CA1324436C - Display for modular dictation/transcription system - Google Patents
Display for modular dictation/transcription systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1324436C CA1324436C CA000543481A CA543481A CA1324436C CA 1324436 C CA1324436 C CA 1324436C CA 000543481 A CA000543481 A CA 000543481A CA 543481 A CA543481 A CA 543481A CA 1324436 C CA1324436 C CA 1324436C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- message
- data
- display
- segments
- recorded
- Prior art date
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- Expired - Fee Related
Links
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- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 12
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- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 9
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- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/10—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/34—Indicating arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/10—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/19—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier
- G11B27/28—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B2220/00—Record carriers by type
- G11B2220/90—Tape-like record carriers
Landscapes
- Indexing, Searching, Synchronizing, And The Amount Of Synchronization Travel Of Record Carriers (AREA)
- Medicines Containing Material From Animals Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
Abstract
DISPLAY FOR MODULAR DICTATION/TRANSCRIPTION SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A dictation transcription system having a recording/playback module and a display module which are detachably connectable to form an integral structure. The display module provides a visual display of the length, locations and types of messages by storing and utilizing display data. This display data is generated during a dictate operation and, when dictation is "finished", the display data is recorded on the record medium. Subsequently, and preferably, prior to transcription of the dictated messages, the record medium is scanned for the display data which then controls a transcriptionist's display module to reproduce the visual indication originally derived during dictation.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A dictation transcription system having a recording/playback module and a display module which are detachably connectable to form an integral structure. The display module provides a visual display of the length, locations and types of messages by storing and utilizing display data. This display data is generated during a dictate operation and, when dictation is "finished", the display data is recorded on the record medium. Subsequently, and preferably, prior to transcription of the dictated messages, the record medium is scanned for the display data which then controls a transcriptionist's display module to reproduce the visual indication originally derived during dictation.
Description
1324~3~
DISPI.AY POR MODllI.aR DIC~TI~N/TRANSCRI~>TIO~ SYSl~
EIACRGROUND OF T~E INVE~TION
This invention relates to dictation/transcription systems for the recording and retrieval of audio signals such as voice signals and, more particularly, to a display device for a dictation/transcri~tion system for display of information relating to the usage of a recording/pl~yback unit.
A ~ariety of display devices for dictation~traDscription e~uipmant is presently available, sucb as lamps, IED's, liquid crystal displays and the li~e.
By way of exa~ple of display devices for di~tation/transcription eguipment which have been proposed, the followi~g ~nited States Patents ase of interest~
NatisoD tU.S. Patent No. 4,200,893) discloses the display of locations of infosmation recorded on a tape ``
recording medium, and a counting of re~olutions of a reel of a tape traDsport to determine position of the recording tape.
Sander et al ~U.S. Patent No. 4,319,337) disclose the ctorage and display of information relating to the length and identity of recoraed messages in a syste~ employing multiple di~t~tion stations.
Titus et al (~S. Patent No. 4,398,279) disclose a numerical readout of dictation segments and time available for dictatio~ on ~ recording medium.
Titus et al (~.S. P~tent No. ~,399,527) disclose the u8e of registers for storing information as to the location of messages recordea on a recording medium, and the presentation of sucb information by numerical and graphical display~.
Dictation/transcription eguipment may be employed in a business office for dictation of memoranaa, letters, and ``
other sucb materials w~icb are later played back for transcription to a typewritten document. Typically, :., - 2 ~ 1 324436 dictation is recorded on cassettes of magnetic recordiDg tape; and a give~ cassette may store several i~ems of dictation Of di$ferent types, of differing length, by different authors, and baving different priorities of transcrip~ion.
Reret~f~re. detailea information ab~ut the l~cation of a dictated item on the recording tape, the length of that item, its author, the priority in whicb each item should be transcsi~ed, and other suc~ relevant dictation/transcription informa~tion has not been available readily to the transcriptionist. It would be advantageous if such informatiQn is recorded for display. In some dictation/transcription machines baving electronic displays, information belpful to the transcription of recorded material may be lost tor ~erased~) upon shut down or power de-energization of the macbine.
SI~IARY OF TElE INVENTION
The foregoing problems are overcome and other ad~antages are ~ttained in a dictation/transcription system of the present invention which includes a display device that displays information relating to recorded dictation, including the location of a recorded message, the length of that message, identification of the author, time, date, etc.
T~e display presents a graphical portrayal of the locations of recorded messages by means of, for example, three separate bar grap~s, one preferably formed of one or more segments of visual indicators wbich, when energized, displays represent`ations of the length of each o~ the messages. The segments representing the length of a message ~re grouped in a ~bloc~, and the positions of the ~locks represent the relative positions of the recorded messages.
Also displayed tpreferably by flashing of the segment blocks~
are representations of the type or nature of a message, such ~ a ~lett ~, ~priority letter~, or the like. One of the ~ar graphs preferably display~ a cursor which represents the present position on the recording medium. Yet another bar .
~ 3 ~ 132~3~
graph represents the locations ~f ~instructi~ns~ and ~notes~.
~lashing of segments inaicates ~priority~ and ~special~
notations. ~urther data, such as autho~ iaentification~
lensth of a recording tape, time, and date are presentea by S alpbanumeric symbols.
~D accordance with the invention, the display device may be formed integrally with a recordin~/playback device, or may be ~dapted to operate in a modular system as a separate module which can easily be connected to and disconnected from a recording/playb~c~ module~
Preferably, both the display device and the recording/playbac~ device are provided with microprocessors and a communication lin~ which couples command signals and control information signals between the modules, thereby enabling t~e modules to cooperate in performing various system functions relating to the recording and retrieval of messages, aDd the display of information.
One aspect of the invention is the recording of useful non-message data on tbe recording medium by storing a co~plete ~istory of usage te.g., message type, location, length, author, etc.) on the medium along with recorded aictation. Nhen a recording tape such as a tape cassette is u~ea, the recordea cassette takes on the attributes of an ~intelligent~ ~ssette.
ID ODe ~mbodiment, tape ~otion pulses are transferred fro~ the recorainq/playback device via a communi~ation link to the microprocessor in the di~play device, the latter opating in accord~nce with ~ programmed routine to attain a lin~ar representation of the present position of the recoraing tape which, in turn, is ~ndicated by the cursor on tbe display device.
During dictation of a message, successive segments of one of the bar graph displays are energized. A cue signal, -`
~hich ~ay be geDerated by the operation of a button on a band-3~ held microphone, interrupts the seguence of segments witb a ~blan~ ~pace (e.g., de-energized segment) to indicate the end of a message ~uch as a letter or report. The cue signal . .
DISPI.AY POR MODllI.aR DIC~TI~N/TRANSCRI~>TIO~ SYSl~
EIACRGROUND OF T~E INVE~TION
This invention relates to dictation/transcription systems for the recording and retrieval of audio signals such as voice signals and, more particularly, to a display device for a dictation/transcri~tion system for display of information relating to the usage of a recording/pl~yback unit.
A ~ariety of display devices for dictation~traDscription e~uipmant is presently available, sucb as lamps, IED's, liquid crystal displays and the li~e.
By way of exa~ple of display devices for di~tation/transcription eguipment which have been proposed, the followi~g ~nited States Patents ase of interest~
NatisoD tU.S. Patent No. 4,200,893) discloses the display of locations of infosmation recorded on a tape ``
recording medium, and a counting of re~olutions of a reel of a tape traDsport to determine position of the recording tape.
Sander et al ~U.S. Patent No. 4,319,337) disclose the ctorage and display of information relating to the length and identity of recoraed messages in a syste~ employing multiple di~t~tion stations.
Titus et al (~S. Patent No. 4,398,279) disclose a numerical readout of dictation segments and time available for dictatio~ on ~ recording medium.
Titus et al (~.S. P~tent No. ~,399,527) disclose the u8e of registers for storing information as to the location of messages recordea on a recording medium, and the presentation of sucb information by numerical and graphical display~.
Dictation/transcription eguipment may be employed in a business office for dictation of memoranaa, letters, and ``
other sucb materials w~icb are later played back for transcription to a typewritten document. Typically, :., - 2 ~ 1 324436 dictation is recorded on cassettes of magnetic recordiDg tape; and a give~ cassette may store several i~ems of dictation Of di$ferent types, of differing length, by different authors, and baving different priorities of transcrip~ion.
Reret~f~re. detailea information ab~ut the l~cation of a dictated item on the recording tape, the length of that item, its author, the priority in whicb each item should be transcsi~ed, and other suc~ relevant dictation/transcription informa~tion has not been available readily to the transcriptionist. It would be advantageous if such informatiQn is recorded for display. In some dictation/transcription machines baving electronic displays, information belpful to the transcription of recorded material may be lost tor ~erased~) upon shut down or power de-energization of the macbine.
SI~IARY OF TElE INVENTION
The foregoing problems are overcome and other ad~antages are ~ttained in a dictation/transcription system of the present invention which includes a display device that displays information relating to recorded dictation, including the location of a recorded message, the length of that message, identification of the author, time, date, etc.
T~e display presents a graphical portrayal of the locations of recorded messages by means of, for example, three separate bar grap~s, one preferably formed of one or more segments of visual indicators wbich, when energized, displays represent`ations of the length of each o~ the messages. The segments representing the length of a message ~re grouped in a ~bloc~, and the positions of the ~locks represent the relative positions of the recorded messages.
Also displayed tpreferably by flashing of the segment blocks~
are representations of the type or nature of a message, such ~ a ~lett ~, ~priority letter~, or the like. One of the ~ar graphs preferably display~ a cursor which represents the present position on the recording medium. Yet another bar .
~ 3 ~ 132~3~
graph represents the locations ~f ~instructi~ns~ and ~notes~.
~lashing of segments inaicates ~priority~ and ~special~
notations. ~urther data, such as autho~ iaentification~
lensth of a recording tape, time, and date are presentea by S alpbanumeric symbols.
~D accordance with the invention, the display device may be formed integrally with a recordin~/playback device, or may be ~dapted to operate in a modular system as a separate module which can easily be connected to and disconnected from a recording/playb~c~ module~
Preferably, both the display device and the recording/playbac~ device are provided with microprocessors and a communication lin~ which couples command signals and control information signals between the modules, thereby enabling t~e modules to cooperate in performing various system functions relating to the recording and retrieval of messages, aDd the display of information.
One aspect of the invention is the recording of useful non-message data on tbe recording medium by storing a co~plete ~istory of usage te.g., message type, location, length, author, etc.) on the medium along with recorded aictation. Nhen a recording tape such as a tape cassette is u~ea, the recordea cassette takes on the attributes of an ~intelligent~ ~ssette.
ID ODe ~mbodiment, tape ~otion pulses are transferred fro~ the recorainq/playback device via a communi~ation link to the microprocessor in the di~play device, the latter opating in accord~nce with ~ programmed routine to attain a lin~ar representation of the present position of the recoraing tape which, in turn, is ~ndicated by the cursor on tbe display device.
