WO1988009540A1 - The information station - Google Patents

Abstract

An information station method and apparatus afford containment, presentation and updating of information used passively or in interactive formats whereby computer (10), computer graphics, video (20) and audio and voice sources combine in display for participant's use, programming and integrating to draw from autoserved contained material in properly conditioned and radiation shielded environments and from added information received from external sources. The information station (1) may be incorporated in a self-contained case for specific applications or may exist with extensive resources contained as a hub for multiple and varied display terminal configurations. The terminal design, one with no moving parts, allows the participant touch response (5) and voice response input modes, present state of the art monitor display (3) and optionally higher resolution, and audio and voice coded in a tactile armband or synthesized with speech sound crystal output modulated to trace voice pitch. Information contained in flexible film videodiscs is stored in autochangers (2) and automatically discs feed into videodisc players allowing uninterrupted, multidisc presentations and dual or multiple disc programming.

Description

THE INFORMATION STATION

This application is a continuation in part of pending Ser. No. 06/838,955 filed March 12, 1986, the contents of which are written in the following document,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the provision of electronic information, video, audio, and computer, for the purpose of expanding the capacity of information contained; automatically presenting information and programs without external human intervention; accommodating the participant with a terminal of wide versatility having no moving parts and optional very high resolution monitor display; and having an audio option of compressed voice with synthesized speech presented in either audio or tactile format- Various kiosks and assembled component systems allow combined video, audio and computer presentation and participant interaction with the program. However, the capacity of information for auto-presentation is limited by the number of discs included in the system which is most often one. With a juke box changer, the capacity is expanded to its disc capacity. The space taken by the changer is great based on both the weight per frame and the volume per frame bases.

The kiosk and computer terminal both have keyboards which for further adaptation must rely on the participant's translation of keys to new meanings as F-2

5 equals "edit". This way the versatility is extended only so far as the participant is willing and able to recall the assigned location of function. Often the degree of sophistication needed is greater than most

10 novice participants can easily accommodate. Otherwise the key system has a very narrow application, as, for example, bank autoteller stations.

Having a standard CRT,- monitor and keyboard,

^•■•* expansions of keyboard can only be done by key substitutions or by touching the screen of the monitor display which has a touch sensitive screen which is most . often in the vertical plane. This displaces the hand zσ from- the keyboard and requires the participant to look up and reach out to touch the area.

Libraries and school media centers have not readily accepted videodisc technology for the reason that disc

25 handling is for the most part manual. Either great trust is placed oh the participant's ability to run players or the labor intensive and time restraining

30 practice of having staff members change the discs is invoked. As participants come and go or work through programs having a series of discs in the format, the staff must be there to change discs. In the case of

35 intra-program disc changing, the thought chain is broken when one changes the disc or calls a staff member to do - so. Also reference back to the prior disc is as difficult as was moving to the next disc in the series.

State of the art compressed audio or digital audio techniques require much data for regenerated sound. LaserFilm videodiscs have five seconds of audio per video frame. Digital audio uses considerable RAM or disc hiemory for storing sound. The output is audio only without an intervening instrument. Compressed voice for the blind is available but in limited libraries and only on audio tape.

Under the present state of the art, newspaper full page video presentation is not possible because the small print. is not legible with the focus capabilities of even high resolution video. This prevents both video archiving of newspapers on a full page image basis and electronic- subscribing to current publications.

Combining compressed voice audio with the above improved video imaging, simultaneous oral reading and translations of the text are possible which now would exhaust frame capacities of the standard delivery means as videodiscs and tape, and even_r depending on the expanse of content, compact disc.

Updating the system-contained information and programs by modem for telephone, airwave or cable input is presently possible but has a large bit-requirement or image requirement for recording audio signal, and it has no very high resolution video. In summary, limitations on the extent of libraries in computer, video and audio systems for automatic access, limitations on the ease at which the novice participant can adapt to the system, limitations on resolution of the displays, and limitation of compactness of recorded voice cause reluctance to adopt this computer and interactive video technology in many areas where its use could improve information delivery, instructional programming, and customer services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable to provide an information station method and apparatus which relieves the forementioned limitations in video, ^'audio and computer technology by expanding the autoselection of information and programming; increasing the resolution of the video presentation; reducing the number of bits or area of image use needed for voice presentation; and making the system more accessible to novice participants by simplifying the terminal design and function. Though each improvement can stand on its own as an invention, the combination of these improvements revolutionizes computer and interactive video technology giving a contained and automated system of efficiently stored information which is easily accessed by the participant and open to updating both in use of the system and through communication links.

Briefly stated, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the components described hereafter are combined into a functioning information station whether it be a single terminal, suitcase-borne system with dual videodisc players and a one hundred videodisc storage capacity or a large system of varied styles of terminals operating in a library or school setting feeding information from a bank of players fed by many autochanger units having participants enjoy many functions and activities when using the system, including printout when needed.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, to handle flexible film type videodiscs, autochangers serve up selected videodiscs and accommodating mechanisms in the players grasps the disc and draws it in place for playing. After use the disc is returned to its correct storage compartment. With one or more players than the number of terminals and workstations, uninterrupted video can be provided from a multi-disc program and easy reference can be made to other discs during the course of using a particular program.

In yet another aspect, very high video resolution can be achieved using multi-frame displays in stillframe presentation thus increasing imaging data and the number of independently programmed pixel units using currently available information storage technology.

In yet another aspect, the voice signal can be reduced to a two component binary code with one bit at varying frequency conveying voice pitch and eleven bits defining speech sounds which are called phonemes.

Storage of the voice-only signal uses little digital storage space compared with digital audio techniques because of the bit efficiency of the coding technique. Presentation of the coded speech is either by synthesized voice using phoneme emitting crystals sequenced in the recorded patterns and holding the output.to the voice pitch levels, or using a speech presentation device to present the phonemes in tactile patterns and vibrating the patterns at frequencies proportional to voice pitch. With these systems the speed review having speeded or slowed phoneme sequencing yet retaining actual voice pitch can be provided, thus expanding the audio library for blind persons and making this technology available to others who would advantageously use the speech rate acceleration. In yet another aspect, in design of the terminal, the monitor is covered by a planar, touch sensitive, transparent panel which extends beyond the limits of the monitor in one or more directions providing in the touch response area keyboards, system controls,■ answer panels and other program needs on a fixed basis as well as touch, response areas in the computer/video display as the program demands. The system includes also voice response using the coded speech digitized and compared to prerecorded speech for program responses, pronunciation comparisons, and system control , as from a remote location with remote video access.

The invention further provides updating via direct -computer programming, audio and video input and modem input in the three modes, telephone, airwaves, and cable, which when assigned to a specific frame or program in memory or in the videodisc library will add to, delete, or replace information as would bring to current status information presented. This allows further programming for the disc library, keeping current maintenance and navigation information, and allows for on-system program development. This feature makes the information station a dynamic system as well as a high capacity library.

