Abstract: A dual purpose light that may be configured as both a floor-type worklight and as an elevated stand light. The present invention provides a light stand which has a threaded post on its terminal end that is adapted to receive a light housing having a pair of pivotal support legs. When the leg are in an open position, they support the light housing on a support surface in a non-elevated position. When in a closed position, the legs are co-extensively arranged with a common aperture that accepts the thread post on the stand for affixing the light housing to the stand for use in an elevated position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording and playing back multi-channel digital audio having different sampling rates for different channels are provided. Recording is accomplished by sampling a plurality of channels of audio data and arranging the samples of the plurality of channels of audio data in most nearly the order needed during playback. Playback is accomplished by accessing the samples of the plurality of channels of audio data and converting the samples from digital to analog form. The playback may include deriving audio signals in a different format from the format in which the programming is recorded.

Abstract: Audio recording apparatus comprises a multichannel audio recorder in which recording channels are selectable between a recording mode and a non-recording mode; and a gain controller for altering the level of an audio signal for recording on all recording channels currently in the recording mode, in dependence on the number of recording channels of the multichannel audio recorder in the recording mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the user interface of a multi-track recording device is described. An alphanumeric track display output a network track number for each track in the multi-track recording device. A display mode switch switches the track display to output other relevant status information regarding whether a track utilizes a standard gain and whether a track is slipped.

Abstract: A method for formatting digital data on an optical disk that represents at least two versions of the same program. Data sequences which are unique to each version and data sequences which are common to the two of them are interleaved in a single data stream. In order to achieve seamless play of both versions on a player that is compatible with the disk format but has limited buffer storage, data which would otherwise be common to both versions is placed redundantly in the data sequences which are unique to both versions.

Abstract: A compound-playback apparatus is provided which is capable of playing back both video tapes and VCDs, capable of making playback reservations in respect of both video tapes and VCDs, capable of adding the next reservation while a reservation playback is being executed, and which is structured in such a way that a lyrics caption section is not blocked out while the reservation screen is being displayed. The compound-playback apparatus includes a tape-playback control device for controlling the playback of magnetic recording tapes, a compact-disk playback control device for controlling the playback of compact disks, and a main control device for controlling the tape-playback control device and the compact-disk playback control device, with a playback reservation device for making reservations of the playback sequence of the recorded contents in respect of video tapes and VCDs being provided in the main control device.

Abstract: A reproducing method and apparatus include an audio signal processor, a controller, and at least one decoder. The audio signal processor receives digital audio signals for more than one channel reproduced from a disc, and processes the received digital audio signals. The controller sets at least a first channel for reproduction, and generates a first control signal indicative thereof. The first decoder receives the processed audio signals and the first control signal, and extracts and decodes audio signals for the first channel included in the processed audio signals based on the first control signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving and presenting visual and audible information to an individual. Audio source signals from each channel of a stereophonic audio source are processed by a microcontroller-controlled circuit that also receives commands from a programmer. The commands from the programmer cause the generation of pulsed control signals for each channel. The pulsed control signals continuously contain only low audio frequencies. The audio source signals are processed so that their spectral frequencies are translated above the low audio frequency range of the pulsed control signals and inverted. The pulsed control signals for each channel are then added to the corresponding processed audio source signals to produce two combined audio signals. The combined audio signals are then recorded on a compact disc which may be read.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus (SS1) is provided with: a signal process device (72, 72A, 72B) for applying a predetermined signal process to record information to be recorded onto an information record medium (1: DVD) to thereby generate processed record information (Srv, Sra) comprising a plurality of information units (AAU, AF), which are set in advance; a divide device (72, 72C, 72D) for dividing the processed record information by each record unit (APT), which includes one or more information units and which is set in advance on the basis of the predetermined signal process; a multiplex device (72, 72E, 72F) for setting a start position of one or more information units within each record unit, on the basis of control information (Si) inputted from the external (ST, 71) to control a reproduction of the record information, generating start position information (200) indicating the start position and multiplexing the start position information with the processed record information for each record unit, t

