Abstract: Certain embodiments involve automatically detecting video frames that depict visemes and that are usable for generating an animatable puppet. For example, a computing device accesses video frames depicting a person performing gestures usable for generating a layered puppet, including a viseme gesture corresponding to a target sound or phoneme. The computing device determines that audio data including the target sound or phoneme aligns with a particular video frame from the video frames that depicts the person performing the viseme gesture. The computing device creates, from the video frames, a puppet animation of the gestures, including an animation of the viseme corresponding to the target sound or phoneme that is generated from the particular video frame. The computing device outputs the puppet animation to a presentation device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing movement to seating including theater seating generate complex motion responses in the seating by automatically analyzing an audio component of media being consumed for one or more aspects of the audio information contained in the audio component at certain frequencies or frequency ranges. The aspects analyzed include aspects relating to frequencies and frequency ranges substantially higher than the low-frequency signals used to drive motion of theater seating. From the analysis of the audio aspects contained in the audio component, a plurality of independent low-frequency output signals is generated. The plurality of independent low-frequency output signals is directed to a plurality of individual actuators incorporated into different locations in a seat to provide sensations of motion at different locations of the seat, such as at a seat location, at a lower back location, and at an upper back location.

Abstract: A motion picture film includes a plurality of frames, with each frame formed of a first and second sub-frames. Each of the first and second sub-frames encompasses an image of a separate one of first and second sequences of successive images independent of each other. The first and second sequences of images typically undergo display one prior to the other, by projecting the film twice in succession, the first time to display the images in the first sequence, the second time to display the images in the second sequence. The film also carries two separate sets of sound tracks, each corresponding to separate one of the first and second sequences of successive images for separate playback.

Abstract: An image animation system having a plurality of individual image projectors focused onto a single focal area on a projection surface or medium. Angled optics, or a prism, may be used to direct the projections onto the single focal area. Individual still images are projected in a sequence to create a projected motion animation.

Abstract: Methods of and equipment for converting existing standard motion picture theatres to one having highly immersive, large fields of view are addressed. Aspects of the methods include moving motion picture screens closer to the audience and employing different projection equipment to avoid or minimize appearance of unrealistic or non-natural image artifacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed, as is placement of various loudspeakers relative to, for example, projection screens or theatre walls.

Abstract: For a reproduction of optical sound information in a double variable-area track (DZ) an optoelectronic converter device scans the optical sound track of a film. The converter device generates a digital image signal for buffer storage in the memory of a program-controlled data processing device. The data processing device derives the profile of the two edges of the double variable-area track from data values of the buffer-stored image signal. Audio data for a sound reproduction are generated using data about the edge profile determined.

Abstract: A device for synchronizing an audio signal with a film comprising frames having imprinted time codes. A detector detects the imprinted time code for the sequence of frames to obtain a detected sequence of time codes. A time code generator generates a sequence of synthesis time codes based on an initial value. A decoder decodes a time code of the detected sequence of time codes obtain the initial value. A comparator compares a detected time code and a corresponding synthesis time code and, when a phase deviation is found to be above a deviation threshold value, a time code manipulator manipulates the synthesis time code for this frame in so far that it is changed with regard to its temporal length. An audio processor provides the samples of the audio signal associated with this frame in a time-controlled way in response to a detection of the synthesis time code for a frame.

Abstract: A method for reducing sound track sibilance distortion during playback of an analog optical sound track. The method comprises the steps of forming and storing an image of the analog optical sound track. Representing part of the stored image as a spatial image and applying an erosion filter to the spatial image. Converting the filtered spatial image to a signal representative of the sound track.

Abstract: A method for playback of film with an analog optical sound track the method comprises the steps of forming an image of only said analog optical sound track. Storing the image and representing part of the stored image as a spatial image. Processing the spatial image to form a median value and converting the median value of the spatial image to a signal representative of an audio signal represented in said sound track. Repeating the representing and processing steps to form median values for all of the image of the analog optical sound track.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analog optical sound track playback includes a transport device for transporting a film including an analog optical sound track and audio representative envelope. A scanner forms a display image signal representative of the analog optical sound track with the audio representative envelope. An alignment device aligns the scanner such that only half of the analog optical sound track with the audio representative envelope form the display image signal and substantially fill a width of the scanner. A processor processes the image signal representing only half of the analog optical sound track and the audio representative envelope and forms therefrom an audio output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for playback of an analog optical sound track includes a transport for transporting a film including an analog optical sound track. A scanner generates an image signal of only the analog optical sound track. An alignment device aligns the scanner such that the image signal of the analog optical sound track substantially fills a width of the scanner. A processor processes the image signal to form an audio output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for playback of an analog optical sound track comprises a transport means for transporting a film including an analog optical sound track. A scanning means generates an image signal of only the analog optical sound track as gray scale values. An alignment means aligns the scanning means such that the image signal of only the analog optical sound track substantially fills a width of the scanning means. A processor processes the image signal to form an audio output signal.