The invention still further provides a system of operating temperature control and a means of radiation shielding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 - Is a pictorial diagram generally illustrating one embodiment of the information station. FIG. 2 - Is a single terminal _r suitcase containable model of an information station.

FIG. 3 - Is a multi-terminal, many application system model of an information station.

FIG_* 4 - Is a diagram of the flexible film videodisc autochanger showing the videodisc storage unit and cabinet and player adaptations.

FIG. 5 - Is a drawing of the storage unit sheath for a videodisc and its controls.

FIG. 6 - Is a drawing of a very high resolution image presentation screen using a fiber optic construct.

FIG. 7 - Is a drawing of a production means for very high resolution imaging using again a fiber optics technique.

FIG. 8 - Is a diagram of the speech presentation code and its conversion to a trans itable code and to synthetic speech and tactile armband presentations.

FIG. 9 - Is a keyboard design for non-voice speech code generation. FIG. 10 - Is a diagram of an integrated computer and interactive video terminal.

FIG. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D - Are drawings of image and fixed markings for a programmer's terminal, a participant station for reviewing information or instruction, an iconic language word processing terminal, and a point of purchase terminal.

FIG. 12A and 12B - Are drawings of audio system outputs and voice inputs for response and/or recording and transmission.

FIG. I3A and 13B - Are modem input diagram and modem output diagram.

FIG. 14 - Is a drawing of a means for operating station temperature control.

FIG. 15 - Is a diagram of an optional radiation seal for an information station giving possible protection in case- of nuclear attack.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is primarily to generate, store, and receive information and provide access to the material and means to program and coordinate the material on site with an extremely versatile, touch and voice response terminal or series thereof. In the total discovery process improvements in automatically changing flexible film videodiscs, in obtaining higher resolution video displays, in reducing the byte requirements for recorded voice, in improving the display-response terminal giving greater versatility and greater ease of use for the novice participant, in providing efficient temperature control during operation, and in shielding the station, * if necessary, from nuclear radiation.

As will be described in detail shortly, the invention is multifaceted. It provides means for storing, retrieving and coordinating massive volumes of information and instructional programs including print, illustration and voice information. It allows the information to be enhanced by the participant both for instant, one time applications and for stored programming. It can be changed, programmed, updated and adjusted externally through modem communication. It enables large electronic libraries of materials. The public library can be provided electronically. World navigation maps and charts and current weather information can be available electronically, as can repair manuals for large, high technology equipment as aircraft, ships and tanks with current changes in place in the voluminous documentation. Schools can have autodelivery of instructional programs providing the school with greater breadth of instructional experiences for the students and a window on the world and universe regardless of location. Full updating and expansion of materials is provided on location through staff programming, by expanding the videodisc library, and via modem from external sources. This can have great impact on mankind in learning and practice of professions as well as entertainment and general life activities.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 1 embodying different aspects of the invention. The figure is intended to represent the functional relationships among different constituent components -that the system may include. It does not represent a required combination of components, or even necessarily any particular arrangement or configuration of components. As will become apparent, systems embodying the invention may assume different forms, different configurations, and include different combinations of components_

As shown in FIG. l_r system 1 may include a computer 10 with graphics board 11; a series of videodisc players 20 and videodisc autochanger 2? a very high resolution screen 3; a means for encoding voice 4 with microphone 40 and external input 6; a terminal 5 with a touch sensitive screen 50 over a monitor 51 and an area around the monitor 52, an area in which fixed markings can be placed under touch screen for selection; a modem for external input 6 and output 7 via a selection of means 60 - 65 and 71 - 75 respectively. In addition to the information and communication functions of the above components, a means of operating termperature control 8 using dual blade piezo fans 81, 82 turned on and off by the ther odetector 80? and radiation shield 9 with grounds for conductive metal layers 91, 92 are shown. The power supply for the system is not shown, but is a requirement though it may be either internal or external in nature depending on application and circumstance. A printer 12 is embedded in the system.

The voice-only component of the audio system 4 preferably includes the system and method for speech presentation, USP 4,520,501 issued May 28, 1985 to

Denyse DuBrucq, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The speech presentation technology allows coded presentation of phonemes which can be combined with voice pitch representation giving a binary twelve bit code defining voice. This signal is efficiently stored in memory in digital or analogue format compared to presently coded audio signal included in these types of systems. Its interpretation can be by synthesized voice 542 or tactile speech presenter 543 as with, the armband shown. Manually produced code as presented with keyboard 541 can be received and processed.

Also, the operating temperature control system 8 has the electronic temperature probe included in USP 4,633,885 issued January 6, 1987 to Denyse DuBrucq and Henry Kondracki, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The thermodetector 80 serves to pulse the fan 81, 82 as a specified temperature is reached in the system electronics compartment. This temperature which is considered warm for the components when reached activates the fan(s) for cooling on a pulsing basis. If the temperature continues to rise through a predetermined interval, temperature-wise, the fan(s) will continue at a steady rate. If cooling ensues, the fan(s) will return to the pulsing rate, and as the lower threshold is passed will stop. However, if the temperature does not lower, after a specified time interval the electronics will shut down so as not to damage any component.

The system can be expanded by adding to the library of videodiscs 78 or compact discs or other audio, video or data entry means as tapes, computer floppy discs and harddiscs, digitized documents, programs, and components which can be- included in the system and controlled by its electronic, mechanical, or program functions. -Added embodiments of the information station are shown in FIG. 2 showing in View A the suitcase version set up for use and in View B this version packed for transport σr storage_. Added features here include the - work surface and an extension of table surface 55; a broadcast reception circuitboard 56? the carrying and wheeling: handle 57? wheels on two sides of the case 58; fσld out-and extensible legs 59; and an internal power supply 89 which in this case is a battery.

Another embodiment, as may be found in a library or school resource center, is shown in FIG. 3. Some of the added features include the employment of two computers 10, each having unique characteristics, a series of hard disc or compact disc memory units 100 - 103, a theatre vision size screen 500 for classroom viewing during lectures, and a tape recording system 68 for audio and video signal. Some of the terminals which feed off this -13- syste are shown in the diagram with features given in print near each smaller than actual terminal. The terminal applications shown here are discussed later in the section on terminals. Not shown are cables j. connecting the information station console with remote terminals and the use of wall current, A/C power, to drive the system.

Reviewing FIG 1 - 3 together, special features of 0 the information station method include:

1. Participant response or input to the system is by touch or by voice, or keypad, if desired.

A. The touch responses can be on the monitor or on the area of fixed markings comprising keyboard, numberboard, answer panel, word processing controls, and system controls to name a few. The video-computer monitor can provide areas of image or text programmed 0 for touch response. The fixed marking area around the monitor screen have keyboard and panel formats either prepared and placed under the transparent touch panel which can be physically replaced by new layouts as 5 needed, or the fixed markings can be liquid crystal and light emitting diode displays activated by software to give desired layouts for programs being used.