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for mixing multiple digital audio streams originating from or destined for multiple tasks in a computer system. In one aspect, a method is carried out in a computer system having a processor. The processor executes a multitasking operating system that has a kernel, executes a first task under control of the operating system, and while executing the first task executes a second task under control of the operating system. First and second audio streams are provided, each made up of a series of digital audio samples representing an audio signal and affiliated, respectively, with the first and second tasks. By executing a portion of the operating system kernel with the processor, the first and second audio streams are mixed to provide a mixed audio stream made up of a series of digital audio samples representing a superposition of the first and second audio signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and presenting visual and audible information to an individual. Audio source signals from a stereophonic audio source are processed by a microcontroller-controlled circuit that also receives commands from a programmer. The programmer commands cause the generation of pulsed low audio frequency control signals for each channel. The audio source signals are processed so that their frequencies are translated above the low audio frequency range of the pulsed control signals and inverted. The pulsed control signals are then added to the corresponding processed audio source signals to produce two combined audio signals which are then recorded on a compact disc. To replay the recorded information, the recorded combined audio signals are read from the compact disc. The pulsed control signals and processed audio source signals are separated by filtering and the processed audio source signals are reprocessed to recreate the original audio source signals.

Abstract: The manipulator for mixing sound and/or image of digital and/or analog supports comprises a manual rotary device which is manipulated by the operator who turns it into any direction and stops it in order to advance, delay or stop the sound and/or image; at least an input for compact disc, mini-disc, laser disc and an external source optionally with Data BUS, with the corresponding extraction devices for the position on the disc, the time, the BMP compass measurement, buttons which select the track, dB measuring unit, potentiometer; a fast or slow forward/backward motion control; a strip; a dB input control; a stop control; a recording control; a stroboscope or the like; and an operation initiating control.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing input signals having left and right stereo sounds. The stereo audio components of television signals prior to recording are data compressed and multiplexed. Then the stereo components are recorded in two channels, a left channel and a right channel. In playback, the audio signals are retrieved by the control signal from audio sound tracks of the recording medium.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for re-recording multi-track sound tracks onto two-channel sound recordings. A playback mechanism that has multiple speakers is provided for reproducing the sound from the multi-track sound track. The speakers are placed around a sound sensing unit that includes two microphones. Preferably, the sound sensing unit is a binaural head microphone. The sound detected by the binaural head microphone is recorded while the playback mechanism plays the multi-track sound track through the speakers. The binaural head microphone produces two channels of sound, so the recording produced is a two-channel recording regardless of how many tracks are on the original multi-track recording. The two signals generated by the binaural head microphone contain sound direction cues. When played back through headphones, the original sound is reproduced with the sound direction cues. Consequently, it sounds to a listener as if the listener is surrounded by speakers.

Abstract: Information data include audio information data corresponding to M (M: a natural number) types of audio information arbitrarily selected from N (N: a natural number not less than 3, and M.ltoreq.N) types of audio information set in advance. An apparatus for recording the information data onto a record medium as groups of audio information data corresponding to the selected M types respectively, is provided with: a data generating device for generating record content information data to identify the selected M types of audio information; and a recording unit for recording the generated record content information data and the groups of audio information data corresponding to the generated record content information data onto the record medium.

Abstract: A sound collecting system and a sound reproducing apparatus by means of which an actual audio image can be reproduced. The sound collecting system includes a plurality of microphones for producing sound signals and a plurality of position detecting apparatus for detecting locations of the microphones and/or positions of sound sources to produce position signals. The sound signals and the position signals are multiplexed by a plurality of multiplexers, and the multiplexed signals are stored into respective audio channels or different channels by a signal recording apparatus. The multiplexing may be performed by a frequency multiplexing method, a time division multiplexing method or the like. Since also position information is stored into corresponding audio channels together with acoustic sound signals, at the reproducing stage, reproduction is possible taking the positions into consideration and an actual audio image can be produced.