Abstract: A method for modifying an audio visual recording originally produced with an original audio track of an original speaker, using a second audio dub track of a second speaker, comprising analyzing the original audio track to convert it into a continuous time coded facial and acoustic symbol stream to identify corresponding visual facial motions of the original speaker to create continuous data sets of facial motion corresponding to speech utterance states and transformations, storing these continuous data sets in a database, analyzing the second audio dub track to convert it to a continuous tune coded facial and acoustic symbol stream, using the second audio dub track's continuous time coded facial and acoustic symbol stream to animate the original speaker's face, synchronized to the second audio dub track to create natural continuous facial speech expression by the original speaker of the second dub audio track.

Abstract: Apparatus for dubbing a film from a source language to a target language includes a replay device (1) which replays a film and a control unit (6) which generates an acoustic model of the scene. A dubbing soundtrack on the replay device (1) is fed via a line (2) to an acoustic processor (3). The acoustic processor (3) processes the dubbed soundtrack under the control of the control unit (6) to produce a dubbed soundtrack which is modified to take into account the acoustic environment of the scene. This soundtrack may be recorded on a recording device (5). The application further discloses the generation of soundtracks for computer generated scenes taking into account the virtual acoustic environment.

Abstract: This invention comprises analyzing a speaker's speech in an audio visual recording to convert it into triphones and/or phonemes and then using a time coded phoneme stream to identify corresponding visual facial motions, to create single frame snapshots or multi-frame clips of facial motion corresponding to speech phoneme utterance states and transformations, which are stored in a database, and which are subsequently used to animate the original speaker's face, synchronized to a new voice track that has been converted into a time-coded, image frame-indexed phoneme stream.

Abstract: Apparatus for dubbing a film from a source language to a target language includes a replay device (1) which replays a film and a control unit (6) which generates an acoustic model of the scene. A dubbing soundtrack on the replay device (1) is fed via a line (2) to an acoustic processor (3). The acoustic processor (3) processes the dubbed soundtrack under the control of the control unit (6) to produce a dubbed soundtrack which is modified to take into account the acoustic environment of the scene. This soundtrack may be recorded on a recording device (5).

Abstract: A process for viewing a positive motion picture film scene image with an accompanying original audio soundtrack comprising: providing a motion picture origination negative film comprising a support bearing at least one light sensitive image recording layer and a transparent magnetic recording layer; optically recording a motion picture scene in the motion picture negative film by exposing the film in a motion picture camera, and simultaneously recording contemporaneous original audio information in the magnetic recording layer on a frame-by-frame basis in synchronization with the scene image; providing a motion picture print film comprising a support bearing at least one light sensitive image recording layer and a transparent magnetic recording layer; printing the negative film scene image onto the motion picture print film to form a positive scene image, and transferring the original audio information from the magnetic recording layer of the negative film to the magnetic recording layer of the print film in

Abstract: A motion picture film reproducing device for reading out a tracking pattern recorded on the motion picture film and reading out audio data, after tracking control, for reproducing RF signals. The signal level of a tracking pattern portion of RF signals outputted by a voltage-controlled variable gain amplifier (VCA) 11 adapted fro adjusting the RF signal level is sample-held by a first sample-and-hold (S/H) circuit 13. The average signal level of the audio data portion of the RF signals is sample-held by a second sample-and-hold (S/H) circuit 16 via a low-pass filter made up of a resister 14 and a capacitor 15. A difference detection circuit 18, supplied via a changeover switch 17 with the sample-held output of the first sample-and-hold circuit 13 or the second S/H circuit 16, detects the difference between the signal level of the sample-held output and a pre-set signal level for controlling the VCA for decreasing the detected difference.

