Abstract: A recording device includes a timer for automatically starting and stopping the recording mechanism, an input jack for accepting audio signals directly from an external audio source, and a power supply for the audio source. When a recording interval begins, the device supplies the external audio source with the required power via the power supply and the recording media for later playback. Alternatively, the device may be equipped with a microphone for accepting sound waves in addition to an electrical audio input. It is contemplated that the device be programmable to permit multiple start/stop intervals including daily and weekly intervals. The device can also be equipped with an audio amplifier and speaker for playback of recorded programs at a convenient time.

Abstract: A wireless voice messaging device including a cassette-shaped body adapted to be inserted into a cassette player in lieu of a cassette. A receiver for receiving incoming call signals including at least one incoming voice message, a memory for storing the incoming voice message and recalling the incoming voice message in response to a first control signal, and a transducer for establishing an operative connection with a play head of the cassette player for transferring the incoming voice message recalled from said memory means to said play head are all disposed in the cassette-shaped body. A control signal generator, also disposed in the cassette-shaped body and responsive to operation of said cassette player, is provided for detecting a mode of operation of the cassette player and controlling a mode of operation of the voice pager in response thereto. A transmitter, disposed in the cassette-shaped body, is provided for transmitting outgoing voice messages.

Abstract: An adapter enables the playback of various audio devices such as compact disc players and the like through a cassette player of either the front or side loading type. The adapter is provided with a user removable partial cover which permits repositioning of its external electrical conductor which is connected to the audio device. In this manner, the electrical conductor may be positioned so as not to interfere with the internal mechanisms within the cassette player during use.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing device for recording and reproducing information on and from a plurality of rewritable disk-type recording media includes: a plurality of recording/reproducing device for receiving and recording input information onto each of the recording medium and for reproducing and outputting the recorded information from each of the recording media with a predetermined delay time, each of the recording/reproducing device having a plurality of heads for recording and reproducing information, switching device for alternately selecting one of the reproduced information outputted from the plurality of recording/reproducing device, and control device for controlling the plurality of recording/reproducing device and the switching device.

Abstract: An electronic equipment controlled by a plurality of operation buttons, for example, for reproducing audio signal of a disc player, an audio tape recorder, a tuner, or an amplifier, etc. provides control circuits. A plurality of operation buttons are composed of: basic operation buttons for basic action of the electronic equipment, such as starting or stopping reproducing of the reproducing unit of a recording medium, music selection, and tuner selection and switching volume adjusting operation of an amplifier; additional function buttons associated with basic operation, such as random reproducing of a reproducing unit of a recording medium, adjusting of equalizing characteristic, and switching adjusting operation of tone quality or sound field, etc.. The control circuits are provided in the electronic equipment, and in the normal operation mode, switches overall operation in response to operation of both basic action and additional function buttons.

Abstract: An improved audio-visual computer-based home entertainment media inventory and control system is disclosed comprising a computer with associated software, for controlling any combination or number of video tape record-playback units, audio tape record-playback units, video disc record or playback units, CD audio record or playback units, and the like, said system includes a touch-screen color video display for displaying computer or TV format graphics, inventory lists, and operational touch screen menus for ease of operator use in inventorying and accessing audio-visual recordings. This system includes hardware and software facilities for accessing electronic mail sources of media content information, graphics data and broadcast air time guides.

Abstract: An adapter, for enabling signals produced by a signal source to be reproduced as audio sounds by a cassette player audio system having a cassette audio playback deck of the front-loading type or the side-loading type, includes a housing of a configuration of a cassette normally used with the playback deck, a record head supported in a peripheral front wall of the housing, an electrical conductor located partly within the housing and extending from the housing, the conductor having one end electrically coupled to the record head. The housing includes a first opening in a peripheral side wall of the housing, for enabling the conductor to extend from the adapter from the sidewall thereof, such that the adapter may be used with a playback deck of the side-loading type. The housing further includes a preformed second opening, which is closed by a closure, which is located in a peripheral rear wall of the housing.

Abstract: An audio visual information signal reproducing apparatus reproduces an audio visual information signal from a recording medium, the audio visual information signal being recorded on the recording medium and composed of a video signal and a digitized audio signal being time-division multiplexed in such a way that the frame interval of the video signal does not accord with the frame interval of the digitized audio signal. The apparatus sets an audio output mute flag of a control code contained in the digitized audio signal of the audio visual information signal being reproduced and shifts to a next operation mode when a normal play mode is interrupted.

Abstract: A cassette tape recorder including input key means having one or more keys, each key capable of representing a plurality of functions selectable by the user to be performed. The control means provides a control signal in response to at least one of the functions selected by the user and the recorder performs the selected function in response to the control signal. Since each key can represent several functions, it will make the recorder more simple in construction, inexpensive and easy to operate.

Abstract: A beat finder is provided for accurately and repeatably setting a speed control on a turntable, for use by a disk jockey in quickly matching the beat of successive music selections using two turntables and a technique for matching the start of each beat, in a "no-pressure" environment, in as much time as required to accurately match the speed of the switchover. The position of the speed control at a the proper transition speed for a current musical selection as well as for a following musical selection is displayed for each of the corresponding turntables. These numbers are recorded on a "program form" to be used as a reference during the actual "real-time" club or disco performance.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is capable of recording an inputted audio signal onto a recording medium. A controlling device is provided which is capable of remote-controlling at least a recording operation of the recording/reproducing apparatus. A microphone is provided on the controlling device for picking up sound waves and converting them into audio signals to be input into the recording/reproducing device, and at least one audio source is provided for generating an audio signal to be input into the recording/reproducing apparatus. A selection switch is further provided for selecting either the microphone or the audio source. The selection switch is provided on the controlling device and a control circuit is utilized for controlling the apparatus to receive the audio signal from either one of the microphone and the audio source.

Abstract: Occurrence of mechanical noise and tape damage due to operation of a pinch roller is avoided when the system is switched from the tape playback mode to the radio mode or vice versa. On playback of the tape, an interrupt signal 33 from a microcomputer 34 is low. Transistors 28 and 13 are thus turned on. A drive motor 14 in the tape deck 11 is energized by power from a (+B) terminal 45. When the cassette tape is loaded into the tape deck, a plunger 15 is energized directly by power from a (TAPE+B) terminal 12. Thus, a pinch roller 41 in a head drive mechanism 16 is brought into contact with the tape 43. If the microcomputer 34 detects any interrupt signal such as traffic or emergency information signals multiplexed with FM broadcasting waves, it changes the interrupt signal to high so that the transistors 28 and 13 are turned off. Therefore, the drive motor 14 is de-energized, but the power continues to be supplied to the plunger 15.

Abstract: A system for switching from a programmed track of a music source to a succeeding programmed track of a music source. The system includes a detector chip for detecting a cue tone in excess of 15 kHz placeable on each programmed music track. The detector chip generates a signal causing a switch to activate a successive player to play. Additional switches pause and re-advance the previous music source to play a further succeeding programmed track.

Abstract: A cassette adapter has a cassette which is inserted into a cassette insertion portion of a signal playback device. The cassette is provided with an operation state detection means and a control signal output means. An acoustic device is controlled corresponding to an operation state on the basis of the signal detected with the control signal output means, thereby controlling the operation of the acoustic device in synchronization with the playback device.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus and method for the arrangement, generation and delivery of an integrated composite work having one of audio and visual content. The system includes a playback device (14) having a plurality of the audio or visual works stored therein, preferably on storage media (55), with distinctive identification means. Each of the stored works has a predetermined fixed content and the content of each work is one of simultaneous and sequentially related to at least one other of the works. A controller (42) is connected to the playback apparatus (41) and generates a playback of a selected first work. After the first work is selected, the controller (42) selects an additional work. If playback of the two works is to be simultaneous, the selection of the additional work will be made only from works which are simultaneously related. If the playback of the two works is to be sequential, the selection of the additional work will be made only from works which are sequentially related.

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 combined system for commonly controlling a compact disk changer player and a radio receiver has a plurality of memory/call switches for selectively operating the compact disk changer player and the radio receiver under the control of a microcomputer; and a radio/compact disk changeover switch, for selectively playing back a user's desired disk and track.