Abstract: A signal reproduction apparatus such as an audio apparatus consists of a plurality of devices including a receiver. The receiver receives a broadcast wave signal (such as an FM signal) which includes a primary signal, along with data (such as RDS data) relating to a broadcasting station, a program, etc. transmitted together with the primary signal. The receiver includes a tuner circuit for receiving the broadcast wave signal, a decoder circuit and a signal generation device. The decoder circuit extracts the data (such as RDS data) relating to the broadcasting station and the program from the broadcast wave signal received by the tuner circuit. The signal generation device generates a remote control signal based on the data output from the decoder circuit, and outputs the generated remote control signal. The audio device includes a receiving section for receiving the remote control signal output from the signal generation device.

Abstract: A compact disc player is modified to convert it into a program repeater that plays preselected messages on a repetitive basis. Unused or used information channels in the CD player are employed. A sequence controller which is added to the conventional circuitry controls the operation of the conventional controller. When power is supplied to the CD player, a power monitor activates the sequence controller and the sequence controller then sends control signals to the controller, instructing it to activate the CD player and to place the CD player in its PLAY, AUTO REPEAT, or other preselected modes. The sequence controller also looks for a proprietary code placed on an unused information channel, and sends a deactivation signal to the sequence controller if the code is not found. An internal or external timer may be employed to provide power to the CD player at predetermined times so that the CD player operates as a program repeater entirely without human intervention.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing an audio signal recorded on a recording medium is arranged to store the audio signal reproduced from the recording medium; and to compute and process the stored audio signal and an audio signal which is repeatedly reproduced from the recording medium. The arrangement enables the apparatus to suppress a noise component generated while the audio signal is reproduced, so that the S/N ratio of the reproduced audio signal can be improved.

Abstract: A recording device is provided for recording an accompaniment reproduced by a singalong disc player and a vocal part sang at the accompaniment on a recordable disc. A rerecording command during recording is detected for rerecording information on the recordable disc and for producing a rerecording signal. In response to the rerecording signal the recording the information is stopped, and an address of a recorded area of the disc is stored in a memory as an unnecessary area. In response to a restart signal, recording the information is restarted from an end of the unnecessary area. When the rerecording has been finished, the recordable disc is finalized such that the unnecessary area is not reproduced thereafter based on the stored address.

Abstract: Data communications apparatus comprises a master device for processing digital audio data and a plurality of slave devices connectable in a ring network with the master device. Each slave device has a plurality of data channels associated therewith and is arranged for supply, in use, of audio data from the ring network to its associated data channels and/or to the ring network from its associated data channels. The master and slave devices are arranged for serial communication via the ring network in use of digital audio data formatted in frames, each frame comprising a plurality of data blocks which data blocks contain audio sample data corresponding to respective audio signals.

Abstract: A lyrics adapter allows a standard cassette player to play tapes for karaoke that contain the lyrics to the music and timing data associated therewith that are recorded as audio tones on the tape. The adapter detects silent periods greater than a predetermined length on the audio signals from the cassette player and converts the subsequent audio tones into a digital signal. When an end of message (EOM) code is detected, the adapter connects the audio signals containing music to external speakers. As the music plays, a central processing unit (CPU) calculates the elapsed time from the EOM code and transfers the data corresponding to the lyrics that are to displayed at that time thereby displaying the lyrics in real time and in synchronization with the music as it is being played.

Abstract: The audio processing system for use in the mix down and mastering phases of professional audio recording includes: an audio patchbay unit, a logic control unit, a power supply unit, and an audio processing unit. The patchbay unit couples the system to a mix console and effects equipment. The audio processing system includes several balanced stereo paths which can be selectively coupled in parallel and in series. Each audio path includes at least two insert points which can be selectively inserted or removed from the signal path. Switches and indicators, controlled by the logic control unit are designed to reconfigurable. These switches and indicators are included on control panels which are located either on the audio processing unit or the mix console. CMOS components minimize the introduction of noise.