Abstract: Dolby Digital and Sony SDDS digital signal carrying optical symbols on large-format motion picture film (e.g., film having any of the various 70 mm formats) are recorded in such a way as to permit existing 35 mm optical readers and signal decoders to recover the soundtracks with little or no modification. The conventional motion picture soundtrack in the form of a two-dimensional array of photographically recorded symbols representing digital information intended for application to 35 mm motion picture film is modified by magnifying the symbols in the direction in which the motion picture film is transported when played, the degree of magnification being proportional to the ratio of the film speed of the large-format motion picture film to the 35 mm film speed.

Abstract: A digital time code is printed in an area of a motion picture film, between the normal analog optical sound track and the picture frames, that is exposed along with the sound track when a print is made. This area is partially redeveloped, and normally reserved to isolate the analog sound track from the picture frames. Digital audio for the motion picture is stored in a large capacity high integrity archival digital storage system. The time codes corresponding to known locations on the film are read as the film is played, and in an anticipatory pass the digital audio signals for these frames are transferred to a fast access data storage buffer which temporarily stores the data before it is converted to analog format for theater play. The time code is read with light that is absorbed by the film dyes produced when the film is developed.

Abstract: A method of making motion picture release-print film, such as 35 mm film. The film has an enlarged frame that occupies substantially the entire width of the film that is available for the exposure of images, and the spacing between frames is minimized. Film having these enlarged frames provides an enhanced image with a minimum of film waste. An aspect ratio of 1.85:1 in the enlarged frame size is contemplated in a three perforation format. A digital soundtrack or other appropriate soundtrack replaces the analog soundtrack that occupies a portion of the available width. The soundtrack may provide for redundancy.

Abstract: A motion picture film capable of reproducing the sound field full of ambience in the reproducing system. The digital sound tracks 5L and 5R, on which digital audio data have been recorded, are recorded so that temporally same digital audio signals are recorded with a spatial shift by a preset distance along the film running direction.

Abstract: A motion picture film capable of reproducing the sound field full of ambience in the reproducing system. The digital sound tracks 5L and 5R, on which digital audio data have been recorded, are recorded so that temporally same digital audio signals are recorded with a spatial shift by a preset distance along the film running direction.

Abstract: A system is provided for treating sound represented by the varying width of a motion picture film soundtrack, which provides a "flat" frequency response up to 12.5 kHz with maximum phase coherence, even though the film speed is only 62% to 78% of the present speed of 90 feet per minute. The projector photocell which detects a slit-shaped area of light passing through the soundtrack, produces an output that is amplified so the amplification is progressively greater at higher frequencies, with the gain at 12.5 kHz being at least 6 dB greater than at 1 kHz. A photocell is selected whose output at 12.5 kHz is within 1 dB of its output at 1 kHz for light of a wavelength of substantially 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically reproducing digital speech data recorded on a motion picture film is disclosed. The digital speech data recorded on an emulsifier surface of the motion picture film is illuminated with an illuminating light from the side of a base surface of the motion picture film, and the light transmitted through the emulsifier surface is collected as an incident light by a reproducing lens. With the present apparatus, it is possible to reduce the variations in the volume of the light of the reproduced digital signals otherwise caused by the scratch of dust present on the film base surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying encoded data on the balance stripe of sound track, the data for providing information for editing an associated film without recording the data on the film. The present invention teaches an apparatus for applying code for synchronizing sound on a single strip of the sound track with an associated film. The apparatus includes a code box for generating the code, which relates the position of the film relative to the sound track. The code box is coupled to an editing flatbed for providing pulses related to the movement of the sound track. A sound module is coupled to the code box for applying the code to the balance stripe.

Abstract: A digital audio signal recording device which, in conjunction with a film magazine loaded with a motion picture film and an analog audio recording device recording analog audio signals on the motion picture film, constitutes an audio signal recording system for the motion picture film capable of recording both analog audio signals and digital audio signals on the motion picture film delivered from the film magazine. The digital audio signal recording device transports the motion picture film, delivered from the inside of the film magazine via the film reel-out section, into the digital audio signal recording device via a first film feed-in section, and then transports the film to the analog audio signal recording device via a first feed-out section and a film lead-in section. The motion picture film introduced into the analog audio signal recording device is returned into the digital audio signal recording device via a film lead-out section and a second film feed-in section.

Abstract: Dynamic range and passband problems in cinema sound transmission are solved by using a laser disk (9) read by a laser disk player (10, 11, 12) synchronized (14) with the original sound track of the film. Problems relating to splices in the film are solved by reading the sound in advance, in storing it in a memory (13), in reading it back subsequently from the memory, and, where necessary, in causing the memory read back system to jump (24) in order to avoid reproducing sound that corresponds to images that have been removed from the film.

