LU83364A1 - SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVE SEARCH, IDENTIFICATION, LISTENING AND TRANSFER OF SOUND RECORDINGS - Google Patents

Description

System for selective search, 1 * identification, listening and transfer of sound recordings.

The present invention relates to a system for "selective search, identification, listening and transfer of sound recordings.

It is today an extremely current topical fact that the possibility of classifying sound matter in a reduced space, of researching it and of being able to dispose of it in a short time and at the moment considered the most opportune; that is to say to have with sounds and sound events what today offers and can offer a digital data processing device, namely the research and extraction of these data, their use and deleting those that are no longer useful.

Such a problem is posed to various types of users, and for each in various aspects, even if they are technically equivalent.

There is, for example, a user who wishes to have * a prerecorded and selectable sound material according to particular applications, for example who wishes to be ready at a certain point in the classification of sound recordings (musical and non-musical) of a cer- | = a certain genre, like dramatic music or aircraft noises, and wants to be able to perceive them one after the other in rapid succession in order to appreciate which one best suits their needs (ordered classification), or have a set of sound recordings one after the other and know the point where each begins to be able to play it back

LuPISiY '*. ·: · »· <' <" 'V1 4 ”, -2-' ver (sequential filing) or have the possibility of filing an entire long speech or a series of speeches and take note of where begin the points v · t, salient so that we can, if necessary, prefer them.

In addition, in all these cases it is necessary to | ability to add to classified sound recordings certain electrical signals also which, suitably encoded and decoded, allow the identification of these sound recordings as to their origins, as to their authors and as to their durations on the video presentation unit and / or on alphanumeric printers.

'All this can be requested today, for example, by a radio station which transmits programs and advertising for 20 to 2k hours per day, and wants to make the service automatic and provide real documentation of the own transmissions provided not by the programmer but by this material when it is broadcast.

A characteristic common to all this is to be able to have a support suitable for receiving sounds in analog or digital form, coded signals in digital or analog form together at more or less automatic coordination centers, for the purpose of '' develop and select the orders necessary for the search to obtain the possibility of registration, location and output of the aforementioned sound recordings.

The medium is obviously the magnetic tape of a tape recorder of suitable dimensions, with a particularly selected tape, and / / a separate analog and digital electronic technological equipment, in combination, such as digital encoders and decoders / analog and analog / digital, things which, a priori, would seem to target opposite problems. For example, if the tape is specific to digital recordings, it lends itself little to analog recordings and vice versa.

As far as the known technique is concerned, there already exist on the market tape recorders capable of recording in one system or another; multi-track recorders designed for other needs, such as those for study (high speed) or for memories of data processing devices (suitably encoded bit sequences, linked to synchronous self-control signals ). In addition, there are analog / digital encoders and related decoders on the market, but which are used for other purposes (for example for data transmission over cable, i.e. using a modem). There are also on the market display devices with television screens for the presentation of writings and information, such as for airports, stadiums, etc., but it does not exist, as it stands , a set of these technological materials. ? suitably sized, studied and designed for the use indicated above, according to a provision which gives guarantees of safety, technical reliability and practical convenience for the operator.

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The system according to the invention will now be described, suitable for the preparation of a sound classification, with which it is possible to register, search and identify any type of sound recording in orderly or sequential form, for satisfaction. -make the needs of the most diverse users, and therefore purely modular and specific.

The system according to the invention essentially comprises a tape recorder (for example a recorder using a one inch tape) on which it is possible to record sixteen tracks, including fifteen tracks used as sound carriers and the sixteenth as code support for searching for these sound recordings.

On one of the fifteen tracks or on each of the tracks can be housed the information in asynchronous code necessary for the identification of this material. The way in which this last signal is recorded in code differs according to the classification equipment system, that is to say according to whether the classification is ordered or sequential.

