WO1994022113A1

WO1994022113A1 - Miniaturized electronic appliance

Info

Publication number: WO1994022113A1
Application number: PCT/EP1994/000754
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philipp J. Schneider
Original assignee: Schneider Philipp J
Priority date: 1993-03-25
Filing date: 1994-03-10
Publication date: 1994-09-29
Also published as: ATE161345T1; DE59404830D1

Abstract

Besides selecting a predetermined number of miniaturized appliances among a plurality of miniaturized appliances at locations spaced apart from each other, a miniaturized electronic appliance transmits additional information to the users of the selected miniaturized appliances, at the same time making it possible to select if required among different play variations. The miniaturized appliance is designed as a credit card or small plate and receives acoustic signals emitted by a television receiver and containing at least one set of data, through a wireless signal reception unit designed as a piezoelectric element. The appliance decodes the received signals and transmits them to a microprocessor which compares the decoded signals to stored base or identification data and emits a warning signal, as well as an additional information-carrying signal, when the decoded signals at least partially match the stored data.

Description

Small electronic device

The invention relates to a small electronic device, comprising at least one integrated energy source, in particular a power supply, a signal recording unit and a microprocessor connected to the latter and a read-only memory (ROM) and including a RAM for recording and evaluating signals or data recorded in the small device stored basic or identification data, and at least one signal output component connected to the microprocessor, which generates at least one signal if the received signal at least partially matches the stored basic or identification data.

Such a small electronic device is known (DE-OS 41 11 720) and is used to trigger one element or several elements from a large number of elements. A small device is assigned to each element; This compares frequency signals emitted by a transmitter with programmed identification tones stored in the small device, the frequencies of which are below the emitted frequencies and, if they match, generates a corresponding signal via a signal transmitter, so that the associated element is identified as selected can be. However, the use of this small device designed as a brooch is limited to the selection of one or more elements from a number of elements located in a room, limited by the frequencies used and the number of bits used for coding. There is no provision for a selection of one or more elements from such a large number of elements that exceed such a plurality and are located in different rooms or at locations that are widely separated from one another. Furthermore, no further signals or information can be given to the selected one from this small device. In addition, the use of this small device is aimed exclusively at a simple selection or drawing. No other applications are possible.

In contrast, the object of the invention is to create a small device of the type mentioned at the outset which, in addition to selecting a predetermined number from a large number of small devices which are also located at spatially far apart locations, additionally provides the user of the selected small devices with further information, It is therefore independent of a locally limited game location, whereby at the same time a selection from various game variations should be made possible.

In a small device of the type mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved in that the small device is designed in the manner of a credit card or small plate and contains at least one data record containing acoustic signals transmitted wirelessly by a television set, via the acoustic signals designed as a piezoelectric element The signal recording unit receives and the received signals are decoded and fed to the microprocessor, and that the microprocessor compares the decoded signals with the stored basic or identification data and, if the received signal at least partially matches them, a signal which attracts the attention of the user and additionally a generates another signal emitting information. In this way, an easily manageable small electronic device is created to fulfill the task, with which e.g. during television games or television shows winners can be determined among the holders of the small devices or cards according to the invention. In addition, with the small device according to the invention, significantly more elements or small devices, even at the height of an ion, with different ones

Identification features can be achieved as this through the State of the art solutions would be possible. In order to make available as many as possible game variants, which can be contained in the read-only memory and which can be contained in the read-only memory, in a cost-effective and simple manner, the RAM connected to the microprocessor or integrated into it contains the necessary identification indicators and triggers the desired programs in ROM.

Advantageously, the signal delivery component can comprise optical and / or acoustic display elements, so that the signals and information sent by the check card can be easily and easily recognized by the user.

In the case of a particularly inexpensive small electronic device, the signal output component preferably comprises the piezoelectric element for generating a tone and an LCD display for visualizing optical information. The simultaneous use of the piezoelectric element as a signal recording unit and as a signal output component makes the card according to the invention particularly inexpensive to provide, the acoustic signals transmitted by it being able to be received and evaluated without a direct connection to a television set. If the signal and identification code of the card match or even partially match, the respective user receives an acoustic signal via the piezoelectric element, which informs them that they have hit in the manner of a "pull". In the event of such a win, the LCD display on the card can provide further optical information on how to "deal" with this win.

To increase the service life of the small device designed as a TV card, a battery supplying a RAM assigned to the microprocessor and at least one solar cell supplying the microprocessor can be provided as energy sources. to be seen. By supplying the microprocessor with a solar cell, the use of an on / off switch is unnecessary, since the microprocessor can always work with sufficient light energy, while the battery that supplies the RAM permanently is particularly inexpensive and has a long service life as a lithium battery can be provided.

The small appliance according to the invention can advantageously comprise a confirmation button. In this way, after the acoustic information has been sent out in the event of a win, the information to be displayed can be stored. It is also possible to integrate the confirmation key within the circuit in such a way that the information that can be optically displayed on the LCD display can be switched through.

The confirmation key can be actuated within a certain time interval after the at least partial correspondence of the sent data record with the stored data record has been signaled, in order to store the optical information displayed over a specific time period.

The card according to the invention can comprise at least one delete button with which the information stored in the RAM and made visible on the LCD display can be deleted.

Advantageously, two delete buttons can be provided, which are integrated in the small device at a spacing and only delete the information stored in the RAM when they are pressed simultaneously. Accidental deletion of the information stored in the card is thus largely ruled out.

An amplifier can be integrated in the small device according to the invention for simplified evaluation and better reception. In order to recognize the coded data record transmitted in the transmitted acoustic signal, the card can comprise a multi-tone decoder which is connected to the microprocessor.

To increase the variety of uses, several game variants stored in a ROM can be integrated in the small device. For example, it is possible for the LCD display to signal a sequence of numbers, in particular a telephone number, in the case of the received, decoded signal and the stored identification identifier, which enables the owner of the small device to do so Calling the telephone number and announcing its address for the purpose of receiving a prize or similar.

It is furthermore possible that if the data record sent and the stored data record at least partially match, a certain number of points can be stored in the RAM for collection. With a certain number of points collected, the card holder can collect a profit. The score can advantageously only be stored in the RAM after the confirmation key has been actuated.

Another game can consist in the fact that the acoustic signal transmitted by the television encoded contains a number and a specific place or position on the LCD display and that a signal is triggered when the LCD display is filled accordingly.

The forms of information and games mentioned are exemplary. In the sense of the invention, it is entirely possible to develop and use further game forms.

Further advantages and embodiments or possibilities of the invention emerge from the following description of the in the schematic drawing embodiments shown. Show it

Fig. 1 is a view of a surface side of the small device according to the invention and

2 shows a signal flow diagram of a small electronic device designed in the manner of a check card.

An inventive small device 1 designed as a check card or small plate comprises on one surface side an LCD display 12 functioning as a signal output component 7 for optical information, a piezoelectric element 9, solar cells 6, which also functions as a signal output component 7 and a signal recording unit 8. a confirmation key 10 as well as two delete keys 11 arranged at different edge areas of the small device 1. The piezoelectric element 9 can receive the acoustic signals sent by a television set and in the event of a win, that is to say at least partial agreement of one in the acoustic signal emit a coded data record with an identification number or basic data stored in the small device in order to signal the user of the match.

The link between the functional elements located in the card can be seen in FIG. 2. Thereafter, the small device 1 according to the invention comprises a microprocessor 4 with a read-only memory 3 designed as a ROM and a RAM 2. Furthermore, there are two power supplies in the form of a battery 5 and a solar cell 6, an optical signal output component 7 in the form of the LCD display 12 and a piezoelectric element 9, which acts both as a signal output component 7 and as a signal recording unit 8. For better evaluation of the signals received and sent, this can Small device 1 additionally include amplifier 13. To decode the recorded coded acoustic signals - which exist as a sequential sequence of multi-tone or multi-frequency signals, with part of the information, for example a number, being encrypted in each individual multi-frequency signal - multi-tone Decoder 14 integrated in the card. These decode the received signals and send them to the microprocessor 4. A special identification code, which usually only coincides in small numbers, is stored in RAM 2, so that the small device, as an active element, is able to receive acoustic signals, to evaluate them and to identify them with its own identification number compare and to give an acoustic signal to the user via the piezoelectric element 9 if the received signal and the stored identification mark match at least in part. In such a case, in addition, optical information is output via the LCD display 12 functioning as a signal output component 7. The RAM 2 is supplied by the battery 6, whereas the solar cell 6 supplies the microprocessor 4. This eliminates the need to use an on / off switch.

The small device 1 according to the invention can be used in particular in the field of television advertising and viewer interaction, it being acquired by customers in the form of a credit card calculator or distributed to its customers by companies which want to advertise with it. For this purpose, it is provided that the small device according to the invention is placed in the area of the loudspeaker of a television set without a direct electrical or electronic connection. If one or more winners of giveaways, travel or the like are now to be included in an advertising broadcast. are determined, the transmitter emits a signal in the form of a tone sequence via its sound channel, which contains an identification code in encrypted form. All check cards according to the invention which record this tone sequence from the loudspeaker of the television set decode via the multiple encoders 14 the transmitted signal and compare it with the stored identification identifier. The sound from the television set is picked up by the piezoelectric element 9. If the transmitted signal matches the respective identification mark, an acoustic signal is first emitted via the piezoelectric element 9, which indicates to the cardholder that he has won, for example. The latter can then actuate the confirmation key 10 on the check card, as a result of which optical information which is visible on the LCD display 12 remains recognizable for a relatively long time. For example, a telephone number can be made visible which only the actual winner of a telephone number to be dialed knows. The winner can then dial the appropriate number and announce his address or participate in the program. What is important is the program stored in the device, which recognizes the transmitted sound sequences, decodes the content, compares this with the identification mark stored in the card and, if the result matches, must be able to generate the corresponding acoustic signals and optical information.

Each small device according to the invention can be equipped with different types of games. For example, the card Collect points so that a profit can be redeemed for a certain number of points, which can be called up via the confirmation key 10 and is displayed on the LCD display 12. The number of points stored in RAM 2 is deleted by actuating both delete keys 11 so that a new game can begin.

It is also possible, for example, to delete all the places on the LCD display and to send out a coded signal when sending an advertising broadcast, which contains a number and a specific place within the LCD display 12. A winning case is available when all positions on the LCD display are filled with digits.

Claims

Expectations

1. Small electronic device comprising at least one integrated energy source, in particular a power supply, a signal recording unit and a microprocessor connected to the latter and a read-only memory (ROM) and including a RAM for recording and evaluating recorded signals or data, taking into account the basis stored in the small device - or identification data, as well as at least one signal delivery component switched with the microprocessor, which generates at least one signal if the received signal at least partially matches the stored basic or identification data, characterized in that the small device (1 ) like a

Check card or small plate is formed and receives wireless signals from a television set containing at least one data set via the signal pick-up unit (8) designed as a piezoelectric element (9) and decodes the received signals to the microprocessor (4) , and that it compares the decoded signals with the stored basic or identification data and, if the received signal at least partially matches them, a signal that attracts the attention of the user and, in addition, another signal that provides information ¬ nal generated.

2. Small device according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e - k e n n z e i c h n e t that the signal output components (7) include optical and / or acoustic display elements.

3. Small device according to claim 1 or 2, dadurchge - indicates that the Signalabgabekomponen¬ ten (7), the piezoelectric element (9) for generation a sound and an LCD display (12) for visualizing optical information.

4. Small device according to one of claims 1 to 3, - characterized in that as energy sources a one of the microprocessor (4) associated RAM (2) supplying battery (5) and at least one microprocessor (4) supplying solar cell (6) are provided.

5. Small device according to claim 4, so that the battery (5) supplying the read-only memory (3) is designed as a lithium battery.

6. Small appliance according to one of claims 1 to 5, d a ¬ d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that it comprises at least one confirmation key (10).

7. Small appliance according to claim 6, dadurchge ¬ indicates that the confirmation key (10) can be actuated within a certain time interval after signaling the at least partial correspondence of the sent data record with the stored data record, in order to display the optical information via egg save a certain period of time.

8. Small appliance according to one of claims 1 to 7, d a ¬ d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that it comprises at least one delete key (11).

9. Small device according to claim 8, dadurchge ¬ indicates that two delete keys (11) are provided which are spatially spaced in the small device (1) integrated and cause simultaneous actuation of a deletion of the information stored in RAM (3).

10. Small device according to one of claims 1 to 9, d a ¬ d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that an amplifier (13) is integrated in it.

11. Small device according to one of claims 1 to 10, d a ¬ d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that it comprises a multi-tone decoder (14) which is connected to the microprocessor (4).

12. Small device according to one of claims 1 to 11, d a ¬ d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that in it several game variants stored in a ROM (3) can be integrated.

13. Small device according to claim 12, d a d u r c h g e - e n n z e i c h n t that the LCD display (12) signals at least partial correspondence of the received, decoded signal with the stored identification code a sequence of numbers, in particular a telephone number.

14. Small device according to claim 12, so that a certain number of points for collecting in the RAM (2) can be stored in the case of at least partial agreement of the sent data record with the stored data record.

15. Small appliance according to claim 14, so that the number of points can be stored in the RAM (2) after actuation of the confirmation key (10).

16. Small appliance according to claim 12, dadurchge ¬ indicates that the acoustic signal transmitted by the television encodes a number and one contains a certain space on the LCD display (12) and triggers a signal when the LCD display (12) is filled accordingly.