Abstract: A karaoke circuit for an optical player including a mixing circuit for mixing signals reproduced from the optical disk to supply them to a speaker, a selector for selecting a digital channel signal recorded on the optical disk, an analog channel signal recorded on the optical disk or a vocal signal of either the analog left channel or the analog right channel according to a user's selection and supplying the selected signal to the mixing circuit, and a path controller for controlling the path of the selector according to a user's mode selection and according to a disk type, thereby simplifying the circuitry and mixing stereo accompaniment and a vocal signal during playback of a hi-fi multivoice disk to improve the sound quality of karaoke.

Abstract: A portable recording and reproducing apparatus is adapted to reproduce a melody recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape and to amplify the melody and voice through a speaker as the voice is inputted from a voice input unit in tune with the melody. The apparatus is formed integrally by incorporating a sound recording medium accommodating portion, the voice input unit, and the speaker via a grip portion, and excels in portability.

Abstract: A sound collecting system and a sound reproducing apparatus by means of which an actual audio image can be reproduced. The sound collecting system includes a plurality of microphones for producing sound signals and a plurality of position detecting apparatus for detecting locations of the microphones and/or positions of sound sources to produce position signals. The sound signals and the position signals are multiplexed by a plurality of multiplexers, and the multiplexed signals are stored into respective audio channels or different channels by a signal recording apparatus. The multiplexing may be performed by a frequency multiplexing method, a time division multiplexing method or the like. Since also position information is stored into corresponding audio channels together with acoustic sound signals, at the reproducing stage, reproduction is possible taking the positions into consideration and an actual audio image can be produced.

Abstract: A portable audio apparatus allows a user to sing along with the recorded song, the user's voice and recorded song being outputted through a speaker. The apparatus permits the recorded lyrics or recorded tune of the song to be substantially eliminated prior to being reproduced by the speaker. The apparatus can operate in a fast forward or reverse mode and will stop between adjacent songs. A power savings circuit interrupts the supply of power to a motor to stop the latter from continuing to operate on a fast forward or reverse mode.

Abstract: A circuit selectively sets a left/right monaural playback channel in a digitally signal-processed stereo audio apparatus. The circuit includes a channel selecting signal generator for generating a channel selecting signal to select the channel corresponding to a signal desired to be reproduced among the audio signals of several channels, a storage circuit synchronous to a predetermined clock signal and temporarily storing the audio signals of several channels, a path controlling circuit for controlling the paths of an audio signal supplied after being processed into a digital signal and a signal output from the storage circuit to transmit to a D/A converter the signals corresponding to the channels selectively set by the channel selecting signal generator, and a control circuit for outputting to the channel selecting signal generator the control signal for selecting a desired channel to be reproduced in response to user commands, and controlling the generation of a channel selecting signal.

Abstract: A digital signal recording method and apparatus for recording first digital data and second digital data on a writable disc without an interleave discrepancy therebetween. The first digital data is previously recorded and the second digital data is at least one of overlapped and joined with the first digital data on a writable disc so that no interleave discrepancy occurs.

Abstract: A portable recording and reproducing apparatus is adapted to reproduce a melody recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape and to amplify the melody and voice through a speaker as the voice is inputted from a voice input unit in tune with the melody. The apparatus is formed integrally by incorporating a sound recording medium accommodating portion, the voice input unit, and the speaker via a grip portion, and excels in portability.

Abstract: A sound repeater unit is to be used with an audio input equipment, such as a cassette or video tape recorder, and an audio output equipment, such as a television set or a loudspeaker. The audio input equipment has a control unit which is actuated so as to operate the audio input equipment in a paused state. The sound repeater unit includes a pause control circuit receiving an activating signal from the control unit and a programmable signal repeating circuit controlled by the pause control circuit so as to record continuously an audio frequency output of the audio input equipment while overwriting a previously recorded audio frequency output of the latter. The pause control circuit further controls the signal repeating circuit so as to output repeatedly a portion of the audio frequency output, which portion was recorded within a predetermined time period immediately before the audio input equipment was paused.

