EP1318497A1 - Audio label - Google Patents
Audio label Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1318497A1 EP1318497A1 EP01954557A EP01954557A EP1318497A1 EP 1318497 A1 EP1318497 A1 EP 1318497A1 EP 01954557 A EP01954557 A EP 01954557A EP 01954557 A EP01954557 A EP 01954557A EP 1318497 A1 EP1318497 A1 EP 1318497A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- switch
- reproducing
- cord
- sound
- label
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B45/00—Alarm locks
- E05B45/005—Chain-locks, cable-locks or padlocks with alarms
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F25/00—Audible advertising
Definitions
- the invention relates to radio-electronics, and more particularly to audio-alarm and audio-advertisement devices.
- US patent No5903869 to Jacobson, 1999 discloses an audio-reproducing label comprising a message reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a power supply, a first and second switches displaced in its housing.
- the device according to Jacobson can be fastened to an object with the help of adhesive stickers or a suction cup.
- the first switch serves to turn the power on.
- the second switch is for turning on the playback of the message recorded in the message reproducing block.
- the message comprises information about the object it is fastened to.
- the limitation of the above device is the lack of an automatic power switch-off, when the label is removed from the object, as to switch the power off the first switch has to be manually unlocked by the user.
- the first switch is covered by a protective jacket, which is not very convenient. Once the protective jacket is taken off it can get lost. Besides, the user can forget to switch the power off and the batteries of the power supply can discharge.
- the most close to the present invention device is an audible tag as disclosed in US patent US No5778574, to Reuben, 1998.
- the device according to Reuben comprises a message reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a power supply, and a first switch displaced in the housing equipped with a cord for attaching to an object.
- the first bus of the power supply is connected to the first supply input of the message reproducing block.
- the second bus of the power supply is connected to the second supply input of the message reproducing block via the first switch that gets forced return in the unlocked position when there is no external activation.
- the housing of the above device is made in a form of a small book hung on an object, for example to a product in a store.
- the first switch is unlocked and the power is supplied to the message reproducing block, which plays back an audible message related to the product.
- the playback is terminated.
- this device also has its limitations.
- the message can be played back even when the tag is not attached to an object, if the book is accidentally opened. This can result in the battery discharge during the transportation of the tag or when a big party of objects with the tags according to Reuben is being prepared for sales or demonstration.
- messages are played back only when the book is open. It is necessary to put some effort in keeping the book open. If the user lets the book go, under the influence of the spring displaced in the first switch, this switch unlocks and the device stops reproducing the message. This creates inconveniences in using the merchandising tag according to Reuben.
- a sound-reproducing label comprising a housing equipped with a cord for attaching to an object and displaced in said housing a message reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a first switch, a power supply, connected to said message reproducing block through the first switch, and a second switch, coupled to control input of the message reproducing block to start its work.
- the first switch is made with a forced return into an unlocked position, when there is no external activation of said switch.
- At least one of the ends of the cord is connected to the first switch so that the stretching of the cord locks the first switch, and wherein the second switch is operative to be locked by an external activation.
- the sound-reproducing label is equipped with a capacitor attached between the supply inputs of the message reproducing block.
- the cord for attaching to an object in the sound-reproducing label is made out of an elastic material and has a length providing the fastening of the sound-reproducing label to an object with the cord being stretched.
- first end of the cord in the sound-reproducing label is fastened to said housing, and its second end is fastened to the first switch and has a limiter of the cord extraction out of the housing.
- both ends of the cord are located on one of the housing sides so that the sound-reproducing label can be hung on the object.
- the sound-reproducing label comprises a housing equipped with a cord for attaching to an object and displaced in the housing a message reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a first, second and third switches, a control block, a power supply, connected to the message reproducing block and the control block via the first switch and the second switch, which are serially connected,
- the first switch is made with a forced return into an unlocked position, when there is no external activation of the first switch and at least one of the ends of said cord is connected to the first switch so that the stretching of the cord locks the first switch.
- the second switch is operative to be locked by an external activation.
- the third switch is attached in parallel to the second switch and its control input is connected to the output of the control block.
- the sound-reproducing label control block comprises serially connected a delay element, a threshold element, and a monostable multivibrator, an output of which is an output of the control block.
- the sound-reproducing label is equipped with a capacitor attached between the point of connection of the first and second switches an the power supply output not connected to said first switch.