During dictation of a message, successive segments of one of the bar graph displays are energized. A cue signal, -`
~hich ~ay be geDerated by the operation of a button on a band-3~ held microphone, interrupts the seguence of segments witb a ~blan~ ~pace (e.g., de-energized segment) to indicate the end of a message ~uch as a letter or report. The cue signal . .
- 4 - 1~2~436 also commands the microprocessor of the display device to store in internal memory ~he point of initial dictation of the first message and, also the point at which the current message ended~ In addition, author identification, date, tim~ and other related data (if desired) are stored in internal me~ory. As a nature of the present invention, all of this information is also recorded on the recording tapQ alongside thQ recorded dictation.
Preferably, this display data is recorded as FSK
tones. Later, upon completion of the use of the recording tape, the operator may press a "finish" cue button on the display device to command the microprocessor to transfer all the display data from an internal memory to the r~cording tapQ for recording as a su~mary block of data~
In accordance with a preferred aspect of this invention, the display data that is storQd in the internal rQ~ory and that ~s recordQd on the recording tap also repres~nts the type of ~Qssage that has been racord~d~ Such ~ssag~-type data distinguishes between ~priority~ and regular l~ttQrs as well as betweQn instructions and special noteJ.
In the ~ent that the display data is erased from 2~ the internal ~n~ory or the cas~ette is transferred to anothQr systQ~, it can be r~generated simply by scanning the tape. an operator may request such scanning by pressing a ~display" button on the display device.
Advantageously, the tape may be scanned in the forward direction or in the reverse (rewind) direction. During scanning, the display microprocessor, via the r cording/playback head assQmbly, effQctively "reads"
~hat-ver display data has beQn recordQd to construct a display presQntation. Should the summary data block be r~ad during scanning, the display presentation is constructed, storQd and displayed immediately.
~Priority~ l~tters, ~instructions~ and the like are , . .
_ 5 _ 132~4 3~
suitably identified and may be searched and accessed directly for immediate transcription from the tape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The following description, taken by way of example, is best understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings w~erein:
Fig. 1 shows a styli2ed view of a recording/playback device adapted for interconnection with a modular display unit in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows the modular display unit of the present invention coupled to a dictation/transcription device comprising the device of Fig. 1 with a display module connected thereto for providing additional functions useful for dictation and transcription; --Fig. 3 is an electrical block diagram of tbe modular ;
interconnected system of Fig. 2:
Fig. ~ shows one embodiment of a tone modulator that ~"
~ay be used in the display module of the present invention;
Fig. 5 shows one embodiment of a tone demodulator t~t ~ay be used in the display module of the present invention; '`' Fig. 6 shows an arrangemQnt of rQgions of recorded audio signals and recorded display data signals on a recording tape;
Fig. 7 is a flow chart representing a relevant portion of the operation of the microprocessor included in the recording/playback nodule of Fig. l;
Fig. 8 i8 a flow chart representing the relQvant operation of the ~icroprocessor included in the recording/playback ~odule to record and detect display data in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 9 is a flow chart of the relevant operation of the ~icroprocessor included in the display modulQ for 3S controlling the operation of and interaction with the ~ -recording/playback module.
)( . "' ,' " .
Wi~h reference to Figs . 1 and 2, there are shown, respectively, a recordingfplayback device lo, and the recording/playback device electrically connected to a display device 22 incorporating the present invention.
These devices are more fully described ~n copending application Serial No. 543,389, Filed: July 30, 1987, Titled: NO W LAR DIC~ATIONJTRANSCRIPTION SYSTEM and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The display device and the recording/playback device may be o co~bined in a single unitary construction, or may be constructed in modular form in which the recording/playback device and the display device may be connected to each other, and disconnected from each other, as ~ay be desired to provide for a display of recording-playback functions. By way of example, the `~
foll~wing description is directed to a modular form of thQ recording/playback d~vice and the display device, it being understood that the present invention is equally applicable to a unitary construction of the ~-recording~playback device and the display device.
The recording/playback device i8 shown in Fig. 1 as ~ Dodule 10 ~ic~ is operable as a stand-alone unit for the recording and playback of sound, pareicularly voice.
A ~icropbone 12 is shown connected eO the module 10 for ~5 use by personnQl to record a spoken messaqe on a recording ediu~ such as magnetic tape within a cassette (not shown in Fig. 1) locaeed wiehin a compartment 14.
Push buttons 16 of a keyboard 18 are operably connected ~ith a tape transport (not shown in Fig. 1) for advanc~oent and rewind of the tape. The module 10 lnoludes a display 20 which, for example, provides a num rical read-out of present position of the tape.
Fig. 2 shows a display modulQ 22 which may be connQcted to the recording/playback module 10 to present additional information relating to dictation and eranscription functions. For example, the display module ~`
22 presenes a plurality (preferably three) of bar graph ,"~
1321~36 displays co~posed of individual segments of visual indicators such as LED's, LCD's or the like which appear as display 24. Preferably, the display 24 is constructed as a liquid crystal display (LCD), with the 5 aforementioned segments appearing as dark segments on a light background though, if desired, the display may present the segments as lighted segments on a dark background.
successive segments form blocks which have lengths proportional to recorded messages such as letters, memos, and reports. The segments in a block may be made to flash to indicate a "priority" item which is to be typed immQdiately by a tran~criptionist. Additional useful information is presented in alphanumeric form in a region 28 on thQ right side of the display 24, such as the ~ `
ideneificaeion of t~e author who dictated a message and the length (in minutQs~ of the message. The date and ei~e of messagQ is displayed in the display 20 of module 10. .
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of elQctrical circuitry of t~e two ~odules 10 and 22. The recording/playback module 10 co prises a drive 46 for rotating a supply reel 48 and a take-up reel 50 to transport a magneeic recording tape 52 past a recording/playback head 54 for the storing and 2S rQtrieval of audio and display data signals on the tape.
The ~odule 10 further comprises a recording circuit 56 and a playback circuit 58 which connect with the head 54, `
and a rotation detector 60 which is positioned alongside `
the supply reel 48, for example, for detecting rotation thereof. A capstan 62 is operated by the drive 46 for aintaining a constant speed of travel of the tape 52 during record and playback operation. As the tape 52 unwinds from the supply reel 48, the effective diameter of the supply reel 48 becomes smaller causing its rotational speed to increase in view of the constant linear speed of the tape 52 driven by the capstan 62.
Therefore, the detector 60 detects a continuously - 8 - 132~3~
increasing rate of rotation during forward motion of the tape 52 As shown in Fig 3, the connection of the microphone 12 to the module 10 is accomplished via the interface unit 66, the connection being shown as a set of lines including a line for the cue signal, a line for voice communication, and a line for signals controlling transport motion such as forward, fast-forward and fast-rewind The voice line from the microphone 12 is lo understood to include conductors for transmission of signals from the microphone to the recording circuit 56 and for playback of signals from the playback circuit 58 via a small speaker (not shown) within the microphone 12 The cue signal line activates an oscillator 176 to generate the cue signal which i~ supplied via the recording circuit 5c to the head 54 The recording/playback module lo also includes a microproces-Qor 64, which applies control signals via an interface unit 66 to ~he display 20, the drive 46, the recording circuit 56 and the playback circuit 58 Rotation signals in the form of motion pulQes are produced by the rotation detector 60, and are coupled via t~ interface unit 66 to thQ microprocessor 64 ~ memory 68 couplod to the microprocessor 64 stores program data ~5 and ot~er inforoation useful in the operation of the ~icroprocessor 64 Digital signals are coupled between the interface uni~ 66 and t~e ~icroprocessor 64 by a data bus 70 The intorface unit also supplies signals from the keyboard 18 (partially s~own in Fig 3) to the microprocessor which, in turn, controls display 20 and selects the operational functions of the ~odule 10 and also of the module 26 A ~finish~ pusbbutton 72A on the display module 22 provides a signal indicating that an author ha~ finished 3S hi- dictation This signal initiate~ an operation in the modules 10 and 22 by whicb a complete history of the types of recorded messages, their locations, and their X '. ' ' 1324~3g - 8a -author(s) are recorded on the tape 52 as a digitally formatted message placed alongside the audio information, or dictation, that also is recorded on the tape. Another pushbutton 72B on the display module 22 may be activated by an operator to command the display module 22 to display t~is recorded history on the display 24, preferably in bar graph form as mentioned above.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the presentation on the display 24 develops as the author dic~ates into the microphone 12 and tape 52 advances.
One segment of the bar graph display is energized by way of example, for each 30-second interval of dictation. A
graph length of ten segments would indicate, in the foregoing example, a dictation time of five minutes. The author . ^ . . . .. .
, . .
- g- 132443~
indicates the end of a dictated passage, mem~ ~r report by pressing a cue button on the microphone 12. This end-of-dictation is represented ~y tbe omission of a segment (i e , the segment is not energized~ and the properly de-energized 5 segment is determined as ~ function of the number ~f motion pulses that have been generated by rotation detector 60 of the recording~play~ack module 10. Pressing the cue button also activates the module~ 10 and 22 to store the end of dictation point of the dictated material on the recording tape 52, as well as the author's identification, point of initial dictation, time and date of dictation of that particular message. Also, when the cue button first is acti~ated, the original starting point at which dictation on the tape commenced is stored. This display data for all 1~ recorded messages is recorded on the recording tape 52 in the form o~ a summary block of data in response to the operation of ~finis~ ~utton 72A. At a later time, after a power failure, for example, when modules 10 and 22 are subseguently reactivated, or if the tape is transferred to another similar system, the display module 22 can regenerate the graphical display from the display data stored on the recording tape 52 upon command from the pushbutton 72B.
By way of example, the display data that is transferred between modules 10 and 22 is in the form of a ~equence of audio tone signals. In order to produce and recover tbese tone sig~als, the display module 22 includes a tone modulator 74, ~ tone demodulatôr ~6 and a microprocessor 78, in addition to the aforementioned display 24 and a ~eyboard 26. The microprocessor ~8, which may be an NEC
Model 7S00, or ~imilar device, includes ~ memory 80 for storing program data and the a~orementioned aisplay data.
A connector 40 interconnects the two modules 10 and 22 and comprises aD audio link composed of lines 82, 84 and 86, and a digital data bus 88. The bus 88 couples digitally formatted signals between the two microprocessors 6~ and 78.
The line 82 couples audio signals from the tone modulator 74 to the recordinq circuit 56. The line 86 couples audio . . . . . : . . . -, - 10 - 1324~3f~
signals from the playback circuit 58 to the tone demodulator 76. The line 84 is a return line for the signals on both lines 82 and 86. Analog switches so in the form of field effect transistors (FET's) in the recording/playback module lo, and analog switches 92 in the form of FET's in the display module 22 permit either of the modules 10 and 22 to be connected and disconnected from the audio lines 82 and 84. The switches 90 are operated by the microprocessor 64 via latches 94. The switches 92 are operated by ~he microprocessor ~8 via latches 96~ --If desired, the audio link can be extended to enable the connection of the audio lines of the display module 22 to a furt~er recording/playback module (not shown), ``
together with a concomitant extension of bus 88.
