초록 ▼

A miniature, battery-operated electronic unit adapted to be attached to a common article such as keys or eyeglasses. The unit is responsive to a plurality of sounds for emitting audible tones to enable a misplaced article to be located. A sound detecting and indicating circuit provides the audible t

A miniature, battery-operated electronic unit adapted to be attached to a common article such as keys or eyeglasses. The unit is responsive to a plurality of sounds for emitting audible tones to enable a misplaced article to be located. A sound detecting and indicating circuit provides the audible tones upon receipt of a sequence of sounds falling within predetermined frequency, time spacing and amplitude ranges. The correct sequence of sounds is generated by the user by clapping, whistling or making any other loud sounds, and no additional transmitting device is required. Improper sequences of sounds are prevented from producing false activation of the unit. Extremely low power consumption, resulting in part from CMOS technology, allows the unit to remain on continuously for a period of six to nine months using standard camera (button cell) batteries. Special battery-saver circuitry prolongs battery life. The unit can be fabricated using gate array or custom chip technology, which results in extremely small size and low cost of manufacture. A visual indicator (270) allows the user to learn proper operation.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus, which comprises: a miniature battery-powered electronic unit adapted to be attached to a common article such as keys or eyeglasses and including means responsive to a plurality of human-generated sounds for emitting audible tones to enable the common article to be located, said means comp

Apparatus, which comprises: a miniature battery-powered electronic unit adapted to be attached to a common article such as keys or eyeglasses and including means responsive to a plurality of human-generated sounds for emitting audible tones to enable the common article to be located, said means comprising: (a) transducer means responsive to said sounds for generating first signals; (b) signal processing means, connected to said transducer means, for providing a binary pulse when each of said first signals exceeds a preselected threshold level; and (c) detector means, connected to said signal processing means, for producing an output signal when a plurality of said binary pulses is received by said detector means within a first predetermined time period.