- the sound-reproducing label according to both embodiments of the present invention can reproduce audio messages only in the working mode, that is only being attached, for example hung to an object. Besides, the message is played back after the user activation of the sound-reproducing label and is reproduced till the end without any further user actions. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, after the message is reproduced, the circuit is automatically unlocked. This prevents the power supply battery discharge. Both embodiments of the present invention have an option to interrupt the message reproduction. For this purpose it is enough to take the label off the object it has been attached to.
- the sound-reproducing label according to the first embodiment of the present invention (Fig.1 and Fig.2) has housing 1 comprising message reproducing block 2 connected to loudspeaker 3, power supply 4, first switch 5, cord 6 for attaching to an object, second switch 7. Housing 1 is shown with a partially deleted front panel.
- the first power supply 4 bus is connected to the first supply input of message reproducing block 2.
- the second power supply 4 bus is connected to the second supply input of message reproducing block 2 via first switch 5.
- Second switch 7 is attached between the second supply input of message reproducing block 2 and its control input for starting its work.
- First switch 5 is made with a forced return into the unlocked position when there is no external activation of this switch. At least on of the ends of cord 6 for attaching to an object is connected to the first switch 5 so that first switch 5 is locked when cord 6 for attaching to an object is strained.
- the implementation of first switch 5 in Fig.1 is shown in a simplified form Second switch 7 is locked when it is externally actuated.
- the sound-reproducing label according to the first embodiment of the present invention can comprise capacitor 8 attached between the first power supply 4 bus and the second supply input of message reproducing block 2.
- Cord 6 for attaching to an object can be made out of an elastic material, for example out of rubber, and has a length providing fastening of the device to an object so that cord 6 is stretched.
- the first end of cord 6 can be attached to housing 1, and the second end of cord 6 is connected to first switch 5 and has a limiter of the cord stretch out of the housing.
- both ends of cord 6 for attaching to an object are located on one of the housing 1 sides. This provides the possibility to hang the device on an object.
- the sound-reproducing label according to the second embodiment of the present invention (Fig.4 and Fig.3) has housing 1 comprising message reproducing block 2 connected to loudspeaker 3, power supply 4, first switch 5, cord 6 for attaching to objects, second switch 7, third switch 10, and control block 11. Third switch 10 and control block 11 are shown as constructively adjoined in Fig. 4.Housing 1 is shown with a partially deleted front panel.
- the first power supply 4 bus is connected to the first supply input of message reproducing block 2.
- the second power supply 4 bus is connected to the first output of first switch 5.
- the first supply input of control block 11 is connected to the first power supply 4 bus.
- the first outputs of second switch 7 and third switch 10 are connected to the second outputs of first switch 5, and their second outputs are connected to the second supply inputs of message reproducing block 2 and control block 11, the output of which is connected the control input of third switch 10.
- First switch 5 is implemented with a forced return in the unlocked position when there is no external activation of said switch. At least one of the ends of cord 6 for attaching to objects is connected to first switch 5 so that first switch 5 is locked when cord 6 is strained. Second switch 7 is locked when it is externally actuated.
- the sound-reproducing label according to the second embodiment of the present invention can comprise capacitor 8 attached between the first power supply 4 bus and the second output of first switch 5.
- the first end of cord 6 is attached to housing 1, and the second end of cord 6 is input inside housing 1, connected to first switch 5 and has limiter 9 of cord extraction out of the housing.
- Cord 6 and the construction of the sound-reproducing label according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be the same as in the first embodiment.
- control block 11 in the sound-reproducing label according to the second embodiment of the present invention can comprise serially connected delay element 12, threshold element 13, and monostable multivibrator 14, the output of which is the output of control block 11.
- the first supply inputs of delay element 12, threshold element 13, and monostable multivibrator 14 are connected to the first supply inputs of control block 11, the second supply input of which is connected to the second supply inputs of delay element 12, threshold element 13 and monostable multivibrator 14.
- First switch 5 in both embodiments of the present invention can comprise housing 15 of the first switch, wherein the following elements are located: switch 16, mobile bar 17 connected to first switch housing 15 by spring 18, first and second bars 19, 20, the first ends of which are fastened to mobile bar 17, and second ends are brought into first switch housing 15 through apertures and are connected by cross beam 21.
- the end of cord 6 for attaching to objects is connected to cross beam 21.