Thereby, tbe display module 22 may be adapted to function with two recording/playback modules. In such adaptation, a8 described in copending application Serial No. 543,388, Filed: July 30, 1987, Titled: DISPLAY FOR MODUL~R
DICTATION/TRANSCRIPTION SYSTEM the memory 80 of the display module 22 stores display data supplied from both r~cording/playback modules.
Keyboard 26 of tbe display module 22 includes a hold button 98, a CUQ select button 102, a FORWARD SEARCH
button 110 and ~ R~WIND SEARCH button 112. These buttons ar~ electrically connected via line 104 to tbe ~icroprocessor 78 for selecting operating functions of tbo microprocessor. Tbe bold button 98 is useful in retaining a presontation on tbe display 24. The cue select button 102 is useful during transcription because it allows an operator to select a type of message to be accessed 8uch a8 ~ letter, a ~priority" letter, an in~truction or a "special" note. Recorded messages are charactorized a8 one of the foreqoing types by operating the cue buttons on microphone 12, and a specific cue designation i8 recorded on the tape 52 (along with other 132443~
data, such as the author's identification, point of initial dictation, the date, the time, and ~he end point of the message). In one particularly advantageous embodiment of the display module 22, each message type (or cue designation) may be selectively displayed (or alternatively highlighted) along the bottom edge of t~e display 24: and the cue designations are selected in sequence by successive pushing of the cue select button 102~
When tape 52 moves past the head 5~, a cursor indicating the tape position, moves along the display 24 in the hori20ntal direction to show the tape position.
The cursor may appear as a dark or light square positioned beneath the array of segments of the "letter"
display graph on the display 24~
Infor~ation such as the author identification, the date and the time of dic~ation can be entered by use of two pus~buttons 106 and 108 referred to, respectively, as the mode button and the select button on keyboard 26. If desired, these buttons may be concealed from view and fro~ inadvertent operation. The mode and select buttons 106 ~nd 108 ~re operatively connected via the line 104 to the microprocessor 78 for entering and storing the foregoing inforuation. Such information can be entered 2S conveniontly by pressing the mode button 106 successively for selQcting author, id ntification, the date, and the foru of ti~e ~12 hour or 24 hour clock) to be entered.
The selQct button 108 i8 pressed to cycle through the nur~rals of the author identification, the time and date.
Thi8 data also is recorded from microprocessor 78 onto tape 5~.
Further details of the circuitry of Fig. 3 will now be described with reference to Figs. 4 - 6 followed by tho flow charts of Figs. 7 - 9.
With roference to Fig. 4, the tone modulator 74 co~prises two oscillators 134 and 136, two switches 138 and 1~0, a digital inverter 142 and an OR circuit 144.
~''''`'"' - ':
y~ .i,r~ ~ 3~o~
132443~;
lla The OR circuit 144 comprises two summing resistors 146 and 148, and an amplifier lSO with a feedback resistor 152. In operation, the oscillator 134 produces a higher frequency tone signal (e.g., 1800 Hs) and the oscillator 136 produces a lower frequency tone signal (e.g., 1000 Hz). These signals are - 12 - 1 32~.~3~
coupled by the switches 138 and 140 to the OR circuit 144 t~
be outputted on the audio line 82 ( Fig . ~ ) as FSX ~ freguency shift keying) signals. A diaital signal applied by the microprocessor 7~ via line 156 to the switches 138 and 140 operates those switches to connect one or the other of oscillators 134 and 136 to OR circuit 144. The inverter 142 provides for alternate operation of tbe switches 138 and 140 sucb that a logic-l signal on line 156 operates the switch 138 to output a ~ig~ frequency tone on line 82, and a logic-0 signal on line 1~6 ~perates t~e switch 140 to output a low frequency tone on t~e line 82.
In the OR circuit 144, the summing resistors 146 aDd 148 couple signals respectively frcm the switches 138 and 140 to the negative input terminal of the amplifier 150.
~hereby, the modula~or 74 converts the digital signal on line 156 to audio tone ~SR signals on line 82.
~ig. 5 sbows details of tbe tone demodulator ~6, the demodulator comprising a phase detec~or 158, a low-pass filter 160, a voltage controlled oscillator 162, a comparator 16~, and a source 166 of a reference signal for the comparator 164. The audio tone signal on line 86 (~ig. 3) is applied to aD input terminal of the phase detector 158. The comparator 16~ produces a digital signal which is applied via line 168 to the microprocessor 78 t~ig. 3).
IA operation, the oscillator 162 oscillates at a frequency dependent on the amplitude of a signal outputted by ` -the filter 160 via line 170 to the oscillator 162. Tbe phase aetector 158, tbe filter 160 and the oscillator 162 comprise a phase-locked loop 172, the operation of which loop is well ~nowD. The detector 158 outputs a sipnal to the filter 160 having an amplitude proportional to a difference in phase between the input signal on line 86 and an output signal of `~
the oscillator 162. The filter 160 integrates the output signal of the detèctor 158 to provide a smoothly varying signal OD line 1~0 for driving the oscillator 162. The bandwidth of the filter 160 is set in a well-known fashion to allo~ the loop 172 to follow the fre~uency of the audio tone .
' :
: ` . . , . . : , , line 86 as the tone frequency jumps between lower and higher frequencies. The higher tone frequency represents a logic-l signal and the lower tone frequency represents a logic-0 signal for the transmission of display data.
It is noted that the frequency control signal on line 170 increases in amplitude to provide the higher output frequency of the oscillator 162, and decreases in ~-amplitude to provide the lower output ~requency of the oscillator 162. The signal on line 170 is applied to one input terminal of the comparator 164, a reference signal from the source 166 being applied to a second input terminal of the comparator. The magnitude of the reference signal lies between the two amplitude values of the signal on line 170. The comparator 164 outputs a logic-l signal in responsQ to a high output voltage on -~
line 170, and outputs a ;logic-0 signal on line 168 in response to a low output voltage of the signal on 170~
~hereby, t~e demodulator 76 convQrts the audio tone FSK
signals on lino 86 to digital signals on line 168. A
digital tr~nsaission rate of, for example, 545 baud is o~ploy~d in th~ prefQrrQd mbodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 shows diagra~matic~lly a section of the r cording tap~ 52. Portions of the tape carry recorded audio signal~, while other portions of the tape carry ;;
recorded displ~y data for operation of the display 24 of th~ display ~odule 22. While an audio portion of the tape 52 ~ay be relativQly long, extending possibly through al~ost the entire length of the tape, the display d~ta portion i8 relativQly short.
The forward direction of tape ~ovement in Fig. 6 is to~ard tho Ieft. It i8 seen that the display data is recorded in a ~cue block~ after the corresponding audio portion 80 a8 to include information as to the length of th~t ~udio portion. The operator signifiQs his conclusion of the dictation of a message (e.g., end of l~tt r) by oper~ting a cue button to record a CUQ signal, X ,., ~
. .
1324~6 - 13a-which signal is recorded as a 15 Hz signal (for example) on a region of the tape between the end of thQ audio passage and the beginning of the corresponding cue block display data portion.
` - 14 - 13~4436 During fast-~orward and fast-~everse moVement of the tape 52, the 15 8z cue signal appears as a much higher frequency ~ in the range of 150-450 Hz~ due to the rapid motion of the tape. Nevertheless, the length of the recorded portion of the cue signal is sufficient to allow the record~playback module lo to detect the cue signal during fast-forward and fast-reverse movement so as t~ enable the drive 46 to stop the tape.
As shown in ~ig. 6, a summary re~ion is recorded in a summ~ry data block at the end of the portion of the tape 52 contaiDing recorded information. ~he s~mmary data block contains data summari2ing all of the dis~lay data recorded in the previous data regions and, as has been noted hereinabove, contains sufficient information to recreate the complete presentation of the recorded messages on the display 24 of the displ~y module 2~. The display data of the cue block data regions and the display data of the summary datà block `
region ~re provided by the display module 22, as noted above, upon ~n indication by the operator that he has completed dictation of a message ~nd that he is finished with the cassette, respectively. 2hese operator indicatlons are provided by use of the cue button on the microphone 12 an~ by use of the ~inish button on the keyboard 18.
As an example in the use of the display ~odule 22 for prcsentin~ information useful in the transcription of matcri~l from a previously recorded tape cassette, a tr~nscriptionist m~y command the display module 22 to present the above-aescribed bar graph display of the previously recordea mesS~ges as follows: After insertion of a previously rccorded cassette, the ope~ator pushes the ~display~ button ~2B on the keyboard 26 of the display module 22 to activate the microprocessor ~8 to read the information provided in the su~mary data block of the tape 52 for pre~entin~ the information on the display 24. The tape 52 is then scannea in either forward or rewind directions, aepending upon ~hether ~ORWARD SEARC~ button 110 or REWIND
SE~-RC~ pus~button 112 is actuated, to resd the stored , .; ~ . . :
- 15 _ 1 3 2 ~ 436 .
information from the cue blockc of tape 52 into the microprocessor ~8. If the ~display" pushbutton is actuated, the summary data block is read first, and the entire disDlay can be presented immediately, otherwise the display is generated piecemeal as the display data of each cue block is read. The operator selects the scan direction for accessing the summary data block by, for example, a ~press-release~
operation of push~utton 72B to establis~ the rewind direction, ~r a ~press-hold~ operation to establish the forward directio~. During the scanning, the finish cue signal preceaing t~e summary data block or end of message cue signal preceding eac~ cue block is detected by a detector 178 IFig. 3), the detector 178 outputting a control signal via the interfac~ unit 66 to the microprocessor 64.
During rewind scan, tbe microprocessor 64 responds by directiDg the drive 46 to stop the tape when a 15 ~z cue signal is detected, after which the tape is played in the forward direction. This brings the summary data block or a cue bloc~ past the head 5- for communication via the audio 2D lin~ to the to~e demodulator 76 and to the microprocessor 78.
During forward scan, the tape is ad~anced in the fast forward mode and is brougbt to a halt in response to the detection of a cue ~ignal. In ~iew of the fact that the tape may overshoot tbe cue signal position and, consequently, miss a part or all of the following display data portion, tbe microprocessor 64 is progrummed to automatically command a bac~-up of the tape transport by a preset amount which brings the head 5~ behind the display data portion. Tbereupon, the tape advances in the forward direction and the display data is played bac~ to be outputted to the microprocessor 78 of the display module 22. Thereafter, the microprocessor 78 co~mands the transport to advance further in the forward direction to accumulate data of other ones of the cue blocks of the tape 52, and finally to accumulate all of the display data in the sum~ary data bloc~. In this way, information relating to the messages recorded on a tape cassette is presented to the modules 10 and 22.
_ .. . . . ... - ' '' ..
..
,, . , - : . . . :
1324~36 The tape motion pulses generated by reel rotation detector 60 are employed by the microprocessor 78 for positioning the segments of the bar graph presentation.
The nonlinear relationship between reel rotation and tape advance may be conver~ed to a linear relationship by microprocessor 78 which employs a linearization procedure of the type described in U.S. Patent 4,410,923, asQigned to tbe assignee of the present invention, resulting in a substantially linear presentation on the display 24. The lo tape motion pulses are transmitted over the bUs 88 under control of the microprocessor 64.
