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Abstract

A voice recognition interface apparatus and method for interacting with a programmable timekeeping device is disclosed. The voice recognition interface includes a display for displaying time, alarm, calendar, and other information, and also includes a microphone and a speaker for facilitating verbal communication between a user and the programmable timekeeping device. A number of illuminatable annunciators are provided on the display for visually communicating prompts to the user. Programming, querying, and other interactive operations are facilitated through use of the voice recognition interface generally by producing a visual prompt to invoke a particular verbal input from the user, receiving the verbal input by use of the microphone, validating the verbal input against a pre-established recognition word library, verbally confirming the verbal input by broadcasting over a speaker pre-synthesized words and phrases retrieved from a message word library, and displaying or otherwise broadcasting information associated with the particular programming, querying, or other interactive operation. The voice recognition interface includes a logic controller that controls and cooperates with a memory, a voice recognition device, a display, and a clock circuit to provide an intuitive voice-driven programming and querying interface for interacting with a programmable timekeeping device. Manually actuatable control switches are also provided for enhancing programming and querying operations. Advanced features include a personal message recording and playback capability, multiple programmable alarms for activating personalized alarm messages, and user-modifiable verbal prompts for personalizing the voice recognition interface dialogue.

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First Claim