- First switch housing 15 is shown with partially deleted panels. The construction without first switch housing 15 is also possible.
- Switch 16 can be implemented as a standard micro-switch, for example a key switch 7906 H, by Bourns Inc., normally unlocked contacts of which are first and second outputs of first switch 5 and are connected to other elements of the device circuit via apertures in first switch housing 15.
- Housing 1 in both embodiment of the present invention can have various sizes and forms. Outwardly, it may look like a locket, a miniature book, a toy, etc.
- Message reproducing block 2in both embodiments of the present invention can be based on a customized integrated circuit (IC) of sound synthesis, for example W52910, W52915, W52920 by Winbond Electronics Corp., Taiwan.
- IC integrated circuit
- Such integrated circuits comprise means for reproducing prerecorded therein audible messages with total length of 40, 60 and 80 seconds accordingly.
- the first and second supply inputs of message reproducing block 2 are the positive and negative supply inputs of the integrated circuit.
- RESET input of the IC is the control input for starting its work of message reproducing block 2.
- the message reproduction begins after the impulse of the negative polarity is applied to the control input for starting its work of message reproducing block 2.
- the RESET input is connected via the capacitor to the negative supply input and via the resistor - to the positive supply input of the IC.
- the audio-reproduction terminates if the power is switched off or after the recorded message is reproduced till the end.
- message reproducing block 2 comprises an amplifying transistor connected according to the technical data sheet of the above IC.
- message reproducing block can comprise a microprocessor and ROM, wherein sound messages and a program run by the microprocessor are recorded.
- Loudspeaker 3 is a miniature speaker. If one of the above-mentioned ICs is used, the active resistance of such a speaker should be 8 Ohm.
- Power supply 4 comprises from two to four miniature batteries.
- Second switch 7 in devices can be implemented as a miniature key-button. Second switch 7 contacts are locked when the user presses the key-button, and unlocked, when the user releases the button.
- Other variants for second switch 7 are possible.
- it can be a motion or acceleration sensor, which locks if the user begins to move the object with the sound-reproducing label attached to it.
- second switch 7 can comprise a photo-transistor or a photo-diode. In this case, second switch 7 is locked if the sound-reproducing label appears in the electromagnetic radiation zone of visible or close infra-red range of wave lengths of sufficient intensity. It is also possible to use for the purpose of second switch 7 know devices responding to loud sounds, devices wherein the circuit is locked when a command is received via a radio-channel, etc.
- Third switch 10 in the device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is an electronic switch locking when the voltage of a corresponding polarity is applied to its control input.
- third switch 10 can be implemented as a field-effect transistor.
- Delay element 12 in control block 11 of the device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in a form of an RC-integrator.
- Threshold element 13 and monostable multivibrator 14 can be implemented along the well-known in the art schemes on discrete elements, as well as on ICs.
- control block 11 can comprise a microprocessor, which according to the program recorded therein unlocks third switch 10 after a predetermined interval of time.
- Message reproducing block 2 and control block 11 can be integrated on one microprocessor.
- Control block 11 can comprise some sensor, for example a key button. In this case, the circuit can be unlocked not after a predetermined period of time, but after the external activation of said sensor.
- the sound-reproducing label according to the present invention is attached to an object, information about which it is supposed to reproduce.
- objects can be boxes, cans, bottles, toys, books, home appliances, etc.
- the sound message has to be prerecorded in message reproducing block 2. Messages are recorded during the device production according to technical data sheets of ICs employed. Messages can contain data about an object, music, advertising or entertaining content.
- cord 6 made of an elastic material is put on an object. It makes cord 6 stretch. Due to the strain of cord 6 first switch 5 is locked and the power from power supply 4 is supplied to message reproducing block 2 providing its possibility to function. Limiter 9 prevents exceeding impact of cord 6 on first switch 5, thus preventing the breaking of first switch 5 in the result of non-careful treatment.
- first switch 5 is implemented as shown in Fig.7, the effort created by strained cord 6 is applied to cross beam 21, which moves along with bars 19 and 20 and mobile bar 17. As a result, mobile bar 17 presses on switch 16 button and gets into a locked mode.
- Second switch 7 is locked and the power is supplied to the control input for starting its work of message reproducing block 2, which begins the message playback. Further, the user can terminate his/her activation of second switch 7, which then will unlock, but the message will be played back till the end.
- the sound-reproducing label has to be taken off the object.