Fig. 7 is a flow chart of the overall function of microprocessor 64 including a main loop 210 which branches to block 226 of the flow chart shown in Fig. 8.
Block 226 (Fig. 8) begins the interaction between the display module 22 and t~e recording/playback module 10.
Block 226 represents that the microprocessor of the module 10 looks for a co~mand from the display module 22.
If no command is received, the operation reverts to the ~ain loop 210. If a display scan ~block 228) command is received fro~ the display module 22, tho operation shown in Fig. 8 continues to block 230 wherein the module lo deitect~ whether the cue signal scanning i8 to be acoo~plished in the forward or reversQ ~rewind) direction of ~ove~ent of thei recording tape 52, depending upon the op ration of the ~display~ pushbutton. If no display scan co~mand from display module 22 is detected, the operation proceeds to block 236 to detect a cue search co~ and, whorein the module 10 operates the tape transport to search the recording tape 52 for an end-of-~ssago CUQ sign~l.
At block 230, the module 10 searches tape 52 in the selected forw~rd or the rewind direction for a cue signal. When a cue signal is detected (block 238) the tape drive 46 stops the movement of the tape 52, and the audio link i~ activated by operation of the switches 90 and 92 (block 240) for coupling signals played back from the tape 52 to the display module 22. The tape transport is operated to playback display data ~block 242) from the cue block of the tape 52 to the display module 22 Playback continues until the end of the display data 5 (block 244) Nodule 10 then again receives a forward/reverse command (block 246) and activates the tape transport to search for the next cue signals The cycle is repeated upon return to block 238 wherein the module lo atte~pts to find the next cue block of the tape 52 containing display data With reference again to block 244, if the end of display data is not sensed but, rather, the end of summary data ~recorded in a summary data block is present, this end of summary data is detected at 248) The tape 52 continues to move past the head 54 until all of the summary data block is read from the tape for transference to the display module 22 Thereupon, the rodule 10 detects a stop co~mand ~block 250) indicating the ~nd of the su mary data block, at which point the tapo driv~ ~ is stopped and operation reverts to the ain loop at block 210~
If the co~and from the display module i8 neither a display scan co~oand nor ~ cu~ search command, the received co~oand may be a cue record command Upon detection of a cue record command, module 10 implements the procedure for the recording of end of messaqe display data or su D ary display dat~ previously accumulated within the ~eoory 80 of the display module 22 This data includes the locations of the start point of the first mQssage (usually the beginning of tape) and the end points of each message dictated on the tape, as well as~`
nes~age characterizing signals (such as a letter, ~priority~ lett r, an ~instructionn or a "special" note, all of ~hich are displayed by respQctive, distinctive 3S displays) Also included are the identification of the author, the date, and the time of r-cordlng If a ~ `~
- ~7a - i324~3~ ~
display scan command (block 228) is not detected, the module 10 begins the procedure of transferring this information from the memory 80 of display module 22 to the summary data block or end of message region of the S recording tape 52. The procedure is implemented by activating the audio link 82 and record circuit 56 (of Fig. 3~ at block 252, provided that a -.
X ''~", '`, ' .,, :, .
:', :`
- 18 - 1 32~436 cue search command (block 236) is not received, but a cue record command ~block 232) is detected. The sequence of recorded information begins with the recording of the cue signal ~block 254~ this being rollowed by the recording of the display data ~block 256). The recording process stops upon detecting a stop command ~lock 258) from the display module 22, indicating that all of the display data has been reaa from memory 80. Thereafter, the operation reverts to tbe main l~op 210.
wit~ reference to block 236, if the command ~rom the display module 22 is a cue search command to find a cue data field on the recording tape 52, this is implemented by the detection in bloc~ 260 of a forward or rèverse tape movement command (e.g., a forward search or a rewind search command).
lS ~hereafter, ~t bloc~ 262, the module 10 may be provided with a co~mand to advance to a specific location or to a specific type of message on the recording tape. ~f no ~uch command is given, the transport continues to advance the t~pe in either the forward or reverse direction until a cue signal is detected at bloc~ 26~. ~hereupon, playback of the cue data field (typically, the cue block) coNmences as indicated at bloc~ 266. If, at block 262, a specific location is designated, then the drive 46 moves the tape 52 by either fast forward or fast rewind to the designated location af~er ~hich playbac~ (block 266) commences and the operation reverts to the main loop at blocX 210.
During the interaction between the recording/playback module 10 and tbe display module 22, both the microprocessor 6~ of the module 10 and the microprocessor 78 of the display moaule 22 oper~te to provide the func ions of data storage and aisplay. ~he operation of tbe microprocessor 64, during this int action, has been described in the flow chart of Fig. 8. The operation of the microprocessor 78, during this -interactlon, will now be dcscribed in con~unction with ~ig.
9 ~ .
As shown on Fig. 9, the oper~tion begins with the detection of a display scan reguest at block 268, which .
. . , . . -:: ' , , ' request is initiated by an operator pushing the button 72B of display module 22. Detection is achieved after completion of the procedure of the main loop If the display scan request is detected, the operation proceeds to block 270 to supply either a forward tape drive command or a reverse command to module lo, depending upon the operation of pushbutton 72B, as mentioned above In the event that no request for a display scan is detected, the operation proceeds to block 272 for detection of a search request~ Suc~ request is made by pushing the Forward Search 110 or Rewind Search 112 buttons The cue select button 102 of the display module 22 is used in con~unc~ion with the FORWARD SEARCH or the REWIND SEARCH
buttons to access, for example, the next "priority"
letter, or the next instruction, or the next "special"
note In the event that such request is received, the op~ration proceeds to block 274 to sense whether the ~Qarch i8 to proceed by forward or reverse movement of the recording tape 52, depending upon the selection by ao the op~rator of a forward or reverse seareh reguest, as rentioned abovQ In the event that no request for cue ~eareh i8 det~cted at block 2~2, the operation proeeeds to block 276 ~herein the display module 22 attempts to det~ct if pus~button 72A has been operated to initiate a finish request If a finish request has been deteeted, th~ operation proceeds to bloek 278 to sense if module 10 i8 in its dictate or transeribe ~ode If the former op ration continues to block 280 and if the latter to bloek 282 In the event that no fini~h request i~
det-cted at block 276, the operation proeeeds to bloek 28~ for the detection of a eue signal record command, ~`
g~n rated by th- operation of the eue pushbuttons on ierophone 12 If such a eue record eommand i~ detected fro~ the ~odule 10, the operation of the module 22 proeeeds to bloek 286 to deteet an end-of-eue eommand ~ s"':' :,` '`'" .~ s' '' ~ .
l9a - 1324~136 In the event that a cue signal is not to be recorded, the microprocessor returns from block 284 to the main loop 210.
With reference to the block 270, in response to a display scan request, microprocessor 78 commands , -,.,". " ~
.'''- .~' "' ' `' ' ','' `., .
. . .
'. '''. '..~':'' ,.
- 20 - 1~24436 microprocessor 64 to advance the rec~raing tape 52 f~r detection of a cue region at block 288. Thereupon, at bloc~
290, the audio link is activated by switcbes 92 and 90 to couple data between the tape 52 and the display moaule 22.
The reading of dat~ is indicated at block 292, which reading contiDues until the detection of a finish cue at block 294.
If no finish cue is detected, the data read out of the sensed cue block recorded on the tape 52 is displayed at bloc~ 296, after which t~e opera*ion reverts to block 270 for continued advancement o~ t~e recording tape to the next cue position If, at block 294, a finish cue is detected, the summary display da~a is displayed as in~icated at block 298, and the data reading process st~ps at block ~00 whereupon the operation reverts to the main loop at block 210. It will be appreciated that tbe display is as follows: the length of a letter or ~priority~ letter is indicated by the number ~f successi~e ~egments energized in display 24, and a letter is represented by steady state energi~ed segments whereas a ~priority~ letter is represented by flashing segments. An instruction is indicated by energizing the particular segment in ~ separate array to represent the location of that instruction. A ~special~ note is indicated in a manner s~milar to that for an instruction, but the segment is ~lashed.
With reference to the blocks 272 and 274, in the event th-t there is a request to search for a cue, but a specified tape location for a cue has not been reguested, the operation advances to bloc~ 302 in which the recording tape is advanced in the for~ara or reverse direction, as requested by the operator, to reach the next cue block. If this cue is not the ~elected cue of interest ~block 3~4), that is, a letter, ~priority~ letter, instruction or ~special~ note has been r~lectea but the cue which is reached does not represent the selected cue, then the operation reverts to block 302 $or adv~ncement to the next cue. If, at block 304, the dete~ted cue i~ the cue of interest, then the operation advances to block 306 wherein the display module 22 commands the module 132~436 lo to playback the tape 52 for reproducing the message.
Alternatively, if at block 274, a specific tape location has been requested, then the tape drive 46 is directed by microprocessor 64 under command from microprocessor 78 to move the tape 52 by fast forward or fast rewind (as selected) to bring the tape to the designated location at which, at block 306, the tape is played back for reproduction of the recorded information. Thereupon, the operation reverts to the main loop at block 210.
With reference to blocks 276 and 278, upon detection -of a finish request during dictation, microprocessor 78 commands microprocessor 64 to terminate the dictation process and advance the tape by fast forward (block 280) `
to the furthast advance point of dictated material. A
cue signal is recorded; and thereupon, at block 308, the audio link is activated followed by detection of the end-of-cue co~mand at block 310. This provides the site on the tape wherein ~he summary data is to be written. At block 312 the summary display data describing usage of the recording tape, which data had been stored in the e~ory 80, i8 coupled via the audio link for recording on `
th~ tape sa. Upon completion of the recording of the ~uD ary data block, the audio links are closed ~block 31~) aftQr which the oper~tion reverts to the main loop 210.
In the Qvent that the finish request (block 276) is detected during a transcribe operation, the display 24 extinguishes the sat of display seg~entæ representing the ess~ge which has ~ust been transcribed or, alternati~ly, if those segments and others had been extinguishQd, the finish reguest re-energizes those seg~ent~. The extinguished segments leaves a space in the bar graph display which indicates to the transcriptionist those messages that have been tr~nscribed. Block 282 d~termines if the finish button 72A i8 pushed for less than one-half second, which then X :.'.''' ~
::' ,.'. .
: ... , :.
. - . . `. ~ ~. - . . . ., .- . . . . . . . . . , -. , . ., - . ; -- 21a - 132~3S
extinguishes the segments that define a particular message, or if the finish button iS pushed and held for more than one-half second to re-energize all Of the segments which had previously been extinguished, Thereafter, operation reverts to the main loop 210.
':''': "
- 22 - 132~36 ~ ith reference to blocks 284 and 286 for tbe detection of a cue record command durin~ a dictate operation, the end of tbe cue record command is detected at block 286 followed by activati~n of the audio links at block 320. Thereafter, the display data associated with t~e completed message, such as the end point of the message, are supplied from mier~processor ~8 to module 10 for recording in the cue ~lock of t~e tape 52, as indicated at block 322. At the conclusion of the record;ng ~f ~he display a~ta, the audio links are clôsed at bloc~ 32~, and the operation reverts to the main loop 210.
