the user is able to input audible signals through a microphone which are analyzed by the audio/video control device 10 for control of the operation thereof.

From the above description it can be seen that the audio/video control device of the present invention is able to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by providing an audio/video control device which is able to receive both audio command signals and manually input control signals through a touch screen for controlling operation thereof. The audio/video control device includes a portable section removably connected to a main base unit, the base unit being able to store data on a memory card for reproduction by the portable section. The audio/video control device also includes a read/write CD ROM drive, a video screen and control buttons for operating these devices, wherein the video screen is able to display video images such as a movie and interactive video games for entertaining a user. The audio/video control device further includes a cellular transmitter/receiver for connecting with a central station for wireless reception of audio and video signals and connection ports for telephone and cable lines providing alternate sources of audio and video signals. Furthermore, the audio/video control device of the present invention is simple and easy to use and economical in cost to manufacture.

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.

Claims

1. Au An audio/video control device comprising:

a) a base unit including:

i) a housing having a recess extending therein;

ii) a first processor for controlling operation of said base unit;

iii) a first audio/video storage and reproduction device positioned within said housing and controlled by said first processor to one of store and reproduce at least one of audio and video signals thereon;

iv) first means for connection with an external source of audio and video signals for at least one of reproduction and storage by said base unit; and

v) means connected to said first processor for receiving audible control signals in response to which said first processor controls operation of said first audio/video storage and reproduction device; and

b) a portable unit releasably connected to said base unit, said portable unit being operable jointly and separably within said recess in said housing of said base unit, said portable unit including:

i) a second processor;

ii) means for selectively connecting said second processor to said first processor;

iii) a touch screen display connected to said second processor for displaying a menu of operation selections and providing manual control signals to said second processor for controlling operation of said first audio/video storage and reproduction device upon contact by a user of one of said operation selections in said displayed menu;

iv) means for reproducing and storing audio and video signals on a storage medium;

v) a second audio/video storage and reproduction device positioned within said housing and controlled by said second processor;

vi) second means for connection with an external source of audio and video signals for reproduction and storage by said base unit, wherein a user is able to operate said base unit and said portable unit either jointly or separably through at least one of audible and manual control signals; and

vii) said touch screen display in said portable unit functioning as sole interactive display for said base unit both when said portable unit is connected to said base unit and when said portable unit is removed from said base unit.

2. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said base unit further includes means for connecting said first processor with said second processor positioned within said recess.

3. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 2, wherein said base unit further includes a speaker connected to said first processor for audibly providing operating instructions to a user for controlling operation of said first audio/video storage and reproduction device.

4. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first audio/video storage and reproduction device is a read/write CD ROM drive.

5. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first audio/video storage and reproduction device is a memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon and a rechargeable battery, wherein said memory card is connected to said first microprocessor processor upon insertion into said memory port.

6. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said second audio/video storage and reproduction device is a memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon and a rechargeable battery, wherein said memory card is connected to said first microprocessor processor upon insertion into said memory port.

7. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 3, wherein said base unit further includes a memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon and a rechargeable battery, wherein said memory card is connected to said first microprocessor processor upon insertion into said memory port.

8. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first means for connection with an external source of audio and video signals is one of a cable connection port, a telephone line connection port or an audio/video connector.

9. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 8, wherein said cable connection port provides a direct connection of said first processor to a global communications network.

10. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first processor displays video reproduced from one of said first audio/video storage and reproduction device and said means for connection with an external source of audio and video signals on said touch screen display when said portable device is positioned in said recess.

11. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said portable unit further includes control keys for manually providing control signals to said second processor.

12. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said second means for connection with an external source of audio and video signals is a cellular transmitter/receiver.

13. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said base unit farther further includes a second memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon and a rechargeable battery, wherein said memory card is connected to said first microprocessor processor upon insertion into said memory port.

14. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for receiving audible control signals is a microphone.

15. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein said portable unit further includes a headphone jack connected to said second processor for audibilizing reproduced audio signals.

16. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 1, wherein the recess for said portable unit is located on a front face of said base unit, a top surface of said portable unit having a tab extending through a top surface of said base unit for permitting convenient release of said portable unit from said base unit, said tab rotatable between a position flush with said top surface of said base unit and a pop up position for removal of said portable unit.

17. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 16, wherein said portable unit further includes a speaker connected to said second processor for audibilizing reproduced audio signals, the speaker on said portable unit being disconnected and hidden when said portable unit is in said recess of said base unit.

18. A system for providing audio and/or video signals to a remote user, said system comprising:

a) a central station including:

i) a data base for storing acceptable access numbers;

ii) a first processor connected to said data base;

iii) a first receiver; and

iii) iv) a first trotter transmitter for transmitting audio and/or video signals; and

b) an audio/video control device located remotely from said central station, said audio/video control device including:

i) a memory for storing an access number;

ii) a second transmitter for transmitting the access number to said central unit;

iii) a second receiver for receiving audio and/or video signals from said central unit;

iv) a second processor;

v) control keys for generating control signals and controlling said processor to activate said second transmitter to transmit said access number and control signals to said central station;

vi) a speaker for reproducing audio signals received from said central station; and

vii) a removable portable unit within said control device containing a display for reproducing video signals received from said central station, wherein the display functions as sole interactive display for said control device when said portable unit is connected to said control device and when said portable unit is removed from said control device, and wherein when a user desires to listen to audio signals and/or view video signals transmitted by said central unit, the user activates said control keys causing said second transmitter to transmit said access number to said central station whereupon said first processor checks the access number against said data base of acceptable access numbers and upon deter determination said access number is acceptable said first transmitter transmits audio and/or video signals to said audio/video control device for reproduction thereby.

19. The system as claimed in claim 18, further comprising a plurality of audio/video control devices, each of said audio/video control devices having a unique access number stored in said memory and being authorized to receive audio and/or video signals from said central station.

20. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said central station is able to transmit any of a selection of audio and video signals to said audio/video control device and said control keys each generate a respective control signal for transmission to said central station upon activation, wherein each control signal is indicative of a respective selection of audio and video signals to be transmitted by said central station.

21. The system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said transmitter within said audio/video control device is a cellular transmitter.

22. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said control keys include an alphanumeric keypad for dialing an access telephone number for said central station to establish communication therewith.

23. The system as claimed in claim 22, wherein said audio/video control device further includes a microphone for receiving audible control commands from the user and provides the audible control commands to said second processor for analysis and transmission to said central station.

24. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said central station transmits a signal indicative of transmission of an unauthorized access number by said audio/video control unit upon determining the access number is not acceptable.

25. An audio/video control device comprising:

i) a base unit configured to receive an audio/video storage and reproduction device and including a means for connection with an external source of audio and video signals for at least one of reproduction and storage by the audio/video storage and reproduction device;

ii) a portable unit releasably connected, hardwired or wirelessly, to said base unit and having a touch screen display displaying a menu of operation selections and providing manual control signals for controlling operation of the portable unit upon contact by a user of one of said operation selections in said displayed menu, said portable unit enables a user to control operation of the audio/video storage and reproduction device and the means for connection with the external source of audio and video signals, and wherein the touch screen display functions as the sole interactive touch screen operational control display for said base unit.

26. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising means for voice activation.

27. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising means for audible interaction.

28. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device comprises a read/write CD ROM drive.

29. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device is a memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon and a rechargeable battery, wherein said memory card is connected to a microprocessor upon insertion into said memory port.

30. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device is a memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon, wherein said memory card is connected to a microprocessor upon insertion into said memory port.

31. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising a microphone.

32. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising an alphanumerical keypad for manually providing control signals.

33. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising additional control keys for manually providing control signals.

34. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising an internal battery for supplying power.

35. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising means for wireless communication.

36. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising means for playing interactive video games.

37. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising means for placing and receiving a cellular telephone call.

38. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising means for placing and receiving a telephone line connection call.

39. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, comprising the means to establish either a hardwired or wireless connection with a peripheral device, the Internet, or a central station to receive audio and video signals for entertaining the user of said audio/video control device.

40. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, further comprising a speaker for reproducing audio signals.

41. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 40, wherein said portable unit enables the user to control speaker operation both when said portable unit is connected to said base unit and when said portable unit is removed from said base unit.

42. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 25, wherein the touch screen display functions as the sole interactive touch screen operational control display for said base unit control device when said portable unit is connected to said base unit control device and when said portable unit is removed from said base unit control device.

43. An audio/video control device comprising:

a base unit housing a speaker for reproducing audio signals; and

a portable unit releasably connected, by hardwired or wireless connection, to said base unit and having a touch screen display displaying a menu of operation selections and providing manual control signals for controlling operation of the portable unit upon contact by a user of one of said operation selections in said displayed menu,

wherein said portable unit enables a user to control operation of said speaker housed in said base unit, the portable unit is able to be releasably connected to said base unit, and the touch screen display functions as the sole interactive touch screen operational control display for said base unit.

44. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising means for voice activation.

45. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a microphone for receiving voice commands.

46. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising an alphanumerical keypad for providing manual control signals.

47. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising additional control keys for providing manual control signals.

48. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a read/write CD ROM drive for providing audio/video storage and reproduction.

49. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a memory card port for receiving a memory card for providing audio/video storage and reproduction; said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon and a rechargeable battery; wherein said memory card is connected to a microprocessor upon insertion into said memory card port.

50. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a memory card port for receiving a memory card for providing audio/video storage and reproduction; said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon; wherein said memory card is connected to a microprocessor upon insertion into said memory card port.

51. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising means for rechargeable power.

52. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising means for playing interactive video games.

53. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a wireless transmitter and receiver for connecting with an external source of audio and video signals.

54. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a cable connector port for connecting with an external source of audio and video signals.

55. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a telephone line connector port for connecting with an external source of audio and video signals.

56. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising an audio/video connector port for connecting with an external source of audio and video signals.

57. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a wireless transmitter and receiver, or a cable connector port, or a telephone line connector port to connect to a subscriber service central station as an external source of audio and video signals.

58. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a wireless transmitter and receiver, or a cable connector port, or a telephone line connector port to connect to the Internet as an external source of audio and video signals.

59. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a wireless transmitter and receiver, or a cable connector port, or a telephone line connector port to connect to a peripheral device as an external source of audio and video signals.

60. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising means to establish a hardwired and/or wireless connection with a peripheral device, or the Internet, or a subscriber service central station to receive audio and video signals for entertaining the user of said audio/video control device.

61. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a wireless transmitter and receiver for placing and receiving a cellular telephone call.

62. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, further comprising a cable connector port and/or a telephone line connector port for placing and receiving a telephone line connection call.

63. An audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, wherein said portable unit enables the user to control operation of said speaker housed in said base unit both when said portable unit is connected to said base unit control device and when said portable unit is removed from said base unit control device.

64. An audio/video control device as recited in claim 43, wherein the touch screen display functions as the sole interactive touch screen operational control display for said base unit when said portable unit is connected to said base unit and when said portable unit is removed from said base unit.

65. A system for providing audio and/or video signals to a remote user, said system comprising:

a central station including a receiver and a transmitter for transmitting audio and/or video signals, and for connecting with an audio/video control device located remotely from the central station:

said audio/video control device including a receiver and a transmitter for connecting with said central station,

said audio/video control device comprising a base unit housing a speaker for reproducing audio signals and a portable unit having a touch screen video display for displaying video, displaying a menu of operation selections and providing manual control signals for controlling operation of the portable unit upon contact by a user of one of said operation selections in said displayed menu,

wherein the portable unit is able to be releasably connected to the base unit and the touch screen video display functions as the sole interactive touch screen video display for the base unit when said portable unit is connected to said base unit and when said portable unit is removed from said base unit.

66. The system as claimed in claim 65, further comprising a plurality of audio/video control devices, each of the audio/video control devices having a unique access number stored in memory and being authorized to receive audio and/or video signals from the central station.

67. The system as claimed in claim 65, wherein the central station is a subscriber service.

68. The system as claimed in claim 65, further comprising a wireless transmitter and receiver for connecting the central station with a remotely located audio/video control device.

69. The system as claimed in claim 65, further comprising a cable line connection for connecting the central station with a remotely located audio/video control device.

70. The system as claimed in claim 65, further comprising a telephone line connection for connecting the central station with a remotely located audio/video control device.

71. The system as claimed in claim 65, wherein the central station can establish a hardwired and/or wireless connection with a remotely located audio/video control device.