B. For voice response the reference for responses to programs, for pronunciation comparisons, or for voice control of the system must be in the system and identifiable with the software using the voice 5 coding technique in a speaker independent manner, or, if preferred, it can be speaker dependent. To make a successful comparison of the voice sample in the system with the voice response signal, the computer must have acceptable variation ranges specified. This will be further discussed in the voice coding section. C. In the case of heavy input requirements like word processing and spreadsheet work, a standard keyboard and/or keypad can be added to the terminal.

2. The information self-contained in the system includes the series of videodiscs which are presented via the autochanger(s) , the computer and its various graphics boards and other additions.

A. With all terminals using interactive video materials, having one more player than terminals, continuous action from a series of videodiscs can be experienced if a few seconds of video are in common between the sequencial discs at the end of the former and the beginning of the next disc. Also, this extra player allows activities involving two videodiscs for both shared screen work and cross referencing.

B. With one or more computer programmed for the contained video programs, then graphics, digital audio or the herein disclosed compressed voice can augment the video programs be they motion or stills.

C. For very high resolution stills, as presenting full size, full page newspapers, three frame stills are scanned for production of the image and those neighboring frames can be dedicated to voice reading of the text for the blind or in translation for speakers of other languages. D. The full gamut of computer usage is possible with software programmed in the system.

E. Computer graphics using at the present state of the art has 36,600 identifiable points over the monitor display for touch input. Also cursor control can be done with touch and slide to construct lines or to move points to just the desired location. Art, drafting, design of physical structures as well as

,₀ circuits is possible. Screen painting and finger- writing replacing the chalk and blackboard fit this category.

F. Video images, computer print combinations

15 are possible with graphics overlays. For short term creation and application, the lecturer can substitute the station for blackboard use as well as image and text, math or programming presentation. This can be 0 prepared before class if desired and shared from magnetic, optical or bubble memory. Then the student reviewing the lecture can call it up on a terminal at a later date if the lecturer allows its preservation. And 5 the lecture can be recorded in compressed voice taking little discspace.

3. Adding to the self-contained functions, the possible modem input, one can add an endless number of 0 software programs and changes, add compressed voice for recording on computer disc, compact disc, and tape, and video for tape recording supplying updating of material and information, electronic subscriptions to publica¬ 5 tions, real time sharing of information, video, computer and graphics and their recording, broadcast and cable media and active communications reception auto-directed to the appropriate station or person and recorded, and telephone services through the terminals with autodial based on computer contained mailing and telephone lists.

4. Then add transmission of information for sharing, placing information at remote sites, and communications as referred to in the previous paragraph, including sharing of live camera imaging.

In summary, the information station has broad potential with information containment capacity automatically retrieved and presented exceeding present state of the art systems on both a by weight and by volume basis especially for video based systems and voice only recording. Integrating these with the computer and computer graphics capabilities, modem input and output and library expansion with more flexible film video discs, it shows itself to be an information dense, wide variation, dynamic system.

The following explores the various specific inventions contained in the information stationt IG_^ 4 and 5 define one possible embodiment of a flexible film videodisc changer 2 and related alterations of a flexible film videodisc player 20 in several views. FIG. 4A shows changer 2 filled and player 20 empty. In player 20, spindle 22 secures videodisc 21 at the centered hole 220 for spinning allowing the material on the disc to be read. New to player 20 are the extension diagonals 23 which are strained to open wide by straight tendency springs 231 pulling against braided stressed steel wire controlled by motorized pulleys 280 which pull against crossmembers

24 to bring them in the empty and play positions as shown in FIG 4A and 4C. Crossmembers 24 slide with round headed tie tack riders in the slotted square tubes

25 in- parallel tracks running a long the in-out direction of the videodisc 21 pathway. Minidiagonals 26, erector-set like compressed diagonals of like construction to diagonals 24, extend outside player 20 entrance bearing on its end videodisc clamp 27. Motorized pulleys 281 and 282 control the position of clamp 27 by differentially releasing the steel wire on top and bottom of minidiagonals 26 and anchored on clamp 27. If pulley 281 releases a two unit length of wire and pulley 282 releases only one unit of wire, then the clamp 27 is directed downward if pulley 282 controls the lower wire. Conversely, it faces upward if pulley 281 has shorter extension of wire. This allows a given player 20 to feed flexible film videodiscs 21 from changers 2 above and below the player. Disc deflector 287 causes a directional deflection of the pathway of the disc 21 as it departs player 20. In the case of upper and lower changer units 2 accessing player 20, the deflector which moves up and down can be raised for feeding the lower level changer and lowered for feeding the upper level changer to deflect discs in the proper direction to place them in their sheathes 210 in the storage units 2. Looking at deflector 287 as drawn, the dual direction deflector would support a mirror image of the curve shown extending in the upward direction. The disc extrusion or exit as shown in FIG 4D would have deflected downward as the clamped disc 21 was pushed out of player 20. It continued moving being captured in the sheath 210 to which it is assigned which extended* out of the changer 2 to receive the disc. To enable orderly performance of the changer(s) 2 with even many hundreds of discs in the system, continuous hold on the selected discs is required. The disc 21 in the sheathe 210 is held by a pair of magnets 292 and 293 which are embedded in the linen sheathe fabric having opposite polarity to hold tight through the centered hole 220 in the disc 21. As disc 21 is extended out of the changer 2 in sheath 210, the disc flexes as it encounters the changer deflector 286 and enters the open jaws of clamp 27. This clamp is open in resting position because straight tendency springs 232 hold it open unless the magnet system 292 and 293 overpowers it to close clamp 27. As clamp 27 closes via dual magnets 292, 293, the polarity of coil magnet 293 reverses in sheath 210 opening the hold on disc 21. Magnet 292 in both cases is a flat bar permanent magnet. At the moment of coil magnet 293 polarity reversal in sheath 210, the reversal occurs in clamp 27 magnets so as to close the clamp grasping disc 21. Clamp 27 gets a firm hold on disc 21 by an inner lining of suction producing material 233 squeezing against the disc film substrate on impact and a mild release during the fixed hold position thus drawing a slight vacuum in normal atmospheric pressure conditions. In low atmospheric pressures another grabber substrate is used as a tenacious leather lining.

With disc 21 in clamp 27, the minidiagonals 26 are retracted by drawing in the braided steel wire with pulleys 281 and 282. Fully retracted the diagonals 23 -J_ retract as pulleys 280 wind in the crossmembers 24 and they pull along track 25 to reach the contracted position. This places the disc 21 in proper position to be grasped by the spindle 22 at hole 220. As the 15 spindle 22 is in place, the polarity of the coil magnets 293 in the clamp and sheath reverses and the clamp 27 rests, jaws open, as the videodisc 21 is in place for player 20 to operate. Also, polarity of the sheath 0 magnets attract so the sheath 210 empty of disc fits normally in the storage unit 2.