It is to be unders~ood that the above-described embodiment of the invention is illustrative only and that modifications thereof msy occur to those skilled in the art.
1~ Accordingly, this invention is not to be regarded as being ` :
limi~ed to t~e embodiment disclosed herein, but is to be limited only as defined by the ~ppended claims. :`
. .~ , - .
Preferably, this display data is recorded as FSK
tones. Later, upon completion of the use of the recording tape, the operator may press a "finish" cue button on the display device to command the microprocessor to transfer all the display data from an internal memory to the r~cording tapQ for recording as a su~mary block of data~
In accordance with a preferred aspect of this invention, the display data that is storQd in the internal rQ~ory and that ~s recordQd on the recording tap also repres~nts the type of ~Qssage that has been racord~d~ Such ~ssag~-type data distinguishes between ~priority~ and regular l~ttQrs as well as betweQn instructions and special noteJ.
In the ~ent that the display data is erased from 2~ the internal ~n~ory or the cas~ette is transferred to anothQr systQ~, it can be r~generated simply by scanning the tape. an operator may request such scanning by pressing a ~display" button on the display device.
Advantageously, the tape may be scanned in the forward direction or in the reverse (rewind) direction. During scanning, the display microprocessor, via the r cording/playback head assQmbly, effQctively "reads"
~hat-ver display data has beQn recordQd to construct a display presQntation. Should the summary data block be r~ad during scanning, the display presentation is constructed, storQd and displayed immediately.
~Priority~ l~tters, ~instructions~ and the like are , . .
_ 5 _ 132~4 3~
suitably identified and may be searched and accessed directly for immediate transcription from the tape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The following description, taken by way of example, is best understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings w~erein:
Fig. 1 shows a styli2ed view of a recording/playback device adapted for interconnection with a modular display unit in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows the modular display unit of the present invention coupled to a dictation/transcription device comprising the device of Fig. 1 with a display module connected thereto for providing additional functions useful for dictation and transcription; --Fig. 3 is an electrical block diagram of tbe modular ;
interconnected system of Fig. 2:
Fig. ~ shows one embodiment of a tone modulator that ~"
~ay be used in the display module of the present invention;
Fig. 5 shows one embodiment of a tone demodulator t~t ~ay be used in the display module of the present invention; '`' Fig. 6 shows an arrangemQnt of rQgions of recorded audio signals and recorded display data signals on a recording tape;
Fig. 7 is a flow chart representing a relevant portion of the operation of the microprocessor included in the recording/playback nodule of Fig. l;
Fig. 8 i8 a flow chart representing the relQvant operation of the ~icroprocessor included in the recording/playback ~odule to record and detect display data in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 9 is a flow chart of the relevant operation of the ~icroprocessor included in the display modulQ for 3S controlling the operation of and interaction with the ~ -recording/playback module.
)( . "' ,' " .
Wi~h reference to Figs . 1 and 2, there are shown, respectively, a recordingfplayback device lo, and the recording/playback device electrically connected to a display device 22 incorporating the present invention.
These devices are more fully described ~n copending application Serial No. 543,389, Filed: July 30, 1987, Titled: NO W LAR DIC~ATIONJTRANSCRIPTION SYSTEM and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The display device and the recording/playback device may be o co~bined in a single unitary construction, or may be constructed in modular form in which the recording/playback device and the display device may be connected to each other, and disconnected from each other, as ~ay be desired to provide for a display of recording-playback functions. By way of example, the `~
foll~wing description is directed to a modular form of thQ recording/playback d~vice and the display device, it being understood that the present invention is equally applicable to a unitary construction of the ~-recording~playback device and the display device.
The recording/playback device i8 shown in Fig. 1 as ~ Dodule 10 ~ic~ is operable as a stand-alone unit for the recording and playback of sound, pareicularly voice.
A ~icropbone 12 is shown connected eO the module 10 for ~5 use by personnQl to record a spoken messaqe on a recording ediu~ such as magnetic tape within a cassette (not shown in Fig. 1) locaeed wiehin a compartment 14.
Push buttons 16 of a keyboard 18 are operably connected ~ith a tape transport (not shown in Fig. 1) for advanc~oent and rewind of the tape. The module 10 lnoludes a display 20 which, for example, provides a num rical read-out of present position of the tape.
Fig. 2 shows a display modulQ 22 which may be connQcted to the recording/playback module 10 to present additional information relating to dictation and eranscription functions. For example, the display module ~`
22 presenes a plurality (preferably three) of bar graph ,"~
1321~36 displays co~posed of individual segments of visual indicators such as LED's, LCD's or the like which appear as display 24. Preferably, the display 24 is constructed as a liquid crystal display (LCD), with the 5 aforementioned segments appearing as dark segments on a light background though, if desired, the display may present the segments as lighted segments on a dark background.
successive segments form blocks which have lengths proportional to recorded messages such as letters, memos, and reports. The segments in a block may be made to flash to indicate a "priority" item which is to be typed immQdiately by a tran~criptionist. Additional useful information is presented in alphanumeric form in a region 28 on thQ right side of the display 24, such as the ~ `
ideneificaeion of t~e author who dictated a message and the length (in minutQs~ of the message. The date and ei~e of messagQ is displayed in the display 20 of module 10. .
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of elQctrical circuitry of t~e two ~odules 10 and 22. The recording/playback module 10 co prises a drive 46 for rotating a supply reel 48 and a take-up reel 50 to transport a magneeic recording tape 52 past a recording/playback head 54 for the storing and 2S rQtrieval of audio and display data signals on the tape.
The ~odule 10 further comprises a recording circuit 56 and a playback circuit 58 which connect with the head 54, `
and a rotation detector 60 which is positioned alongside `
the supply reel 48, for example, for detecting rotation thereof. A capstan 62 is operated by the drive 46 for aintaining a constant speed of travel of the tape 52 during record and playback operation. As the tape 52 unwinds from the supply reel 48, the effective diameter of the supply reel 48 becomes smaller causing its rotational speed to increase in view of the constant linear speed of the tape 52 driven by the capstan 62.
Therefore, the detector 60 detects a continuously - 8 - 132~3~
increasing rate of rotation during forward motion of the tape 52 As shown in Fig 3, the connection of the microphone 12 to the module 10 is accomplished via the interface unit 66, the connection being shown as a set of lines including a line for the cue signal, a line for voice communication, and a line for signals controlling transport motion such as forward, fast-forward and fast-rewind The voice line from the microphone 12 is lo understood to include conductors for transmission of signals from the microphone to the recording circuit 56 and for playback of signals from the playback circuit 58 via a small speaker (not shown) within the microphone 12 The cue signal line activates an oscillator 176 to generate the cue signal which i~ supplied via the recording circuit 5c to the head 54 The recording/playback module lo also includes a microproces-Qor 64, which applies control signals via an interface unit 66 to ~he display 20, the drive 46, the recording circuit 56 and the playback circuit 58 Rotation signals in the form of motion pulQes are produced by the rotation detector 60, and are coupled via t~ interface unit 66 to thQ microprocessor 64 ~ memory 68 couplod to the microprocessor 64 stores program data ~5 and ot~er inforoation useful in the operation of the ~icroprocessor 64 Digital signals are coupled between the interface uni~ 66 and t~e ~icroprocessor 64 by a data bus 70 The intorface unit also supplies signals from the keyboard 18 (partially s~own in Fig 3) to the microprocessor which, in turn, controls display 20 and selects the operational functions of the ~odule 10 and also of the module 26 A ~finish~ pusbbutton 72A on the display module 22 provides a signal indicating that an author ha~ finished 3S hi- dictation This signal initiate~ an operation in the modules 10 and 22 by whicb a complete history of the types of recorded messages, their locations, and their X '. ' ' 1324~3g - 8a -author(s) are recorded on the tape 52 as a digitally formatted message placed alongside the audio information, or dictation, that also is recorded on the tape. Another pushbutton 72B on the display module 22 may be activated by an operator to command the display module 22 to display t~is recorded history on the display 24, preferably in bar graph form as mentioned above.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the presentation on the display 24 develops as the author dic~ates into the microphone 12 and tape 52 advances.
One segment of the bar graph display is energized by way of example, for each 30-second interval of dictation. A
graph length of ten segments would indicate, in the foregoing example, a dictation time of five minutes. The author . ^ . . . .. .
, . .
- g- 132443~
indicates the end of a dictated passage, mem~ ~r report by pressing a cue button on the microphone 12. This end-of-dictation is represented ~y tbe omission of a segment (i e , the segment is not energized~ and the properly de-energized 5 segment is determined as ~ function of the number ~f motion pulses that have been generated by rotation detector 60 of the recording~play~ack module 10. Pressing the cue button also activates the module~ 10 and 22 to store the end of dictation point of the dictated material on the recording tape 52, as well as the author's identification, point of initial dictation, time and date of dictation of that particular message. Also, when the cue button first is acti~ated, the original starting point at which dictation on the tape commenced is stored. This display data for all 1~ recorded messages is recorded on the recording tape 52 in the form o~ a summary block of data in response to the operation of ~finis~ ~utton 72A. At a later time, after a power failure, for example, when modules 10 and 22 are subseguently reactivated, or if the tape is transferred to another similar system, the display module 22 can regenerate the graphical display from the display data stored on the recording tape 52 upon command from the pushbutton 72B.
By way of example, the display data that is transferred between modules 10 and 22 is in the form of a ~equence of audio tone signals. In order to produce and recover tbese tone sig~als, the display module 22 includes a tone modulator 74, ~ tone demodulatôr ~6 and a microprocessor 78, in addition to the aforementioned display 24 and a ~eyboard 26. The microprocessor ~8, which may be an NEC
Model 7S00, or ~imilar device, includes ~ memory 80 for storing program data and the a~orementioned aisplay data.
A connector 40 interconnects the two modules 10 and 22 and comprises aD audio link composed of lines 82, 84 and 86, and a digital data bus 88. The bus 88 couples digitally formatted signals between the two microprocessors 6~ and 78.
The line 82 couples audio signals from the tone modulator 74 to the recordinq circuit 56. The line 86 couples audio . . . . . : . . . -, - 10 - 1324~3f~
signals from the playback circuit 58 to the tone demodulator 76. The line 84 is a return line for the signals on both lines 82 and 86. Analog switches so in the form of field effect transistors (FET's) in the recording/playback module lo, and analog switches 92 in the form of FET's in the display module 22 permit either of the modules 10 and 22 to be connected and disconnected from the audio lines 82 and 84. The switches 90 are operated by the microprocessor 64 via latches 94. The switches 92 are operated by ~he microprocessor ~8 via latches 96~ --If desired, the audio link can be extended to enable the connection of the audio lines of the display module 22 to a furt~er recording/playback module (not shown), ``
together with a concomitant extension of bus 88.
Thereby, tbe display module 22 may be adapted to function with two recording/playback modules. In such adaptation, a8 described in copending application Serial No. 543,388, Filed: July 30, 1987, Titled: DISPLAY FOR MODUL~R
DICTATION/TRANSCRIPTION SYSTEM the memory 80 of the display module 22 stores display data supplied from both r~cording/playback modules.
