Portable messaging and scheduling device with homebase station

Abstract

A portable device ( 10 ) for selective message recordation and playback and scheduling includes a portable unit ( 11 ) and an optional homebase station ( 12 ). Portable unit ( 11 ) includes a housing ( 15 ), unit controller ( 20 ), tactile input mechanism ( 40 ) audio processor ( 60 ) and video processor ( 80 ). Portable unit ( 11 ) allows textual, audible and visual message inputs and their selective playback based on time or other preselected textual, audible or visual stimulus. A selectively detachable stylus ( 51 ) may be removed to engage a touch panel ( 50 ) for making operational selections and entering information. Optional homebase station ( 12 ) may include a variety of features for supporting and supplementing those of handheld unit ( 11 ), such as a floppy drive ( 112 ) message memory, input keys ( 114 ), a battery charging circuit ( 115 ) and an external communication circuit ( 117 ).

1 . A personal organizer and messaging device, comprising: 
 a handheld unit dimensioned for handheld grasping and carrying substantially within a shirt pocket including:    audio input means for receiving and recording an audio message and generating a representative audio message signal;    memory means for storing said audio message signal;    processor means for non-sequentially selectively recalling said audio message signal;    audio output means for receiving said non-sequentially selectively recalled audio message signal and for playing back said non-sequentially selectively recalled audio message;    a handheld housing for carrying said audio input means, said memory means, said processor means, said audio output means; and,    a portable station including an auxiliary display, said portable station in selective engagement with said handheld unit.    
   
   
       2 . The device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said portable station includes a housing having a first side and a second side, said auxiliary display visible from said first side, and said second side includes a cradle receiving said unit.  
   
   
       3 . The device as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said housing includes a first housing component carrying said auxiliary display, and a second housing component including a plurality of keys, said first housing component and said second housing component movable between open and closed positions.  
   
   
       4 . The device as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said housing further includes a hinge, and said first housing component and said second housing component open and close about said hinge.  
   
   
       5 . A personal organizer and messaging device, comprising a unit dimensioned for handheld grasping and carrying substantially within a shirt pocket including: 
 writing means for receiving a plurality of written messages and generating written message signals;    memory means for digitally storing a written message;    processor means for controlling the receipt and digital storage of said written message signals and non-sequentially selectively recalling for playback of one of said written messages;    display means positioned beneath said writing means for receiving and displaying the non-sequentially and selectively recalled written message through said writing means; and    a handheld housing for carrying said writing means, said processor means and said display means.    
   
   
       6 . The device as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said portable station includes a housing having a first side and a second side, said auxiliary display visible from said first side, and said second side includes a cradle receiving said unit.  
   
   
       7 . The device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said housing includes a first housing component carrying said auxiliary display, and a second housing component including a plurality of keys, said first housing component and said second housing component movable between open and closed positions.  
   
   
       8 . The device as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said housing further includes a hinge, and said first housing component and said second housing component open and close about said hinge.  
   
   
       9 . A portable device for message organization sized to be received within a shirt pocket, comprising: 
 input means for receiving a first user inputted message in one of a visual, auditory and tactile format;    output means for furnishing a second message in one of a visual, auditory and tactile format;    processor means for linking the first message to the second message;    playback means for operating said output means to furnish said linked second message upon a processor-generated subsequent occurrence of the first message; and    monitoring means for monitoring for the subsequent occurrence of the first message.    
   
   
       10 . The device, as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said handheld unit further includes a wireless communication circuit, said handheld housing carrying said wireless communication circuit.  
   
   
       11 . The device as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein said wireless communication circuit is a cellular telephone communication circuit.  
   
   
       12 . The device as set forth in  claim 11 , further including a portable station including an auxiliary display, said portable station in selective engagement with said unit.  
   
   
       13 . The device as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said portable station includes a housing having a first side and a second side, said auxiliary display visible from said first side, and said second side includes a cradle receiving said unit.  
   
   
       14 . The device as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein said housing includes a first housing component carrying said auxiliary display, and a second housing component including a plurality of keys, said first housing component and said second housing component movable between open and closed positions.  
   
   
       15 . The device as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said housing further includes a hinge, and said first housing component and said second housing component open and close about said hinge.