Returning disc 21 as the spindle with motionless disc opens, clamp 27 closes on periphery of disc 21 by 5 coil magnet 293 polarity reversal. The diagonals 23 extend through spring action and releasing of wire guides of pulleys 280, 281, and 282 until the crossmembers 24 span the length of tracks 25. Then 0 minidiagonals 26 extend and pulleys 281, 282 release to follow disc 21 course to its sheath 210. Were two changers 2 involved, one up and one down from player 20,

5 then deflector 287 would be moved to have the disc deflected in the proper direction. Also as the disc 21 is stopped in the player, clamp 27 holds the back portion of disc 21 planar with exit slot and support

200, of many possible designs, extends to support the forward section of disc 21 so it easily leaves player 20 when pushed. In the case of a no-gravity or variable gravity situation, as aboard a space station or airplane, support mechanism 200 would^* be repeated above as well as below disc 21 to insure exit alignment. Continuing exiting disc 21, as the disc is caught in the open jaws of the sheath, and is pushed through spring extension 231 of minidiagonals 26, disc 21 is pushed completely into sheath 210 and it retracts into changer 2 into place. When sheath magnets 292, 293 contact, polarity is reversed in both 293 magnets opening clamp 27 and closing in sheath 210 sealing the disc in place by hole 220 and clamp is ready to accept another disc for player 20.

FIG 4A shows empty player 20 and full changer 2. FIG 4B shows clamp 27 extension to get a disc 21 and, ejection of the fourth disc 21 in sheath 210 so as to place the disc edge in the jaws of the clamp 27. This is a push process. Then for pull, the closed clamp 27 with disc 21 in its jaws and the empty sheath 210 are retracted putting disc 21 in place to play and sheath 210 in changer 2 for storage until disc 21 is returned from player 20.

FIG 4C shows system in playing position with spinning spindle 22 turning disc 21 so a laser reader of the recorded material on disc 21 is activated to feed video, audio and software information to the information station components. The above action was a pull action for both placement of disc 21 and return of empty sheath

210.

In FIG 4D push action extends sheath 210 to catch extended disc 21 as clamp 27 pushes disc from player

20. The sheath drive works by having center back grommet 213 wire release and side wires attached at grommet 212 retracting passing around pulley series 283 on both sides of the sheath. This is shown in FIG 5C and 5D clearly. As the disc contacts the back of sheath

210, it pushes sheath 210 into its slot and sheath magnets 292 and 293 contact reversing the polarity so the disc 21 is locked in place by its hole and the clamp

27 opens. Pulley 284 controlling sheath 210 wires turns via motor pulling the sheath into its slot via grommet

213 and releasing in sync wires holding on grommets 212 until sheath 210 is in place.

Simultaneously, if no other discs are called, the minidiagonals 26 are retracted and the diagonals 23 until the player is in the empty rest position as shown in FIG 4A. If another disc is called for, the sheath

210 in the fourth position as shown is retracted and in place and the next disc is drawn forth in its sheath until the disc enters the jaws of clamp 27 and the sheath releases the disc and clamp draws the disc into player 20 aligning it so spindle 22 is in place, clamp

27 releases and the new disc plays. This new disc can be in any of the series of changers 2 in that direction for the quick reselection.

Were the next selected disc in the upper stack in this case, the clamp 27 would have to be retracted via minidiagonals 26 retracting, the disc deflector 287 moved down and then minidiagonals 26 are extended with pulley 281 releasing the shorter section of wire than pulley 282 so the open clamp 27 faces upward to receive the disc. Again, as the sheath holding the newly selected disc 21 extends from the changer 2, it is caught in the clamp and pulled into the player 20 to play, and the sheath retracts into the changer 2. The electronics required for pulley motors and magnet polarity changes are common practice in the field. The speed of action of the changing process is important. The rate of movement of disc 21 must be in rhythm with the flex/recoil periodicity of the flexible film medium so one does not have it spring back from a curved deflection until it is in place to rest either in the sheath 210 or player 20. In the case of use of high resolution type film as is presently selected for the discs, the period is just under one second which makes a quick change possible which is not too fast be get out of control.

Concentrating on FIG 5 which shows details of the sheath design and control mechanisms, each sheath 210 has its own pulley 284 which is secured to a curved and diagonally mounted rack. Each pulley 284 has three wires extending from it. Two go through Pulley series 283 to the left and right and are anchoring on catches 212 on the edges of the back of the sheath 210. These wires unwind when the wire going through guide 285 and attaching at back center position 213 wind up. As the sheath extends and retracts, the turning of pulley 284 for that sheath 210 loosens one wire unit and tightens the other. The push-pull motions operating out of the back of the sheath keep tight control of sheath motion. The construction of the sheath 210 to enable this' ■_]_0 motion to have effect must have a rigid member. That is, in this embodiment, the buckle shaped thin gauge spring steel sheeting with flatness tendencies. It keeps an extension and is guided by the changer 5 deflector 286 and holds its edge to the deflector so the disc 21, as it approaches, goes into sheath 210. To get the top of the sheath clear of the lower section, as the embodiment here shows, the upper sheath has one flat bar 0 of flat spring steel, thin gauge, at the forward edge. The ends of this bar 214 are secured to case sides by wire 218 which attaches to changer walls at grommet 215 which restricts its movement to the length of wire 5 218. This lets the linen fabric surface fold under the bar forming the opening for disc 21 to enter. Were there need for more stiffness to the top layer, a softer buckle form overlay could attach from the back edge of 0 211 to bar 213. Embedded in sheath 210 top and bottom fabric are the magnets 292, 293. The top sheath magnet 292 is a permanent magnet, flat and beveled to not catch

5 on disc 21 edge. The one in the lower sheath fabric is the coil type 293 with a wire running along the fabric and buckle shaped steel 211 interface.

A preformed plastic wire coat 290 can cause the wire to extend and retract without drooping to get caught in the web of guide wires for the series of sheathes in the changer unit 2. This type of electrical cabling is used in both the player clamp activation unit and the changer sheath coil magnets.293. It too is bevel mounted to not catch the disc edge as it passes. It can have a sleeve housing to keep it out of cabling web.

The fabric of the sheath in this embodiment is pure linen ironed, which will blot out charge on the discs an not create any static charge as the discs are drawn over the fabric. It may be found that the lower sheath 210 needs to extend beyond the end of the disc 21 so it will nαt contact neighboring discs as the disc 21 is drawn or as it rests. One could not see the stacking configuration as a step progression as well were the edges of the discs not peeking out in the drawings of this embodiment.

To determine how to put discs 21 in the changer 2, see FIG 4C looking at changer 2' as it fits against changer 2, The step or corrugated covers of changer 2 and 2' are opposite in inset pattern so they slide on one another sideways. The corrugation provides strength to the unit and allows only sideways motion to the changer units which can be locked in by sides of the encasement and door for disc changer service. This keeps units in place in transport and changing or no gravitation situations as in airplanes and space stations. On withdrawal of the changer unit desired, it slides out easily and a spacer can be inserted before removing the unit either manually or mechanically.