Abstract: A system for altering the states of human consciousness involves the simultaneous application of multiple stimuli, preferable sounds, having differing frequencies and wave forms. The relationship between the frequencies of the several stimuli is exhibited by the equationg=2.sup.n/4 .multidot.fwhere:f=frequency of one stimulus;g=frequency of the other stimuli or stimulus; andn=a positive or negative integer which is different for each other stimulus.

Abstract: An FM audio system has an FM tuner, a CD player, a stereo modulator for modulating an audio signal from the CD player to produce a composite signal so as to be received by the FM tuner, for reproducing the audio signal. A notification system has a controller and a muting circuit. The controller produces a control signal in response to the changing of function of the CD player. The muting circuit attenuates the audio signal from CD player in accordance with the control signal. Speech information is generated in response to the changing of the function of the CD player. The speech information is added to an attenuated audio signal and applied to the stereo modulator so as to reproduce the audio signal together with the speech information.

Abstract: An optical recording disc on which an analog audio signal and a digital audio signal are recorded is tested. The analog audio signal results from FM-modulating 2-channel audio signals, and the digital audio signal results from modulating the same 2-channel audio signals in a digital fashion, in order to perform the test, a signal mixed with 2-channel audio signals resulting demodulating an analog audio signal and a signal mixed with 2-channel audio signals resulting from demodulating a digital audio signal are simultaneously reproduced by an electroacoustic transducer and evaluated.

Abstract: A user management system is provided for a musical accompaniment playing (KARAOKE) apparatus. The system comprises an individual information recording medium, an input unit, a music information reproducing unit, a control unit and a calculation unit. The input unit is used to input user identification information and music piece selection. The control unit serves to set a musical environment and to record changes in the environment for the user. The calculation unit makes adjustments based on the number of music pieces recorded on the individual information recording medium.

Abstract: A portable music information reproducing and voice amplifying apparatus for reproducing music recorded on a recording medium and voice sound inputted through a voice input unit in unison through a speaker. The apparatus is integrally formed by incorporating a sound recording medium storage portion with the voice input unit and the speaker spaced apart, by a grip portion, to avoid feedback from the speaker to the microphone.

Abstract: A technique for recording a performance of a musical work having a persistent, accented beat in which substituted for this beat are synthesized sound effects simulating those associated with arcade electronic games in a percussive format. Hence when the recording is played back, the listener receives an acoustical image in which the music is heard in an arcade-like environment. To produce this recording, a system is provided in which characteristic arcade game sound effects are simulated in a music synthesizer for audio duplication and are reduced to a single keystroke, thereby enabling an operator to generate a percussive audio pulse which is mixed in a recording with the other components of the performed work. When the recording is played back, it incorporates these arcade game sound-effects pulses which define the accented beat of the music.

Abstract: A method of merging playlists each for a single channel for simultaneous transmission over a network by a multi-channel automatic transmission system (1) which replaces the functions previously performed in a network studio (100) by a number of single channel automatic transmission systems (111, 112, 113 . . . ) corresponding to a number of regional transmitters (101, 102, 103 . . . ). Any proposed merging is checked before the merged playlist is completed. The checking takes the form of two sequentially applied tests. The first test is that the required number of cassette changes be less than or equal to a calculatable maximum number. The second test is that for each channel, for each event other than the first event on the playlist, the sum of the cummulative thread, cue and pre-roll times and the elevator movement times be less than or equal to the sum of the total event durations including the event being checked less the total of the previous event durations for that channel.

Abstract: An original film or video sound track and a translation of this sound track into another language are separately recorded and a predetermined positioning timewise relative to the original sound track introduced to the output of the translation to make for best clarity and understanding of the two audio outputs when they are superimposed. The audio levels of the original sound track output and the translation are then set to predesired levels and combined with each other. The combined signal is then fed to an audio compressor which is triggered by an attack signal generated by a second recording of the translation which is advanced in time by 0.5-2.0 seconds relative to the first translation recording. The combined original and translation audio signal is thus ramped down to a lower level a predetermined time period before and during the time the translation audio is present, the sound track level being restored to its original audio level a predetermined time period after the translation audio has stopped.

