Container for preventing intelligible voice recordings

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a container for preventing intelligible voice recordings, comprising: a first compartment configured to receive a portable device of a user, the portable device having a microphone with sound recording capabilities; a second compartment configured to receive a noise emitting device; a sound dampening liner configured to damper sound generated by the portable device and / or by the noise emitting device between an inside and an outside of the container; and a radio frequency shielding layer configured to block radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum generated by the portable device, the first and second compartments being configured such that noise emitted by the noise emitting device is received by the microphone of the portable device if activated. The present disclosure also concerns a method of preventing intelligible voice recordings using the disclosed container.

Description

CONTAINER FOR PREVENTING INTELLIGIBLE VOICE RECORDINGSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to containers and methods for preventing voice recognition.BACKGROUND

[0002] When discussing confidential matters, there is a risk that the portable device of a user, such as a smartphone, can record the discussion and transmit the data to a third party. Specifically, applications can be installed on portable devices equipped with a microphone and programmed to record the content of conversations unbeknownst to the user and / or to people near the portable devices. Some applications can even record conversations when the device is turned-off or appears to be turned-off. This phenomenon can be designated as clandestine eavesdropping, wiretapping, passive listening, and unauthorized snooping, amongst others. For this reason, preventing personal portable devices from recording conversations without the knowledge of their owner has been an increasing concern.

[0003] In view of the above, there is a need for a container to prevent voice recognition that overcomes at least some of the drawback of known containers.SUMMARY

[0004] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to at least partially address the above-mentioned issues.

[0005] According to a general aspect, there is provided a container for preventing intelligible voice recordings, comprising: a first compartment configured to receive a portable device of a user, the portable device having a microphone with sound recording capabilities; a second compartment configured to receive a noise emitting device; a sound dampening liner configured to damper sound generated by the portable device and / or by the noise emitting device between an inside and an outside of the container; and a radiofrequency shielding layer configured to block radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum generated by the portable device, the first and second compartments being configured such that noise emitted by the noise emitting device is received by the microphone of the portable device, thus preventing intelligible voice recordings.

[0006] In an embodiment, the radio frequency shielding layer surrounds or defines at least the first compartment.

[0007] In an embodiment, the container comprises an outer layer defining an enclosure, the enclosure comprising the first and second compartments.

[0008] In an embodiment, the sound dampening liner is an inner layer integrated or connected to the outer layer.

[0009] In an embodiment, the container comprises a closable enclosure opening providing access to both the first and second compartments.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first and second compartments are provided with respective first and second closable compartment openings.

[0011] In an embodiment, the radio frequency shielding layer comprises a metallicbased material adapted to block radio frequencies.

[0012] In an embodiment, the radio frequency blocking layer comprises a foil adapted to block the electromagnetic signals having frequencies between 3 Hz and 30 MHz, and more precisely between 700 Hz and 5.8 MHz.

[0013] In an embodiment, the sound dampening liner comprises fibers from one or more of silicone, vinyl, foam, and fiberglass.

[0014] In an embodiment, the container comprises a separating layer between the first and second compartments that allows the noise generated by the noise emitting device to pass through the separating layer and be picked up by the microphone of the portable device.

[0015] In an embodiment, the container is sized and configured as one of a wallet, a bag, a box and a wall enclosure.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first and second compartments are substantially flat and sized to accommodate smartphones or equivalent devices.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first and second compartments are placed opposite each other in the container.

[0018] In an embodiment, the container comprises the noise emitting device housed in the second compartment.

[0019] In an embodiment, the noise emitting device is configured to generate the noise based on a voice of the user of the portable device.

[0020] In an embodiment, the noise emitting device is in wireless communication and receives commands from a computerized device located outside of the container.

[0021] In an embodiment, the noise emitting device is configured to mix prerecorded voice recordings of the user to prevent intelligibility of speech of the user if recorded by the microphone of the portable device.

[0022] In an embodiment, the noise emitting device is shaped and configured as a smartphone.

[0023] In an embodiment, the noise emitting device is controllable with control buttons provided on the noise emitting device and / or via an application executable by the portable device.

[0024] In an embodiment, the portable device is one of a smart phone, tablet, electronic reader and laptop.

[0025] According to another general aspect, there is provided a method of preventing intelligible voice recordings using the container of any one of the above described embodiments, comprising the steps of: inserting the portable device of the user in the first compartment of the container; inserting the noise emitting device in the secondcompartment of the container; generating, by the noise emitting device, noise based on the voice of the user of the portable device to prevent intelligibility of speech of the user if recorded by the microphone of the portable device; and dampening, with the sound dampening liner, sound generated by the portable device and / or the noise generated by the noise emitting device, and / or sound generated by the user having a conversation, from travelling between the inside and the outside of the container.