- the strain of cord 6 disappears, and first switch 5 unlocks, unlocking the supply circuit for message reproducing block 2.
- first switch 5 provides the locking of first switch 5, when the label is hung on the object, and the unlocking of first switch 5, when the label is taken off the object.
- Capacitor 8 provides the higher device reliability. After the sound-reproducing label is attached to the object and first switch 5 is locked, capacitor 8 gets charged to the voltage of power supply 4. When the user presses the key button of second switch 7, sound-reproducing label can be displaced under the influence of the effort applied by the user. As a result, the strain of cord 6 can disappear for a short time and first switch 5 will be unlocked and the power supply to message reproducing block 2 interrupted. During this short-term unlock of first switch 5, the power is supplied to block 2 by capacitor 8. Due to this, the message is reproduced even in the described unfavourable case. When the user releases the key button of second switch 7, the strain of cord 6 is retained, first switch gets locked and the further message reproduction proceeds in the normal conditions. The described situation can easily happen in the construction of the device shown in Fig.3.
- Locking and unlocking of first switch 5 in the device according to the second embodiment of the present invention proceed as in the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- the user activates second switch 7, for example presses the key button. Then the power from power supply 4 is supplied to message reproducing block 2, that plays back the message.
- control block 1 the power is supplied to control block 1, wherein it is supplied to delay element 12, threshold element 13, and monostable multivibrator 14.
- delay element 12 the voltage is equal to zero. Then the voltage at the output of delay element 12 is gradually increasing.
- Third switch 10 under the influence of the voltage at the control block 11 output gets locked providing power supply to message reproducing block 2 and to control block 11 after second switch 7 is unlocked. After a set interval of time the voltage at the monostable multivibrator 14 output returns to the zero level and third switch 10 is unlocked. Power supply 4 is disconnected from message reproducing block 2 and control block 11. This excludes the batteries discharge in power supply 4. The interruption of the message playback is achieved as in the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, by taking the label from the object and consequently by the disappearing strain of cord 6.
- the delay in activating of monostable multivibrator 14 created by delay element 12 provides the termination of transition processes in monostable multivibrator 14 circuit after the power is supplied to it, which ensures its reliability.
- the length of the above-mentioned delay should be less than the length of the shortest user activation of second switch 7. This is not difficult to provide in the majority of cases.
- the length of the impulse formed by monostable multivibrator 14 should be more than the full length of a sound message reproduced by message reproducing block 2.
- capacitor 8 are the same as in the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- the invention provides the sound-reproducing label operative to reproduce audible messages only in the working mode, that is attached to the object, for example hung on it.
- Another advantage of the device according to the present invention is that the message is reproduced after the user activation of the sound-reproducing label and said message is played back till the end not requiring further user actions.
- Both embodiments of the present invention provide the possibility to interrupt the playback of the message by taking the label off the object it has been attached to.
- the devices according to the present invention can find a wide use in merchandising, where these label can provide a possibility to supply the customer with product related information in a form of easily comprehended audio messages.
- Such label can be used as an information supplement to medicine or perfume products.
- the label hung on the container can remind of some important features of the product use.
- the devices according to the present invention can be used for souvenir purposes.
- the sound-reproducing label attached for example to a bottle with a drink will reproduce voice messages or musical fragments entertaining the customer and promoting the commercial success of products along with which it is used.
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Abstract
The invention relates to radio-engineering. The invention increases the
operational reliability and user convenience of the inventive label. In the first embodiment,
the inventive audio label comprises a message reproducing block provided with a loud
speaker and a switch. Said label is also provided with the second switch operative to lock
upon an external activation. One end of the cord for attaching to an object is connected to
the first switch, thereby allowing the first switch to lock, when the cord is drawn. In the
second embodiment, the audio label comprises second and third switches and a control
block.
Description
The invention relates to radio-electronics, and more particularly to audio-alarm and
audio-advertisement devices.
US patent Nº5903869 to Jacobson, 1999, discloses an audio-reproducing label
comprising a message reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a power supply, a first and
second switches displaced in its housing.
The device according to Jacobson can be fastened to an object with the help of
adhesive stickers or a suction cup. The first switch serves to turn the power on. The
second switch is for turning on the playback of the message recorded in the message
reproducing block. The message comprises information about the object it is fastened to.