Abstract: Audio subliminal recordings are made in which in addition to using a primary carrier, such as music, two audio channels are used to deliver subliminal messages to the brain. On one channel, accessing the left brain hemisphere, the message delivered is meaningfully spoken, forward-masked, permissive affirmations delivered in a round-robin manner by a male voice, a female voice and a child's voice. On the other channel, accessing the right brain, directive messages, in the same voices, are recorded in backward-masked (or meta-contrast). The three voices are recording in round-robin fashion with full echo reverberation. The audio tracks are mixed using a special processor which converts sound frequencies to electrical impulses and tracks the subliminal message to synchronize the subliminal message in stereo with the primary carrier.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus mixes the voice information from a microphone and the information reproduced from a recording medium in which a vocal signal plus an instrumental signal is contained as a first signal in a first channel and only an instrumental signal is contained as a second signal in a second channel. A first mixing circuit mixes the first signal and the second signal. The output of the first mixing circuit is mixed by a second mixing circuit with the voice information from the microphone. A control circuit or audio detecting circuit provides a control signal in accordance with the level of the voice information from the microphone. The control signal controls a selection control circuit to gradually and smoothly vary the mixing ratio of the first signal and the second signal when mixing these two signals.

Abstract: A synchronizing system for use with a plurality of digital signal reproducers includes a plurality of digital signal reproducers, each having a digital I/O modulator, a digital I/O demodulator and a decoder; a digital signal multiplexer supplied with the output signal from the plurality of digital signal reproducers, and for producing a frame synchronizing signal, a plural channel of digital signals; the digital signal multiplexer including a clock pulse generator, a word synchronizing signal generator, a digital I/O modulator and a digital I/O demodulator. The corresponding digital I/O modulator and digital I/O demodulator are coupled to each other so as to synchronize the plurality of digital signal reproducers.

Abstract: An improved three-dimensional driving arrangement of an objective lens or the like, which is so arranged that coils for focusing control, tracking control and tangential control in three directions re disposed in one magnetic gap for compact size, while the coils for the tracking control and tangential control are each formed to have a V-shaped cross section, with going passage arms of the coils being disposed in the magnetic gap, but returning passage arms of them being disposed outside the magnetic gap through four slit-like notches formed in a yoke, thus making it possible to drive the objective lens independently in three directions.

Abstract: An audio system for portable high fidelity reproduction, to provide a sensation of being surrounded by a three-dimensional field of lifelike sound events, comprises a set of miniaturized electro-acoustical devices adapted to each other and for battery-operated high fidelity reproductions and designed to be supported by or built into an interconnecting belt-like garment, so as to be worn in contact with the listener's body without causing any discomfort or encumbrance. The system may further employ one or more pairs of small-size binaural transducers with open-air high fidelity characteristics, and its circuitry is designed for binaural radiation and for optimal frequency response and perfect space reproduction through a given transducer type.

Abstract: A video tape editing control system is provided which is capable of controlling one or more source video tape recorders and a record video tape recorder so that video information from a first source video tape recorder may be recorded on the video tape in the record video tape recorder until a selected edit point is reached, at which point the video information from the first source video tape recorder is replaced by different video information from the same or from a different source video tape recorder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system that will allow plural turntable recorded music sources that can have unique basic bass rhythm beat patterns played consecutively with the basic bass rhythm patterns synchronized such that a listener of the music senses that the bass beat rhythm patterns appear uninterrupted from one recorded musical piece to the next. Each of the music sources have means to vary the basic rhythm rate. The system included in combination a first and a second input signal representative of the sources of recorded music. There are provided first and second bass beat rhythm detectors respectively electrically coupled to the plural sources of recorded music to receive the first and the second input signals and provide a first and a second output signal which contain exclusively the bass beat rhythm of the respective sources.