Abstract: An improved audio-visual machine for projecting visual information segments carried by a transparency holder in an audio-visual cartridge, and for reproducing corresponding narrative and control information recorded on a movable storage medium carried by the cartridge, is disclosed. The teaching machine includes an optical system which incorporates a movable focusing lens which is mounted on a very long lever arm. The lever arm is pivoted at one end and is adjustably mounted on a threaded post at the other end to permit motion of the lens toward and away from the transparency for focusing while still permitting maintenance of the focus across the entire width of the transparency. A drive mechanism is provided to selectively align specified visual segments with the optical system. The movable storage medium is movable independently of the transparency holder, and a transducer for reproducing audio frequency signals from the storage medium is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated educational system in which a remote student or subject can be interrogated by a central automated interrogation system, can respond using machine-distinguishable signals generated by a Touch-Tone-type telephone, and in which an appropriate reaction to the answer chosen by the student can be communicated to the student.

Abstract: An improved audio-visual apparatus for projecting visual information segments carried by a transparency holder in an audio-visual cartridge, and for reproducing corresponding narrative and control information recorded on a movable storage medium carried by the cartridge. The apparatus includes an optical projector for projecting a selected one of the visual information segments onto a screen and a first drive mechanism for supporting the holder and selectively driving it to align specified visual segments with the optical projector. A second drive mechanism supporting the storage medium and selectively moving it independently of the holder to permit reproduction of recorded information is provided, and a playback device is mounted in operative relationship with the storage medium to produce signals corresponding to the stored information.

Abstract: A method of human-machine interactive instruction with the aid of a digital computer is disclosed. The first step is providing the computer with a data base of a series of questions and answers which can be reproduced and thereafter individualized by student use by (i) providing the digital computer with a keyboarded typed question, (ii) providing the computer with a keyboarded typed answer, (iii) speaking the correct answer a plurality of times to generate relational signals for master template of the correct answer in digital form, and (iv) correlating the master template with the corresponding keyboarded typed answer.

Abstract: A magnetic tape player has a stereo playback head for reproducing information from adjacent channels on a magnetic tape on which there is recorded a series of questions and answers in successive blocks. In a first portion of each block a given question and a plurality of possible answers are recorded in both channels, in a second portion of the block a coded indication of the correct answer to the question is recorded in one channel, and in a third portion of the block a correct indication is recorded in one channel and an incorrect indication is recorded in the other channel. The second portion of the block is marked by a first tone to indicate the start of the decision time during which one of a plurality of answer buttons is to be depressed to select an answer and the third portion of the block is marked by a second tone to indicate the end of the decision time.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing the educational quality of verbal classroom instruction by conditioning students and teachers to pause for a pre-selected time interval before beginning to speak following the statement of a question or an answer. The apparatus includes a pair of lamps perceptible to both teacher and students operable in response to voice-actuated timing and switching circuitry. A perceptible indication, such as the extinguishment of one lamp and lighting of the other, is provided at the expiration of a selected time interval following completion of a statement, as indicated by the absence of audio signals during the interval. Circuitry is provided for selectively varying both sound level sensitivity and duration of the time interval.

Abstract: A foreign language study reproduction voice record system which allows automatic operation under control of a predetermined study procedure program. More specifically, the system is disclosed wherein there are provided a tape or tapes on which are recorded program signals indicative of study procedures, master study materials voice signals and identification signals indicative of blocks for pronunciation practice, the program signals are beforehand stored or loaded in a memory of a microcomputer prior to starting of master study, so that reproduction of the master study materials recording of student's pronunciation voice are automatically effected under control of the program, thereby allowing efficient and effective self-study of recorded foreign or native language instruction materials.

Abstract: A game apparatus makes use of a tape recorder and a programmed microprocessor to provide a game sequence in accordance with data recorded on a magnetic tape and using message outputs in the form of a voice recording on the same magnetic tape.

Abstract: A talking electronic game utilizes an integrated circuit voice synthesizer to generate a plurality of beginning phrases each forming the beginning of a complete phrase and a plurality of ending phrases each forming the end of the complete phrase. The beginning and ending phrases are assigned at random to a plurality of push buttons, and the object of the game is to match up the beginning and ending phrases of the various sentences by appropriate actuation of the various push buttons.

Abstract: An improved verbally interactive telephone interrogation system is provided in which a two-way telephone subscriber network, such as a Touch-Tone type two-way telephone subscriber network, is utilized to enable both telephone call placement and individualized remote variable audio message selection and interrogation of prerecorded audio messages as well as remote response accumulation. The Touch-Tone type telephone, which is employed to maintain normal telephone contact with other subscribers, is also utilized to call-up a multitrack magnetic storage device which provides selectible reproducible conversational responsive audio messages to particular primary reproducible interrogatory message from a plurality of different selectible audio messages stored thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing mass storage of vocal information by means of a digital communication system for use with a training simulator is disclosed. Unlike prior art analog records and playback systems, such as tapes, etc., the inherent advantages and flexibility available with respect to a digital system including randomly accessible voice messages, convenience of editing the stored data, and management and control by the computational system of the training simulator are available with the present invention. In general, the system of this invention comprises an input device, such as a microphone (30), an encoder (54) for encoding the analog information from the microphone (32) to digital format, a digital processing controller or computer (20) for processing the digital communication data in response to a stored program such that it is suitable for use with the computational system, and a mass storage media (38) for storing the processed digital data.