[0026] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: blocking transmission signals generated by the portable device with the radio frequency shielding layer of the container.

[0027] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: mixing prerecorded voice recordings of the user to generate the noise emitted by the noise emitting device.

[0028] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: controlling the noise emitting device with control buttons provided on the noise emitting device and / or via an application executable by the portable device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example container for preventing intelligible voice recordings, the container being a wallet-type container in a closed configuration.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 , the container being in an opened configuration.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 1 , the container being in the opened configuration.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 , the container being in the opened configuration.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 , the container being in the closed configuration and housing a portable device and a noise emitting device.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another example container for preventing intelligible voice recordings, the container being a bag-type container.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bag-type container of FIG. 6, the bag-type container receiving a portable device.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example container for preventing intelligible voice recordings, the container being a box-type container.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another example container for preventing intelligible voice recordings, the container being a wall enclosure type container.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example container for preventing intelligible voice recordings, the container being a tent type container.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example noise emitting device.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the noise emitting device of FIG. 11.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the noise emitting device of FIG. 11.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the noise emitting device of FIG. 11, the noise emitting device comprising control buttons.

[0043] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of another example noise emitting device.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a process diagram of a method of preventing intelligible voice recordings using a portable pouch.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features maybe found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

[0046] Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "above", "below", "forward", "rearward", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures only and should not be considered limiting. Moreover, the figures are meant to be illustrative of certain characteristics of the robotic grouping system and method thereof and are not necessarily to scale.

[0047] To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein may be qualified with the term "about". It is understood that whether the term "about" is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to an actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and / or measurement conditions for such given value.

[0048] In the following description, an embodiment is an example or implementation. The various appearances of "one embodiment", "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an embodiment", "one embodiment" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments.

[0049] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. The principles and uses of the teachings of the present disclosure may be better understood with referenceto the accompanying description, figures and examples. It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the disclosure.

[0050] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the disclosure can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the disclosure can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. It is to be understood that the terms "including", "comprising", and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference does not mean that there is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0051] The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. It will be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an example implementation of a container 100 for preventing intelligible voice recordings is shown. The container 100 is configured as a portable container having the shape of a wallet, also referred to as a wallet-type container. The container 100 may have other shapes, such as a bag, a box, and a wall enclosure, some of which are described in further implementations below. The container 100 includes a first compartment 120, a second compartment 130, a sound dampening liner 140, and a radio frequency shielding layer 150. The first compartment 120 is configured to receive a portable device 200, as shown in FIG. 5, the portable device 200 having a microphone 210 with sound recording capabilities. The first compartment 120 can thus also be referredto as portable device compartment. The second compartment 130 is configured to receive a noise emitting device 300 and can be referred to as a noise emitting device compartment, or noise-generating compartment. The sound dampening liner 140 is configured to damper sound generated by the portable device 200 and / or by the noise emitting device 300 between inside and outside of the container 100. The radio frequency shielding layer 150 is configured to block or shield from electromagnetic signals generated by the portable device 200. The first and second compartments 120, 130 are configured such that noise emitted by the noise emitting device 300 is received by the microphone 210 of the portable device 200, if the microphone 210 of the portable device is activated.

[0053] The container 100 includes an outer layer 110 defining an exterior shape thereof. In this implementation, the container 100 is shaped as a wallet of portable dimensions. The outer layer 110 can be made of fabric material such as cloth, nylon, leather, leatherette, polyester or blends thereof. The outer layer 110 further defines an enclosure 112 in the container 100. The container 100 also includes an enclosure opening 114. The enclosure opening 114 is configurable in an opened configuration, shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, and in a closed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. In the implementation shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the enclosure opening 114 can be set to the closed configuration with the help of a closing mechanism 116. The embodied closing mechanism 116 is a zipper mechanism having opposing teeth on each side of the enclosure opening 114 and a slider for engaging and disengaging the opposing teeth. Understandably, other types of closing mechanism 116 can be contemplated. In some implementations, the closing mechanism can hermetically seal the enclosure opening.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the enclosure 112 of the container 100 includes the first compartment 120 configured to receive the portable device 200 of a user and the second compartment 130 configured to receive the noise emitting device 300. The noise emitting device 300, which can also be referred to as a voice scrambling device or a speech privacy device, is configured to emit noise or sounds which, when recorded by the portable device 200 of the user in addition to the user’s voice, makes it impossible to decipher what the user is saying. In one embodiment, the noise emitting device 300, or an external device provided with a software application, may have previously recorded the user's voice and generated audio frames based on the user's voice signature (user's voice), the audioframes being randomly mixed. The mixed voice segment recordings can be stored in the noise emitting device 300 and played by a speaker thereof, enabling the noise emitting device 300 to generate the customized noise, corresponding to unintelligible chatter, based on the user's voice in order to mask conversations and prevent speech decryption.