To service sheathes, a manual or electric motor driver will turn pulley 284 on each sheath to extend it to receive or remove or both discs. Then the turn direction of the driver is reversed and the sheath retracts empty or with a new disc. When all sheathes to be serviced are serviced, the changer unit is again inserted into the changer unit series and the spacer removed.

In a properly programmed disc series, one end of the program should include the "disc title" so on first running of new discs the information station inserts in software the new disc titles and their sheath addresses for auto recall. Were series discs having overlapping seconds at beginning and end of the disc, then when the first disc is through playing almost, the next disc can be loaded and played in sync so the second player can be called into play giving continuous video.

To obtain higher resolution video displays using current video recording and transmission, taping and presenting, two or more images can be made of a given item sharing the image among cameras to produce a series of images each containing a portion of the complete image.

Figures 6 and 7 give an embodiment of this technique using fiber optic means to sort components of the image for presentation in FIG 6 and for taping in FIG 7. Though this is possible also electronically, its illustration becomes more obvious using the fiber optic construct as shown.

Looking at FIG 6, the presenter, final image 3 is produced by transmitted color signals 32 via fibers 31 carrying light from monochromatic video displays 37, 38, and 39 of red, green and blue from monitors 34, 35 and 36 using projection monitor techniques for image display but rather than project the image, catch these single color images in the fiber optic bundles 33.

A few fibers 31 are used to show the arrangement of the fiber array. If 37 is the red image, the projector 34 red image is at location 347. If 38 is green, then projector 34 has green image levels at fibers 348. If 39 is blue, 349 has fibers emitting blue levels. Similarly for projectors 35 with 357, 358 and 359 respectively and 36 with 367, 368 and 369 respectively uniting levels of red, green and blue. The web of fibers output combined produces the image allowing with the three projectors three times the vertical resolution of a given single projector display with state of the art analogue discrimination along the horizontal axis.

To improve horizontal resolution, side by side systems of fiber optics imaging can be invoked and the greater vertical imaging with more projector units and subsequently more still frame images create the display.

For the illustrated system in FIG 6, three video frames must be simultaneously read on videotape, videodisc or compact disc or other video recording medium. Were players accommodating the high resolution displays equipped with three reader heads spaced at a standard distance in frame units, then these heads can scan the frame group over and over as long as the image is used on the display. Also were a laser printer invoked to reproduce all or part of the page, integration" of the image output of the three frames would be done by electronic integration of the displays on a line by line basis. For both the display and the reproduction, the image must be articulate and crisp getting resolution to a readable 8 point type text display. This factor will determine the number of integrated image units and frames of video and recording cameras needed in the specific application.

With spacing for tape several inches apart between images to be combined, the player heads are spaced appropriately. They mechanically scan the frames simultaneously and spring back to reread the image. In applications of motion image on these players, all reader heads turn off but one and the tape rolls as is normal operation for these players. Returning to the high resolution still frame, were the frames for simultaneous image reading six frames apart, then six sequential pages can be read with movement of the tape advance would be single frame advance for the first six pages and then a tape advance of 13 frames for the next group of six pages were a three reader head system in place. This way reader heads one, two and three can carry the image to projectors 34, 35 and 36 which were recorded by cameras 340, 350 and 360 shown in FIG 7.

The recording of these cameras would be done on tape with the spacing required for reader heads. The above tape usage scheme would be expanded for the inclusion of compressed voice changing the arithmetic some, but not the concept.

FIG 7 shows recording of images with again fiber - optic techniques. Because the chromatic ranges are determined by the camera, one fiber for each 3 in the projector display is needed." Each camera has a full row 320 of fibers 31 drawn into its image field providing one horizontal scan field in its focal plane. These rows as the system is illustrated here demand sequenced camera images first to camera 340, next to camera 350 and third, 360, then 340, 350, 360, 340 and so forth. This enhances the resolution of the image and allows an expanded vertical length of display producing in the illustrated image were it a 240 line system used, 720 line capability increasing the length of display twice or more enabling a newspaper to be presented real size for page equivalent both horizontally and vertically. This way, as the actual page is electronically recorded in its actual size, its image is equivalent in size in the archive reader displays in the receiver locations. Some expanding of the horizontal resolution may be obtained by increasing the fiber count in each line 320 feeding the camera since the signal is analogue for these scans.

This display and image recording enables electronic subscriptions to newspapers, magazines and other publications greatly reducing the delivery time from postage to satellite communication, for example, and greatly reducing paper consumption for information delivery in general.

Presented in FIG 8 and 9 are advances speech presentation techniques in USP 4,520,501 issued-May 28,

1985 to Denyse DuBrucq, to adapt the coding to compressed voice applications and to generate a speech sound analyzer by artificial intelligence techniques using the manually coded speech as input to computer high spectral resolution of speech generation to categorize the output into specific sound or phoneme categories.

FIG 8A represents the equivalent in descending progression the film code given in FIG 14 of USP 4,520,501. It has as components a dual matrix presentation 40 with a component indicating mouth position 41 needed in production of the speech sound, frequently called phoneme, and a consonant and vowel specification code 42 identifying the exact sound in the mouth position category. Letters with pronunciation markings 46 indicate the represented pronunciation of the word 'patents' for FIG 8A, 8B and 8C. The stop 47 prior to the 'T' sound indicates the moment of pressure build up to give the plosive consonant its sound. In alternative pronunciations of the word 'patents', the

¹T' 49 can be omitted 491 without confusion of meaning to most listeners. This pronunciation is illustrated in FIG 8C .

Relating FIG 8B to 8A, 8B provides a means of linear coding of phonemes by compressing the mouth position matrix to six units 410 identifying the consonant or vowel 44, and presenting the specific identifying code

420. In addition 8B has a pitch identifier 43 which indicates the voice pitch of the speaker. The repeat of pitch sound code alone indicates by closeness one marker

, . to the other, the frequency of voice pitch, and by their repeated presence in a row, the sound duration of the preceding coded phoneme. By pitch code absence a stop 45 is indicated, here as the time to build pressure for

15 proper execution of the 'T' sound.

FIG 8C in contrast to 8B has the pitch marker as a one bit marker spaced according to voice pitch and leading the code for a new phoneme with a tighter code

20 configuration than the lone pitch markers. Note here related pitch marker 431 to 43; mouth position identification 411 to 410; consonant or vowel code 441 to 44? and sound indication 421 to 420 and the silent

25 moment 45 in common. The code in 8C is adaptable most broadly to analogue signal transmission to enable the finest definition of pitch by spacing between pitch markers during retained sounds.

