Abstract: The story telling toy contains one or more characters that relate an educational story upon power up. At least one of the characters has active facial features such as eyes and mouth that move synchronous to the audio. The audio as well as control signals for the actuated features are stored in a multi-track memory within the toy. Multiple short stories are saved in memory enabling the toy to relate a different story each time it is powered up. In another embodiment, the memory is made interchangeable by using USB drives, disks, SD cards, or other devices. The behavior of the toy changes when a new memory device is loaded and it relates different stories. In another embodiment, the toy may be designed to communicate with the home internet to enable downloading new stories via internet. The active features maybe implemented mechanically using electro magnets, solenoids, or optically using displays, electrochromic coatings, or fiber optic bundles.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a control unit that controls the first and second communication units. If the display apparatus is on standby in a first standby mode in which the first and second communication units are enabled, when the control unit receives a command via communication from an external device to the first communication unit, the control unit acquires information of another display apparatus via the second communication unit and transmits the information to the external device via the first communication unit. If the display apparatus is on standby in a second standby mode in which the second communication unit is enabled, when the control unit receives a command via communication from another display apparatus to the second communication unit, the control unit transmits information of the display apparatus to the other display apparatus via the second communication unit.

Abstract: A system and method for speech file processing which provides users with differentially selectable speech file transcripts which can be sent to one or more other users. The speech files may be voicemail messages from which respective voicemail transcripts are created. The voicemail transcripts are provided in a user selectable format from which users may select non-contiguous portions of the transcript.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a location information generating unit that generates location information of index information stored in the server apparatus and location information of image data stored in the server apparatus; an index obtaining unit that obtains the index information from the server apparatus using the location information of the index information; a list screen generating unit that generates a list screen including information on the image data stored in the server apparatus using the index information and displays the list screen on a display unit; an image data obtaining unit that obtains the image data from the server apparatus using the location information of the image data that is selected by an operator from the list screen; and a display screen generating unit that generates a display screen of the obtained image data and displays the display screen on the display unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism that can be integrated with silicon facial prostheses used to recapitulate a natural facial appearance through biomimetic actuation. The prosthetic eye comprises a servo motor, microcontroller, battery, rotational shaft, and customized stainless steel tarsus. The tarsus mimics the natural eyelid and reinforces the silicon lid for rotational blink motion. A stainless steel clip holds the device together and polyurethane foam encases the device to allow proper fitting in the orbital cavity. The present invention fits within a model orbital cavity and the generated blink motion is tunable to match the position profile of an in vivo blink.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for media drive operational data retrieval in a storage library in a manner that is asynchronous with respect to other drive-related communications. Embodiments operate in context of a data storage library having a robotic assembly that ferries media cartridges between media slots and media drives to fulfill requests by host systems. The media drives can communicate with a drive controller over a control path and with host systems over a data path. The drive controller can retrieve operational data from the media drive while the drive is effectively idle, and can communicate the retrieved operational data over the control path to the library. Accordingly, retrieval and communication of the drive operational data can be performed via the control path in a manner that is asynchronous with respect to data path and/or other drive-related communications.

Abstract: A method of processing signals in a rotary encoder of the kind which comprises at least one annular track of encoding regions arranged as an alternating pattern of first encoding regions and second encoding regions. The encoder including first and second detectors, each of which is arranged to produce a first alternating output signal as the track of encoding regions rotates about its axis past the detector. The detector identifying a usable pair of transitions and a rejectable pair of transitions and utilizing the pairs of transitions to produce a compensated position measurement for the rotary encoder.

Abstract: An indication circuit includes a platform controller hub (PCH), a hard disk drive detector, an indication circuit, and a control circuit. The indication circuit includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The PCH outputs indication signals to indicate data transmission rates of hard disk drives of an electronic device. The hard disk drive detector outputs present signals to confirm the presence of each of the hard disk drives upon connection of the hard disk drives to the hard disk drive backplane. The control circuit outputs voltage signals to turn on/off the LEDs, according to the indication signals and the present signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated method for loading a first tape cartridge into a tape drive, the first tape cartridge formatted to include a user data partition and also to include an index partition, different than and sized smaller than the user data partition, to store an index that self-describes user data designated to the user data partition and to also store non-index data, then reading the non-index data in the index partition of the first tape cartridge to self-describe a second tape cartridge different than the first tape cartridge.