[0055] The container 100 can include a separating layer 160 between the first and second compartments 120, 130 that allows the noise generated by the noise emitting device 300 to pass through the separating layer 160 and be picked up by the microphone 210 of the portable device 200. The first and second compartments 120, 130 include a first compartment opening 122 and a second compartment opening 132 respectively. The first and second compartment openings 122, 132 can be accessible by opening the enclosure opening 114. In some implementations, the first compartment 120 and / or the second compartment 130 can include a closing mechanism for closing or opening the first compartment opening 122 and / or the second compartment opening 132 respectively. In further implementations not shown, rather than having a single enclosure opening 114 on the outer layer 110 that leads to the two compartment openings 122, 132 within the enclosure 112, the outer layer 110 can instead include two enclosure openings, with the two enclosure openings being integrated with the first compartment opening 122 and the second compartment opening 132 respectively.

[0056] In the implementation of FIG. 2, the first compartment 120 is located substantially centrally within the enclosure 112. The second compartment 130 is located between the first compartment 120 and the outer layer 110 of the container 100. Still in the implementation shown, a third compartment 136 is included on a side of the first compartment 120, opposite the second compartment 130. The third compartment 136 can be similar to the first compartment 120 or to the second compartment 130, but without the radio frequency shielding layer 150 and / or without the sound dampening liner 140. The third compartment 136 can be configured to receive business cards, pencils, or other items of the like. It is understood that the container 100 can include any number of compartments and that the configuration of the compartments inside or outside of the enclosure 112 can differ from the shown implementation. For example, another implementation of the container 100 not shown can include only two compartments, a first 120 and a second 130, that are substantially flat and sized to accommodate smartphones or equivalentdevices, and placed opposite each other in the container 100. In other examples not shown, the second compartment 130 can be defined by a pouch disposed outside and adjacent of the enclosure 112, such that the noise emitting device 300 can be housed inside the pouch and outside of the enclosure 112 defined by the outer layer 110.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the container 100 includes the sound dampening liner 140 configured to damper sound or noise generated by the noise emitting device 300, and also possibly noise or voices from the portable device 200, from travelling between the inside of the enclosure 112 and the outside of the enclosure 112. Thus, the sound dampening liner 140 can dampen sound or noise originating from outside of the container 100 travelling towards the inside of the container 100 as well as sound or noise originating from inside the container 100 travelling towards the outside of the container 100. The sound dampening liner 140 of the overall envelope of the bag or long wallet 100 thus acts as a sound barrier, so as not to disturb the user while the noise emitting device 300 is active. The sound dampening liner 140 is integrated or connected to inner surfaces of the outer layer 110, i.e., it is located within the enclosure 112 of the container 100. The sound dampening liner 140 can be integrated or connected to the outer layer 110 by any method known in the art, such as by sewing or gluing. More so, the sound dampening liner 140 can include one or more fibers of: silicone, vinyl, foam, and fiberglass. In an implementation, the sound dampening liner 140 can dampen or block audio frequencies between approximately 300 Hz to 4000 Hz, essentially corresponding to the frequency range of the human voice. In further implementations, the sound dampening liner 140 can dampen or block audio frequencies under 300 Hz and above 4000 Hz. Understandably, the sound dampening liner 140 can be any soundproof material having the above described characteristics.

[0058] Still referring to the implementation of FIGS. 2 to 4, the container 100 includes a radio frequency shielding layer 150 configured to block electromagnetic signals generated by the portable device 200 when stored in the enclosure of the container 100. The radio frequency shielding layer 150 can therefore act as a Faraday shield around the portable device 200. The radio frequency shielding layer 150 can define the first compartment 120, or it can be integrated or connected to a fabric material defining the first compartment 120. At the very least, the radio frequency shielding layer 150 substantially or completelysurrounds the first compartment 120. The radio frequency shielding layer 150 can be integrated to or connected to the fabric material defining the first compartment 120 with any method known in the art, such as sewing or gluing. The radio frequency shielding layer 150 can also be connected to the sound dampening liner 140 with any method known in the art, such as sewing or gluing. In some implementations, the radio frequency blocking layer 150 comprises a conductive material, such as a metallic-based material, adapted to block or shield from radio frequencies. In further implementations, the metallic-based material of the radio frequency blocking layer 150 includes a foil adapted to block electromagnetic signals. For example, the foil can block electromagnetic signals having frequencies between 3 Hz and 30 MHz, or between 700 Hz and 5.8 MHz.