Abstract: A digital sound system for motion picture films employs a digital time code on the film to trigger the transfer of sound data from a digital audio store to a FIFO memory. The digital audio data is read out from the FIFO memory and played back in the theater at a constant rate, with any jumps in the digital time code handled by making a corresponding jump within the digital audio store but not in the FIFO memory. Readout from the FIFO memory and clocking of the digital-to-analog converters (DACs) used for theater playback is synchronized to the AC mains that powers the theater projector, and thus allows for an uninterrupted audio playback even if time code entries on the film are obliterated. The FIFO memory need only have enough capacity to accommodate the maximum audio store access time, and can be quite small.

Abstract: A projection system for visual motion picture cues. To assist the engineer in the process of audio dubbing and the like by allowing the engineer to anticipate the precise moment that a cue point will occur, a cue is visually presented on the motion picture projection screen. Also, information may be presented to the engineer by the projection system. Synchronization signals are coordinated with engineer/operator input and the resulting signal is digitized. The digitized signals are transmitted via fiber optics to a slave circuit with changes the digital signals to analog signals. The analog signals are amplified and are used to drive mirrors, motors, and/or galvanometers that reflect and control incident laser light. The laser light is projected and superimposed upon a projection screen upon which the motion picture film.

Abstract: A method of recording information onto a photographic film provided with a magnetic recording layer comprises steps of reading once the information recorded on a predetermined track of the magnetic recording layer and recording it again onto the same track. In consequence, recording of the information can be conducted using a recording signal of high signal strength to improve the reliability of the information.

Abstract: A method is provided for assessing the effect of exposure conditions on the recording and reproduction of an optical sound track, comprising,a) providing the optical sound track with an image test pattern which is an image of a desired test pattern, the image test pattern being configured such that the image test pattern will induce a photosensor device to generate a test signal which repetitively alternates between two different states, the image test pattern being applied to the track under predetermined exposure conditions,b) optically scanning the optical sound track with the photosensor device to generate, in response thereto, the test signal which repetitively alternates between two different states,c) comparing the duration of one of the states with duration of the other state so as to obtain a time difference value, andd) comparing the so obtained time difference value with a predetermined time difference value associated with the desired test pattern, any departure from the predetermined time differe

Abstract: A microphone apparatus for a video camera having a zoom lens, comprising: a superdirectional microphone fro generating a superdirectional microphone signal D; a stereo microphone for generating stereo microphone signals L and R; a zoom position sensor for generating a zoom position signal; first and second signal means for generating control signals Vc1 and Vc2 which can be changed according to the zoom position signal; a first amplifier for generating a first amplified signal K1.multidot.D (K1 is a value corresponding to Vc1); a second amplifier for generating a second amplified signal K2.multidot.L (K2 is a value corresponding to Vc2); a third amplifier for generating a third amplified signal K2.multidot.R; a first adder for generating a first sum signal (k1.multidot.D+K2.multidot.L); and a second adding means for generating a second sum signal (k1.multidot.D+K2.multidot.R). The directivity can be varied in accordance with the control of the zoom lens to suitably match images and sounds.

Abstract: The disclosed invention takes advantage of the fact that the speech information and processing needed for successful animation lip-synching is actually much less than the information and processing which is needed for identifying individual words, as in the traditional speech recognition task, The disclosed embodiment utilizes linear prediction to obtain speech parameters which can be used to identify phonemes from a limited set corresponding to visually distinctive mouth positions. In the disclosed embodiment there is set forth an apparatus for producing lip-synching for a spoken sound track. Means are provided for storing, for each of a number of mouth positions, an unvoiced phonetic information representation associated with a mouth position. Means, responsive to samples of sound from the sound track, are provided for generating unvoiced phonetic information signals for the samples.

Abstract: On the marginal part of a perforated cinematographic film, are recorded coded information or "addresses" associated respectively with the various images of the film, in the form of dots disposed in a matrix of longitudinal rows and of transverse columns. Before each matrix of dots corresponding to a group of coded information or "address" of an image, a transverse framing pattern constituted by a single combination of dots, is recorded. Then, during the recording, in the different transverse columns, of the different successive characters constituting the same "address", a longitudinal framing pattern is recorded, along a longitudinal row bordering the matrix, this longitudinal framing pattern being constituted by an alternation, along said row, of dots and absences of dots aligned respectively with the various transverse columns of the matrix.