An electronic system is used to memorize the point requested by the user and sets the machine in motion in order to find it and stops the machine at this point with an accuracy of ί 1 in 10,000 points which make up the strip. This system is provided with a whole series of interconnected functions with the aim of preventing erroneous maneuvers by the user making the tape come out, can tear it or, in any way, render it unusable or compromise the reliability of any the device. A Λ / microprocessor system regulates all this activity.

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A high-fidelity amplification system amplifies the sounds recorded and selected for listening on an indoor speaker.

A system of selection among the tracks, completely remote and digitalized, allows the selection of the material carried by the tracks, the visualization of the number of the track, the visualization on the display device with television screen of the data 'identification relating to the selected track, the printing on card of these identification data.

A code reader transforms the signals recorded on the tape into signals ready to be compared by the electronic research system. The system is designed to read both forward and reverse, and in the second case combining the signal and always presenting it in this way, from nominal listening and / or recording speed up to at the search speed which can be even 64 times the nominal speed. Preferably, the code is of hexadecimal type.

A second electronic system is in a position to separate the identification signal from the sound signal at the appropriate time and to supply it to the memory unit to be processed according to the requested functions. s * A unit consisting of the aforementioned electronic memory and other circuits is in a position to transform the identification signals from analog to digital, to put them in memory, to present them to a second memory of the display device. to the television screen and to present them in serial or parallel form to the input of the printers of the material support. All these components are suitable for being linked together on a single unit, but can be separated from one another, and each of them can control several devices in order to produce autonomous systems and satellite systems.

In all these devices, if there is the decoder, there will be the corresponding encoder, as well as there is the recorder of sounds and digital codes necessary to compose the classification. Therefore, there are entry points for sound material, identification, research, and exit points for that material.

The unit suitable for receiving such input data and also supplying it at the output will also be indicated as "central unit *". A unit capable of providing only at the output of such data will be indicated as "peripheral unit". A unit suitable for supplying data at the output but only on distant orders will be indicated as "satellite unit".

The sound material can be organized in the classification according to two different concepts and more precisely in a sequential arrangement and in a selected or library arrangement.

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We will now briefly describe the sequential arrangement or general classification.

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Referring to Figure 3 which schematically shows a piece of magnetic tape, all the sound events are arranged one after the other. For their research, it is only necessary to know, the starting point of each event. The system / / -7- according to the invention will automatically ensure the signaling of the end of this event, in addition to supplying the identification data.

To this use refer the versions of the system for the general classification proper, of the type "disco" of current state, for background music, that is to say the continuous transmission of sound events in the 'the order in which they were recorded on the »tape, the transmission of events continues in an order fixed in advance and stored electronically. In the latter case, two or more systems are used; while one of them reproduces, the other or the others perform (s) the search for successive events according to the defined program.

We will now briefly describe the selected classification or library.

As shown in Figure 2, all sound events are contained in the ranking in an organized manner.

The classification is divided into sectors and, for each sector, we have a certain amount of sound events to compare with each other in order to allow the choice of the sound event that best meets the needs of research (cinematographic scene, commentary sound for a radio or television notice, background sound for an advertisement, audiovisual object, etc.).

To search for events, you just need to know the sector number. The electronic system will facilitate front-rear work, and stop-start in a single sector, to facilitate work / listening.

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Each sector can refer to a certain type of sound event (for example dance music, classical music, etc., sound effects such as aircraft, train noise, etc., or comments speeches, press releases, etc.).

The system provides fifteen different events, all of which are homogeneous and can be selected according to the taste or needs of the person looking for them. All these events start at the same time and, through a selector, you can listen to them sequentially one at a time.

It is interesting to note that in the first general classification solution, the search is carried out using progressive numbering. In the second selected classification solution, the search is carried out using a numbering which increases by one unit for each sector and remains constant for the duration of this sector with the exception of the figures or other marks which are used to determine the starting point of this sector. This is necessary to have an ideal reference between the number of the research sector and the number of equivalent pages of the respective printed or viewed catalog.

A preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

, - - Figure 1 shows the functional diagram of a device, positive for the classification of sound recordings, according to the present invention, and - Figure 2 shows a subdivision of tracks on ^ a magnetic tape which serves to support the sounds.