30

The code of FIG 8C also serves to generate the tactile armband presentation by keying the vibrator patterns as illustrated in 8A and enabling a frequency of vibration of the patterns according to pitch marker proximity. The sound patterns 411 - 441 - 421 activate phoneme crystals producing the individual speech sounds. The pitch marker frequency modulates pattern components at the voice pitch levels. In the case that faster rate of speech is desired for reviewing voice text, the phoneme chain can be advanced more rapidly by increasing the scan rate while the pitch control is electronically interpreted by the pitch marker spacings regardless of scan rate. This preserves the voice pitch with speeded voice presentation without the familiar

'Chip and Dale' effect of high pitched speeded voice signal. Thus this binary code can serve as a means of blind text use in what is termed compressed voice which presently is an adaptation of magnetically recorded audio using specially designed tape players. In contrast to the present tape system which produces normal audio sound, the listeners to the output of the coded speech herein described can optionally use tactile presentation as with the armband or regenerated speech with the aforementioned phoneme crystals.

A logical carrier for the speech code is the video monochromatic analogue signal. Adapting a compressed code on each the red, green and blue carrier signal so as to have the maximum compressed voice retained, slow creation of a single video frame of compressed voice can be made recording first on, say, the red monochrome to the full extent of the frame, then green and then blue. Many minutes of voice can be compacted on that signal. Once the full image is generated, the single fra e can be printed on video tape, videodisc or be transmitted and recorded at the receiver site.

Applying the above mentioned compressed voice recording to text presentation as related to the high resolution video in the previous section, translation of newspapers in other languages, reading of the text in the language printed so those with sight impairment and blindness can enjoy it, or translation of repair manuals four major pieces of equipment can be provided with use of few frames of video in conjunction with still frame image(s) of text. It also can be a form of text presentation in itself or in conjunction with graphic or pictorial programs or as a means of callable voice with motion video using the upper and lower marginal scans of the video image for questions.about the interactive video presentation which at prescribed times can be used though in scanning and seeing the material in normal motion, the voice would not come forth. The analogue storage and slow release needed to reveal the code is not out of the skill capacity of a video design engineer practicing in the field.

In-system applications of this binary code can provide matching signal in the memory of the computer or available on disc, videodisc, compact disc or other rapid scan means, to identify commands to the system in both speaker dependent and speaker independent formats. To compare pronunciation of specific words as spoken by the participant with that in memory for evaluation with immediate feedback for continued correction until it matches in phoneme series, phoneme duration, pitch trace and stop placement and duration. And in the case of artificial intelligence type use of computers, the participant can provide verbal answers to computer presented questions which in themselves are generated by the compressed voice of the programmer thus removing the format from the written language to the spoken language. In application to the tactile presentation, were this code transmitted and the armband containing a receiver, it would present the tactile version of the code in the patterns vibrating on the wrist via the two matrices of stimulators and vibrate these patterns at frequencies proportional to the voice pitch thus enabling non-ear hearing with equal information base as received by ear hearing for voice interpretation by this - means.

FIG 9 shows a second means of producing speech, manual coding of the signal. To produce the code, with the fingers of both hands, the keyboards 47 and 48 are used. Keyboard 47 creates the mouth position, six bit code, by pushing down desired keys. Keyboard 48 creates three factors: first, the consonant and vowel discrimination by pushing key 475 for consonant and not pushing it for vowel; second, by moving key 475 left to 498 for lower pitch and right to 499 for higher voice pitch and, third, with keys 476 - 479 creating the four place code to identify the phoneme.

Details of keyboard 47 include one embodiment of code as the mouth position for throatal sounds 'g' and

^•k' at 461, 'r* at 462, O' at 463, 'a* at 465, and 'e' at 66. Then major consonant mouth positions, four in number, are indicated by pushing dual keys by pressing at areas 471 for 's' mouth position sounds, 472 for '1 position phonemes, 473 for 'm', 'b' and 'p', and 474 for ^•f and 'v'.

Further details for keyboard 48, the four point phoneme identification code has eight patterns used, each point separately providing four, all points at once, every other point starting at left and at right, and points at both ends. Adjacent point usage only confuses the tactile signal therefore this practice is avoided.

With use of this manual speech generator, the keyboards, those in positions where use of voice is ill- advised as when on stake outs, and for those having an inability to speak, the voice code creation for immediate auditory phoneme crystal presentation or for transmission to other listening positions, can, in essence, speak. Non-vocal speech can also be heard via non-ear hearing using the tactile armband as the receiver. A bit of bionics awaits us here.

In summary of the last three parts of this patent document, we have auditory reading for blind persons, non-ear hearing for those deaf, and non-voice speaking for those not able to speak. And for those with all capabilities, a means to capitalize on the information content of verbal communication, audio overlay for instant translation into spoken versions in other languages, and the means for voice command of the computer-video system. This often can eliminate the need for keyboards to accommodate participants needs in circumstances as in maintenance of aircraft when both hands are busy working and the repair person is viewing the manual by remote video, the voice command can change the display to the needed page or topic. These powers combined are not possible with present state of the art equipment.

Extending the artificial intelligence significance of the compressed voice code, taking a high resolution spectrum of voice presenting in real time, if one uses this and a large sample of manually coded voice, speech sound code and pitch level presentation as for the voices in an entire movie sound track, when feeding the coded signal with the auditory voice signal for spectral analysis into the computer, the computer can 'self instruct' to code the speech sounds. A large segment can be input to the computer with code definition. Then the computer, having related spectral characteristics to the matching speech code elements can qualify each code to the voice signal and build strategies and criteria for assigning that code to spectral elements. As the section with given code is mastered, the movie can continue and codes to the voice spectra elements can be assigned by the computer and compared afterward to the coding manually set. Again corrections are made and accuracy determined. Segment after segment can be treated in this manner. The code assignments are

^"expected to be more and more accurate if the manual coding is done with precision and the voice pitch overlayed electronically.

In similar fashion carrying the speech sound analyses from the established ability to identify

American English adult speech sounds which number about

35 sounds, the extension to computer mastery of the

T, _Q correct classifications for the child's voice must be added. Then, to apply world-wide, the adult and child's voices must be extended in like manner for all the spoken languages and dialects used around the world.

15 ^*- This includes approximately 65 classifications in the work plan envisioned. Making smaller increment identifications can confuse the listener using the tactile presentation► It will make the crystal audio

2G signal for voice a bit segmented by presenting the mid- classification sound for each code component and not experiencing the mushing around in the category as really occurs as we speak_*

25

Most emphasis of researchers to date in speech recognition is to carry out 'speech to spell¹ tasks on a speaker independent basis. There are too many variable factors in standard pronunciation practices to have this

30 within the realm of computer performance. However, focusing only on the phoneme chains as they occur and not caring to have any meaning associated with the

₃_ utterances on the part of the computer but leaving that to man's interpretation as he and she does well with ear hearing and even lipreading, the system should evolve in a useful, speaker independent basis opening the classification of vocal utterances on a computerized basis by sound format and pitch variation.