Abstract: In a video camera having a zoom lens and a microphone pickup for recording sound associated with the video images, the acoustic focus (or acoustic acceptance angle) of the microphone pickup is varied between uni-directional and omni-directional in synchronism with the zoom lens control of the camera in order to correlate the optical field of view of the lens with the acoustic field of view of the microphone for optimum coordination of picture and sound.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring in synchronism, onto a common recording support, the images of an cinematographic film and the sound recorded during shooting on a separate support, comprises a telecine apparatus ensuring reading of the cine film. A microcomputer has an input connected to a reader of time codes borne by the cine film. A first output of the microcomputer is connected to a stage controlling the supply of an electric motor ensuring advance of the cine film in the telecine apparatus. A second output of the microcomputer is connected to a coder and a third output is connected to a first input of a comparator with two inputs of which the second input is connected to the head for reading the time codes on the magnetic tape, the output of the comparator is connected to a stage controlling supply of an electric motor of the servo-controlled magnetic tape recorder and the third output of the microcomputer is also connected to a device for recording time codes on the third track of the video tape.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for display of subtitles in connection with a motion picture are disclosed. A film strip includes coded signals adjacent a frame to be projected. These signals are detected by a detector and a microprocessor is controlled by the detector. The microprocessor has a sequence of subtitles recorded in a memory, and a display is activated by the microprocessor to exhibit a subtitle which corresponds to a detected coded signal. The microprocessor can contain subtitles for a plurality of languages, and multiple displays may be employed.

Abstract: A method for recording laser written information on motion picture film includes creating a visual image on the film photographically. A laser records sound information on a direct-read-after-write optical storage strip on an edge of the film. In one embodiment, the strip is made of reflective silver particles in a gelatin matrix. Different tracks may have different sound information such as foreign languages or stereophonic sound. Editing information is also writable on the strip.

Abstract: Sound is recorded on a motion picture filmstrip (20) by taking periodic samples (15) of an analog signal (13), digitizing each sample in the form of a sixteen-bit binary word (40), (41), (43), and representing each binary word on the filmstrip in the form of a group of bits (8) composed of black dots (26) and transparent spaces (28). Each dot represents a binary ZERO and each space a binary ONE. The groups of binary bits are disposed in a digitized soundtrack (8) on the filmstrip, between the visual frames (50) and the sprocket holes (54), either in lieu of or in addition to the regular analog "variable area" soundtrack (48). On the digitized soundtrack, the groups of bits are arranged in parallel rows (42) which are oriented orthogonally to the direction of elongation of the filmstrip. Each row consists of a group of starting bits (44), followed by three groups of binary bits, for the left (40), right (41) and center ( 43) audio tracks, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituting for an original sound track of a motion picture a new sound track in a different language while at the same time correcting the lip movements of actors in the film to correspond to the new language. The method makes use of selected equipment, such as a digital video image processor, a video display, a programmed digital computer, and selected data on a frame-by-frame basis as to mouth location, mouth shape, mouth movements, etc. of the actor on the film and the frame-by-frame photographed mouth area of the new actor supplying the new language sound. The computer cooperates with the image processor to effect the alteration in the lip shapes by varying the intensities of the video pixels in the facial area on the film in accordance with the data and the program in the computer, whereby the new sound track with correct lip movements may be substituted for the original sound track.

Abstract: A movie changeover system (20,200,2004,400) capable of providing a real time decision tree movie presentation having a variable movie display content dependent on the viewing audience response to branching choices which occur during the course of the movie. A pair of movie projection devices (22, 24), each having an associated portion of a substantially continuous overall motion picture presentation therefrom, has stored thereon a projectable portion of the overall motion picture presentation content. A changeover shutter mechanism (26) is operatively associated with the pair of projectors (22, 24) for selectively projecting a movie display choice of one of the projectable portions from one of the pair of projectors (22, 24) in a real time continuous movie display presentation with the previous movie display portion in response to a changeover signal.