[0059] Specifically referring to FIG. 2, the first compartment 120 can include an overlap 126, or overlapping part. The overlap 126 is configurable between an opened configuration wherein the first compartment opening 122 is opened and a closed configuration wherein the first compartment opening 122 is closed due to being covered by the overlap 126. The overlap 126 can cover the first compartment opening 122 and can work in tandem with the first compartment closing mechanism to do so or can replace the first compartment closing mechanism. For example, the first compartment closing mechanism can be a zipper closing the first compartment opening 122 whereas the overlap 126 can cover the zipper and therefore also cover the first compartment opening 122. The overlap 126 can be a continuation of the radio frequency shielding layer 150, and as such can be a piece of fabric made from the same material as the radio frequency shielding layer 150. When covering the first compartment opening 122, the overlap 126 can be secured to an outside surface of the radio frequency shielding layer 150 by various mechanisms, such as with hook-and-loop fasteners and magnets. The use of magnets for connecting the overlap 126 to the radio frequency shielding layer 150 may be contemplated specifically when improved radio frequency shielding properties are contemplated, as they can improve sealing of the radio frequencies within the first compartment 120.

[0060] Although the type of portable device 200 which can be received by the first compartment 120 can be a smartphone, other types of portable devices 200 having a microphone 210 with sound recording capabilities can be envisioned. For example, theportable device 200 can be a tablet, an electronic reader, a smart watch or a laptop. With the portable device 200 to be received within the first compartment 120 having a range of possible shapes and dimensions, the first compartment 120 can thus also have a range of shapes and dimensions for fully receiving most of the portable devices 200 that are commercially available. Furthermore, the first compartment 120 can have dimensions that are larger, such as 1 inch larger per dimension, than the larger portable devices 200 commercially available.

[0061] Referring to the implementation of FIG. 5, a schematic representation of the electromagnetic and sound waves circulating in and around the wallet-type container 100 is illustrated. The wallet-type container 100 is shown in a closed configuration, such that the enclosure opening 114 is closed off. Within the enclosure 112 of the container 100, the first compartment 120 houses the portable device 200 having a microphone 210 which can record noises and sounds. The noises and sounds can be human speech of the user of the portable device 200. Still within the enclosure 112, next to the first compartment 120, the second compartment 130 houses the noise emitting device 300. Sound waves can be generated from at least two sources. Voice waves 420 can be generated from outside of the wallet-type container 100 by the user having a conversation. The voice waves 420 travel towards the portable device 200, and although they can be dampened due to the sound dampening liner 140, residual voice waves 420 can still reach the microphone 210 of the portable device 200. Noise waves 410 can be generated from inside the wallet-type container 100 by the noise emitting device 300. The noise waves 410 can travel towards the outside of the wallet-type container 100 and may be dampened by the sound dampening liner 140. The noise waves 410 can also travel towards the first compartment 120. The noise waves 410 being generated adjacent the microphone 210 of the portable device 200, they can thus substantially or completely muffle the voice waves 420 originating from further away. In one possible implementation, the noise generated by the noise emitting device 300 is customized, audible noise based on the user's voice, such that this personalized noise can mask the user’s conversations and prevent human, electronic or even forensic medical eavesdropping.

[0062] In addition, electromagnetic waves 500 can be generated by the portable device 200 for example to communicate via a Wi-Fi-local network, a Bluetooth™ connection ora cell tower or antenna. The radio frequency shielding layer 150 can therefore block or shield the electromagnetic waves 500 in the radio part of the electromagnetic spectrum generated by the portable device 200 from leaving the first compartment 120. The radio frequency shielding layer thus prevents other devices from intercepting radio communications emitted by the portable phone 200 (such as a smartphone) while it is in the pouch 100.