The integrated response video and computer display terminal is represented in FIG 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, and

12. This versatile concept suggests many configurations, see FIG. 3, 189-199, depending on the application. It in its touch response design can have keyboards and panels in areas beyond the monitor as well as have these keyboard functions spill over into the monitor display when expansion is needed, as with the Chinese character keyboard in FIG 11C.

This terminal supports video, computer and computer graphics work and any combination of these plus voice and audio expansions. It can have markings 52 beyond monitor 51 under the touch screen 50 of a fixed nature with an underlay sheet bearing the markings, or these markings can be provided by liquid crystal display (LCD) means so markings can be adjusted by software or keyboard input, or by videodisc contained software to meet the requirements of the program at the moment.

The terminal can be embedded in the desk top or work table, FIG 3, 190, 191, 194, 195, 198, 199, horizontally oriented, or be vertical as embedded in the wall 189, or be on any degree of tilt 192, 193, 196, 197. The screen resolution can be standard high resolution or the large, previously described, higher resolution variety as needed in 193 for newspaper archiving. The music stand 196 can be of similar construct, but have a segmented screen presentation with music as it progresses, the conductor, and the instrument player each on separate monitors. The Chinese keyboard FIG 11C can also be of the higher resolution to better define characters. The word processing output would then have to be on a separate monitor since the imaging would be from laserfilm disc most likely. Concentrating on FIG 10, a work table version of the display terminal, a preferred embodiment, includes the work table 55 and chair 555 which has an elevating unit in it so short people and tall people can all get 'a good view aspect of the monitor 51. A 'bar rail' 551 is added to table 55 to give comfort to participants who use the terminal over a long period as those studying language, and to provide a 'wrist rest' for extended keyboard use. The display terminal 5 is embedded in the table top with touch sensitive screen 50 being flush with the table top and very modestly bordered by a marginal extrusion which seals the glass edge electronics and forms a liquid seal with the table top 55. Monitor 51 and fixed markings or LCD area 52 form the working terminal with touch response over the entire area.

Viewing the included cut away side view, one can see touch screen 50, monitor 51, fixed marking or LCD area 52. Also shown are vacuum molding 53 over the monitor tube and a molded or extruded construction box 57 around circuit boards for touch^' screen 501, monitor 540, and optional broadcast reception 56. Audio unit 54 includes two earphone jacks, one which squelches the main speaker, FIG 12A, 545 and the other which doesn't and a microphone jack 540. Ear phone jacks can drive general audio as presented in earphones 544, speakers 545, or, if voice is processed by the speech sound analyzer 542, tactile armband 543 can be used. The output can be general audio or regenerated voice via phoneme crystals or use the code output to drive armband 543. The speech sound analyzer 542 can be housed in microphone 540 input. This way the system can call coded speech for comparison for voice/response system or standard audio for general recording. Voice response can be in many forms some of which include computer system commands as

'next figure' to go to next illustration in an electronically presented repair and maintenance manual; pronunciation comparisons for those learning new language where specific word is in recording and is compared with participants pronunciation of the word, phrase or dialogue segment; or for verbal answers given in a competency based progression of an interactive video program having correct voice segments as correct answers in the program for comparison.

Figure 12B shows a microphone 540 earphone 544 headset with dual plugs 540, 541 feeding into audio box with sound analyzer 542, the output of which feeds to the computer for voice segment comparisons, the recorder for voice storage, and the modem for transmission. This style headset may be superior to regular handset for telephone use for persons whose hearing is diminishing.

Focusing back at the monitor 51 and touch response system 50 to understand some layout options and how they can function, FIG 11A shows a programmer s^' terminal.

Monitor 51 is centered crosswise leaving panels for editing 522 on left and a parallel to the answer panel

526 used by participants for instruction on the right in

FIG 11B. Crossing the top of the screen is the systems control panel 521 allowing one to call in peripherals and added functions as recording, audio or video, telephone access and the like. Area on left panel for cursor control 527 moves cursor for word processing and graphics activities. A number panel for telephone dialing 523 can function as keys as used in IBM variety computers as function keys, which can be replicated in the upper left panel using the actual function terms as 'edit'. The remaining components of external markings are alike in FIGS 11A and 11B with keyboard 524, number panel 525 and answer panel 526. With these in common, FIG 11A can be the programming terminal for interactive video programs used on terminal in FIG 11B. Also FIG 11A can serve as a computer terminal, a graphics creating terminal to prepare computer and video displays for FIG 11B programs and take care of normal business needs as phone, record broadcast or cable video, edit word processing, layout video, audio and other computer programs.

FIG 11B in contrast does not allow the Participant to access the software at all. In the case of bank use of FIG IIA and IIB as on a shared desk as FIG 3 desk 190 which is like FIG IIA and 191 which is like FIG IIB, the bank officer can do the programming on 190 and the customer can only input information on 191 thus protecting the bank computer from customer's altering bank computer software operation systems or accessing account 'information and the like in an unauthorized way.

FIG 11C presents a means to word process in

^₀ character based written languages as, for example,

Chinese. Contrasting 11C with IIA which allows letter based language word processing, systems control 521 can have similar functions but with proper language markers

15 and 522 the same. Differing are the fixed marking keyboards where 524 has English alphabet in this example and Chinese keyboard 524a has frequently used Chinese characters which can extend as far around the monitor as 0 possible. Another difference is in the cursor control

. area 527 which in the case of the Chinese word processing 527a can change the field of characters having as many as 49 different fields to provide in 12 X 5

12 matrices of characters on the video display which are chosen.by touching over the character. Using 527a, the field of characters change one or three displays over in the four directions from center to get to any inclusion 0 in the system. The capacity of characters for this design is over 6,700 in number which serves well for ordinary newspaper type setting.

Now in design we have several options with the 5 character display. One is whether to run a strip of word processing vertical as shown in 529 or horizontally to give some word processing text 529, or whether to employ a text display monitor along with the display terminal to show a much greater sample of the text.

With word processing output off the monitor 51 a higher resolution monitor 3 can display the larger matrices of character arrays and the whole screen can be filled by each field of characters. The increased number of characters per field can improve word processing speed by eliminating some of the field changes.

All the aforementioned figures are most likely horizontal so the participant can use the screen by touching in the same posture as used in writing making long sessions at the terminal a comfortable experience. The touch screen over vertical terminals makes a participant reach up and out to respond. ^' Working this way one tires fast and the shoulder often aches from repeated unusual movements. The display being horizontal brings an increased level of privacy to the participant since everyone walking by does not see the display screen face on. Also, the power of video and computer, modem and disc systems are available to the executive with a display terminal mounted in his or her desk surface giving the executive visual and even tactile voice information without the visitor realizing that the information is displayed or the sophistication level of this display if recognized.