Abstract: A vibration attenuation method comprising identifying a hard drive disposed on an electronic device and, based on the identity of the hard drive, attenuating an output of at least one operation of the electronic device.

Abstract: A floppy module includes a floppy disk controller (FDC), a control circuit, and a display. The FDC has a first control terminal, a second control terminal, and a plurality of third control terminals. Wherein, the first control terminal and the second control terminal may respectively output a first control signal and a second control signal, and the first and second control signals having the same statuses are used for controlling a floppy disk. The display has a fourth control terminal and a plurality of data terminals respectively coupled to a portion of the third control terminals. Additionally, the control circuit may use the first control signal to replace the second control signal for controlling the floppy disk, and transmit the second control signal to the fourth control terminal such that a status information is shown on the display as the floppy disk being idle.

Abstract: A remote projector and administration control method and apparatus enables the integration of presentation projector resources in an networked enterprise environment. A projector server computer connected to the network hosts one or more presentation data/video projectors. Alternatively, a network enabled projector functions as both the projector server host and projector. Residing on the projector server host are a repository for storing presentation data and user profiles, a projector server and three interfaces: a projector interface to communicate with the hosted projector, a host discovery interface to discover other projector server hosts or network enabled projectors on the network, and a host interface to interact with the identified hosts using the facilities of the remote projector and administration method and apparatus. The host discovery interface discovers the identity of other active projector servers or network enabled projectors on the network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing data which employ a hard disk memory media which is operably supported within a cartridge shell to form a disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can be employed in the manner of a tape cartridge wherein the disk cartridge can be stored in a communicatively isolated condition until required for read/write operations whereupon the disk cartridge can be communicatively linked to another device which transmits data to, or receives data from, the disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can adhere to a given tape cartridge form factor so as to enable both tape cartridges and disk cartridges to be employed together in a single automated library system.

Abstract: A library device, that is able to remote-actuate a recording/reproducing apparatus. The library device includes a recording/reproducing unit for recording or reproducing the information using a removable recording medium, a plurality of housing unit that is able to accommodate the recording medium therein, a transporting unit for transporting the recording medium between an optional housing unit in the housing unit and the recording/reproducing unit, and a control unit for controlling the transporting unit and/or the recording/reproducing unit. The control unit selects an operating mode of setting a control operation of permitting external terminal unit to perform the same control as that performed by the control unit or an operating mode of permitting the external terminal unit to perform control limited with respect to the control operation of the control unit, when the transporting unit and/or the recording/reproducing unit is controlled by the external terminal unit.

Abstract: A control apparatus and a VTR are connected via an IEEE1394 interface bus. The control apparatus transmits a command to the VTR via the bus to designate a recording mode and a recording region of input information recorded on a magnetic tape loaded in the VTR. In response to this command, the VTR interprets the content of the received command and performs a recording operation in accordance with the interpreted content. Furthermore, the control apparatus transmits a recording time status command to an information transport apparatus to inquire a recording time of a specific information recorded on the magnetic tape. The information transport apparatus notifies the control apparatus of the recording time. The control apparatus calculates an expected information transport end time based on the information transport start time and the recording time of the specific information notified from the information transport apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film image input method, wherein a line sensor is used as an image sensor to reduce the cost, and the image data can be corrected in accordance with the taking environment, which occurs in a case of using the line sensor, for every frame. A line sensor is provided in which photoelectric transfer elements are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of a long roll of developed film for a still camera, the film is fed at the first speed continuously to take the rough image data of all frames through the line sensor, and the taking environment for every frame is detected based on the taken rough image data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for expanding the functionality of vehicle cassette tape player decks to permit driver dictation or other recording and automatic remote station relaying of same through integration with cellular radio telephone apparatus and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically performing channel change of a television receiver using a video cassette recorder includes a playback command detector for detecting a playback command, a channel sensor for sensing a video viewable channel which is selected by a radio frequency changeover switch according to a user's selection, a memory for storing the video viewable channel sensed by the channel sensor, television receiver channel change data and television receiver codes corresponding to different types of the television receiver, a controller for reading one of the television receiver channel change data stored in the memory corresponding to the video viewable channel sensed by the channel sensor upon the detection of the playback command by the playback command detector, and a remote transmitter for remotely transmitting the television receiver channel change data from the controller to the television receiver to change a current channel of the television receiver to the video viewable channel sensed by th