[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, another implementation of the container 100 is shown. In this implementation, the container 100 is shaped as a substantially flat bag, and can therefore be referred to as a bag-type container 100. It can be appreciated that the bag-type container 100 can have larger dimensions than the wallet-type container 100 of the implementations of FIGS. 1 to 5 and can therefore receive items of larger dimensions. The bag-type container 100 includes the outer layer 110 that defines the enclosure 112 and, within the enclosure 112, the first compartment 120 is configured to receive the portable device 200 and the second compartment 130 is configured to receive the noise emitting device 300. The radio frequency shielding layer 150 partially or completely surrounds the first compartment 120 whereas the sound dampening layer 140 is integrated or connected to the inner surfaces of the enclosure 112. Included between the first and second compartments 120, 130 can be the separating layer 160 that allows the noise generated by the noise emitting device 300 to pass through the separating layer 160 and be picked up by the microphone 210 of the portable device 200. In the implementation shown, the separating layer 160 integrates or is connected to the radio frequency shielding layer 150.

[0064] The bag-type container 100 further includes a closing mechanism 116 for closing the enclosure opening 114. In the implementation shown, the closing mechanism 116 has the shape of a flap which can be flipped to cover the enclosure opening 114. The flap 116 can be made from the same material as the outer layer 110 and can be connected to an exterior surface of the outer layer 110 with a connecting mechanism 118 such as hooks- and-loops or magnets. The connecting mechanism 118 can be made of a material that is flexible or semi-flexible to conform with the exterior shape of the bag-type container 100.

[0065] It can be appreciated that any of the above-described elements with regard to the implementation of the wallet-type container can also be applied to the bag-type container 100 and vice versa.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 8, another implementation of the container 100 is shown. In this implementation, the container 100 is a box-type container 100. The box-type container 100 includes the first compartment 120 for receiving one or more of the portable devices 200 and the second compartment 130 for receiving the noise emitting device 300. The box-type container 100 includes a metallic material defining the enclosure 112 and providing structural strength to the container 100. The box-type container 100 can include the outer layer 110 connected over or under the metallic material. The box-type container 100 can also include the radio frequency shielding layer 150 as well as the sound dampening liner 140 on the inner surfaces of the metallic material or of the outer layer 110. The first and second compartments 120, 130 can be divided by the separating layer 160 that allows the noise generated by the noise emitting device 300 to pass through and be picked up by the microphone 210 of the portable device 200. The separating layer 160 can be made of a hard material to support the weight of multiple portable devices 200 without significant elastic deformation. The first compartment 120 can be accessed by hinging of a cover 170 whereas the second compartment 130 can be accessed by removing the separating layer 160 or by a slot, not shown, for inserting and removing the noise emitting device 300.

[0067] A power cable 172 linked to a power connector 174 accessible from the exterior of the box-type container 100 can also be included within the enclosure 112. There can be one or more power cables 172 linked to the power connector 174 and they can be located in the first and / or the second compartment 120, 130. It will be appreciated that the noise emitting device 300 or the one or more portable devices 200 stored in the box-type container 100 and connected to the power cable 172 can thus have their battery charged while remaining within the box-type container 100.

[0068] It can be appreciated that any of the above-described elements with regard to the implementation of the wallet-type or bag-type containers can also be applied to the boxtype container 100 and vice versa.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 9, yet another implementation of the container 100 is shown. In this implementation, the container 100 is a wall enclosure type container 100. This implementation of the container 100 can be best suited for installations that are semipermanent or permanent, such as installations that are embedded in walls or furniture. The wall enclosure type 100 container includes the first compartment 120 for receiving one or more of the portable devices 200 and the second compartment 130 for receiving the noise emitting device 300. The first compartment 120 includes shelves 180 with holders 182, each of the holders 182 being adapted for receiving at least one of the portable devices 200. The second compartment 130, which can be located above the first compartment 120, receives the noise emitting device 300. The first and second compartments 120, 130 can be separated by the separating layer 160, not shown, that supports the noise emitting device 300. The enclosure 112 defined by the outer layer 110 and / or metallic material of the wall enclosure type container 100 includes the radio frequency shielding layer 150 and the sound dampening liner 140 on the inner surfaces thereof. The wall enclosure type container 100 also includes a door 184 pivoting about a hinge which can be locked or unlocked by a locking mechanism 186. In this embodiment, there could be a single noise emitting device 300 located in the box enclosure type container 100 for several portable devices 200. The noise emitting device 300 could therefore generate noise based on the voice of several users, corresponding or not to the owners of the portable devices 200. In another embodiment, each portable device 200 could be associated with a noise emitting device 300 adapted to generate scrambled and mixed voice frames, corresponding to that of the portable device owner. In this case, the container 100 for preventing intelligible voice recordings would comprise several pairs of first and second compartments 120, 130.