The limitation of the above device is the lack of an automatic power switch-off,
when the label is removed from the object, as to switch the power off the first switch has
to be manually unlocked by the user. To avoid an accidental switch-on during the
transportation or positioning on the object, the first switch is covered by a protective
jacket, which is not very convenient. Once the protective jacket is taken off it can get
lost. Besides, the user can forget to switch the power off and the batteries of the power
supply can discharge.
The most close to the present invention device is an audible tag as disclosed in US
patent US Nº5778574, to Reuben, 1998. The device according to Reuben comprises a
message reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a power supply, and a first switch displaced in
the housing equipped with a cord for attaching to an object. The first bus of the power supply
is connected to the first supply input of the message reproducing block. The second bus of the
power supply is connected to the second supply input of the message reproducing block via
the first switch that gets forced return in the unlocked position when there is no external
activation.
The housing of the above device is made in a form of a small book hung on an
object, for example to a product in a store. When the book is opened, the first switch is
unlocked and the power is supplied to the message reproducing block, which plays back
an audible message related to the product. When the book is closed, the playback is
terminated.
However, this device also has its limitations. The message can be played back even when
the tag is not attached to an object, if the book is accidentally opened. This can result in the
battery discharge during the transportation of the tag or when a big party of objects with the
tags according to Reuben is being prepared for sales or demonstration. Besides, messages are
played back only when the book is open. It is necessary to put some effort in keeping the book
open. If the user lets the book go, under the influence of the spring displaced in the first switch,
this switch unlocks and the device stops reproducing the message. This creates inconveniences
in using the merchandising tag according to Reuben.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a sound-reproducing label providing a
higher level of reliability and convenience in use.
This object is achieved by providing a sound-reproducing label comprising a housing
equipped with a cord for attaching to an object and displaced in said housing a message
reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a first switch, a power supply, connected to said
message reproducing block through the first switch, and a second switch, coupled to
control input of the message reproducing block to start its work. The first switch is made
with a forced return into an unlocked position, when there is no external activation of said
switch. At least one of the ends of the cord is connected to the first switch so that the
stretching of the cord locks the first switch, and wherein the second switch is operative to
be locked by an external activation.
Further, the sound-reproducing label is equipped with a capacitor attached
between the supply inputs of the message reproducing block.
Further, the cord for attaching to an object in the sound-reproducing label is made
out of an elastic material and has a length providing the fastening of the sound-reproducing
label to an object with the cord being stretched.
Further, the first end of the cord in the sound-reproducing label is fastened to said
housing, and its second end is fastened to the first switch and has a limiter of the cord
extraction out of the housing.
Further, both ends of the cord are located on one of the housing sides so that the
sound-reproducing label can be hung on the object.
In the second embodiment of the present invention, the sound-reproducing label
comprises a housing equipped with a cord for attaching to an object and displaced in the
housing a message reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a first, second and third
switches, a control block, a power supply, connected to the message reproducing block
and the control block via the first switch and the second switch, which are serially
connected, The first switch is made with a forced return into an unlocked position, when
there is no external activation of the first switch and at least one of the ends of said cord is
connected to the first switch so that the stretching of the cord locks the first switch. The
second switch is operative to be locked by an external activation. The third switch is
attached in parallel to the second switch and its control input is connected to the output of
the control block.
Further, the sound-reproducing label control block comprises serially connected a
delay element, a threshold element, and a monostable multivibrator, an output of which is
an output of the control block.
Further, the sound-reproducing label is equipped with a capacitor attached
between the point of connection of the first and second switches an the power supply
output not connected to said first switch.
The sound-reproducing label according to both embodiments of the present
invention can reproduce audio messages only in the working mode, that is only being
attached, for example hung to an object. Besides, the message is played back after the
user activation of the sound-reproducing label and is reproduced till the end without any
further user actions. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, after the
message is reproduced, the circuit is automatically unlocked. This prevents the power
supply battery discharge. Both embodiments of the present invention have an option to
interrupt the message reproduction. For this purpose it is enough to take the label off the
object it has been attached to.
Further the invention will be illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
The sound-reproducing label according to the first embodiment of the present
invention (Fig.1 and Fig.2) has housing 1 comprising message reproducing block 2
connected to loudspeaker 3, power supply 4, first switch 5, cord 6 for attaching to an
object, second switch 7. Housing 1 is shown with a partially deleted front panel.