Abstract: An automatic channel accord method, which harmonizes first channel data corresponding to a first broadcasting reception device and second channel data corresponding to a second broadcasting reception device is provided. In the method, the first channel data is stored in the first broadcasting reception device, and the second channel data is stored in the second broadcasting reception device. Then, the first channel data is copied from the first broadcasting reception device and stored in the second broadcasting reception device as new second channel data. As a result, the new second channel data stored in the second broadcasting reception device corresponds to the first channel data stored in the first broadcasting reception device.

Abstract: Screen (10) for a user interface of a television schedule system and process consists of an array (24) of irregular cells (26), which vary in length, corresponding to different television program lengths of one half hour to one-and-one half hours or more. The array is arranged as three columns (28) of one-half hour in duration, and twelve rows (30) of program listings. Some of the program listings overlap two or more of the columns (28) because of their length. Because of the widely varying length of the cells (26), if a conventional cursor used to select a cell location were to simply step from one cell to another, the result would be abrupt changes in the screen (10) as the cursor moved from a cell (26) of several hours length to an adjacent cell in the same row. An effective way of taming the motion is to assume that behind every array (24) is an underlying array of regular cells. By restricting cursor movements to the regular cells, abrupt screen changes will be avoided.

Abstract: A high frequency injection system overlays a textured signal onto a digital control signal for controlling a motion base. The system includes a digital motion controller and HFIS generator linked to a mixer. A mixed signal from the mixer is amplified and provided to a valve for controlling an actuator for moving a motion base.

Abstract: In a combination television and videocassette recorder device which is automatically controlled by TV program reservation codes, when the selector switch is set to the TV mode side, it is possible to automatically control the television by the reservation codes. On the other hand, when the selector switch is set to the VCR mode side, it is possible to automatically control the videocassette recorder by the reservation codes.

Abstract: Text data is arranged into groups. A unique code is assigned to each group. The data is encoded so that the codes represent the groups. The groups and their assigned codes are transmitted to a receiver where they are stored as a table correlating each group to its assigned code. After the table is transmitted, the program and the encoded text data are transmitted to the receiver, preferably in synchronism. At the receiver, the data is decoded from the table and displayed as the program is reproduced.

Abstract: A VCR includes circuitry for controlling a cable converter unit, circuitry for detecting the presence of a television signal, and control code transmission circuitry for remotely controlling a cable converter unit. Advantageously, because the VCR is coupled to the output of the cable converter unit, the VCR can monitor the television signals received from the cable converter unit to ensure that commands sent to the cable converter unit from the VCR are executed. It is herein recognized that a skip list programmed into a VCR may be used by the VCR to control a cable box. That is, in response to a channel up command received by the VCR, the VCR would not change channels itself, but rather controls the cable box to select the next preferred channel entered in the skip list of the VCR. In this mode of operation, the channel tuning keys (e.g., CHAN UP, CHAN DN) of the VCR remote control are used to control an external source of signals, while the VCR mechanism control keys (e.g.

Abstract: A storage media (magneto-optical disc, for example) stores material data of a page, layout data of the page and an output control file having a preset name. The output control file contains designating data describing the location of the material data and the location of the layout data in the storage media. When the storage media is detected being set in the media drive, the output control file with the preset name is searched. When the output control file is found, the designating data is read out, and the material data and the layout data are retrieved from the storage media using the designating data. Based on the material data and the layout data, the image of the page is outputted onto a sheet.

Abstract: In a storage medium, data for controlling a recording and reproducing apparatus is stored in a management database recording region provided in recording tracks. Management data recorded in the management database recording region can include various types of management information, such as erase permission or inhibition, information indicating whether the program recorded in the recording tracks has been reproduced, external unit control data for controlling cooperating apparatus, subscriber data corresponding to a respective program, a recorded flag for redesignating recording reservation information corresponding to a recorded program as recorded program information and character display information for depicting a personified guide character for an interactive display.

Abstract: A VCR includes circuitry for controlling a cable converter unit, circuitry for detecting the presence of a television signal, and control code transmission means for remotely controlling a cable converter unit. Advantageously, because the VCR is coupled to the output of the cable converter unit, the VCR can monitor the television signals received from the cable converter unit to ensure that commands sent to the cable converter unit from the VCR are executed. In one embodiment, infrared (IR) transmission of commands from the VCR to the cable converter unit is employed.

Abstract: A VCR includes circuitry for controlling a cable converter unit, circuitry for detecting the presence of a television signal, and control code transmission means for remotely controlling a cable converter unit. Advantageously, because the VCR is coupled to the output of the cable converter unit, the VCR can monitor the television signals received from the cable converter unit to ensure that commands sent to the cable converter unit from the VCR are executed. In one embodiment, infrared (IR) transmission of commands from the VCR to the cable converter unit is employed.

Abstract: A video cassette recorder having a program reserving function for easily reserving a program by coloring in a desired time and date using a black marker and a program board is disclosed. For the programming method, a program board including sections for date (day) and time of da is provided on a VCR, so that anyone can easily execute a program recording function by merely coloring in the appointed starting time, ending time and date of a program with the marker.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording a video signal while forming a great number of parallel tracks on a tape-shaped recording medium, and reproducing the video signal from the track, wherein for a specified picture on the recording medium, a processing code to be used in printing the picture is recorded on the recording medium in correspondence with the specified picture, whereby without recourse to an actual printing of the specified picture, it is possible that only the practice of recording the processing code for the specified picture of the tape-shaped recording medium suffices for starting a selecting operation for the next picture.

Abstract: A moving fader system, primarily for the processing and combining of audio signals, includes a dedicated preprocessor to implement the execution of repetious input instructions. Other features contributing to the operation of the system include (1) "Look-up Tables" included in the preprocessor for conversion purposes, (2) a fiberoptic link for transmission of digital signals between the preprocessor and the servo circuits associated with each fader assembly, and (3) circuitry for combining the outputs of a position digital-to-analog (D/A) converter, an offset correction D/A converter and a gain correction D/A converter, to provide accurate analog servo signals to each fader assembly.

Abstract: A recorded music enhancement system (RMES) utilizing a recording media such as audio tape or compact disc with a separate track for a control waveform or digital code which controls secondary stimuli, such as pulsing lights, so that they pulse in time with the music, or are otherwise coordinated with the music in some artistic arrangement. This system has a triac to switch the power on and off to the lights or other secondary stimuli, and includes a tone or digital code detector which receives the input waveform from the extra track on the recording medium and operates the triac as a function of the input waveform, in essence causing lights or other stimuli to reproduce the rhythm variations of the music as it is played from the tape or other recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an apparatus for turning on/off a TV and switching the input source thereof by means of a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) without separately turning on/off the TV and VCR when playing the VCR. The TV control signal generated by a first microcomputer of the VCR is combined with the audio signal of the VCR by an adder, from which a combined signal is transmitted through an audio line to the external input terminal. In the TV, the combined signal is low-pass-filtered to detect the audio signal, while being high-pass-filtered to detect the TV control signal applied to a microcomputer of the TV to turn on the TV or switch the input source thereof.

Abstract: A device for playing back a music or video source such as a digital audio tape recorder, Compact Disc, Laser Vision Disc, video tape recorder, television and FM broadcasting and analog records comprises means responsive to control information supplied from a music or video source device for controlling an externally controllable electrical or electronic musical instrument so as to perform the musical instrument automatically in synchronism with playback of the source device. An electrical or electronic musical instrument is performed automatically in synchronism with playback of a source so that a reproduction atmosphere which cannot be obtained by mere playback of the source can be created.