Abstract: A video entertainment system by which human viewers conduct simulated voice conversations with screen actors or cartoon characters in a branching story game shown on a television screen. The actors and cartoon characters reply responsively with lip-sync sound to words spoken by viewers. Different audio and video frames are generated from a videodisc and data memory to provide one of several alternative replies or alternative actions at each branch point in the game, depending on what the viewer says to a speech-recognition unit. A simple speech-recognition unit can be used because the number of words to be recognized at each branch point is restricted to just a few words. A menu of prompting words is displayed on a hand-held unit to inform viewers of what words they can use at each branch point. The prompting words are programmed to be phonetically distinct to be easily distinguishable from each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a photographic record representing acoustic characteristics of a sound field such as the distribution of sound pressure and the distribution of equiphase surface wave are disclosed. A microphone and a light emitting diode are reciprocally moved to scan a plane in the sound field and an envelope signal of an output signal from the microphone is derived. The envelope signal is then sampled at a given sampling frequency to produce a sample signal. A carrier having a given frequency is amplitude-modulated with the sample signal to derive a modulated signal. Then, a switching circuit is controlled by the modulated signal in such a manner that when the envelope signal exceeds a predetermined value, the switching circuit is made on and off repeatedly and thus the light emitting diode is turned on and off at a rate of the carrier frequency to form a locas of the light spot. An image of the locus of the light spot is recorded optically on a photographic film.

Abstract: Each time the operator is projecting the start or end of what is to become an audio scene, he presses a store switch, commanding storage of the current frame count, thereby defining all the audio scenes on the film one after the other, for subsequent recording work. Thereafter, during recording work, the projector is referenced to the start and end frame counts of one scene at a time, one scene after another, as the operator controls semi-automatic recording work on successive scenes. A green, red and yellow indicator lamp are arranged in left-to-right order. When the film is ahead of the start of the referenced scene only the green lamp is bright, when past the end of the scene only the yellow, when in the middle of the scene only the red, when at the exact start of the scene both the green and red, when at the exact end of the scene both the red and the yellow.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for producing simultaneous visual and audio signals for synchronizing separate simultaneously produced visual and sound recordings, e.g., for use when making cinematographic or video recordings and separate sound track recording. The apparatus comprises means such as a keyboard for entering and storing a selected sequence of alpha/numeric characters, means such as a liquid crystal display for visually displaying an entered and stored sequence of alpha/numeric characters, speech synthesizer means for audibly sounding the entered and stored sequence of alpha/numeric characters, and means for simultaneously providing visual and audible start marks for synchronization.

Abstract: An apparatus for listing cinematographic film comprises means (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7) for reversible feeding of film past an index position and for generating electric signals representing each picture frame fed past the index position and the direction in which the film is fed. A counter (8) driven by said electric signals is arranged to count the net number of picture frames fed past the index position in a given direction. Means (9, 19) are also provided for visually displaying to an operator an enlarged form of the film section located at the index position. A data processor (11) provided with a data input keyboard (12) is connected to the counter and arranged to calculate positional information concerning desired picture frames in the film, on the basis of data entered into the processor through the keyboard and the content of the counter, and to store this positional information in a data storage.

Abstract: A separately packaged film sound editor mixer is disclosed which includes a plurality of low level audio signal input terminals adapted for connection to outputs from playback heads of a synchronizer. Magnetic tape preamplifiers are included for preamplification of the low level signals. The preamplified signals are connected through slide attenuators and muting switches to inputs of a first summing amplifier. The output from the first summing amplifier is connected to inputs of left and right channel summing amplifiers through a tone control circuit and a master attenuator of the slide type. A selector switch is included in the input for one of said magnetic tape preamplifiers whereby, in one switch position, an output from the synchronizer is supplied to the preamplifier, as mentioned above.

Abstract: A video game system by which human viewers conduct simulated voice conversations with game characters or cartoon characters in a branching story game shown on a television screen. The characters and cartoons reply responsively with lip-sync sound to words input by viewers. Different audio and video frames are generated from data memory and video disc to provide one of several alternative replies or alternative actions at each branch point in the game, depending on which words are selected by the viewer. A menu of prompting words is displayed to inform viewers of what words they can use at each branch point. Viewers can input questions or make other remarks by pressing a button next to one of the displayed sentences which causes a recording of the displayed sentence to be played or speech synthesized in lieu of a viewer speaking it.

Abstract: Each time the operator is projecting the start or end of what is to become an audio scene, he presses a store switch, commanding storage of the current frame count, thereby defining all the audio scenes on the film one after the other, for subsequent recording work. Thereafter, during recording work, the projector is referenced to the start and end frame counts of one scene at a time, one scene after another, as the operator controls semiautomatic recording work on successive scenes. A green, red and yellow indicator lamp are arranged in left-to-right order. When the film is ahead of the start of the referenced scene only the green lamp is bright, when past the end of the scene only the yellow, when in the middle of the scene only the red, when at the exact start of the scene both the green and red, when at the exact end of the scene both the red and the yellow.