Abstract: A volume control circuit in a system including a tuner and a deck which are prepared as separate components and combined together. The tuner has a control purpose audio input terminal, an audio output terminal, and an audio output level variable circuit provided between the control purpose audio input terminal and the audio output terminal. The tuner further includes a controller for setting the gain of the audio output level variable circuit. The deck has an audio output terminal connected to the control purpose audio input terminal of the tuner so as to issue an audio signal from the audio output terminal of the tuner. The controller of the tuner controls the gain of the audio output level variable circuit to vary the output volume.

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 function setting method for an audio system which is capable of changing a function of the audio system without alternation of hardware of a system controller at all and is superior in general use. The method comprises the steps of preparing, as the system controller for controlling functions incorporated in the audio system in a concentrated manner, a microcomputer which has an analog/digital conversion input port and has built therein control programs for all of a plurality of functions which can be incorporated in the audio system, and applying a selected one of a plurality of analog voltages which individually represent possible combinations of the functions including the individual functions to the analog/digital conversion input port of the microcomputer to cause the microcomputer to be prepared for one or ones of the functions represented by the analog voltage.

Abstract: An automated digital broadcast system which is capable of reliable operation for long periods of time without human assistance. The system comprises a plurality of compact disc players or other audio devices which are controlled by computer to sequentially play a predetermined list of musical selections and commercial or informational messages.

Abstract: In order to utilize standard tape players in automobiles to play compact disks, CD adapters are provided which play the CD output through the tape system of the automobile. This invention provides an in-line audio enhancement encapsulated device, manually operable by a driver to switch in the audio enhancement circuitry and adjust the audio signals produced in an efficient and safe manner so that it can be operated while a car is driven without the driver taking his eyes off the road. A bass boost circuit (24) is specifically disclosed to enhance the low frequency audio signals procuced by the automobile's audio system.

Abstract: A mixed simulcast circuit in which the voice signal demodulated in the voice demodulator through the tuner and the voice signal from the outside can be recorded on the recording medium according to the user's desire, then reproduced selectively. The mixed simulcast circuit has first means for recording a signal which is received in the tuner and demodulated in the demodulator, second means for recording the modulated voice signal on the one channel of the recording medium and for recording the voice signal from the external on the other channel thereof, and means for switching selectively one signal, either the voice signal which is demodulated and recorded from tuner or the voice signal, which is recorded from the external, when it reproduced.

Abstract: A circuit electrically connecting a single pair of speakers to a radio speaker output of a radio and to a tape deck speaker output of a tape deck through relay contacts in a manner whereby in a first position of the contacts the radio speaker output is electrically connected to the speakers and the tape deck speaker output is disconnected from the speakers, and in a second position of the contacts the tape deck speaker output is electrically connected to the speakers and the radio speaker output is disconnected from the speakers. A relay energizing winding controls the positioning of the relay contacts. A current-sensitive switch is electrically connected to the relay energizing winding and to the tape deck power supply and is electrically connected to the radio power supply when the contact means is in its first position.

Abstract: A multiple-disk player which detects a time period during which for the player operates in the non-playback mode after the playback start command is issued and calculates a time period value on the basis of the difference between the current value of the time information datum read out of the disk and its preceding value; the detected non-playback mode time period is added to the playback time period to produce the total time period; and performs a fade-out operation for music being played back when such total time period reaches a given allowable time period. Consequently, it is possible to quickly and accurately check the fade-out operation even before all the pieces of music to be played back are actually played back.

Abstract: In a system of alternately operating a plurality of disk players, when the pickup of a first one of the disk players comes near the last address of the last address of the last of the pieces of music recorded, as data signals on a data recording disk, a second disk player is activated so that it is in standby state at the beginning of a piece of music which is the first in the order of pieces of music to be played by the second disk player. Immediately after the last address of the last piece of music is read by the first disk player, the second disk player is caused to play the piece of music.

Abstract: A remote control handset for use with an audio system in which the audio system includes a tuner, a compact disk player an amplifier, speakers, etc. The handset also includes a display for displaying the information contents of the control signals. A cassette recorder also incorporated in the handset produces an output signal which is modulated on a special carrier and transmitted over a signal path to an antenna coupled to the tuner of the audio system in order to reproduce the recorded signals.