Keyboard 26 of tbe display module 22 includes a hold button 98, a CUQ select button 102, a FORWARD SEARCH
button 110 and ~ R~WIND SEARCH button 112. These buttons ar~ electrically connected via line 104 to tbe ~icroprocessor 78 for selecting operating functions of tbo microprocessor. Tbe bold button 98 is useful in retaining a presontation on tbe display 24. The cue select button 102 is useful during transcription because it allows an operator to select a type of message to be accessed 8uch a8 ~ letter, a ~priority" letter, an in~truction or a "special" note. Recorded messages are charactorized a8 one of the foreqoing types by operating the cue buttons on microphone 12, and a specific cue designation i8 recorded on the tape 52 (along with other 132443~
data, such as the author's identification, point of initial dictation, the date, the time, and ~he end point of the message). In one particularly advantageous embodiment of the display module 22, each message type (or cue designation) may be selectively displayed (or alternatively highlighted) along the bottom edge of t~e display 24: and the cue designations are selected in sequence by successive pushing of the cue select button 102~
When tape 52 moves past the head 5~, a cursor indicating the tape position, moves along the display 24 in the hori20ntal direction to show the tape position.
The cursor may appear as a dark or light square positioned beneath the array of segments of the "letter"
display graph on the display 24~
Infor~ation such as the author identification, the date and the time of dic~ation can be entered by use of two pus~buttons 106 and 108 referred to, respectively, as the mode button and the select button on keyboard 26. If desired, these buttons may be concealed from view and fro~ inadvertent operation. The mode and select buttons 106 ~nd 108 ~re operatively connected via the line 104 to the microprocessor 78 for entering and storing the foregoing inforuation. Such information can be entered 2S conveniontly by pressing the mode button 106 successively for selQcting author, id ntification, the date, and the foru of ti~e ~12 hour or 24 hour clock) to be entered.
The selQct button 108 i8 pressed to cycle through the nur~rals of the author identification, the time and date.
Thi8 data also is recorded from microprocessor 78 onto tape 5~.
Further details of the circuitry of Fig. 3 will now be described with reference to Figs. 4 - 6 followed by tho flow charts of Figs. 7 - 9.
With roference to Fig. 4, the tone modulator 74 co~prises two oscillators 134 and 136, two switches 138 and 1~0, a digital inverter 142 and an OR circuit 144.
~''''`'"' - ':
y~ .i,r~ ~ 3~o~
132443~;
lla The OR circuit 144 comprises two summing resistors 146 and 148, and an amplifier lSO with a feedback resistor 152. In operation, the oscillator 134 produces a higher frequency tone signal (e.g., 1800 Hs) and the oscillator 136 produces a lower frequency tone signal (e.g., 1000 Hz). These signals are - 12 - 1 32~.~3~
coupled by the switches 138 and 140 to the OR circuit 144 t~
be outputted on the audio line 82 ( Fig . ~ ) as FSX ~ freguency shift keying) signals. A diaital signal applied by the microprocessor 7~ via line 156 to the switches 138 and 140 operates those switches to connect one or the other of oscillators 134 and 136 to OR circuit 144. The inverter 142 provides for alternate operation of tbe switches 138 and 140 sucb that a logic-l signal on line 156 operates the switch 138 to output a ~ig~ frequency tone on line 82, and a logic-0 signal on line 1~6 ~perates t~e switch 140 to output a low frequency tone on t~e line 82.
In the OR circuit 144, the summing resistors 146 aDd 148 couple signals respectively frcm the switches 138 and 140 to the negative input terminal of the amplifier 150.
~hereby, the modula~or 74 converts the digital signal on line 156 to audio tone ~SR signals on line 82.
~ig. 5 sbows details of tbe tone demodulator ~6, the demodulator comprising a phase detec~or 158, a low-pass filter 160, a voltage controlled oscillator 162, a comparator 16~, and a source 166 of a reference signal for the comparator 164. The audio tone signal on line 86 (~ig. 3) is applied to aD input terminal of the phase detector 158. The comparator 16~ produces a digital signal which is applied via line 168 to the microprocessor 78 t~ig. 3).
IA operation, the oscillator 162 oscillates at a frequency dependent on the amplitude of a signal outputted by ` -the filter 160 via line 170 to the oscillator 162. Tbe phase aetector 158, tbe filter 160 and the oscillator 162 comprise a phase-locked loop 172, the operation of which loop is well ~nowD. The detector 158 outputs a sipnal to the filter 160 having an amplitude proportional to a difference in phase between the input signal on line 86 and an output signal of `~
the oscillator 162. The filter 160 integrates the output signal of the detèctor 158 to provide a smoothly varying signal OD line 1~0 for driving the oscillator 162. The bandwidth of the filter 160 is set in a well-known fashion to allo~ the loop 172 to follow the fre~uency of the audio tone .
' :
: ` . . , . . : , , line 86 as the tone frequency jumps between lower and higher frequencies. The higher tone frequency represents a logic-l signal and the lower tone frequency represents a logic-0 signal for the transmission of display data.
It is noted that the frequency control signal on line 170 increases in amplitude to provide the higher output frequency of the oscillator 162, and decreases in ~-amplitude to provide the lower output ~requency of the oscillator 162. The signal on line 170 is applied to one input terminal of the comparator 164, a reference signal from the source 166 being applied to a second input terminal of the comparator. The magnitude of the reference signal lies between the two amplitude values of the signal on line 170. The comparator 164 outputs a logic-l signal in responsQ to a high output voltage on -~
line 170, and outputs a ;logic-0 signal on line 168 in response to a low output voltage of the signal on 170~
~hereby, t~e demodulator 76 convQrts the audio tone FSK
signals on lino 86 to digital signals on line 168. A
digital tr~nsaission rate of, for example, 545 baud is o~ploy~d in th~ prefQrrQd mbodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 shows diagra~matic~lly a section of the r cording tap~ 52. Portions of the tape carry recorded audio signal~, while other portions of the tape carry ;;
recorded displ~y data for operation of the display 24 of th~ display ~odule 22. While an audio portion of the tape 52 ~ay be relativQly long, extending possibly through al~ost the entire length of the tape, the display d~ta portion i8 relativQly short.
The forward direction of tape ~ovement in Fig. 6 is to~ard tho Ieft. It i8 seen that the display data is recorded in a ~cue block~ after the corresponding audio portion 80 a8 to include information as to the length of th~t ~udio portion. The operator signifiQs his conclusion of the dictation of a message (e.g., end of l~tt r) by oper~ting a cue button to record a CUQ signal, X ,., ~
. .
1324~6 - 13a-which signal is recorded as a 15 Hz signal (for example) on a region of the tape between the end of thQ audio passage and the beginning of the corresponding cue block display data portion.
` - 14 - 13~4436 During fast-~orward and fast-~everse moVement of the tape 52, the 15 8z cue signal appears as a much higher frequency ~ in the range of 150-450 Hz~ due to the rapid motion of the tape. Nevertheless, the length of the recorded portion of the cue signal is sufficient to allow the record~playback module lo to detect the cue signal during fast-forward and fast-reverse movement so as t~ enable the drive 46 to stop the tape.
As shown in ~ig. 6, a summary re~ion is recorded in a summ~ry data block at the end of the portion of the tape 52 contaiDing recorded information. ~he s~mmary data block contains data summari2ing all of the dis~lay data recorded in the previous data regions and, as has been noted hereinabove, contains sufficient information to recreate the complete presentation of the recorded messages on the display 24 of the displ~y module 2~. The display data of the cue block data regions and the display data of the summary datà block `
region ~re provided by the display module 22, as noted above, upon ~n indication by the operator that he has completed dictation of a message ~nd that he is finished with the cassette, respectively. 2hese operator indicatlons are provided by use of the cue button on the microphone 12 an~ by use of the ~inish button on the keyboard 18.
As an example in the use of the display ~odule 22 for prcsentin~ information useful in the transcription of matcri~l from a previously recorded tape cassette, a tr~nscriptionist m~y command the display module 22 to present the above-aescribed bar graph display of the previously recordea mesS~ges as follows: After insertion of a previously rccorded cassette, the ope~ator pushes the ~display~ button ~2B on the keyboard 26 of the display module 22 to activate the microprocessor ~8 to read the information provided in the su~mary data block of the tape 52 for pre~entin~ the information on the display 24. The tape 52 is then scannea in either forward or rewind directions, aepending upon ~hether ~ORWARD SEARC~ button 110 or REWIND
SE~-RC~ pus~button 112 is actuated, to resd the stored , .; ~ . . :
- 15 _ 1 3 2 ~ 436 .
information from the cue blockc of tape 52 into the microprocessor ~8. If the ~display" pushbutton is actuated, the summary data block is read first, and the entire disDlay can be presented immediately, otherwise the display is generated piecemeal as the display data of each cue block is read. The operator selects the scan direction for accessing the summary data block by, for example, a ~press-release~
operation of push~utton 72B to establis~ the rewind direction, ~r a ~press-hold~ operation to establish the forward directio~. During the scanning, the finish cue signal preceaing t~e summary data block or end of message cue signal preceding eac~ cue block is detected by a detector 178 IFig. 3), the detector 178 outputting a control signal via the interfac~ unit 66 to the microprocessor 64.
During rewind scan, tbe microprocessor 64 responds by directiDg the drive 46 to stop the tape when a 15 ~z cue signal is detected, after which the tape is played in the forward direction. This brings the summary data block or a cue bloc~ past the head 5- for communication via the audio 2D lin~ to the to~e demodulator 76 and to the microprocessor 78.
During forward scan, the tape is ad~anced in the fast forward mode and is brougbt to a halt in response to the detection of a cue ~ignal. In ~iew of the fact that the tape may overshoot tbe cue signal position and, consequently, miss a part or all of the following display data portion, tbe microprocessor 64 is progrummed to automatically command a bac~-up of the tape transport by a preset amount which brings the head 5~ behind the display data portion. Tbereupon, the tape advances in the forward direction and the display data is played bac~ to be outputted to the microprocessor 78 of the display module 22. Thereafter, the microprocessor 78 co~mands the transport to advance further in the forward direction to accumulate data of other ones of the cue blocks of the tape 52, and finally to accumulate all of the display data in the sum~ary data bloc~. In this way, information relating to the messages recorded on a tape cassette is presented to the modules 10 and 22.
_ .. . . . ... - ' '' ..
..
,, . , - : . . . :
1324~36 The tape motion pulses generated by reel rotation detector 60 are employed by the microprocessor 78 for positioning the segments of the bar graph presentation.
The nonlinear relationship between reel rotation and tape advance may be conver~ed to a linear relationship by microprocessor 78 which employs a linearization procedure of the type described in U.S. Patent 4,410,923, asQigned to tbe assignee of the present invention, resulting in a substantially linear presentation on the display 24. The lo tape motion pulses are transmitted over the bUs 88 under control of the microprocessor 64.
Fig. 7 is a flow chart of the overall function of microprocessor 64 including a main loop 210 which branches to block 226 of the flow chart shown in Fig. 8.
Block 226 (Fig. 8) begins the interaction between the display module 22 and t~e recording/playback module 10.