Abstract: A variable speed film transport interlock control system for allowing a plurality of film audio elements to be run in synchronization with each other with at least one film element running at a different selected speed than the other elements and permitting internal generation of quadrature control signals by an internal microprocessor. The system generates a modified drive signal from a selected standard system drive signal or microcomputer generated signal such that the modified signal corresponds to a speed with a fixed ratio to the speed of the selected unprocessed drive signal under all operating conditions. This permits the modified signal to drive a film transport device, such as a recorder or reproducer, at a different speed than other transport devices while maintaining synchronization with the other devices during forward or reverse, stopping and starting, high speed or low speed operation.

Abstract: The disclosed information reproducing apparatus reproduces information recorded on a record medium. A timer system restricts the reproducing operation of the apparatus to a predetermined period of time and a control facility controls the timer system on the basis of the coupled state or operating state of a reproduced information handling apparatus arranged to handle reproduced information.

Abstract: An automatic programming and video camera control system is disclosed in which while the camera operator is operating the video camera system, the control signals generated by the operator are converted to a unique plurality of signals for recordation on a mass storage media, such as a video tape recorder. On playback of the mass storage medium, the recorded signals are reproduced, decoded and used to provide automatic control of the video camera system. A modified video tape recorder may be used in which, during playback of the programmed signals, the video images viewed by the video camera are recorded on the video track portion of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A talking and animated doll, toy animal or the like in which speech sounds have simulated muscle movement of eyes, jaws, etc. synchronized thereto. Sound and multiplexed motion control signals are recorded on separate recording medium channels. Sound signals are conventionally detected, amplified and applied to a speaker within the doll. The motion representing signals are digitized and applied to a microprocessor to de-multiplex and provide a plurality of motion signals corresponding to a separate desired motion. These motion signals are each applied to a corresponding servomechanism through a digital-to-analog converter. The servomechanisms each comprise a motor and a driven lead screw having a spiral groove, a carriage having a groove follow, and a thrust rod attached to the carriage to provide an output motion. A linear potentiometer responsive to the position of the carriage provides a servo feedback signal.

Abstract: A doll cooperates with a remote signal source which provides a narration with which the doll interacts, and it has a vocabulary stored in digital data in a memory which may be accessed to cause a speech synthesizer in the doll to simulate speech. The doll has a radio frequency receiver which receives encoded data from the remote signal source, and a central processing unit which accesses the memory for selected speech data to simulate the doll's response to portions of the narration from the remote signal source. The remote source provides a narrative and substantially simultaneously transmits a radio frequency signal providing binary coded data which, when analyzed by the logic of the doll, elicits an intelligent or responsive statement from the doll. In one embodiment, the remote source includes a cassette tape player for providing the narration and the encoded signals.

Abstract: A data communication apparatus of a start-stop synchronizing system in which a bidirectional data communication between a master apparatus (10) and a slave apparatus (20) can be carried out through a single communication line (30). The transmission period of the master apparatus (10) and the transmission period of the slave apparatus (20) are formed as one block and this one block is repeated. Start signals X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 for use in transmitting and receiving data are transmitted only from the master apparatus (10). Since it is sufficient to provide a single communication line between the two apparatus, the construction of the system can be simplified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for choosing a random group of musical selections which are housed in a prerecorded disk library and creating an individual customized tape cassette from the selections chosen. Through use of the present invention, a multiplicity of selections from a selection music library are chosen and electrically transmitted to a selection duplicating center where they are duplicated at high speed onto a blank recording tape cassette in the desired order selected. The duplication process is performed at high speed in order to enable the cassette to be made in only a few minutes from the selections chosen.

Abstract: A method is provided for operationally synchronizing movement of an audio tape for a tape recorder with a program controlling computer monitor where the audio tape is recorded in a manner that segments of sound are separated by either tones or periods of silence and then played back in conjunction with the computer monitor wherein the tones or lengths of silence are detected and signaled to a mechanism for stopping the tape recorder spindles.