The first power supply 4 bus is connected to the first supply input of message
reproducing block 2. The second power supply 4 bus is connected to the second supply
input of message reproducing block 2 via first switch 5. Second switch 7 is attached
between the second supply input of message reproducing block 2 and its control input for
starting its work.
Besides, the sound-reproducing label according to the first embodiment of the present
invention can comprise capacitor 8 attached between the first power supply 4 bus and the
second supply input of message reproducing block 2.
In another example of implementing the sound-reproducing label according to the first
embodiment of the present invention (Fig.3), both ends of cord 6 for attaching to an object are
located on one of the housing 1 sides. This provides the possibility to hang the device on an
object.
The sound-reproducing label according to the second embodiment of the present
invention (Fig.4 and Fig.3) has housing 1 comprising message reproducing block 2 connected
to loudspeaker 3, power supply 4, first switch 5, cord 6 for attaching to objects, second switch
7, third switch 10, and control block 11. Third switch 10 and control block 11 are shown as
constructively adjoined in Fig. 4.Housing 1 is shown with a partially deleted front panel.
The first power supply 4 bus is connected to the first supply input of message
reproducing block 2. The second power supply 4 bus is connected to the first output of first
switch 5. The first supply input of control block 11 is connected to the first power supply 4
bus. The first outputs of second switch 7 and third switch 10 are connected to the second
outputs of first switch 5, and their second outputs are connected to the second supply inputs
of message reproducing block 2 and control block 11, the output of which is connected the
control input of third switch 10.
Besides, the sound-reproducing label according to the second embodiment of the
present invention can comprise capacitor 8 attached between the first power supply 4 bus
and the second output of first switch 5.
As it is shown in the example of the device implementation in Fig.4, the first end of
cord 6 is attached to housing 1, and the second end of cord 6 is input inside housing 1,
connected to first switch 5 and has limiter 9 of cord extraction out of the housing. Cord 6
and the construction of the sound-reproducing label according to the second embodiment of
the present invention can be the same as in the first embodiment.
Besides, control block 11 in the sound-reproducing label according to the second
embodiment of the present invention (Fig. 6) can comprise serially connected delay element 12,
threshold element 13, and monostable multivibrator 14, the output of which is the output of
control block 11. The first supply inputs of delay element 12, threshold element 13, and
monostable multivibrator 14 are connected to the first supply inputs of control block 11, the
second supply input of which is connected to the second supply inputs of delay element 12,
threshold element 13 and monostable multivibrator 14.
Message reproducing block 2in both embodiments of the present invention can be
based on a customized integrated circuit (IC) of sound synthesis, for example W52910,
W52915, W52920 by Winbond Electronics Corp., Taiwan. Such integrated circuits
comprise means for reproducing prerecorded therein audible messages with total length
of 40, 60 and 80 seconds accordingly. The first and second supply inputs of message
reproducing block 2 are the positive and negative supply inputs of the integrated circuit.
RESET input of the IC is the control input for starting its work of message reproducing
block 2.
In the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the
message reproduction begins after the impulse of the negative polarity is applied to the
control input for starting its work of message reproducing block 2. In the device
according to the second embodiment of the present invention the RESET input is
connected via the capacitor to the negative supply input and via the resistor - to the
positive supply input of the IC. In both embodiments of the present invention the audio-reproduction
terminates if the power is switched off or after the recorded message is
reproduced till the end.
Besides of the above ICs, message reproducing block 2 comprises an amplifying
transistor connected according to the technical data sheet of the above IC.
Other variants of message reproducing block are also possible. For example, it can
comprise a microprocessor and ROM, wherein sound messages and a program run by
the microprocessor are recorded.
Delay element 12 in control block 11 of the device according to the second
embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in a form of an RC-integrator.
Threshold element 13 and monostable multivibrator 14 can be implemented along the
well-known in the art schemes on discrete elements, as well as on ICs.
Other variants of control block 11 are possible. For example, it can comprise a
microprocessor, which according to the program recorded therein unlocks third switch 10
after a predetermined interval of time. Message reproducing block 2 and control block 11
can be integrated on one microprocessor. Control block 11 can comprise some sensor, for
example a key button. In this case, the circuit can be unlocked not after a predetermined
period of time, but after the external activation of said sensor.
