The present invention in general relates to a writing instrument incorporating a digital audio player and in particular to a writing instrument containing a digital audio player with a computer dockable port contained therein.
The MP3 player has become a popular format for storing and playing digital media. The popularity of this format in part rests in the ability to dock the player to an electronic device and thereby download selected digital audio programs onto the player without resort to a rotating information storage device. Current digital audio players are constructed in the form of a card insertable into a slot of an electronic device such as a computer or as a freestanding portable player intended to secure to a waistband or belt. Unfortunately, these formats for a digital audio player, while well suited for platform usage or physical activity, respectively, represent an awkward format for academic and office environments.
Currently, the testing of spoken language comprehension is limited to a speaker communicating text to a collected group of students. This approach invariably leaves some students under stimulated while other students struggle to keep pace.
Regardless of the specifics of the academic or office setting, a digital audio player integral with a pen housing places audio function controls in the hand of a user during the process of writing. As such, the act of transcribing spoken language or music is greatly facilitated. Additionally, a user listening to audio programming independent of a work task can readily stop the audio programming in the event that the process of writing consumes their attention. Thus, there exists a need for a digital audio player integrated within a pen housing.
An audio player is provided that includes a digital audio player and a writing instrument incorporated within a housing. Integration of the digital audio player into a pen facilitates transcription. A method for transcribing audio information with the audio player includes playing a digital audio file on the player and creating graphical markings with the writing instrument indicative of the file contents. Ideally, the digital audio player portion is coupled to an electronic device dockable plug facilitating transfer of digital data between the digital audio player and an electronic device.
The present invention has utility as a writing instrument storing and allowing for the playing of digital audio programs. The integration of a digital audio player into a pen facilitates transcription. Preferably, the digital audio player is detachable from the writing instrument portion to expose a computer dockable port for the transfer of files between an inventive device and a digital audio file source. Optionally, a cap is provided to protect the port when the digital audio player component is operated remote from the writing instrument component of the housing. Suitable formats for an inventive digital audio player illustratively include MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV and WMA.
As used herein, a “writing instrument” is defined to include an ink pen, a mechanical pencil, a felt tip pen and a stylus operative for data entry in an electronic device such as a PDA.
The present invention is further detailed with reference to
Also within the upper portion 12 is a battery 28. The battery 28 is preferably a button-type battery. More preferably, the battery 28 is rechargeable through the port 22 thereby allowing the upper portion 12 to remain a sealed housing so as to enhance the durability upon exposure to environmental hazards such as moisture and particulate. Alternatively, threads 32 are provided proximal to the recessed diameter 24 to allow access to a battery compartment to facilitate replacement of disposable batteries. The end 34 of the upper portion 12 includes a stereo jack 36 adapted to receive a conventional earphone or headphone. A 3.5 millimeter stereo jack is exemplary of a jack 36 operative herein. Alternatively, it is appreciated that a wireless earphone or headphone can receive a signal from the digital audio player 17 with the inclusion of a wireless antenna (not shown) within the upper portion 12.
Optionally, a clip 38 is secured to the upper portion 12 to facilitate selective attachment of an inventive device to a garment, pad of paper or the like. The skin 11 of the upper portion 12 is formed of a variety of crush-resistant materials illustratively including polycarbonate, ABS, steel, titanium, aluminum and other materials conventional to the formation of a pen skin.
In the embodiment depicted in
This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/684,081 filed May 24, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60684081 | May 2005 | US |