Block 226 represents that the microprocessor of the module 10 looks for a co~mand from the display module 22.
If no command is received, the operation reverts to the ~ain loop 210. If a display scan ~block 228) command is received fro~ the display module 22, tho operation shown in Fig. 8 continues to block 230 wherein the module lo deitect~ whether the cue signal scanning i8 to be acoo~plished in the forward or reversQ ~rewind) direction of ~ove~ent of thei recording tape 52, depending upon the op ration of the ~display~ pushbutton. If no display scan co~mand from display module 22 is detected, the operation proceeds to block 236 to detect a cue search co~ and, whorein the module 10 operates the tape transport to search the recording tape 52 for an end-of-~ssago CUQ sign~l.
At block 230, the module 10 searches tape 52 in the selected forw~rd or the rewind direction for a cue signal. When a cue signal is detected (block 238) the tape drive 46 stops the movement of the tape 52, and the audio link i~ activated by operation of the switches 90 and 92 (block 240) for coupling signals played back from the tape 52 to the display module 22. The tape transport is operated to playback display data ~block 242) from the cue block of the tape 52 to the display module 22 Playback continues until the end of the display data 5 (block 244) Nodule 10 then again receives a forward/reverse command (block 246) and activates the tape transport to search for the next cue signals The cycle is repeated upon return to block 238 wherein the module lo atte~pts to find the next cue block of the tape 52 containing display data With reference again to block 244, if the end of display data is not sensed but, rather, the end of summary data ~recorded in a summary data block is present, this end of summary data is detected at 248) The tape 52 continues to move past the head 54 until all of the summary data block is read from the tape for transference to the display module 22 Thereupon, the rodule 10 detects a stop co~mand ~block 250) indicating the ~nd of the su mary data block, at which point the tapo driv~ ~ is stopped and operation reverts to the ain loop at block 210~
If the co~and from the display module i8 neither a display scan co~oand nor ~ cu~ search command, the received co~oand may be a cue record command Upon detection of a cue record command, module 10 implements the procedure for the recording of end of messaqe display data or su D ary display dat~ previously accumulated within the ~eoory 80 of the display module 22 This data includes the locations of the start point of the first mQssage (usually the beginning of tape) and the end points of each message dictated on the tape, as well as~`
nes~age characterizing signals (such as a letter, ~priority~ lett r, an ~instructionn or a "special" note, all of ~hich are displayed by respQctive, distinctive 3S displays) Also included are the identification of the author, the date, and the time of r-cordlng If a ~ `~
- ~7a - i324~3~ ~
display scan command (block 228) is not detected, the module 10 begins the procedure of transferring this information from the memory 80 of display module 22 to the summary data block or end of message region of the S recording tape 52. The procedure is implemented by activating the audio link 82 and record circuit 56 (of Fig. 3~ at block 252, provided that a -.
X ''~", '`, ' .,, :, .
:', :`
- 18 - 1 32~436 cue search command (block 236) is not received, but a cue record command ~block 232) is detected. The sequence of recorded information begins with the recording of the cue signal ~block 254~ this being rollowed by the recording of the display data ~block 256). The recording process stops upon detecting a stop command ~lock 258) from the display module 22, indicating that all of the display data has been reaa from memory 80. Thereafter, the operation reverts to tbe main l~op 210.
wit~ reference to block 236, if the command ~rom the display module 22 is a cue search command to find a cue data field on the recording tape 52, this is implemented by the detection in bloc~ 260 of a forward or rèverse tape movement command (e.g., a forward search or a rewind search command).
lS ~hereafter, ~t bloc~ 262, the module 10 may be provided with a co~mand to advance to a specific location or to a specific type of message on the recording tape. ~f no ~uch command is given, the transport continues to advance the t~pe in either the forward or reverse direction until a cue signal is detected at bloc~ 26~. ~hereupon, playback of the cue data field (typically, the cue block) coNmences as indicated at bloc~ 266. If, at block 262, a specific location is designated, then the drive 46 moves the tape 52 by either fast forward or fast rewind to the designated location af~er ~hich playbac~ (block 266) commences and the operation reverts to the main loop at blocX 210.
During the interaction between the recording/playback module 10 and tbe display module 22, both the microprocessor 6~ of the module 10 and the microprocessor 78 of the display moaule 22 oper~te to provide the func ions of data storage and aisplay. ~he operation of tbe microprocessor 64, during this int action, has been described in the flow chart of Fig. 8. The operation of the microprocessor 78, during this -interactlon, will now be dcscribed in con~unction with ~ig.
9 ~ .
As shown on Fig. 9, the oper~tion begins with the detection of a display scan reguest at block 268, which .
. . , . . -:: ' , , ' request is initiated by an operator pushing the button 72B of display module 22. Detection is achieved after completion of the procedure of the main loop If the display scan request is detected, the operation proceeds to block 270 to supply either a forward tape drive command or a reverse command to module lo, depending upon the operation of pushbutton 72B, as mentioned above In the event that no request for a display scan is detected, the operation proceeds to block 272 for detection of a search request~ Suc~ request is made by pushing the Forward Search 110 or Rewind Search 112 buttons The cue select button 102 of the display module 22 is used in con~unc~ion with the FORWARD SEARCH or the REWIND SEARCH
buttons to access, for example, the next "priority"
letter, or the next instruction, or the next "special"
note In the event that such request is received, the op~ration proceeds to block 274 to sense whether the ~Qarch i8 to proceed by forward or reverse movement of the recording tape 52, depending upon the selection by ao the op~rator of a forward or reverse seareh reguest, as rentioned abovQ In the event that no request for cue ~eareh i8 det~cted at block 2~2, the operation proeeeds to block 276 ~herein the display module 22 attempts to det~ct if pus~button 72A has been operated to initiate a finish request If a finish request has been deteeted, th~ operation proceeds to bloek 278 to sense if module 10 i8 in its dictate or transeribe ~ode If the former op ration continues to block 280 and if the latter to bloek 282 In the event that no fini~h request i~
det-cted at block 276, the operation proeeeds to bloek 28~ for the detection of a eue signal record command, ~`
g~n rated by th- operation of the eue pushbuttons on ierophone 12 If such a eue record eommand i~ detected fro~ the ~odule 10, the operation of the module 22 proeeeds to bloek 286 to deteet an end-of-eue eommand ~ s"':' :,` '`'" .~ s' '' ~ .
l9a - 1324~136 In the event that a cue signal is not to be recorded, the microprocessor returns from block 284 to the main loop 210.
With reference to the block 270, in response to a display scan request, microprocessor 78 commands , -,.,". " ~
.'''- .~' "' ' `' ' ','' `., .
. . .
'. '''. '..~':'' ,.
- 20 - 1~24436 microprocessor 64 to advance the rec~raing tape 52 f~r detection of a cue region at block 288. Thereupon, at bloc~
290, the audio link is activated by switcbes 92 and 90 to couple data between the tape 52 and the display moaule 22.
The reading of dat~ is indicated at block 292, which reading contiDues until the detection of a finish cue at block 294.
If no finish cue is detected, the data read out of the sensed cue block recorded on the tape 52 is displayed at bloc~ 296, after which t~e opera*ion reverts to block 270 for continued advancement o~ t~e recording tape to the next cue position If, at block 294, a finish cue is detected, the summary display da~a is displayed as in~icated at block 298, and the data reading process st~ps at block ~00 whereupon the operation reverts to the main loop at block 210. It will be appreciated that tbe display is as follows: the length of a letter or ~priority~ letter is indicated by the number ~f successi~e ~egments energized in display 24, and a letter is represented by steady state energi~ed segments whereas a ~priority~ letter is represented by flashing segments. An instruction is indicated by energizing the particular segment in ~ separate array to represent the location of that instruction. A ~special~ note is indicated in a manner s~milar to that for an instruction, but the segment is ~lashed.
With reference to the blocks 272 and 274, in the event th-t there is a request to search for a cue, but a specified tape location for a cue has not been reguested, the operation advances to bloc~ 302 in which the recording tape is advanced in the for~ara or reverse direction, as requested by the operator, to reach the next cue block. If this cue is not the ~elected cue of interest ~block 3~4), that is, a letter, ~priority~ letter, instruction or ~special~ note has been r~lectea but the cue which is reached does not represent the selected cue, then the operation reverts to block 302 $or adv~ncement to the next cue. If, at block 304, the dete~ted cue i~ the cue of interest, then the operation advances to block 306 wherein the display module 22 commands the module 132~436 lo to playback the tape 52 for reproducing the message.
Alternatively, if at block 274, a specific tape location has been requested, then the tape drive 46 is directed by microprocessor 64 under command from microprocessor 78 to move the tape 52 by fast forward or fast rewind (as selected) to bring the tape to the designated location at which, at block 306, the tape is played back for reproduction of the recorded information. Thereupon, the operation reverts to the main loop at block 210.
With reference to blocks 276 and 278, upon detection -of a finish request during dictation, microprocessor 78 commands microprocessor 64 to terminate the dictation process and advance the tape by fast forward (block 280) `
to the furthast advance point of dictated material. A
cue signal is recorded; and thereupon, at block 308, the audio link is activated followed by detection of the end-of-cue co~mand at block 310. This provides the site on the tape wherein ~he summary data is to be written. At block 312 the summary display data describing usage of the recording tape, which data had been stored in the e~ory 80, i8 coupled via the audio link for recording on `
th~ tape sa. Upon completion of the recording of the ~uD ary data block, the audio links are closed ~block 31~) aftQr which the oper~tion reverts to the main loop 210.
In the Qvent that the finish request (block 276) is detected during a transcribe operation, the display 24 extinguishes the sat of display seg~entæ representing the ess~ge which has ~ust been transcribed or, alternati~ly, if those segments and others had been extinguishQd, the finish reguest re-energizes those seg~ent~. The extinguished segments leaves a space in the bar graph display which indicates to the transcriptionist those messages that have been tr~nscribed. Block 282 d~termines if the finish button 72A i8 pushed for less than one-half second, which then X :.'.''' ~
::' ,.'. .
: ... , :.
. - . . `. ~ ~. - . . . ., .- . . . . . . . . . , -. , . ., - . ; -- 21a - 132~3S
extinguishes the segments that define a particular message, or if the finish button iS pushed and held for more than one-half second to re-energize all Of the segments which had previously been extinguished, Thereafter, operation reverts to the main loop 210.
':''': "
- 22 - 132~36 ~ ith reference to blocks 284 and 286 for tbe detection of a cue record command durin~ a dictate operation, the end of tbe cue record command is detected at block 286 followed by activati~n of the audio links at block 320. Thereafter, the display data associated with t~e completed message, such as the end point of the message, are supplied from mier~processor ~8 to module 10 for recording in the cue ~lock of t~e tape 52, as indicated at block 322. At the conclusion of the record;ng ~f ~he display a~ta, the audio links are clôsed at bloc~ 32~, and the operation reverts to the main loop 210.
It is to be unders~ood that the above-described embodiment of the invention is illustrative only and that modifications thereof msy occur to those skilled in the art.