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In Figure 1, 20 is indicated a tape handling apparatus which includes a tape reel 22, a second tape reel 24 and a set of reproduction heads indicated by 26. On the tape reel 22 there is a magnetic tape winding 28 "which is arranged to advance over the set of reproduction heads 26 and the beginning of which is connected to the other reel 24 for winding a magnetic tape. As mentioned, the magnetic tape 28 may advantageously be one inch wide and may be suitable for recording sixteen tracks. Also, all of the reproduction heads 26 will be provided for reproduction

Ides sixteen tracks. Among the sixteen tracks, the tracks from the first to the fifteenth are sound tracks on which can be written pieces of music or other recordings of sounds and identification, while the sixteenth track serves as an address track.

The set of reproduction heads 26 can be configured as a single reproduction head with sixteen tracks or as two reproduction heads, one for the sound tracks from the first to the fifteenth, and the other for the sixteenth track, track of the addresses. In the case of subdivision into more than one reproduction head, the tape drive can be constructed from. ? so that the magnetic strip 28 is in operational contact with the head for the tracks from the first to the fifteenth only during reproduction, while this head is moved away from the strip during the rapid stroke f forward and in back.

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The head for the sixteenth track will be placed so as to be in exploratory contact with the magnetic strip 28, either during fast forward and backward walking, or during normal walking.

The outputs of the set of heads 26 are joined by a connection 30 to a set of connections 32 shown by way of illustration below the reproducing apparatus 20, but which can conveniently be mounted inside the apparatus. 20. The set of connections 32 comprises a connection 1 for the data track and fifteen connections, from 1 to 15 "for the sound tracks, and a connection 16 for the address track. Connection 1 is connected via a connection line 34 and 37 to a display device of the television screen type, 36, passing through the data center, 35.

The connections, from 1 to 15 "are connected by a connection line with several wires 38, to the selector 40 of the tracks ILa connection 16 is connected by a connection line 42 to a search device indicated as a whole by 44.

The television screen display device 36 serves as a presentation unit for the alphanumeric reproduction of the data signals reported on track 1 of the magnetic tape 28. The data signals can contain, for example, the title, the names composers, performers and the publisher of the sound track recorded on sound tracks from 1 to 15 ”or the date, time and other information useful for identifying the sound track.

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The data signals will be stored during the passage of the magnetic tape in an internal memory of the television screen display device 36 and grouped on the screen as fixed signals. Via an automatic electronic switch, on track 1 can be indicated the identification data (duration, maximum of 15 seconds) and then the sound events.

Therefore, track 1 carries both data and sounds at the same time.

The track selector 40 is a fifteen-channel switch for implementing one of the tracks, from the first to the fifteenth. This selector 40 can be produced in the form of a switch actuated by hand, or it can be actuated by a control device (not shown). The selector 40 of the tracks can also be produced, in known manner, by means of solid state electronic switching elements, without moving parts.

The output 46 of the selector 40 of the tracks is connected to an amplifier 48 at low frequency.

The low-frequency amplifier 48 is followed, via the connection line 50, by a power amplifier 52 for supplying a loudspeaker 54. The loudspeaker 54 serves as an acoustic monitor for research a piece of music or for transferring a sound recording. It goes without saying that the loudspeaker 54 could be physically introduced into the system or could be separated from it.

The output of the amplifier 48 is further connected by the connection line 56 and a recording switch * 12ly 58 to an output connector 60. At the location of the connector 60, using of a plug 62, it is possible to connect a recording device indicated by 64, on which the sound found will be recorded.

The output of the track selector 40 is also connected, by connection 68, to the television screen display device 36 via the data center 35, in order to indicate, in addition to the data of the fifteen tracks shown on the screen, which of these tracks is connected in turn to the speaker 54 or to the recording device 64.

The electronic unit 35 performs the electronic processing of the identification data for display by the television screen 36 for a data memory unit 74 and for a printer 78, according to the primary provisions! its in advance by means of the keys of the keyboard 84 and transmitted by the connection 33.

