Abstract: A recording device and method for recovering a portion of a commercial radio or TV broadcast immediately after listening to it. The device consists of a short term memory media which is used to continuously record the last few minutes of the program being monitored, a control logic module which upon command will cause the material on the short term storage media to be transferred to a long term storage media, and the long term storage media. A timer, or a marker on the short term storage media, is used to terminate the recovery process.

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 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 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: An audio apparatus incorporating a CD player or a cassette tape deck and a radio receiver as integral audio components, includes a photosensor; a means for detecting an operating state of each audio source; and a drive mode switching means for automatically changing the photosensor to a continuous active mode or to an intermittent active mode according to a detection output of the source detecting means. When the CD or cassette tape is inserted, the active source is automatically switched to the corresponding CD player or cassette tape deck. Further, the photosensor is placed in the continuous active mode to eliminate noise generation when a source other than the CD or cassette tape is in operation. It is switched to the intermittent active mode to reduce power consumption when none of the sources is in operation.

Abstract: A buffer system for radio receivers includes a cyclic storage device connectable to a demodulator circuit for continuously storing the audio signals last outputted thereby only over a predetermined time interval, enabling the listener to jump-back to hear a preceding portion of the radio broadcasts. In one described embodiment, the listener normally hears the broadcasts in a real-time manner but may depress a button to hear the broadcasts in a delayed-time manner via the cyclic storage device. In a second described embodiment, the listener normally hears the broadcasts in a real-time manner, may depress a button to freeze a part of the broadcast in another storage device, and may later depress another button to play back the portion frozen.

Abstract: DAT system includes a transportable unit provided with a recording/reproducing magnetic head operatable with respect to a DAT cassette tape loaded thereto. The unit is fittable to a sleeve secured to an opening of a dashboard of an automobile, in which case the system is operatable only to reproduce the digital signal beforehand recorded on the DAT cassette tape. There is also provided a cabinet particularly adapted to be installed in home, having a mechanism cooperated with the transportable unit to perform recording operation as well as reproducing operation, when the unit is fitted to the cabinet.

Abstract: A tape recording apparatus in the form of a modified VCR is employed to record broadcast signals received by an antenna while moving through a radio-broadcast reception area. The recorded signals are maintained in an undetected, modulated-carrier form so that played-back signals from the VCR can be coupled to a radio receiver in a fixed location for testing under mobile conditions. A commercially available VCR is modified to avoid modulating FM signals by frequency a second time.

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 loudspeaker has a pot-shaped permanent magnet having an aperture in its axial pole. A light source in a translucent colored plastic plug is housed in the aperture. The light source is driven in accordance with the frequency and strength of the signal fed to the speaker. A translucent colored membrane or filter is glued to the speaker cone.

Abstract: An information reproducing system, such as an audio tape player, for automotive use, whereby errors which would otherwise occur when the engine is started are inhibited. The information reproducing system of the invention includes a voltage detector circuit for detecting the voltage of the automobile's battery, an operating unit for operating the recording medium in response to the supply of power from the battery so as to reproduce information stored on the recording medium, and a control unit for controlling the operating unit. In this system, the application of an operation command input to the control unit is inhibited when the voltage detector circuit detects a drop in the voltage of the battery at the time the engine is started. In addition, the inhibition of the operation command input is cancelled when the restoration of the voltage of the battery is detected.

Abstract: A central operating input and information output system for the control of a plurality of optional instruments in a vehicle has a display for displaying information and an option menu. A first control input controls the functions of the optional instruments and selects the option menu from a basic menu. The option menu indicates the functions of the optional instruments controllable by the first control input. The system has a second control input which controls at least one optional instrument and accesses at least one basic function of the system, irrespective of the option menu currently selected. This allows a central operating input and information output system to have a favorable ergonomic design, to be operated simply, and require a minimum of space.

Abstract: This invention relates to an operation prohibition device for an audio instrument such as a tape recorder. The operation prohibition device prohibits the audio instrument from being operated by operating switches when predetermined prohibition conditions are met and releases the prohibition state of the audio instrument in response to input of a correct predetermined coded number.

Abstract: A cassette tape player is combined with a radio receiver and has a plurality of player control buttons used for selecting the operation mode of the tape playing mechanism and, a radio control button used for operating the radio signal receiving device, and a stop button used for stopping either the tape playing mechanism or the radio signal receiving device, wherein one of the player control buttons or radio control button can be switched and the operating condition either one of the tape playing mechanism or the radio signal receiving device can to be released by manipulating the stop button.

