Speech module

Abstract

A speech module ( 13 ) comprises an independent self-contained connector module or unit which is adapted to be releasably connected in series with the input to, or output from, a signal sensing apparatus ( 1 ). The module is provided with plugs and/or sockets ( 14 a ,14 b ,20 ) compatible with those of the apparatus ( 1 ) so that the module ( 13 ) is capable of forming a connector in series with the signal input or output leads ( 7,8,14 ). The module is further provided with plugs and/or sockets ( 30,31 ) and leads ( 3,4 ) to replace the signal input or output leads ( 7,8,14 ). The module is connected to a data output socket ( 12 ) by means of a lead ( 14 ); in the alternative, it is connected to the input connectors ( 30,31 ) of the apparatus and is further connected by leads to probes ( 3,4 ) equivalent to the standard probes used by the apparatus, which is preferably an electrical multimeter.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A speech module apparatus ( 13 / 40 ) which converts electrical signals to speech comprising in combination:
 a housing ( 2 ), which includes signal sensor input connector means ( 14 );   signal conditioning circuit ( 46 );   integral microprocessor ( 15 );   speech synthesizer circuit ( 16 );   loudspeaker ( 18 ) or electro acoustic transducer ( 49 ) and/or   visual display ( 5 ) ( 50 );   electric power supply ( 43 / 44 / 45 );   said module ( 13 / 40 ) being connected to an electrical signal source ( 1 ) by input means ( 14 ).   
     
     
         21 . Speech apparatus of  claim 20  which is a unitary physically discreet stand alone element of an integrated electrically energized testing system connected to an electrical signal source from which a signal is converted by said apparatus to audible speech and broadcast to a user. 
     
     
         22 . Speech apparatus of  claim 20  in which input means ( 14 ) is connected to a signal source by wireless radio means. 
     
     
         23 . Speech apparatus module of  claim 20  in which electrical input is displayed in printed words. 
     
     
         24 . A module as claimed in  claim 20 , which is connected, between a data output connector ( 12 ) and a signal source ( 1 ) by input means ( 14 ). 
     
     
         25 . A method of operating a speech module ( 13 / 40 ) which module comprises a physic discreet stand alone connectable housing ( 2 ) which contains: sensor input connector means ( 14 ); signal conditioning circuit ( 48 ); integral microprocessor ( 15 ); speech synthesizer circuit ( 16 ); loudspeaker ( 18 ) or electro acoustic transducer ( 49 ) and/or visual display ( 5 / 50 ); electric power supply ( 43 / 44 / 45 ); all the above being connected to an electrical signal by connector means ( 14 ) which method comprises steps of (a) receiving electrical signals from a sensor and (b) converting said signals within said module into audible and/or displayed speech. 
     
     
         26 . Speech apparatus module of  claim 20  in which the audible speech is broadcast via a wireless speaker. 
     
     
         27 . Speech apparatus module of  claim 20  in which multiple inputs are connected by wireless radio frequency means. 
     
     
         28 . Speech apparatus module of  claim 20  in which input means are measured and broadcast to another station by radio frequency means. 
     
     
         29 . Speech apparatus module of  claim 20  in which the audible speech is in multiple languages.