Abstract: An animated display in the form of a representation of a face, is controlled by an associated audio tape player and a microprocessor-controlled liquid crystal display. The facial features are variable responsively to the audio signals of the tape player as controlled by the microprocessor.

Abstract: Printer apparatus for use with a dictation system including a changer device having an input stack, a recording deck for recording dictated messages, and an output stack for storing recording media onto which dictated messages have been recorded. The changer device further includes an optical reading element for reading identifying indicia on the recording medium in the recording deck. This information along with other information such as the number of dictated messages recorded on the recording medium, the time of day, etc. are printed out by the printer.

Abstract: A position sensor comprises n tracks (Sp.sub.1, Sp.sub.2, Sp.sub.3) on a carrier (T) which are provided with magnetizations of a length L and of alternate polarity. The tracks are phase-shifted with respect to each other by .DELTA.L=L.sub./n. A sensor head (S) comprises Permalloy-resistors (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3) above each track (Sp.sub.1, Sp.sub.2, Sp.sub.3) whereat the maximum distance d of the Permalloy-resistors (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3) from the tracks does not exceed essentially the length L (FIG. 1).

Abstract: This invention relates to a control system for a tape recorder wherein a sound signal is recorded on a magnetic tape under one recording operating condition selected among a plurality of recording operating conditions and said sound signal recorded is reproduced from said magnetic tape under a playback operating condition corresponding to said selected recording operating condition, said control system comprising a generator to generate a control signal depending on said recording operating condition selected, a recorder to record said control signal on said magnetic tape prior to recording said sound signal, a reproducer to reproduce said control signal from said magnetic tape prior to reproducing said sound signal recorded, a selector to select one playback operating condition among a plurality of playback operating conditions, and a reproduced signal of said control signal controlling said selector so as to select a playback operating condition whereby said sound signal recorded is reproduced under said pl

Abstract: A single, hand held remote control unit produces command signals used to control all operational aspects of a video tape recorder and an associated television receiver, and the video tape recorder and television receiver include switches that upon actuation can provide various interconnections so that all operating modes of the two units are possible. Actuation of the switches is performed by controllers, arranged at the particular units, and which receive the coded command signals from the remote control unit to set the switches in accordance with any of several keys that can be actuated on the remote control unit. In one aspect, depressing a single playback key at the remote control unit will produce coded signals received by the controllers to set the television receiver to an unused channel frequency and cause the video tape recorder to reproduce a prerecorded video tape, with the reproduced signal fed to the television receiver over that unused channel for display.

Abstract: A method of recording visual information such as words of a song in an audio recording medium and reproducing the same is provided. Picture information obtained through a TV camera is quantized into pulse signals. Using these pulse signals, a sine wave signal having an audio frequency band is modulated. Further, synchronizing signals are added to the modulated signal at predetermined intervals to form a character signal. Said character signal is recorded in one of the two channels of an audio recording medium where as a musical accompaniment is recorded in another channel. When played, such character signal is reproduced on a display screen such that a user can read the words to sing the song to the simultaneously reproduced accompaniment.

Abstract: A television camera-recorder combination includes an imager which forms a signal representative of the image during an integration interval. The integration interval is followed by a pull-down interval during which the integrated signal is transferred out of the photoresponsive region. Streaking of an image displayed from the signal results from light falling on the photoresponsive region during the pull-down interval. A mechanical shutter periodically prevents light from falling upon the photoresponsive region of the imager. The shutter is synchronized with the pull-down interval. The synchronization and drive arrangement of the video recorder portion is mechanically coupled to the shutter to provide a common drive. In another embodiment, a color wheel associated with the viewfinder of the camera is mechanically coupled to the video recorder drive arrangement for common mechanical drive.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for generating a television signal including a discrete electronic audio signal in synchronization with a discrete electronic video signal. A magnetic audio tape having a first track of digital information and a second track of audio information, the tracks being in synchronization, is played on an audio tape deck. The first track of digital information is converted into a corresponding digital electronic signal and the second track of information is simultaneously converted into the discrete electronic audio output of the television signal. A video character generator receives at its input the digital electronic signal from the first track and converts the digital electronic signal into the discrete video signal of the television signal.