1~ Accordingly, this invention is not to be regarded as being ` :
limi~ed to t~e embodiment disclosed herein, but is to be limited only as defined by the ~ppended claims. :`
. .~ , - .
Claims (27)
1. A dictation/transcription system for the playing back of audio messages recorded on a record medium on which also is recorded a summary block of data relating to each of said messages, said summary block of data including data such as message type data representing the type of each respective message, message location data representing the location of each respective message on the record medium, and message length data representing the lengths of respective messages of at least predetermined types, said system comprising:
playback means for playing back said summary block of data; and display means responsive to the message type, message location and message length data played back from said summary block to display visual indications of the type, location and length of said recorded messages.
playback means for playing back said summary block of data; and display means responsive to the message type, message location and message length data played back from said summary block to display visual indications of the type, location and length of said recorded messages.
2. The system of Claim 1 wherein said display means comprises at least one array of visual indicating segments, and means for selectively energizing said segments.
3. The system of Claim 2 wherein the segments of said array are selectively energized to indicate respective message types.
4. The system of Claim 3 wherein the segments of said array are selectively energized to indicate said locations of the recorded messages.
5. The system of Claim 4 wherein the segments of said array are selectively energized to indicate message length.
6. The system of Claim 5 further comprising manually operable means for de-energizing those segments of said array representing a type and length of one of said messages, which segments had been energized in response to the data played back from said summary block, provided said one message is the most recently transcribed message.
7. The system of Claim 5 wherein said display means includes a cursor display operable to display the present position of said record medium, means for positioning said cursor display relative to the energized segments of said array, and manually operable means to de-energize all of the segments representing a recorded message if said cursor display is positioned relative to one of the segments representing that message.
8. The system of Claim 7 further comprising means selectively operable to re-energize all of the segments that had been de-energised, thereby re-displaying the locations, lengths and types of messages recorded on said record medium.
9. The system of Claim 5 further comprising manually operable means for selecting a particular type of message, and scan means for scanning said record medium to access a message of said selected type.
10. The system of Claim 2 wherein said data represents the following mutually different types of messages letters, "priority" letters, instructions, and "special"
notes; and wherein said means for selectively energizing said segments of said display means provides a mutually distinctive visual indication of each type of message.
notes; and wherein said means for selectively energizing said segments of said display means provides a mutually distinctive visual indication of each type of message.
11. The system of Claim 10 wherein said means for selectively energizing said segments of said display means comprises means for energizing successive indicator segments to represent the length of at least letters and "priority" letters, and means for deactivating selected indicator segments to represent the end of one letter or "priority" letter and the beginning of another.
12. The system of Claim 11 wherein letters are displayed as substantially steady-state energized segments and "priority" letters are displayed as flashing segments.
13. The system of Claim 12 wherein said display means comprises a second array of visual indicating segments;
and means responsive to message type data representing instructions to provide steady-state energization of segments in said second array to represent the locations of recorded instructions, said means being responsive to message type data representing "special" notes to provide flashing energization of segments in said second array to represent the locations of recorded "special"
notes.
and means responsive to message type data representing instructions to provide steady-state energization of segments in said second array to represent the locations of recorded instructions, said means being responsive to message type data representing "special" notes to provide flashing energization of segments in said second array to represent the locations of recorded "special"
notes.
14. The system of Claim 1 wherein said record medium additionally has recorded thereon, immediately following each audio message, a data block containing data representing the identity of the author who recorded that message, the type and length of message that was recorded and the time at which that message was recorded; wherein said playback means plays back said data block; and further including digital display means responsive to the played back data block for displaying at least the author identity included in a played back data block.
15. The system of Claim 14 further comprising search means for searching said record medium for data blocks recorded thereon; and wherein said display means is responsive to the data played back from each data block to display the type and length of the preceding message.
16. The system of Claim 1 wherein said playback means includes manually operable means for initiating the playing back of said summary block data.
17. The system of Claim 16 wherein said record medium comprises a magnetic tape, and wherein said manually operable means causes said tape to rewind and then enables said playback means to play back said summary block data.
18. A method of displaying indications relating to messages recorded on a record medium, comprising the steps of playing back from said record medium display data recorded in a summary block in which summary block display data relating to each of the recorded messages is contained, said summary block display data including data such as message type data representing the type of each respective message, message location data representing the location of each respective message on the record medium, and message length data representing the respective lengths of messages of at least predetermined types; and providing visual indications of type, location and length of said recorded messages in response to the played back display data.
19. The method of Claim 18 wherein said step of providing visual indications comprises selectively energizing different visual indicator segments in an array to represent the type of a recorded message, the location of the message, and the length of that message.
20. The method of Claim 14 wherein said message type data represents letters and "priority" letters; and wherein a letter is indicated by a series of successive, steady-state energized segments and a "priority" letter is indicated by a series of successive flashing segments, the number of segments in said series representing the length of said letter or "priority"
letter.
letter.
21. The method of Claim 20 wherein said message type data additionally represents instructions and "special"
notes; and wherein an instruction is indicated by a steady-state energized segment and a "special" note is represented by a flashing segment, the location of the segment in an array representing the location of said instruction or "special" note.
notes; and wherein an instruction is indicated by a steady-state energized segment and a "special" note is represented by a flashing segment, the location of the segment in an array representing the location of said instruction or "special" note.
22. The method of Claim 21, further comprising the steps of selecting a particular type of message to be accessed, and scanning said record medium for said particular type.
23. The method of Claim 22 further comprising the step of playing back the accessed message.
24. The method of Claim 20 further comprising the steps of playing back the messages from said record medium;
and selectively extinguishing a series of segments after the letter or "priority" letter represented thereby is played back.
and selectively extinguishing a series of segments after the letter or "priority" letter represented thereby is played back.
25. The method of Claim 20 wherein said record medium comprises a magnetic tape and further comprising the steps of providing a cursor indication representing the present position of said tape, moving said cursor indication into juxtaposition with a series of segments representing a letter or "priority" letter, and extinguishing all of the segments in the series to which said cursor indication is juxtaposed.
26. The method of Claim 25, further comprising the steps of selectively re-energizing the segments in an extinguished series.
27. A modulator transcription system comprising:
a transcribe module having playback means for playing back from a record medium audio messages and a summary block of data relating to each of said messages, said summary block of data including data such as message, type data representing the type of each respective message, message location data representing the location of each respective message on the record medium, and message length data representing the lengths of respective messages of at least predetermined types;
and a physically independent display module connectable to said transcribe module to form an integral structure therewith and having means responsive to data such as the message type, message location and message length data played back from said summary block to display visual indications of the type, location and length of said recorded messages.
a transcribe module having playback means for playing back from a record medium audio messages and a summary block of data relating to each of said messages, said summary block of data including data such as message, type data representing the type of each respective message, message location data representing the location of each respective message on the record medium, and message length data representing the lengths of respective messages of at least predetermined types;
and a physically independent display module connectable to said transcribe module to form an integral structure therewith and having means responsive to data such as the message type, message location and message length data played back from said summary block to display visual indications of the type, location and length of said recorded messages.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US89499386A | 1986-08-08 | 1986-08-08 | |
| US894,993 | 1986-08-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1324436C true CA1324436C (en) | 1993-11-16 |
Family
ID=25403797
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000543481A Expired - Fee Related CA1324436C (en) | 1986-08-08 | 1987-07-30 | Display for modular dictation/transcription system |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS63118930A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU592660B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1324436C (en) |
| CH (1) | CH675318A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3726399C2 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2194667B (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB8701983D0 (en) * | 1987-01-29 | 1987-03-04 | Tape Automation Ltd | Pre-recorded tape cassettes |
| GB2200493B (en) * | 1987-01-29 | 1991-06-19 | Tape Automation Ltd | Improved production of pre-recorded tape cassettes |
| US5519766A (en) * | 1992-09-18 | 1996-05-21 | Boston Technology, Inc. | Message length reporting system for telephone communication system |
| JP5278888B2 (en) * | 2007-05-10 | 2013-09-04 | ナブテスコオートモーティブ株式会社 | Air dryer and compressed air supply system |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA985178A (en) * | 1971-06-03 | 1976-03-09 | Lanier Electronic Laboratory | Dictation-transcription method and system |
| US3798387A (en) * | 1971-10-04 | 1974-03-19 | B Gallagher | Recording system for judicial proceedings |
| US4249041A (en) * | 1977-03-25 | 1981-02-03 | Lanier Business Products, Inc. | Dictation-transcription system |
| US4200893A (en) * | 1978-05-17 | 1980-04-29 | Dictaphone Corporation | Instruction indicating apparatus for a record and/or playback device |
| US4399527A (en) * | 1979-04-09 | 1983-08-16 | Lanier Business Products, Inc. | Dictation display device |
| FR2459532B1 (en) * | 1979-06-18 | 1987-07-31 | Quadrivium Tech Avancees | METHOD FOR ASSOCIATING AUXILIARY INFORMATION WITH RECORDED MAIN INFORMATION AND APPLICATION TO THE CONTROL OF THE REPRODUCTION OF RECORDED INFORMATION |
| US4319337A (en) * | 1979-10-12 | 1982-03-09 | Dictaphone Corporation | Apparatus for displaying the status of individual dictated messages in a central dictation system |
| US4410923A (en) * | 1981-01-09 | 1983-10-18 | Dictaphone Corporation | Display apparatus for recording and/or playback device |
| US4469919A (en) * | 1981-02-20 | 1984-09-04 | Tandy Corporation | Telephone answering device |
| US4398279A (en) * | 1981-05-04 | 1983-08-09 | Lanier Business Products, Inc. | Digital display for dictation transcriber for indicating remaining tape within discrete segments of dictation |
| GB8323112D0 (en) * | 1983-08-26 | 1983-09-28 | British Broadcasting Corp | Recording of digital data |
| JPS6059864A (en) * | 1983-09-13 | 1985-04-06 | Dainippon Screen Mfg Co Ltd | Picture scanning recording system |
| US4581485A (en) * | 1983-10-19 | 1986-04-08 | T.A.D. Avanti, Inc. | Data storage system for telephone answering machine |
| US4677501A (en) * | 1985-01-14 | 1987-06-30 | Dictaphone Corporation | Method and apparatus for displaying indications of instructions in previously recorded messages |
-
1987
- 1987-07-30 CA CA000543481A patent/CA1324436C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-07-31 AU AU76337/87A patent/AU592660B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1987-08-04 CH CH2990/87A patent/CH675318A5/de not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1987-08-06 JP JP62197251A patent/JPS63118930A/en active Pending
- 1987-08-07 GB GB8718694A patent/GB2194667B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-08-07 DE DE3726399A patent/DE3726399C2/en not_active Revoked
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU7633787A (en) | 1988-02-11 |
| GB2194667B (en) | 1991-02-13 |
| AU592660B2 (en) | 1990-01-18 |
| DE3726399C2 (en) | 1997-06-26 |
| JPS63118930A (en) | 1988-05-23 |
| GB8718694D0 (en) | 1987-09-16 |
| DE3726399A1 (en) | 1988-02-18 |
| GB2194667A (en) | 1988-03-09 |
| CH675318A5 (en) | 1990-09-14 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |