Abstract: Systems and methods of use are presented for selecting and displaying media content on a display where the media content is determined by user manual manipulation of the content pages of a book positioned on a book reader. The display includes a video display screen and a media player. The media player has a storage drive configured to accept and store media content, and a processor configured to access the storage drive to transmit selected media content to the video display screen when signaled by the book reader to do so. The book reader includes a plurality of sensors divided into a plurality of right side sensors and a plurality of left side sensors that are configured to detect and determine which content page of the book is currently open and displayed on the book reader. When a content page is displayed and detected, a controller signals the processor.

Abstract: A social entertainment user interface operating on a wireless networked record session device capable of producing a live video and/or audio stream as if made in a vintage record booth. Record sessions are listened to and/or watched by a plurality of other social entertainment user interfaces operating on other networked listening/watching wireless networked devices. Video and audio filters emulate various altered looks and sounds. Record sessions are streamed live or near-live for other social entertainment user interfaces operating on other networked wireless devices to listen and/or watch, and passively and actively rated to dynamically enable watching of the most preferred record sessions.

Abstract: A device for illuminating a target comprises a laser which produces a light beam, a viewing medium which receives electromagnetic radiation in an acceptance band, a beam-splitter which splits the light beam into a first beam and a second beam, and an imaging assembly. The imaging assembly comprises a light conversion medium and an element responsible for image creation comprising one of a light focusing medium and a light reflective medium. The first beam is directed along a travel path from the beam-splitter to the element and then to the light conversion medium, wherein the light conversion medium converts the first beam into electromagnetic radiation within the acceptance band. A spot object distance between the light conversion medium and the element is less than a target distance. The target distance is between the target and the beam-splitter less a distance between the beam-splitter and the element.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus for performing liquid processing with respect to a substrate using processing fluid, includes: a plurality of substrate holding units arranged side by side in a left-right direction; a nozzle configured to supply the processing fluid to the substrate held in each of the substrate holding units; and a nozzle moving mechanism configured to move the nozzle forward and backward in a front-rear direction intersecting an arrangement direction of the substrate holding units between a supplying position in which the processing fluid is supplied to a region including a central portion of the substrate and a waiting position which is defined at a rear side of a row of the substrate holding units opposite to a front side of the row of the substrate holding units at which the substrate is loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: The present invention includes a keyboard lid which is constituted by a front lid and a rear lid whose lengths in the front-rear direction of a keyboard section provided in an instrument case are different from each other being foldably connected to each other by a coupling member, and openably and closably covers the keyboard section; a rotary fulcrum section which supports the rear end portion of the rear lid such that the rear lid is rotatable with respect to the instrument case, and by which the keyboard lid is mountain-folded and the front lid is held upright above the rear portion of the keyboard section when the keyboard lid exposes the keyboard section; and a guide section which guides the front end portion of the front lid in the front-rear direction of the keyboard section. Accordingly, the keyboard lid can be stably and smoothly opened or closed.

Abstract: A recording head controlling apparatus includes: a restoration unit configured to restore a clock signal and an image signal from a serial signal in which the clock signal and the image signal are superimposed and store it in a storage unit; and a transmission control unit configured to receive a synchronization signal of a driving waveform to drive each piezoelectric element and transmit the image signal stored in the storage unit to a driving unit for driving the piezoelectric element at a timing corresponding to the synchronization signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing media playback on a turntable, such as an audio record turntable, includes an illumination apparatus. The illumination apparatus is generally placed on the turntable's platter, beneath a record to be played. The record may be transparent or semi-transparent. The illumination apparatus includes a light source that projects light up through the record for producing a visual effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for signal processing, wherein a disc is placed on a turntable and is provided with a groove which can be followed by the pick-up element, and employing a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a photon/light based data storage, distribution and simultaneous data access system for a multiprocessor computer system.

Abstract: Power consumption is calculated in accordance with an operation state of disk devices without using a power meter in a storage system. The power consumption in accordance with the operation state is calculated as follows. That is, information on the power consumption for every type of hard disks is stored in advance when types of I/O process (random/sequential of read and write) operate at idle time up to a limit state in every type of hard disks. A control unit of the storage system aggregates time waiting a response from the hard disks in every type of I/O process. The power consumption of the disks is calculated on the basis of the information on the power consumption stored in advance and a sum of the waiting time of the response from the hard disks.

Abstract: A wireless optical disc apparatus includes an optical disc drive; a communication unit that is configured to communicate with a wireless terminal device; and a controller connected to the optical disc drive and the communication unit, and the controller is configured to control the optical disc drive.

Abstract: There is provided an audio playback device that prevents a user from losing an opportunity to use a content that is not playable on an AOP mode. In the case where the playback device functions on the AOP mode, when a DVD-Audio disk 1 being a subject of playback contains an ATT_GR that is not playable in the AOP mode, a navigation manager 11 of a DVD-Audio playback device displays such situation on a display device 15 via a display control unit. On the other hand, in the case where the playback device functions in a VCAP mode, when the DVD-Audio disk 1 being the subject of playback contains an ATT_GR that is playable only in the VCAP mode, the navigation manager 11 displays the ATT_GRN of the ATT_GR on the display device 15 via the display control unit to urge the user to use the ATT_GR.

Abstract: An apparatus for signal processing, wherein a disc is placed on a turntable and is provided with a groove which can be followed by the pick-up element, and employing a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.

Abstract: An optical disc drive apparatus which is mounted on a mobile apparatus, which at least reads information from a disc surface of an optical disc disposed in a predetermined position by using a pickup, which is robust against vibration, and which is capable of preventing collision between the disc surface of the optical disc and the pickup. The apparatus judges a road surface condition associated with location information on the basis of the location information concerning a location on a road on which the mobile apparatus is traveling, acquired externally and road surface condition information depending upon a road surface condition of a road on which the mobile apparatus travels. Servo characteristics of the optical drive apparatus are controlled according to control information associated with the judged road surface condition.

Abstract: A method of recording and playing back audio using a handheld electronic pen. The method includes the steps of method comprising the steps of: recording audio via a microphone whilst interacting with an encoded substrate using the pen; and playing back the recorded audio by subsequently interacting with the encoded substrate and retrieving the recorded audio which is associated with the identity of the substrate and a position on the substrate.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the embodiment, a recording apparatus includes: a recording medium unit having a metal face; a control circuit configured to operate the recording medium unit; a connector electrically connected to the control circuit and configured to transfer data between an external apparatus and the recording medium unit; and a metal portion disposed in a vicinity of the connector and electrically connected to the metal face.

Abstract: An optical disc reproduction apparatus as electronic apparatus has a display unit mounted via a hinge unit on a main body unit which has a main body case having lower and upper cases for housing a control board and a hinge connecting portion connected to a main body-side joint member of the hinge unit. The hinge connecting portion is formed of a part of the main body case, and has upper and lower connecting members formed of a part of the upper case and a part of the lower case, respectively. The lower connecting member is overlaid on a lower surface of the upper connecting member. The main body-side joint member is attached to the upper connecting member, and connected to both the upper and lower connecting members with hinge mounting screws so as to be connected to the hinge connecting portion.

Abstract: A media processor is capable of keeping disposal history of media regardless of whether the media is externally created media or not. In the media processor, while used media set in a created media storage unit is being conveyed to a media disposal mechanism by a media conveying mechanism, a label surface image printed on a label surface of the media is read by a line sensor. Subsequently, the media is disposed of by the media disposal mechanism such that reading and writing are not possible. In a storage unit, the read image printed on the label surface is stored as media disposal history.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention a communication device is provided with a data storage module adapted to store data related to one or more communication sessions of the communication device. According to some embodiments of the present invention, voice, video, text and other types of communication sessions, conducted via the communication device, may be: (1) stored, (2) characterized, (3) indexed, (4) searched, and (5) retrieved.

Abstract: There is provided a recording and playback system and method thereof for musical instruments, in particular within a guitar. The system includes a device for recording and playback installed within a guitar and a memory data storage device for recording audio from the guitar, playback of audio, and transferring of audio to a computer system for playback and manipulation. A software program is used for converting the recorded audio file into a playable format for a computer system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing an automated imaging system comprising an illumination source, a phosphorescent imaging target, and an optical imaging sensor for receiving luminance information emitted from the phosphorescent imaging target.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing and managing multimedia items include a primary storage, a browser and a converter. The converter is used for converting multimedia items from a first item type to a second item type. The browser provides a unified operating interface for accessing multimedia items of both the first item type and the second item type. By dynamically converting the item type of the multimedia items on the primary storage, a better user experience is provided even the capacity of the primary storage is limited.

Abstract: A tombstone for communicating audio and visual data related to the deceased from the tombstone to a user, the tombstone comprising an indicia bearing and viewing portion, a visual display, an audio transmitter for communicating sound waves to a user, data related to the deceased, the data comprising audio and visual images of the deceased, the data stored within storage media, and means for reproducing the audio and visual images of the deceased from the data related to the deceased utilizing one or more players, readers or drivers for the one or more of the storage media.

Abstract: The present invention presents a way to augment the playback of a compact disk by increasing the resolution, the number of channel, or both during reproduction, while still allowing the resultant CD to be playable on a standard CD player. From a high quality original master or other source, it produces a set of conventional two track audio signals and a set of residual or additional audio data derived from the original master using this conventional stereo audio signal. Additionally, it extracts a set of control information relating this additional audio data to the conventional stereo signals. This additional audio data contains information from the original master that would otherwise be lost when encoded onto a conventional CD. Upon playback, the control information allows the additional audio data to be recombined with the conventional stereo signal in order to reconstruct the original master.

Abstract: An information storage medium for storing data structures supporting multi-angles is provided. The information storage medium includes clips as recording units of motion picture data for respective angles. As additional information for each clip, clip information is recorded on a separate storage area from the clip. The clip information includes jumping-point information for jumping into another angle. At least one clip for a desired angle can be divided and recorded in contiguous recording area of the information storage medium, or can be divided into smaller interleaved units, multiplexed, and recorded. Therefore, it is possible to easily track and reproduce motion picture data for multi-angle and also facilitate recording area arrangement when one clip is recorded in a contiguous storage area.

Abstract: A method for illuminating a liquid crystal display device, a back-light assembly for performing the same and a liquid crystal display device using the same can improve the front luminance and production yield. Lights from a lamp is incident to a LCD panel side, which are then primarily diffused for a uniformity of the luminous flux of the incident lights. The luminous flux of the primarily diffused lights is condensed with respect to a first orientation component on a plane in parallel with the LCD panel, and then partially and secondarily diffused for extending a view angle of pixels of the LCD panel. After the luminous flux of the secondarily diffused lights is condensed with respect to a second orientation component perpendicular to the first orientation on the parallel plane, the condensed lights are illuminated onto the LCD panel.

Abstract: An optical disc system comprises a gain offset unit for giving a gain and an offset to an inputted reproduction signal, an A/D converter, a peak detector, a bottom detector, an amplitude detector for calculating a signal, an offset detector for calculating a signal offset, a dropout detector for detecting a dropout in the input signal, and a controller for performing gain control and offset control of the gain offset unit, said controller being able to hold the control operation or switch the control speed by a hold signal that is supplied from the outside, wherein a defect in a recording medium is detected to hold the gain control and offset control or change the control response speed, whereby the signal amplitude and offset at the input of the A/D converter are always kept constant.

Abstract: A deck mechanism for a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a main deck provided with a head drum and a capstan motor; a sub-deck installed on the main deck to be loaded/unloaded, the sub-deck being provided with a pair of reel discs, onto which tape reels of a tape cassette are seated; a pole base loading unit for taking out and guiding a tape to be in contact with a side of the head drum when the sub-deck is loaded and guides; a pinch roller unit for compressing the tape against a spindle of the capstan motor when the sub-deck is loaded; a brake unit for selectively braking one of the roll discs; a main sliding member mounted on the main deck to be capable of reciprocatingly sliding, the main sliding member controlling the driving of the pinch roller unit; and a main cam gear mounted on the main deck to be capable of rotating, the main cam gear causing operating all of the sub-deck, the pole base loading unit, the brake unit, and the main sliding member to perform linked movements while the ma

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a transmission/reception device for transmitting/receiving data and command signals from a transmission line, a recording/reproducing device for recording data received from the transmission/reception device on a recording medium during reception and for transmitting data reproduced from the recording medium to the transmission/reception device during transmission, an operation device for generating an operation signal for determining the operation of the recording/reproducing device, a control device for controlling the recording/reproducing device in accordance with the command signals or the operation signal, and a switching signal generation device for outputting a switching signal for determining whether the operation signal is valid or invalid to the control device.

Abstract: The manufacture of magnetic disks for disk drives requires formation or servo tracks in a concentric pattern on the disk. Certain types of beam apparatuses for forming patterns on disks, however, provide spiral patterns. A ramp type deflection signal therefore is used to deflect the beam so as to form one circular pattern during each rotational cycle, and thereby convert the spiral pattern to a pattern comprising a series of circles.

Abstract: An optical disc drive with a memory medium accessing module to access an optical disc and a memory medium. The optical disc drive includes a main body, a tray, a memory medium transformer and a connector. The tray is disposed on the main body. The tray supports the optical disc when the optical disc is used. The memory medium transformer is placed on the tray to load the memory medium electrically connected thereto. The connector is disposed in the main body. The tray is received in the main body and the connector is electrically connected to the memory medium transformer when the memory medium is used and the tray supports the memory medium transformer.

Abstract: An optical recording medium for recording a predetermined command code at a predetermined region of contents, an apparatus and method to play the optical recording medium, which executes a predetermined command when the contents are played so that the predetermined command is moved into contents at a predetermined portion of a screen. The method of playing an optical recording medium includes analyzing a signal that is read from the optical recording medium, and searching whether a predetermined command is recorded in a reserved region in a predetermined packet, storing the searched predetermined command and executing the stored predetermined command with a command execution key, and displaying the result of the command that is executed with the command execution key on a screen of the optical recording medium.

Abstract: A toy consists of a base, a cap and a toy model. The base has stationary wheels and a movable wheel located on the bottom section thereof. The movable wheel may be driven through a gear set by battery power for moving the base around. The cap has a hollow casing located on the top section to house a motor that is driven by a battery for rotating the cap through another gear set. The base has an arched gear rack located on the top surface. By way of an elastic element and a lever to couple with the gear sets and arched gear rack, the cap may be moved to the left and right, and rotated positively and reversely to generate a wide variety of simulative motions.

Abstract: A multimedia memorial disposed at a grave site including a housing, power supply, an input, a memory, a microprocessor, a display for displaying a number of still images or successive moving images, a speaker, and an output. The multimedia memorial may also include a receiver and/or transmitter, such as a transceiver for receiving and/or transmitting information. Such a receiver may be configured for being responsive to global positioning system signals transmitted by a satellite navigation system and for providing information describing the memorial's location based on the navigation signals.

Abstract: A multipurpose learning device having a picture book including a plurality of pages, wherein the pages turned in a top-to-bottom hinged direction instead of a side-to-side hinged direction, a memory unit having audio and video data stored therein, the memory unit being detachably connected to a touch board. A surface of the touch board is declined to a predetermined angle for enabling a user to easily position an electronic pen perpendicular to the touch board. Each sheet of the picture book includes a blank page and a picture page and picture information corresponding to a picture on one of the pages is displayed on a host device, such as a television. A user moves the electronic pen over a blank page which is positioned over the touch board, and a cursor is displayed on the host device at a position corresponding to the position of the electronic pen over the blank page and touch board.

Abstract: A cartridgeless data storage disk for a data storage disk drive has a latent irradiance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits irradiance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted irradiance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification of different types or generations of cartridgeless data storage disks.

Abstract: A disk dispenser dispenses memory storage disks including CD's and the like. The disk dispenser includes an upper guide and a lower guide attached to the upper guide. The upper and lower guides are formed with axially offset openings. The lower guide has a rim for supporting a disk. A plate mounts between the lower guide and the upper guide. The plate has an arced edge for contacting a disk. The plate slides, causing the arced edge of the plate to dispense the disk through the opening in the lower guide.

Abstract: The on/off statuses of relays corresponding to information played back from an optical disk, for example, position information such as absolute time and track number, are stored in memory. When the absolute time or track number in the sub-code information decoded by the sub-code decode circuit is identical to the absolute time or track number stored in memory, the relays in the external device interface unit are switched to control the external devices connected to them. With this arrangement, external devices such as lights, slide projector, and illumination may easily be controlled in synchronization with optical disk playback information.

Abstract: A library apparatus capable of being manufactured at low cost, in which a cartridge can be moved accurately without high mechanical precision. The library apparatus comprises a plurality of cells each for containing a cartridge, a reference cell unit, an accessor unit, a passage unit, at least a drum unit, at least a drive unit, a guide rail and an accessor. The accessor has a high-accuracy diagnostic cell. The error between the light axis of a photoelectric sensor of the accessor and the operation axis of a hand unit of the accessor is measured by inserting and withdrawing a high-accuracy diagnostic cartridge into and out of the diagnostic cell. Also, a position correction value and a sensor sensitivity correction value for the accessor actually moving to a cell are determined. On the basis of the error and correction values thus obtained, a table showing the relative positions of all the cells is prepared before the operation of the library apparatus.

Abstract: A vending apparatus for printed publications includes a programmable announcement capability which permits audio messages to be played in response to a customer stimulus. Programming is conveniently carried out through the connection of a portable programming unit to the vending apparatus to download a message stored in the programming unit. Such programming may be done frequently, such as daily, or at such time when the rack is refilled with printed publications. The announcement capability within the vending apparatus is preferably triggered when a customer opens an access panel on the rack, which then plays the message downloaded through the portable programming unit.

Abstract: A CDP-incorporated television receiver is provided which includes a CD reproducer, a CDG processor, a CDV processor, and a CD-OK processor. The CD reproducer reads data from an optical disk, and the CDG, CDV, and CD-OK processors input such data and respectively produce corresponding RGB, synchronization, and other signals, which respectively correspond to CD-graphics, CD-video, and CD-OK. A CD controller also receives a data signal from said CD reproducer, and determines the type of compact disk currently being reproduced by the CD reproducer based on the data signal. As a result, the CD controller produces a selection signal corresponding to the type of compact disk and outputs the selection signal to a switching matrix. The switching matrix selectively outputs one group of RGB, synchronization, and other signals based on the selection signal to an encoder, and the encoder converts the selected RGB signal into a CD video signal.

Abstract: The unit works in conjunction with a multiple-disc player by storing the empty disc-cases, indicating disc status, and providing a system of selection for the discs inside of the multi-player. The unit stores empty disc-cases in relative positions to discs stored inside the multi-player. The exposed faces of stored disc-cases behave as buttons and labels.

Abstract: An automatically actuated voice message delivery system is provided. At least one motion sensor (40) and one or more optional presence detectors (45) are strategically placed within an enclosed area so as to monitor delineated zones thereof for entering individuals. When an entering individual is detected by one of the sensors (40) or detectors (45), a pre-recorded voice message pertaining to the entered zone is automatically delivered to that individual. When the entering individual exits a given zone and subsequently enters a different zone, delivery of the pre-recorded voice message pertaining to that zone is triggered by the monitoring sensor (40) or detector (45) thereof. A plurality of logically related messages may thereby be progressively delivered as an individual makes his or her way through an enclosed area monitored by the subject automatic message delivery system.

Abstract: Luggage, having an audio recording and playing device within the luggage, housed in a pouch. The device is removable by the owner so that a message indicating where the owner is in his travels can be recorded on the recorder/player. An external plate includes indicia directing a luggage handler how to play the identifying message.

Abstract: A listening and display unit for playing and promoting audio recordings, including a display surface for promotional and instructional messages, two or more audio jacks connected by an audio cable to one of several player units, a AC/DC power unit to power the player units, a DC power jack connected by a power cable to the power unit and connected by a wiring harness to the player units.

Abstract: A marker such as a grave stone or tombstone for visually identifying the resting place of the remains of a once living entity, with the marker preferably having a location for written information to be applied thereto for specifically identifying the remains. The marker includes an audio system which can audibly broadcast information relevant to or regarding the identified remains. The audible broadcast may be an epitaph, music, poems, favorite sayings, stories, voice messages to the world or loved ones, combinations thereof, and or anything which can be broadcast by an audio speaker in audible tones or voice(s). The audio system includes capabilities for electronically retrieving the information for audible broadcast from digital information stored within semiconductor electronics, and thereby electrical power consumption is kept low, as is the number of moving parts in the audio system. An electrical power supply, preferably including a photovoltaic panel, is used for electrically powering the audio system.

Abstract: A timer operation management apparatus for managing the playback and recording of multiple video tape cassettes comprising cassette information storage capabilities for storing the presence/absence of cassette, the presence/absence of a safety lug, and the like; timer information capabilities capable of storing cassette designation information, start and stop time designations, record and play time designations, etc.; and wherein the cassette designation information includes both individual cassette designation information and all cassette designation information.

Abstract: Optical apparatus incorporating a lighting source capable of providing a substantial equal irradiance at each point of an image plane for use in backlighting transparencies during their reproduction and recordation. There is also disclosed and claimed apparatus using the lighting source to produce for the first time high quality electronic images in an analogue format of medical imagery originally or subsequently produced in a tangible form such as X-ray, CT, or MR images. There is further disclosed an integrated system providing apparatus for converting, storing, and retrieving images originally produced in tangible or intangible form that are subsequently converted to an analogue electronic format and stored in analogue format on an optical disc in an optical disc library. The system includes the apparatus for converting the tangible images into high quality electronic images and for converting digital images produced during CT or MR imaging or the like into a common analogue medium.

Abstract: In a digital data recording and/or reproducing apparatus, the frequency of digital data to be recorded or that has been reproduced is converted so that data blocks formed from the digital data have a time duration that allows for coordination with the timing of data sectors formed from the data blocks and recorded with predetermined timing in respective tracks on a recording medium.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring nanometer or picometer surface displacements in a target surface. A laser beam is directed against the target surface, and time-dependent variations in laser output power are measured. These variations, which are due to non-specular reflection of the incident beam by the target and reentry of the retroreflected light into the laser cavity, are used to determine time-dependent displacements at the target surface, based on a linear relationship between the measured power variations and surface displacements. The invention is useful for determining microscopic surface features of a surface, for high-density laser optical disc data storage and retrieval, and as an ultrasensitive transducer for sound or mechanical vibrations.