Portable messaging and scheduling device with homebase station

Abstract

A portable device (10) for selective message recordation and playback and scheduling includes a portable unit (11) and an optional homebase station (12). Portable unit (11) includes a housing (15), unit controller (20), tactile input mechanism (40) audio processor (60) and video processor (80). Portable unit (11) allows textual, audible and visual message inputs and their selective playback based on time or other preselected textual, audible or visual stimulus. A selectively detachable stylus (51) may be removed to engage a touch panel (50) for making operational selections and entering information. Optional homebase station (12) may include a variety of features for supporting and supplementing those of handheld unit (11), such as a floppy drive (112) message memory, input keys (114), a battery charging circuit (115) and an external communication circuit (117).

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 883,463, filed Jun. 15, 2001, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 057,075, filed Apr. 8, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08 / 950,212, filed Oct. 14, 1997, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,496 issued Dec. 9, 1997, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,760 issued Jul. 15, 1997, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 805,302, filed Dec. 10, 1991, abandoned.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] The present invention relates in general to portable devices for receiving, storing and selectively recalling messages. More particularly, the present invention pertains to devices for recording and playback of messages and reminders. More specifically, the present invention relates to portable devices sometimes referred to as message recorders and organizers. [0004] 2. Background Information [0005] Over the years a wide variety of devi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a portable device that can organize and play back messages in a variety of sensory formats. It can be easily operated with a handheld unit and is easy to understand and learn. The device allows users to select directly the desired operation and seamlessly integrates with a cellular or other portable telephone device. It can be carried in a shirt-pocket and includes a display for receiving and playing back information. The device can also include a scanner for receiving and recording audio and written messages, as well as a processor for controlling the receipt, storage, and playback of the messages. The portable station includes an auxiliary display for receiving and displaying the messages. Overall, the invention provides a convenient and efficient tool for managing and accessing messages and reminders."

Problems solved by technology

But functional comprehensiveness is not enough.

The various devices noted above have failed miserably at being both functionally comprehensive and compact.

No device has included sufficient functionality to allow input and output of messages and reminders in the optimal variety of sensory modes.

Additionally, as functionality has increased, such devices have become so large, cumbersome and unwieldy as to require fixed operation, severely limiting the usefulness of any organizer.

Equally significant, such devices have been difficult and convoluted to understand, learn and operate.

Indeed, many devices have been so complex as to preclude use by all but the most technically adventurous and knowledgeable.

This complexity and intractability has been further exasperated with greater functionality.

In short, such devices are not functionally comprehensive, sufficiently compact or easy to work.

Images