[0070] It can be appreciated that any of the above-described elements with regard to the implementation of the wallet-type, bag-type and box-type containers can also be applied to the wall enclosure type container 100 and vice versa.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 10, yet another implementation of the container 100 is shown. In this implementation, the container 100 is a tent type container 100. The tent type container 100 is configured to receive one or more people within the enclosure 112 defined by the outer layer 110. The tent type container 100 is further configured to preventintelligible voice recordings by one or more of the portable devices 200, and to prevent clandestine eavesdropping from one or more people located outside of the tent type container 100. It can therefore be appreciated that in this possible implementation of the container 100, the container 100 prevents travel of the voice waves 420 from within the container 100 towards outside of the same. People located inside the tent type container 100 may therefore have conversations without the risk of being intelligibly recorded by recording devices 200 or understood by people located outside of the same.

[0072] The enclosure opening 114 of the tent type container 100 can be sealed by a closing mechanism 116. In this implementation, the closing mechanism 116 includes a flap and magnets respectively disposed on the outside surface of the outer layer 110, around the enclosure opening 114, and on an opposite surface of the flap. The flap 116 can be rolled on itself to provide access to the enclosure 112 or flattened out to prevent access thereof. Understandably, other closing mechanisms 116 could be envisioned.

[0073] The outer layer 110 of the container 100 is integrated with or connected to at least two other layers, a first being a sound dampening liner 140, and a second being a radio frequency shielding layer 150. In this implementation, the sound dampening liner 140 is integrated or connected to the outer layer 110 on the inner surfaces thereof. The radio frequency shielding layer 150 is integrated or connected to the outer layer 110 on the outside surfaces thereof. This configuration of layers departs from the configurations of the other implementations described hereabove since the voice waves 420 are generated inside the enclosure 112 rather than outside of the same and because the portable device 200 having noise recording capabilities and the people eavesdropping are located outside of the tent type container 100 rather than inside the same.

[0074] The noise emitting device 300 can be installed between the sound dampening liner 140 and the radio frequency shielding layer 150. The noise emitting device 300 can be permanently installed or temporarily installed to the tent type container 100. The noise emitting device 300 can be configured to emit noise waves 410 towards the outside of the tent type container 100. The container 100 can include a second compartment 130, located between the sound dampening liner 140 and the radio frequency shielding layer 150, to receive the noise emitting device 300. Accordingly, the container 100 can includea second compartment opening 132 located on an inner surface of the container 100 such that it can be installed, removed, and accessed by people located inside the tent type container 100. It will be appreciated that in other implementations, the noise emitting device 300 can be installed on any one of the surfaces, inner or outer, of the tent type container 100. For example, the noise emitting device 300 can be installed on a window 190 of the tent type container 100.

[0075] It will further be appreciated that the noise emitting device 300 can be installed on inner or outer surfaces of other types of containers, such as on or inside a wall, ceiling, floor or window of a room of a building. For example, the noise emitting device 300 can be installed between drywall of a building. Understandably, the noise emitting device 300 can be installed on any surface of a container to prevent intelligible voice recording or eavesdropping between the inside and outside of the same.

[0076] It can be appreciated that any of the above-described elements with regard to the implementation of the wallet-type, bag-type, box-type, and wall enclosure type containers can also be applied to the tent type container 100 and vice versa.

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 11 to 15, an exemplary noise emitting device 300 is shown. The noise emitting device 300 includes a housing 310 further including sound holes 312 defined on an upper panel of the housing 310 thereof. The sound holes 312 are defined as a plurality of apertures allowing passage of sound or noise from inside the noise emitting device 300 towards outside of the noise emitting device 300. The quantity and shape of the sound holes 312 and their configuration on the upper panel of the housing 310 can vary in other implementations. In some implementations, the noise emitting device 300 can be shaped similarly to the portable device 200. For example, the noise emitting device 300 can be shaped akin to a smartphone.

