Audio Information Device

This invention relates to an audio information device such as used in displays, e.g. zoos and the like, wherein by activating a switch on a receiving unit a message is conveyed to viewers of the display.

Audio information devices are in common use in various types of public displays such as zoos. Most commonly the audio information device consists of a simple playback recorder which transmits a message to the viewing audience through a loud speaker. It is also common that the recorder and message transmission is activated by a switch, often coin or key operated. These known audio information devices have several disadvantages. For example, other viewers of the display or even of neighboring displays may not be interested in hearing the message being transmitted and the broadcast in such instances is detrimental to their enjoyment of the display. Also, if the audio information devices are intended to be profitable, it is desirable to collect some fee from the entire audience benefiting from the broadcast. The loud speaker form of transmission permits an entire audience, regardless of size, to benefit from a single transmission activated, e.g. by a coin deposit. If an earphone is used to receive the information, only one person can hear the message at a time and many potential users of the device are denied that use. Also, a single display such as an exotic animal in a zoo may be the subject of much information that is of interest. All of the information may be desired by an individual viewer or only part of it. A small payment may be too cheap for the entire message while a larger payment too costly for the viewer wanting less than all the information. Also, the more information that is recorded the less frequent the use and, if earphones are used, the greater the tie-up and longer the wait and, consequently, the greater the number of potential users being denied.

The present invention is believed to substantially advance the state of the art in audio information devices such as used in association with public displays by overcoming the disadvantages described above. In the present invention, the information provided on a continuous loop recording tape includes a series of independent messages all having reference to a particular display. The recording is made on a dual channel tape with the parallel channel carrying information as to the beginning and end of each message. A single playback unit transmitting the dual messages is adapted to transmit to a multiple of receiving units. Each receiving unit is equipped with control means whereby upon activation of a switch, e.g. by depositing a coin into a receiving slot, a timer is engaged and in conjunction with the start-stop signal being transmitted from one of the tape channels, the transmission of the message on the other channel is conveyed to the earphone of that receiving unit. Upon completion of the timing cycle and the subsequent detection of the "end of message" start-stop signal, transmission is stopped. Repeated activation, i.e., depositing additional coins, will repeat the sequence, but picking up other of the messages contained on the tape.

Whereas the invention has been briefly described above, a more detailed understanding will be received by reference to the following detailed description and drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a representation of an audio information device incorporating the present invention illustrated in use at an animal display in a zoo;

FIGS. 2a and 2b respectively illustrate a receiving unit and the play back unit of the audio information device shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronics for the control unit in the receiving unit of FIG. 2a.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawing, an audio information device 10 is provided at a viewer station 12 in front of a display 14. The audio information device consists of a playback unit 16 and a multiple of receiving units 18. As especially viewed in FIG. 2, the playback unit 16 includes drive means 17 for driving an endless loop tape 20. Messages recorded on the tape are picked up by a magnetic tape readout head 22. The readout head 22 is provided with transmitting lines 24 and 26 that transmit the messages from the readout head 22 to the receiving units 18. The electronics and specific drawings of components for the playback unit are not specifically shown, in that it is well within the state of the art to provide suitable playback units having the stated capabilities. The on-off switch to activate the playback unit may be provided in a number of ways. It might simply be an on-off switch located on the playback unit. In this case the unit is continuously run during the times when the display is being shown. The on-off switch can also be connected to each of the receiving units to be activated, e.g. by a coin operated switch.

The receiving unit 18 is comprised of a control unit 38, an earphone 30, and a switch 32 activated by coins inserted through a coin slot 34. In operation, a user deposits a coin in the coin slot 34 which activates the switch 32. (Note that if the playback unit is not operating, activation of the switch 32 also starts the playback unit.) Transmission line 36 signals the control unit 38 and a timer in the control unit begins its timing cycle. Activation of the timer signals the control unit to transmit the next message recorded on the message channel 40 (being received by the control unit through line 24). The control unit 38 receives repeated start-stop signals 44 recorded on the other channel of the tape 20 through transmission line 26. Upon receiving the start-stop signal after the timing cycle is started the control unit connects the transmission line 24 with transmission lines 42a and 42b to transmit the messages 40 to the earphone 30. When the timing cycle is completed the subsequent detection of the start-stop signal 44 causes the control unit to interrupt transmission of the messages 40.

The electronics in the control unit for achieving the operation just described are schematically illustrated in FIG. 3. It will be understood that the components incorporated in the control unit 38 are standard items available to the electronics industry. Also it will be understood that the circuitry involved is within the capabilities of a person skilled in electronics and thus only a schematic representation is necessary to achieve full disclosure of the invention. As noted in FIG. 3, the signal transmitted through transmission line 36 to the control unit 38 is received by a timer 46. The timer signals an AND gate logic detector 48. The start-stop signal transmitted through line 26 to the control unit is received by an end-of-sentence-trigger-signal-detector 50 which repeatedly signals the AND gate logic detector 48 at the end of each message 40. The AND gate logic detector 48 upon receiving the sequential signals from the timer 46 and then the detector 50 transmits an on signal to an audio on-off switch 52. Upon completion of the timing cycle, the timer 46 signals a second AND gate logic detector 54. The detector 50 is similarly repeated signaling this second AND gate logic detector 54 as to the completion of the messages 40, i.e. by detecting the start-stop signals 44. Upon receiving the sequential signals from the timer at the completion of the timing cycle and then the detector 50 at the completion of a message the detector 54 transmits an off signal to the audio on-off switch 52.

Whereas persons skilled in the art of audio information devices and the electronics therefore will be capable of numerous variations and modifications to the embodiment of the invention described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited by this description, but encompasses the scope of the appended claims. For example, the electronics contained in the control unit can be reduced to a circuit board as is known to the electronics art and easily housed in the playback unit. The required multiple of circuit boards could be added as necessary without undue complication and the beneficial result is the reduced wiring between the playback unit and the receiving unit.