Data processing: speech signal processing – linguistics – language – Speech signal processing – Application
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-03
2001-02-06
Dorvil, Richemond (Department: 2741)
Data processing: speech signal processing, linguistics, language
Speech signal processing
Application
C704S272000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06185537
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related in general to the field of personal electronic systems. More particularly, the invention is related to a hands-free audio memo system and method for making the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is common knowledge that we are currently living in the Information Age. Data come to us in visual, audio, and written forms through a myriad of channels: radio, telecommunications, television, internet, world wide web, and just plain seeing, hearing, and feeling things as events occur around us. There are many instances when it is desirable to retain some of the information in a more reliable manner than the ability or inability to recall data we are born with, for example, that telephone number announced on the radio, the location of that specialty store, or that ingenious idea about a novel gadget to solve a stubborn problem.
The old standby to record data is the pen and paper. However, there are times when it is inconvenient to write, such as when one is operating an automobile, or when pen and paper are not accessible.
Dictaphones, which use audio tape cassettes, and some newer digital recorders, have been used to fill this void. However, they all require the use of at least one hand to hold the device, and to operate the many buttons on the device to turn on the device, record, retrieve, erase, and turn off the device. Further, because it has been shown that the use of one hand to handle a wireless telephone while operating an automobile can lead to unsafe driving and possibly higher incidents of traffic accidents, it is less than desirable to also require the driver to devote the use of one hand to operate the recording device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, there is a need for an audio memo system and method therefor which enable hands-free operations.
In accordance with the present invention, a hands-free audio memo system and method are provided which eliminate or substantially reduce the disadvantages associated with prior devices.
In one aspect of the invention, an hands-free audio memo system and method uses an interface to receive a voice input from a user, and a speech recognition unit coupled to the interface to monitor the voice input and recognize a predetermined set of voice commands from the voice input. The speech recognition unit generates a command signal that corresponds to the recognized voice command, which is received by a controller unit. The controller unit activates a speech acquisition unit coupled to the controller unit to collect and stop collecting the voice input in response to a control signal generated by the controller unit. A memory is provided to store the collected voice input.
In another aspect of the invention, an hands-free personal memo system includes an analog interface receiving a voice input from a user, a speech recognition unit coupled to the interface adapted for receiving the voice input therefrom, recognize a predetermined set of voice commands from the voice input, and generating a command signal in response thereto. A controller unit is coupled to the speech recognition unit which generates a control signal in response to receiving the command signal from the speech recognition unit. A digital telephone answering device is coupled to the controller unit and analog interface for collecting and storing the voice input.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for hands-free audio memo includes the steps of receiving a voice input from a user, recognizing a voice commands in the voice input indicative of the user's desire to record an audio memo, collecting subsequent voice input, and storing the subsequent voice input.
Hands-free audio memo system and method therefor of the present invention provide a way for users to record audio memos and perform other functions without the use of a hand for its operation. This is especially advantageous for persons who are operating an automobile or performing other tasks that require concentration and generally the use of both hands.
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Oh Stephen S.
Popik Stephen Ira
Brady III W. James
Dorvil Richemond
Marshall, Jr. Robert D.
Telecky , Jr. Frederick J.
Texas Instruments Incorporated
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