Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing full synchronization of a digital file with a live event. Using time-based cues such as musical beats, the live event is time mapped. The video file to be synced is measured in frames per second is then translated from its frames per second original time code into the time code of the live event in beats per minute making it possible to measure the playback rate of the source media file in the same units of measurement as the live event. The result is a playback mechanism that allows for more precise real time playback rate corrections by an operator by providing a visible cue so they can better keep the source media synced with the live event, even if there are real time tempo variations in the live event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing full synchronization of a digital file with a live event. Using time-based cues such as musical beats, the live event is time mapped. The video file to be synced is measured in frames per second is then translated from its frames per second original time code into the time code of the live event in beats per minute making it possible to measure the playback rate of the source media file in the same units of measurement as the live event. The result is a playback mechanism that allows for more precise real time playback rate corrections by an operator by providing a visible cue so they can better keep the source media synced with the live event, even if there are real time tempo variations in the live event.

Abstract: A synchronous control device having a memory 101 for storing block data blocked in terms of a pre-set data amount, a clock generating circuit 102 for generating input side clocks which are based on a data rate to be synchronized, and a memory control unit 103 for generating output side clocks C.sub.out responsive to input side clocks C.sub.in from the clock generating circuit 102. The memory 101 stores the block data on the block basis, based on the input side clocks C.sub.in from the clock generating circuit 103, and outputs the stored block data based on the output side clocks C.sub.out from the memory control circuit 103. The memory control circuit 103 detects a difference between the input data volume and the output side data volume in the memory 101 for varying the speed of the output side clocks responsive to the amount of the detected difference so that the output side clocks will be synchronized with the input side clocks C.sub.in from the clock generating circuit 103.

Abstract: An audio visual story-telling toy projects pictures on a surface such as a ceiling or a wall while a story recorded on an audio cassette is played. The toy is a small, self-contained unit which includes a tape player and a synchronized picture strip projector. The toy includes an insertable, removable cartridge containing film with picture frames sequenced to correspond to the story on the tape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and mechanism of film feeding, traction, shuttering and adjustment in programmable audiovisual apparatus, with rapid frame change, which executes the indexing of one frame to the next one in accordance with a pre-established programmed signal, indexing only one frame at each signal, characterized by apparatus which renders the time taken to effect the frame change imperceptible and also allowing the establishing of all the stages of projection of animation, varying from one static frame at a time, up to the particular frame change speed desired.

Abstract: Audio-visual systems including a motion picture film projector and a tape player, the film having optical cues and program reference notches for stopping film advancement, and the tape having start cues for starting film advancement. The optical stop cues are detected dynamically and with cue length discrimination. A program select control causes the system to search for a program reference notch and to ignore optical stop cue until the notch is detected. Other features include a pause-run control, a variable frame rate control with a single-frame advance option, and remote controls. Optical stop cue detection systems include a light transmissive system, a light reflective system, a polarized light system, and a colored light system.

Abstract: Flutter in an audio signal recorded on a magnetic tape is reduced by sampling the audio at a rate determined by the frequency of a reference signal also recorded on the tape, reading the samples into respective cells of a memory, and reading out respective cells of the memory at a substantially constant rate that is independent of rapidly changing short duration variations in tape speed. The read-out rate is isolated from tape speed by introducing a time delay between the read-in and read-out of the same sample, the amount of the delay changing in accordance with differences in speed between the tape and a fixed reference. Changes in the delay between read-in and read-out of the same sample generate an error signal that is used to control the speed of the capstan motor that drives the tape past a transducer.

Abstract: A synchronized audio visual system including an audio program source capable of producing a film advance signal at predetermined intervals and a projector interconnected therewith. The projector has a source of light for passing light through an aperture in the projector and film is directed along a pathway into and out of alignment with the aperture for projection of individual frames thereof in sequence. A motor is used for initiating advance of the film in response to advance signals from the audio source in a predetermined sequence. The motor directs an advance mechanism including a rotating member with a drive projection extending therefrom for rotating into and out of engagement with film support and drive structure for the film. The period of advance of the film is controlled by each stroke of the rotating member and is related to a film advance signal from the audio source.