[0078] Referring specifically to FIGS. 12, 13 and 15, the inside of the noise emitting device 300 is shown with components included therein. The noise emitting device 300 includes a programmable control board (PCB) 360 that is connected to and powered by a battery 350. The PCB 360 is also connected to noise emitting speakers 340 that are conveniently located below the sound holes 312. It will be appreciated that the noiseemitted from the noise emitting speakers 340 can thus travel through the sound holes 312 and away from the noise emitting device 300.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, outside surfaces of the housing 310 include visual indicators 320 and control mechanisms 330. The visual indicators 320 can be one or more of: an ON-OFF indicator for indicating if the noise emitting device is activated or deactivated, a battery indicator, a noise indicator and a Bluetooth® indicator. The control mechanisms can include buttons and switches, can be analog or digital, and can be one or more of: an ON-OFF button for activating or deactivating the noise emitting device, a factory reset button, a noise ON-OFF switch, a Bluetooth® ON-OFF switch, a volume UP button, and a volume DOWN button. Understandably, other types of visual indicators 320 or control mechanisms 330 corresponding with the features described here above can be contemplated. Referring specifically to FIG. 14, the noise emitting device 300 can include a stopper 370. The stopper 370 protrudes above the upper surface of the housing 310 such that it can stop, or at least limit, contact between the upper surface of the housing 310 and other items, such as the portable device 200. The stopper 370 can therefore limit scratching of the exterior surfaces of the noise emitting device 300 and of the portable device 200. The stopper 370 can be made from a material having high elasticity and / or low scratching properties, such as rubber. Understandably, the shape, size and disposition of the stopper 370 on the housing 310 of the noise emitting device 300 can vary in other implementations. In some implementations, the stopper 370 can include a magnetic material such that it can be magnetically secured to a magnetic surface. In other implementations, a magnetic part, not shown, can be integrated under or above the stopper 370 to allow the noise emitting device 300 to be secured to a magnetic surface. In yet other implementations, a layer, no shown, with adhesive properties can be integrated or connected over the stopper 370 to allow adhesion of the noise emitting device 300 to a surface. It will be noted that component 370 may therefore have functions other than those of a stopper, and may only be used as a connector, to facilitate attachment of the device to any surface in a room, such as a wall or a pane of glass.

[0080] The noise emitting device 300 can wirelessly communicate with the portable device 200, when the portable device 200 is not in the container 100, by using a communication protocol such as Bluetooth®. The portable device 200 can store andexecute an application, not shown, for controlling the noise emitting device 300. The noise emitting device 300 can also be provided with volatile and non-volatile memory, including non-transitory memory, that can store a dedicated I custom software application. The non- transitory memory can also store the audio frames corresponding to mixed voice segments, preferably corresponding to the voice segments from the owner or user of the portable device 200. The noise emitting device 300 comprises a processor to run the dedicated application, so as to play on the loudspeaker 340 of the noise emitting device 300 the mixed voice segments. In another implementation, the noise emitting device 300 can be in wireless communication with a remote computer or device, not shown, located outside of the container 100. The remote device can therefore transmit instructions to the noise emitting device 300 or to the portable device 200 which is in turn in communication with the noise emitting device 300. The portable device 200 and / or the remote device can be controlled by the user.

[0081] The noise emitting device 300 is configured to generate noise or sounds based on a voice of the user of the portable device 200. The noise emitting device 300 can also be configured to generate the noise based on the voice of a specific user in voice range from the noise emitting device 300 when housed within the container 100. The noise emitting device 300 is further configured to mix prerecorded voice recordings from the recorded voice of the user to prevent intelligibility of speech of the user from being recorded by the microphone 210 of the portable device 200. In further implementations, the noise emitting device 300 can mix a plurality of voice recordings from a plurality of users to generate the noise. This can specifically be useful when multiple users are having a discussion next to the noise emitting device 300. I can also be appreciated that a single noise emitting device 300 can be used to generate noise for a plurality of portable devices 200; and that a plurality of noise emitting devices 300 can be used to generate noise for a single or a plurality of portable devices 200. For example, referring back to the implementation of FIG. 2, the third compartment 136 can house a second noise emitting device 300 which can function in combination with a first noise emitting device 300 housed within the second compartment 130.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 16, a process diagram of a method of preventing intelligible voice recordings using a portable pouch is shown. The method includes the steps of:inserting the portable device 200 of the user in the first compartment 120 of the container 100; inserting the noise emitting device 300 in the second compartment 130 of the container 100; dampening, with the sound dampening liner 140, sound generated by the noise emitting device 300, and / or by the portable device 200, and / or by the user having a conversation, from travelling between the inside and the outside of the container 100; and generating, by the noise emitting device 300, noise based on the voice of the user of the portable device 200 to prevent intelligibility of speech of the user being recorded by the microphone 210 of the portable device 200. The method can further include the step of blocking electromagnetic waves 500, such as transmission signals, generated by the portable device 200 with the radio frequency blocking layer 150 covering the first compartment 120 that houses the portable device 200. The method can further include the step of mixing prerecorded voice recordings of the user to generate the noise emitted by the noise emitting device 300. Furthermore, the method can include the step of controlling the noise emitting device 300 with control buttons 330 provided on the noise emitting device 300 and / or via an application executable by the portable device 200, and / or via a computerized device located outside of the container 100.