72. The system as claimed in claim 65, further comprising means for voice activation.

73. The system as claimed in claim 65, wherein the audio/video control device further comprises a microphone for receiving voice commands.

74. An audio/video control device comprising:

a portable unit having a touch screen display for displaying a graphical user interface of operation selections and providing manual control signals for controlling operation of the portable unit upon contact by a user of one of said operation selections in said user interface, wherein said portable unit enables a user to control speaker operation of a base unit device having means to receive audio or audiovisual content, the portable unit being configured to releasably connect to the base unit device, and wherein the touch screen display of one or more of the portable units functions as the sole interactive touch screen operational control display for the base unit.

75. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 74, further comprising means for voice activation.

76. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 74, further comprising means for audible interaction.

77. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 74, wherein the base unit is operable to receive an audio/video storage and reproduction device.

78. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 77, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device comprises a read/write CD ROM drive.

79. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 77, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device is a memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon, wherein said memory card is connected to a microprocessor upon insertion into said memory port.

80. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 74, further comprising means for wireless communication.

81. An audio/video control device comprising:

a base unit device configured to receive and present audio or audiovisual content, the base unit configured to be controlled by a portable unit comprising a touch screen display for displaying a graphical user interface of operation selections and providing manual control signals for controlling operation of the portable unit upon contact by a user of one of the operation selections in the displayed user interface, wherein presentation of said audio or audiovisual content is controllable by the portable unit, the base unit device being configured to releasably connect to said portable unit, and wherein the presentation of said audio or audiovisual content through said base unit device is configured to be controlled solely through the touch screen display functions of one or more of said portable units.

82. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 81, further comprising means for voice activation.

83. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 81, further comprising means for audible interaction.

84. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 81, further comprising an audio/video storage and reproduction device.

85. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 84, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device comprises a read/write CD ROM drive.

86. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 84, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device is a memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon, wherein said memory card is connected to a microprocessor upon insertion into said memory port.

87. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 81, further comprising means for wireless communication.

88. An audio/video control device comprising:

a portable unit having a touch screen display for displaying a graphical user interface of operation selections and providing manual control signals for controlling operation of the portable unit upon contact by a user of one of said operation selections in said user interface, wherein said portable unit enables a user to control operation of a base unit for reproduction of audio or audiovisual content, the operation of the base unit including operation of an audio/video storage and reproduction device configured to be received by the base unit and operation of a means for connection of the base unit with an external source of audio and video signals, the portable unit being configured to releasably connect to the base unit device, and wherein the touch screen display of one or more of the portable units functions as the sole interactive touch screen operational control display for the base unit.

89. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 88, further comprising means for voice activation.

90. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 88, further comprising means for audible interaction.

91. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 88, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device comprises a read/write CD ROM drive.

92. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 88, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device is a memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon, wherein said memory card is connected to a microprocessor upon insertion into said memory port.

93. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 88, further comprising means for wireless communication.

94. An audio/video control device comprising:

a base unit device configured to receive and present audio or audiovisual content, receive an audio/video storage and reproduction device, and including a means for connection with an external source of audio and video signals for at least one of reproduction and storage by the audio/video storage and reproduction device, the audio/video storage and reproduction device and the means for connection with the external source of audio and video signals configured to be controlled by a portable unit for reproduction of audio or audiovisual content, the portable unit comprising a touch screen display for displaying a graphical user interface of operation selections and providing manual control signals for controlling operation of the portable unit upon contact by a user of one of the operation selections in the displayed user interface, wherein presentation of said audio or audiovisual content is controllable by the portable unit, the base unit device being configured to releasably connect to said portable unit, and wherein the presentation of said audio or audiovisual content through said base unit device is configured to be controlled solely through the touch screen display functions of one or more of said portable units.

95. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 94, further comprising means for voice activation.

96. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 94, further comprising means for audible interaction.

97. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 94, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device comprises a read/write CD ROM drive.

98. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 94, wherein said audio/video storage and reproduction device is a memory card port for receiving a memory card, said memory card including means for storing audio and video data thereon, wherein said memory card is connected to a microprocessor upon insertion into said memory port.

99. The audio/video control device as recited in claim 94, further comprising means for wireless communication.