When the sound-reproducing label is in non-working mode, that is it is not
attached to the object, cord 6 is not strained and switch 5 is unlocked. In this mode, the
power from power supply 4 is not supplied to message reproducing block 2 and sound
reproduction is not possible. The spontaneous activation of the sound reproduction in the
result of an accidental locking of second switch 7 and batteries discharge in power supply
4 are excluded. If first switch 5 is implemented as shown in Fig.7, the circuit is unlocked,
as mobile bar 17 under the influence of spring 18 moves away from switch 16, the
unlocked mode of which is maintained by an elastic element therein.
Before its use, the sound-reproducing label according to the present invention is
attached to an object, information about which it is supposed to reproduce. These objects
can be boxes, cans, bottles, toys, books, home appliances, etc. The sound message has to
be prerecorded in message reproducing block 2. Messages are recorded during the device
production according to technical data sheets of ICs employed. Messages can contain
data about an object, music, advertising or entertaining content.
In case with the construction as shown in Fig. 1, cord 6 made of an elastic material is
put on an object. It makes cord 6 stretch. Due to the strain of cord 6 first switch 5 is
locked and the power from power supply 4 is supplied to message reproducing block 2
providing its possibility to function. Limiter 9 prevents exceeding impact of cord 6 on
first switch 5, thus preventing the breaking of first switch 5 in the result of non-careful
treatment.
If first switch 5 is implemented as shown in Fig.7, the effort created by strained
cord 6 is applied to cross beam 21, which moves along with bars 19 and 20 and mobile
bar 17. As a result, mobile bar 17 presses on switch 16 button and gets into a locked
mode.
To initiate the message reproduction, the user activates second switch 7, for
example by pressing a key button. Second switch is locked and the power is supplied to
the control input for starting its work of message reproducing block 2, which begins the
message playback. Further, the user can terminate his/her activation of second switch 7,
which then will unlock, but the message will be played back till the end.
To interrupt the message playback, the sound-reproducing label has to be taken
off the object. In this case, the strain of cord 6 disappears, and first switch 5 unlocks,
unlocking the supply circuit for message reproducing block 2.
If the construction of the device according to the present invention is as shown in Fig.
3, sound-reproducing label is hung on the object. In this case cord 6 is strained and
consequently first switch is locked under the influence of gravity on the sound-reproducing
label. The values of device weight and spring elasticity in first switch 5 provide the locking of
first switch 5, when the label is hung on the object, and the unlocking of first switch 5, when
the label is taken off the object.
Locking and unlocking of first switch 5 in the device according to the second
embodiment of the present invention proceed as in the device according to the first embodiment
of the present invention. When the sound-reproducing label is attached to the object or hung on
it, to initiate the message reproduction the user activates second switch 7, for example presses
the key button. Then the power from power supply 4 is supplied to message reproducing block
2, that plays back the message.
At the same time, the power is supplied to control block 1, wherein it is supplied to
delay element 12, threshold element 13, and monostable multivibrator 14. At the first
moment after the power is supplied to the outputs of delay elementl2 and threshold
element 13 the voltage is equal to zero. Then the voltage at the output of delay element 12
is gradually increasing.
When the voltage achieves the level of threshold element 13 activation, the voltage
fluctuation from zero to unit level is formed on the output of threshold element 13,
monostable multivibrator activates and forms an impulse of a set length at the control block
1 1output.
The delay in activating of monostable multivibrator 14 created by delay element 12
provides the termination of transition processes in monostable multivibrator 14 circuit after
the power is supplied to it, which ensures its reliability. The length of the above-mentioned
delay should be less than the length of the shortest user activation of second switch 7. This is
not difficult to provide in the majority of cases. The length of the impulse formed by
monostable multivibrator 14 should be more than the full length of a sound message
reproduced by message reproducing block 2.
The functions of capacitor 8 are the same as in the device according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
As it is clear from the description of the two embodiments of the present invention,
the invention provides the sound-reproducing label operative to reproduce audible
messages only in the working mode, that is attached to the object, for example hung on it.
Another advantage of the device according to the present invention is that the message is
reproduced after the user activation of the sound-reproducing label and said message is
played back till the end not requiring further user actions. Both embodiments of the
present invention provide the possibility to interrupt the playback of the message by
taking the label off the object it has been attached to.
The devices according to the present invention can find a wide use in merchandising,
where these label can provide a possibility to supply the customer with product related
information in a form of easily comprehended audio messages. Such label can be used as an
information supplement to medicine or perfume products. The label hung on the container can
remind of some important features of the product use. Besides, the devices according to the
present invention can be used for souvenir purposes. The sound-reproducing label attached for
example to a bottle with a drink will reproduce voice messages or musical fragments
entertaining the customer and promoting the commercial success of products along with which
it is used.
