Claims
- 1. A digital memo recorder for a vehicle interior, comprising:
a digital audio recorder coupleable to an accessory unit of the vehicle interior, the digital audio recorder configured to receive audible sounds from the vehicle interior; and a memory interface configured to receive a removable memory unit, wherein the digital audio recorder is configured to digitize the audible sounds and to store the digitized data on the removable memory unit.
- 2. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, wherein the memory interface is configured to receive a flash memory device.
- 3. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, further comprising the accessory unit, wherein the accessory unit is a visor.
- 4. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, further comprising the accessory unit, wherein the accessory unit is a steering wheel.
- 5. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, wherein the digital audio recorder includes a digital voice recorder and a microprocessor, the microprocessor configured to receive a digital voice memo recorded by the digital voice recorder and to provide the digital voice memo to the memory interface.
- 6. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, further comprising the removable memory unit.
- 7. The digital memo recorder of claim 1, wherein the memory interface includes a hinged receiving member movable between a retracted position and a second extended position.
- 8. A method of recording digital audio messages in a vehicle interior, comprising:
receiving an audio message from within the vehicle; converting the audio message to a digital format; and storing the audio message on a removable memory unit.
- 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the removable memory unit is a flash memory device.
- 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of receiving an audio message occurs in response to actuation of a user input device.
- 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of converting includes digitizing an analog voice signal.
- 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
accessing the audio message from the removable memory unit; and playing the audio message in the vehicle interior.
- 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising directly accessing one of a plurality of stored audio messages in response to actuation of a user input device.
- 14. An accessory unit for the interior of a vehicle, comprising:
an accessory unit base coupleable to the interior of a vehicle; a digital audio recorder coupled to the accessory unit base configured to receive audible sounds from the vehicle interior; and a memory interface configured to receive a removable memory unit, wherein the digital audio recorder is configured to digitize the audible sounds and to store the digitized data on the removable memory unit.
- 15. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the accessory unit base is part of a visor.
- 16. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the accessory unit base is part of a steering wheel.
- 17. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the accessory unit base is part of a dashboard.
- 18. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the accessory unit base is part of a steering wheel.
- 19. The accessory unit of claim 14, further comprising a display coupled to the accessory unit base configured to provide visual information to an operator.
- 20. The accessory unit of claim 14, wherein the digital audio recorder is configured to receive voice data from a two-way communication link, and the digital audio recorder is further configured to store the voice data on the removable memory unit.
- 21. The accessory unit of claim 14, further comprising an input device configured to control digitizing the audible sounds and storing the digitized data.
Parent Case Info
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/233,384, filed Sep. 18, 2000, titled “DIGITAL MEMO RECORDER HAVING REMOVABLE MEMORY UNIT FOR VEHICLE INTERIOR.”
PCT Information
Filing Document |
Filing Date |
Country |
Kind |
PCT/US01/28900 |
9/18/2001 |
WO |
|