[0083] As can be appreciated, the container 100 described above enables a user to ensure that his conversations cannot be recorded by his own device, without his knowledge. Spyware is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and can simulate that a device is switched off, when in fact it is programmed to record the user's conversations incognito. Providing a container 100 with a noise-emitting device 300, where the noise generated is based on voice pre-recordings, ideally originating from the user, prevents the decryption of user conversations that could be recorded without the user’s knowledge. Combining the user’s voice with an audio frame composed of randomly mixed segments of the user's voice prevents the best speech recognition software from deciphering the user's speech. What's more, the inclusion of a sound dampening liner 140 or material in the container 100 allows user to use the container seamlessly, as the sounds generated by the noise emitting device 300 are dampened and remain trapped within the container 100. Finally, the radio-frequency / EMI shield, due to the radio frequency shielding layer 150, surrounding the portable device 200 when placed in the container 100 further enhances privacy, as conversations that might be recorded by the portable device 200cannot be retransmitted wirelessly when the portable device 200 is inside the container 100.

[0084] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. It will be appreciated that the methods described herein can be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order. A person with common technical knowledge would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of common technical knowledge would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the product can have other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the product is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the product is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container for preventing intelligible voice recordings, comprising: a first compartment configured to receive a portable device of a user, the portable device having a microphone with sound recording capabilities; a second compartment configured to receive a noise emitting device; a sound dampening liner configured to damper sound generated by the portable device and / or by the noise emitting device between an inside and an outside of the container; and a radio frequency shielding layer configured to block radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum generated by the portable device, the first and second compartments being configured such that noise emitted by the noise emitting device is received by the microphone of the portable device, thus preventing intelligible voice recordings.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency shielding layer surrounds or defines at least the first compartment.

3. The container of claim 1 or 2, comprising an outer layer defining an enclosure, the enclosure comprising the first and second compartments.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the sound dampening liner is an inner layer integrated or connected to the outer layer.

5. The container of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a closable enclosure opening providing access to both the first and second compartments.

6. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second compartments are provided with respective first and second closable compartment openings.

7. The container of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the radio frequency shielding layer comprises a metallic-based material adapted to block radio frequencies.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the radio frequency blocking layer comprises a foil adapted to block the electromagnetic signals having frequencies between 3 Hz and 30 MHz, and more precisely between 700 Hz and 5.8 MHz.

9. The container of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sound dampening liner comprises fibers from one or more of silicone, vinyl, foam, and fiberglass.

10. The container of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a separating layer between the first and second compartments that allows the noise generated by the noise emitting device to pass through the separating layer and be picked up by the microphone of the portable device.

11. The container of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the container is sized and configured as one of a wallet, a bag, a box and a wall enclosure.

12. The container of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first and second compartments are substantially flat and sized to accommodate smartphones or equivalent devices.

13. The container of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first and second compartments are placed opposite each other in the container.

14. The container of any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the noise emitting device housed in the second compartment.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the noise emitting device is configured to generate the noise based on a voice of the user of the portable device.

16. The container of claim 14 or 15, wherein the noise emitting device is in wireless communication and receives commands from a computerized device located outside of the container.

17. The container of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the noise emitting device is configured to mix prerecorded voice recordings of the user to prevent intelligibility of speech of the user if recorded by the microphone of the portable device.

18. The container of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the noise emitting device is shaped and configured as a smartphone.

19. The container of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the noise emitting device is controllable with control buttons provided on the noise emitting device and / or via an application executable by the portable device.

20. The container of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the portable device is one of a smart phone, tablet, electronic reader and laptop.

21. A method of preventing intelligible voice recordings using the container of any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: inserting the portable device of the user in the first compartment of the container; inserting the noise emitting device in the second compartment of the container; generating, by the noise emitting device, noise based on the voice of the user of the portable device to prevent intelligibility of speech of the user if recorded by the microphone of the portable device; and dampening, with the sound dampening liner, sound generated by the portable device and / or the noise generated by the noise emitting device, and / or sound generated by the user having a conversation, from travelling between the inside and the outside of the container.

22. The method of claim 21 , further comprising the step of: blocking transmission signals generated by the portable device with the radio frequency shielding layer of the container.

23. The method of claims 21 or 22, further comprising the step of: mixing prerecorded voice recordings of the user to generate the noise emitted by the noise emitting device.

24. The method of any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising the step of: controlling the noise emitting device with control buttons provided on the noise emitting device and / or via an application executable by the portable device.

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