Abstract: Two or more motor driven systems are maintained in synchronism by a recorded wave of sine form on a tape driven by one of said systems, a signal derived from said sine wave being used to drive a stepper motor or stepper motors included in the other system or systems. The invention is particularly applicable to the synchronization of a film passing through a camera or projector with a sound track recorded on a magnetic tape, or of a number of films passing through a plurality of projectors or cameras. By converting the sine wave to pulses and maintaining a count of the pulses, (a) derived from the control signal and (b) supplied to the stepper motor, synchronism is maintained despite inertia effects during repeated starting, stopping and reversal of the drive.

Abstract: The sound support comprises an address track with coded words dividing the sound support into consecutive sections, each associated with a particular address. The positioning of the sound support is controlled in such a manner as to advance a section of the sound support bearing a predetermined address, to the level of a reading head. The video support comprises images, each associated with a particular address, and its positioning is controlled so as to advance in front of a projection gate an image having a predetermined address. The simultaneous running of the sound and video supports are then controlled, the speed of image projection being able to vary and being controlled according to pre-recorded instructions on a control data support, the access to which is neither related to the advance motion of the sound support nor to the image support.

Abstract: An electronic system is disclosed that is particularly useful for synchronizing motion picture and sound recordings. The system includes a sensor that is positioned contiguous to a movie camera during filming and contiguous to a movie projector during film playback to sense a characteristic indicative of film movement and, responsive thereto, producing an electrical output signal. During filming, a sensor, such as a microphone or induction coil, may be positioned contiguous to the movie camera such as by placing the sensor in a cylinder screwed into a camera tripod socket. During playback, the sensor, such as a light sensor, may be positioned to sense light bursts of a running movie projector. A control unit receives the electrical output signal from the sensor and utilizes the same in controlling operation of an associated tape recorder.

Abstract: An audio-visual apparatus is disclosed which includes a projection screen having indicia thereon representative of a note play marker, means for successively projecting onto the screen adjacent the note play marker a plurality of visual images of a musical composition recorded on a film strip, means for providing a sound recording of the musical composition and control means for relating the projection of the visual images with the playing of the sound recording.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronization system of a cine-projector with a sound tape reproducer. It is characterized in that the phase of a signal corresponding to the film feeding speed of the film projector and that of a signal corresponding to the standard speed coming from the sound tape reproducer are compared with each other so as to control the film feeding speed of the cine-projector by means of the comparison output corresponding to the phase difference. In order to accomplish this, between the driving source for driving the internal mechanism of the cine-projector and the driving member for the internal mechanism, a transmission speed varying mechanism is provided in such a manner that the transmission speed varying mechanism is controlled by means of the film speed control driving source to be driven by the comparison output so as to maintain the synchronized state.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for retrieving a film having video information recorded thereupon in synchronism with a magnetic tape having audio information recorded thereupon and for synchronizing the sound with the picture after retrieval. Address signals are recorded upon both the film and the tape. The system comprises detectors for address signals recorded upon the film and the tape, a computer including a keyboard for retrieving a desired address, comparators for comparing the outputs of the detectors with the output of the computer, and means for transporting the film and tape in response to the outputs of the comparators. Control signals are recorded upon both the tape and film for synchronizing the sound with the picture. When the control signal recorded upon the film is detected, the still picture is projected and when the control signal recorded on the tape is detected the motion picture is projected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the resynchronization of the transport of movie film (image carrier) with the movement of another information-carrying medium such as sound tape film. Speed control and synchronization signals are produced by means of sensing the sound tape movement which provides control synchronization signal, monitoring the image frames for each sequence on the movie film by means of a counter, and comparing in a coincidence circuit the image frame count signal with the signal from the sound tape. Desynchronization of the movie film and tape is indicated by the absence of a predetermined relationship between the number of image frames in a given sequence and the signal from the sound tape, whereupon the coincidence circuit energizes an appropriate control means via a switching mechanism, such as a gate circuit, which produces a resynchronization of the film and the sound tape.