The data of the musical piece chosen each time and transferred to the other medium via the connection 60 are brought to pass through a connection line 72 to a memory unit 74 and through a connection line 76 to a data printer 78.

The storage device 74 may for example be a tape cassette device for storing, in digital form, the data of the piece of music picked up and transferred.

The data printer 78 is used for the alphanumeric printing of the data of the piece of music transferred to an accounting document 80. The accounting document 80 will / is intended for the calculation of the copyright in the case of repro / - Public induction of piece of music.

The search device 44 can be constructed so as to react to encoded sequence numbers which are virtually coordinated with the longitudinal sections of the magnetic strip; or it can react to tempo% impulses. The search device 44 has signaling elements 82 and selection keys 84. The selection keys 84 are used for preselecting the position to be searched for on the magnetic tape 28, over the interval of which the piece of music is located. longed for. On the signaling elements 82, the respective position of the magnetic strip 28 will be indicated as a virtual section on the serial number assigned to the magnetic strip or as progressive numbering. In addition, the search device 44 is provided with a search button 86 which, when activated, starts the magnetic strip for the fast search run. To this end, the search device 44 is connected by a control line 88 to the control members of the reproduction apparatus 20, which there is no need to detail further.

As soon as the position of the magnetic strip 28, which had been chosen in advance by the selection keys 84, is reached, the control device will be released. A monitoring lamp 90 lights up and indicates to the operator that the apparatus 20 is ready to play the chosen song.

The track selector 40 must then be set to one of tracks 1 to 15, on which the desired piece of music is located. The piece of music * '! ^ _ -14- desired was previously selected by means of a catalog on which are indicated the data to be carried by the selection keys 84, and the corresponding track. When- f; that the surveillance lamp 90 has lit, one can act on the start key 92 and, consequently, on the reproducing apparatus 20 via the command line 88.

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The selected piece of music can be listened to through speaker 54.

If it happens that the piece of music being listened to is the one to be transferred, the magnetic tape 28, by actuation of the search key 86, can be brought back to the starting position of the piece of music in question. At this time, the recording switch 58 will be closed and, by pressing the start key 92 again, it is possible to direct the transfer of the piece of music in question to the other sound medium 66 of the recorder 64.

At the same time, the storage device 74 and the data printer 78 are operated. On the screen 36 are indicated the alphanumeric data which will be entered in the storage device 74 and in the data printer, 78 .

With the system according to the invention, it would therefore be possible to make a rapid choice of the pieces of music or of other sound recordings which must "be used for the sound system of a sound film or for a sound presentation, or for background music composition.

In addition, it is possible to make a transfer / valid on a second sound recording medium indicated / / -15- par 66. Since, in addition, the accounting documents are automatically printed during the transfer, there is a saving remarkable time and work, not to mention that there will be no errors or omissions.

In FIG. 2, a section of the magnetic strip 28 has been shown. The magnetic strip 28 is subdivided in the longitudinal direction, virtually, into a certain number t of sections 100 of variable lengths. Sixteen tracks can be recorded on the tape. The first track, indicated by 101, ”is the one that also contains the identification data, area 101a, followed by area 101b which contains the sound events. It is the same for the tracks from the second to the fifteenth. The data recorded in the zone 101a, according to a code, contains the titles, the names of the authors and the editors and the indication of the »» duration of all the songs (101b) contained in the track, from the first to the fifteenth, data which, once entered in the data center 35 "can be viewed on the display device 36, stored in the memory device 74 and printed on the printer 78, according to the position of the selector 40 of the tracks . From the data center 35, it is also possible to obtain an encoding such that it lends itself to transmission over a ticker.

, The sixteenth track, indicated by 116, is the address track. This track 116 contains in coded form signals which, in cooperation with the search device 44 of FIG. 1, are capable of stopping the magnetic tape 28 at the respective starting positions 118 or 120.

-16- f t These signals may, for example, contain the sequence numbers of the respective sections 100 and / or a progressive marking.