Having described the preferred embodiments of the invention with the reference to
the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this
precise embodiment, and that various changes and modifications may be effective therein
by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
Claims (8)
- A sound-reproducing label comprising a housing equipped with a cord for attaching to an object and displaced in said housing a message reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a first switch, a power supply, connected to said message reproducing block through said first switch, and a second switch, coupled to control input of said message reproducing block to start its work, wherein said first switch is made with a forced return into an unlocked position when there is no external activation of said switch and at least one of the ends of said cord is connected to said first switch so that the stretching of said cord locks said first switch and wherein said second switch is operative to be locked by an external activation.
- The sound-reproducing label of Claim 1, further equipped by a capacitor attached between the supply inputs of said message reproducing block.
- The sound-reproducing label of Claim 1, wherein said cord for attaching to an object is made out of an elastic material and has a length providing the fastening of said sound-reproducing label to an object with said cord being stretched.
- The sound-reproducing label of Claim 1, wherein the first end of said cord is fastened to said housing, and its second end is fastened to said first switch and has a limiter of said cord extraction out of said housing.
- The sound-reproducing label of Claim 1, wherein both ends of said cord are located on one of the housing sides so that said sound-reproducing label can be hung on said object.
- A sound-reproducing label comprising a housing equipped with a cord for attaching to an object and displaced in said housing a message reproducing block with a loudspeaker, a first, second and third switches, a control block, a power supply, connected to said message reproducing block and said control block through said first switch and said second switch which are serially connected,
wherein said first switch is made with a forced return into an unlocked position when there is no external activation of said first switch and at least one of the ends of said cord is connected to said first switch so that the stretching of said cord locks said first switch, said second switch is operative to be locked by an external activation, said third switch is attached in parallel to said second switch and its control input being connected to the output of said control block. - The sound-reproducing label of Claim 6, wherein said control block comprises serially connected a delay element, a threshold element, and a monostable multivibrator, an output of which is an output of said control block.
- The sound-reproducing label of Claim 6, further equipped with a capacitor attached between the point of connection of said first and second switches an said power supply output not connected to said first switch.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
RU2000118429 | 2000-07-13 | ||
RU2000118429A RU2161332C1 (en) | 2000-07-13 | 2000-07-13 | Sound reproducing label |
PCT/RU2001/000268 WO2002005252A1 (en) | 2000-07-13 | 2001-07-06 | Audio label |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1318497A1 true EP1318497A1 (en) | 2003-06-11 |
Family
ID=20237693
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01954557A Withdrawn EP1318497A1 (en) | 2000-07-13 | 2001-07-06 | Audio label |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1318497A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2001276799A1 (en) |
EA (1) | EA004273B1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2161332C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002005252A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013149973A1 (en) * | 2012-04-05 | 2013-10-10 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A household appliance comprising a logo and a logo coating method |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS57101996A (en) * | 1980-12-16 | 1982-06-24 | Nippon Electric Co | Call indication circuit |
WO1994015573A1 (en) * | 1993-01-14 | 1994-07-21 | Young Sun Jo | A memory-type recording/playback device used by fitting a milk bottle therein |
US5471192A (en) * | 1994-01-24 | 1995-11-28 | Dash; Glen | Sound producing device stimulated by petting |
US5710422A (en) * | 1995-03-10 | 1998-01-20 | Clark; Aaron D. | Talking poster |
US5778574A (en) * | 1996-05-15 | 1998-07-14 | Reuben; Ronnie | Audible product merchandising tag |
-
2000
- 2000-07-13 RU RU2000118429A patent/RU2161332C1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2001
- 2001-07-06 WO PCT/RU2001/000268 patent/WO2002005252A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-07-06 AU AU2001276799A patent/AU2001276799A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-07-06 EP EP01954557A patent/EP1318497A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-07-06 EA EA200300095A patent/EA004273B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO0205252A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2001276799A1 (en) | 2002-01-21 |
EA200300095A1 (en) | 2003-06-26 |
WO2002005252A1 (en) | 2002-01-17 |
EA004273B1 (en) | 2004-02-26 |
RU2161332C1 (en) | 2000-12-27 |
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