Abstract: In a cassette tape deck having a cover panel for covering an opening into which a tape cassette may be inserted, a keyboard section with dials for operating the tape deck and a display section with display elements for displaying operating conditions of the tape deck are provided on both front and rear surfaces of the cover panel of the tape deck.

Abstract: Tone data produced by operating a keyboard is stored in a RAM to be saved into a tape recorder through an interface. Of a plurality of music numbers saved in the tape recorder a selected one is loaded into the RAM through the interface. A tone generator converts the tone data from the RAM into a tone signal which is sounded from a loudspeaker. The save and load operations are all controlled by a CPU.

Abstract: A car stereo set is disposed in a dead space inside a car which can be reached by a person sitting on the rear seat of the car, e.g. a central armrest, side armrest, rear side wall, or the back of a front seat. The car stereo set may be reduced to unit configuration so that it may start a sound reproduction operation immediately when it is inserted into a receptacle formed inside or outside the car. Further, the car stereo set may include a pair of car stereo units (both of which include a tape recorder) and a stereo switching mechanism. When a cassette tape is inserted into the tape recorder--of one unit--reproduction of the other car stereo unit is interrupted, a cassette tape inside the tape recorder--of the other unit--is ejected, and a reproduction operation based on the newly inserted cassette is started.

Abstract: A radio - cassette tape recorder/player system in which mode selection is accomplished with a single-touch operation. Function switches are provided corresponding to OFF or STOP, cassette tape recording/playing, AM radio reception, and FM radio reception. The OFF function switch operates to halt operations for both the cassette tape recording/playing mode and the AM and FM radio reception modes. An electronic control circuit operates a cassette operating mechanism and the radio receiving circuits in response to momentary actuation of the function switches.

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 process and system for vending recorded information, wherein a recording of information is carried out at a faster speed than normal. Calls from subscribers are received and a message is formed consisting of a preamble constituted by an addressing code to the requesting subscriber, a message body constituted by the information corresponding to requested information and an end of message. Said message is transmitted to the requesting subscriber by means of a picture transmission channel. In an equipment housed with the requesting subscriber the addressing code is recognized and the transmitted message body is received. The read message is then decelerated in order to give it its normal speed again and restoring the corresponding information on the basis of the decelerated message.

Abstract: A tape player with a built-in radio for a car, includes a station selection circuit and a tape scanning circuit. A single group of preset switches for selecting a desired station as well as a desired piece of music recorded on the tape is connected to both circuits. A change-over switch is provided for selectively changing over from one of the station selection circuit and tape scanning circuit, to the other. A switching circuit such as a gate circuit, for rendering one circuit inoperative and placing the other in a waiting state for operation in response to the change-over operation of the change-over switch, is also provided, so that manipulation of each preset switch of the group of preset switches, operates either the station selection circuit or the tape scanning circuit, which is kept in the waiting state for operation. The change-over switch is activated by loading a tape, to switch from the station selection circuit to the tape scanning circuit.

Abstract: Automobile radio - cassette combination which includes a special announcement decoder, for example to decode traffic announcements and the like. To shield passengers in an automotive vehicle from additionally listening to announcements, while permitting passengers to continue to listen to recorded programs on a tape, for example, while permitting the operator to listen to traffic announcements, the switching network of the radio with the announcement feature is expanded, and coupled with a selector switch permitting, selectively, operation of:(a) earphone reproducing cassette; loudspeaker muted, automatic announcement reproduction maintained;(b) earphones reproduce radio program, loudspeaker muted, automatic announcement reproduction via loudspeaker maintained;(c) earphone reproduces cassette, loudspeaker reproduces radio program, including announcements;(d) loudspeaker reproduces cassette program, radio muted.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the mode of operation of a combination radio/tape player unit, particularly of the type commonly installed in vehicles and including a mode control switch for automatically switching the unit from a "radio" mode to a "tape" mode upon insertion of a tape cassette or the like into the unit. The mode control system comprises a mode override switch responsive to operation of the unit in a fast-forward or reverse condition for rapid advancing or rewinding of recording tape to return the unit to the "radio" mode for the duration of the fast-forward or rewind operation.

Abstract: An automatic power supply system for an acoustic apparatus having at least a cassette deck box and an audio box connected thereto, the deck box including an automatic power supply circuit and a tape/radio selector switch. A power source +B is supplied to the automatic power supply circuit or a relay control circuit of the audio box through the selector switch. The power source +B is further supplied to an audio amplifier through a relay which is adapted to be energized or deenergized by the relay control circuit.