By way of example, the length of the magnetic tape * and its speed of passage at the time of reproduction can be adjusted so that the running time j of a tape is approximately 3 hours.

The sixteenth track 116 may present, each time at the end of a piece of music, signals by means of which the operation of the reproduction apparatus 20 will be interrupted by means of the search device 44. indicators 82 of the search device! ehe 44 can be indicated the respective position of the magnetic strip 28, so that one can read not only the starting positions 118 or 120, but also any intermediate position.

Figure 4 shows the relationship between unit 35 and the various other units in the set.

It was not considered necessary to provide a detailed description of what is shown in Figure 4, since what is shown there will appear obvious to a specialist.

'' / i ^ -17- LEGEND OF THE FIGURES In Figure 2: DS means start of a sector FS ’'end of a sector FSP' 'end of the previous sector £ DSS’ ’start of the next sector

The numbered indications below have already been given in the text of the description. However, it will be recalled that in FIG. 2: 101a means identification data for the entire sector 101b "sound events 116" research data.

'In Figure 5: 101a means unique sound event identification data 101b' 'sound event 101c' 'end of event data 116' 'search data 00000 + -> 99999 ·

The data shown in Figure 4 means: UB = tape unit E = emulator EC = encoder n CL = alphanumeric keyboard U = unit UC = control unit CLM = keypad MV = video monitor IP = parallel printer ^ IS = interface serial.

Claims (9)

1. System for the selective removal of sound recordings recorded on a sound medium, with a reproduction apparatus for exploring the sound medium, containing a multiplicity of sound recordings ordered, with a search device for the localization of each of the sound recordings, characterized in that the reproduction apparatus (20) has at least one reproduction head (26) for the exploration of a magnetic strip (28) with several tracks, which endows the role of sound carrier, virtually subdivided into [sections (100) in its longitudinal direction, where the unit I for exploring the reproduction head (26) is connected, î at least for one of the tracks (101,116) with a device! search signals (44), signals being carried over this sound carrier I and on the tracks, signals which, on the one hand, identify the starting positions (118,120) of the corresponding sections (100), and on the other hand , identify each of the sound recordings present on the other tracks of the magnetic tape or sound carrier. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the magnetic strip (28), there is an address track (116) with the signals corresponding to the position of the section (100), and a data track ( 101 "with signals which identify each of the sound recordings present on the other tracks of the magnetic tape (28) where the subsequent unit for exploring the reproduction head (26) associated with the data track (101) / i! -19- is connected to a display device (36) for alphanumeric visual reproduction of the signals of the data track. 3, - Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the search device (44) for controlling the control device of the repro duction device (20) is connected to it and has means (84 ) r * for the preselection of a determined section (100) so that when the signal corresponding to this section passes over the address track (116) on the exploration track, the control device for the reproduction apparatus (20). 4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the reproduction apparatus has control means |. fast forward and backward, characterized in that the scanning unit for the address track (116) and / or for the data track (101) is associated with a reproduction head, so that during fast forward and backward walking, it always remains in exploration contact with the magnetic strip (28). 5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outputs of the reproduction heads (26) of the sound tracks are connected to a device (40) selector tracks, which connects respectively one of the tracks so-. nores Ά a reproduction device (52,54) for the control of listening. 6, - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the output of the device (40) track selector is connected via a recording switch (58) to a recording device ( 64). -20- " 7. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that on the display unit (36), the stored information of the track (101) of the data is indicated as stationary signals. 8. Device according to claims 2 and 6, characterized in that the subsequent unit of exploration is'? connected to a data printer (78) which, switching it to ï | ] recorder (58) being linked, is adjustable so as to print with an alphanumeric system, on a document (80), the data of the respective sound recordings to be transferred! h 9. Device according to claims 2 and 6, É I characterized in that the subsequent exploration unit is connected to a storage device (74) which, the recording switch (58) being connected, can be controlled for store the data on a magnetic tape. I I l r f t! ! I i i r. . dd - d