Abstract: A sound recordable image pick-up apparatus comprises a microphone for collecting sounds and means for generating information about an object distance. The apparatus is arranged to control the sensitivity of the microphone on the basis of the data generated by the data generating means.

Abstract: In a compatible recording and reproducing apparatus which is capable of recording and reproducing information on both a video disk and a digital audio disk, a relative angle between an optical axis of a laser beam emitted from a pickup and the disk is adjusted so as to be suitable for the disk loaded on the apparatus. Further, the movement of the pickup in the radial direction of the disk is regulated in accordance with the difference in the outer diameter of the two kinds of disks. A problem due to the difference of the track pitch in the two kinds of disks is solved by moving the pickup in a direction perpendicular to a radial direction of the disk. In addition, an objective lens for focusing the laser beam on the disk is selected within a predetermined range of an effective numerical aperture in order to simplify an optical system of the apparatus.

Abstract: An adapter for enabling the signals produced by one type of playback device, such as a compact disc player, to be reproduced as audio sounds by a cassette player audio system, the latter having a conventional cassette playback deck. The adapter is comprised of a housing having a configuration substantially identical to the configuration of a cassette normally used with the playback deck. The adapter housing has at least one opening to receive the usual reel-drive spindle of the playback deck; and a record head is supported in the housing in a position for contacting the usual playback head of the deck when the adapter is received, or loaded into that deck. The adapter is connected to the playback device (e.g. the compact disc player) by a plug connected to the usual headphone jack of the player, whereby signals produced by the player are supplied to the record head from which they are coupled to the playback head of the cassette deck for reproduction by the audio system.

Abstract: A recording disk data playback apparatus capable of playback of recording disks having digitized audio data recorded thereon and disks having audio data recorded in analog form, by FM modulation, as well as disks having both digital and analog forms of audio data recorded thereon (together with video data), is provided with a switching circuit for selecting digital audio signals to be supplied to left and right channel output terminals respectively with the switching configuration being designed to minimize crosstalk, and a switching circuit whereby either digital audio signals or analog-derived audio signals can be selected to be supplied to a single pair of (left and right channel) output terminals.

Abstract: A recording disk playback apparatus which is compatible with playback of both compact audio disks (CDs), having only a digitized audio signal recorded thereon, and recording disks having video and audio signals recorded by frequency modulation thereon together with a superimposed digitized audio signal (LDDs), includes means whereby a read-out clock signal which reads out temporarily stored digitized audio data from a memory is held fixed in frequency when a CD is being played, with closed-loop control of the speed of a CD drive motor being also executed, to thereby eliminate jitter in the demodulated audio signal, while during playing of an LDD the read-out clock signal is phase-locked with a playback clock signal.

Abstract: An audio/video recording and reproducing system having a discrete function unit such as tape deck, record player or tuner connected thereto includes a function selection circuit and a function specifying switch disposed in a main unit, such as a pre/main amplifier, and a control line, such as remote control line, for connecting the main unit and the discrete unit. By virtue of the function selection circuit, the selection of a desired discrete function unit can be carried out at the main unit. However, in addition to this, the system includes an arrangement for permitting selection of a desired discrete function unit at the discrete function unit itself, and, when this is done, for controlling the function selection at the main unit to select the output of the discrete function unit.

Abstract: A function presetting circuit for an audio/video stereophonic playback system for presetting a function and controlling operations by a microcomputer comprises a reset circuit for providing a reset signal to the microcomputer at a time of power-on, a delay circuit for receiving the reset signal and delaying the reset signal a predetermined time period, and a presettable function presetting switch connected between the delay circuit and a key input terminal of the microcomputer.

Abstract: A metronome cartridge comprises a cartridge body adapted to be removably mounted in a cassette player having a pickup head, and tape free mechanical means carried by the cartridge body generates metronomic time signals to the pickup head for amplification by the amplifier system of the cassette player. Visual time or tempo signals, pause control, multiple beat capability, and beat adjustment are provided for.

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.