Figure 11D, by contrast, is a vertical display to be used- by a person standing at the terminal. In contrast to the answer panel 526, this postal teller design as shown here as a possible embodiment of the concept, has an information input panel 526a where the participant qualifies his purchase of postage. One transaction could be, by icon indication, a package is to be mailed

(touch package icon), want it to go by air (touch airplane), internationally (touch world), to Norway (touch Norway on video monitor map image), insured (touch 'yes') and then indicate the amount on number panel 525 (touch $75.00), fragile (touch no - pillow in package). This line could extend to registered, certified or special delivery, multiple packages and the like. With the information in and package on scale, the monitor display should indicate mailing cost by category - air post rate, insurance, custom fee if any, and total. Participant can then either insert money to pay postage or cancel transaction or change to see if surface routing would save money. Keyboard 524 would allow limited inquiry as would a series of words as "scheduled to arrive when," where audio and/or video could state "4 days by air; 6 weeks by surface carrier". Margins on the touch screen 50 could be embossed or raised with braille or raised letters to allow input by vision impaired persons and information panel can have an audio version to accommodate their use. "By air" asked, blind participant touches glass just aside of "yes" in braille or raised letters on margin, for example.

This integrated display terminal serving both the video and computer technologies, bridges the fields so if one chooses the terminal for a computer application, the capability to do interactive video is there only needing peripherals as videodisc player and adding compressed voice feature if desired.

Because the keyboard is touch and no configurations in the surface exist, long assignments of word processing or spread sheet development may be done with an added standard key pad. However, the touch screen keyboard integral with monitor display may be expanded into that display with normal ASCII functions if required. Were the participant needing a second language keyboard as English and Arabic at one time, the fixed markings can display the keyboard normally there and the second can be developed on the monitor from either computer, graphics, or video sources. Similarly with Scientific Notation or trade specific icons, keyboards can expandon call. Optionally the LCD display- in the area of fixed markings can go from one language keyboard to the other. The proper ASCII designation is required for software to output the correct letter, character or icon sequences.

In addition, using graphics boards' software, writing longhand with the finger on the touch screen is possible and the display looped to a large screen television 55, FIG 3, 192 with lectern terminal 5. The graphics can be alone as in blackboard writing or it can be over computer or video displays. Multiple colors are available for screen painting and color coded words or lines. The lecturer can prepare graphics ahead of a lecture and call them up from disc storage. Or if they are created during the lecture, the markings and displays can be saved so students can review if the lecturer chooses to save the information. The more extensive the reference system the lectern model 192 feeds from, the greater the universe of information accessible 'in house'. This applies for participant study situations as well.

For external input 6 and output 7, a modem is employed. FIG 13A shows diagrammatically one selection of input being broadcast 61, telephone 62, and cable 63, and manual speech sound coding keyboard 47. The use of new information can be spontaneous as with audio 544, video or computer display 51 or 3 depending on resolution, and tactile armband 543 or phoneme crystal audio 65. For stored information, the computer

10 harddisc or recorder for audio or video 64 can be employed.

Special, labor saving applications for modem input recorded on the computer harddisc can be to store weekly updates of Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) updates for navigation and aircraft maintenance such that were the navigation chart or manual display with changes in the computer displayed, the information is updated with correction complete using computer display over video information. Also with computer graphics, current weather systems can superimpose maps so the pilot knows what weather he or she is flying in at the time and can correct the course to steer around dangerous weather systems. Were radar display with transponder receivers also superimposed, a full cockpit air traffic control capability can be realized. It would serve as a very sophisticated anti-collision system done in the aircraft rather than from ground stations as is presently

1 practiced. It would include low flying aircraft from an onboard perspective where the ground based systems do not receive radar on such low aircraft because of obstructions as the ground and the earth's curvature.

Similarly, output 7 has sources in FIG 13B of manual coder 47, videodisc and CD-ROM 78, harddisc 10, speech sound analyzer 542, microphone 540, live camera 700, keyboard 51, and recorded tape 74 for output as broadcasting 610, telephone 620, and cable 630.

FIG 14 and 15 present systems safeguards. Temperarure control shown in FIG 14 is monitored by thermistor 80 for a heat indicating thermodetector 81 and a coldness indicating thermodetector 82 as described in USP 4,501,487 referred to previously. Thermodetector (TD) 81 when reaching the preset temperature will pulse piezo fans at the preset intervals until the temperature difference set in the circuit is exceeded. Then fans 84 continue steadily until cooling has occurred dropping the temperature below upper threshold and then fans pulse until the lower threshold is passed and they then stay off. If heating causes temperature to continue over the upper temerature threshold for a specified period of time, the system could shut down in case of fire or an air conditioning cooling strategy can be activated.

Similary were TD 82 having the atmosphere cool below the initial threshold, heating coils 86 would pulse on and off gently warming the environment within the information station casing. Were the lower threshold exceeded, the'heater would be on steady until the temperature rose to pulsing interval or above when heater would turn off. In the case where heating is not effective, the laserfilm changer 2 would be deactivated so as not to shatter filmdiscs. One circumstance where this is needed is in aircraft where the information station is in the hold and display in the cockp.it. High altitudes cause drastic temperature drops which would activate the system. Low atmospheric pressure can make heat transfer by convection difficult. In this case, a heater may be an infrared lamp radiating rather than a heater depending on air circulation to warm the compartment.

And, finally, FIG 15 shows the physical structure of . a radiation shield for the information station. The proposed shield is a pure element laminate of lead 91 and tantalum 92. Lead is chosen to absorb nuclear radiation and tantalum to absorb microwave radiation that is believed to cancel magnetic information used by computers. Besides these qualities, the lead absorption of nuclear radiation will cause heating which is conducted away from hit sites by lead and even more so by tantalum layers. With lead melting at 327.5°C, the chance of melting in radiation situations is high so these layers will be enclosed in the tantalum sheathes selting at 2,996°C allowing the lead to cool to solidify in place. To implement cooling and any charge buildup dissipation, the two inner layers of tantalum are separately grounded to bleed off heat and charge from the system.

To preserve conductivity of the system, seams 95 as for a lid on the case or a plug 950 which caps an antenna 96 moving in a sleeve 961 up and down. When in place, the tantalum layers must be in electrical contact 950, 95 such that tantalum layer 922 is continuous throughout as is layer 921.

Lead layer 911 catches external nuclear radiation. Layer 913 catches internal nuclear radiation. Any radiation penetrating to and through tantalum layers 921 and 922 may be captured by lead layer 912.

Certainly this armor would not survive a direct or proximal nuclear hit, but at a distance the information stations, some of them at least, could survive the event(s) were times to come to this. It would preserve to some extent the state of the art culturally, navigationally, maintenance-wise and strategically helping a nation overcome such an unwanted calamity.

This completes the description of the invention. The whole is vastly greater in function and performance than a sum of its parts.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. An information station embodying methods and apparatus for coding voice, for display terminals, for higher resolution monitors, for storing and changing videodiscs automatically, for temperature control and for radiation shielding, any one or more of the six of these are involved in the-provision of the following features: capacity to present and program computer, computer graphics, video and interactive video, audio and compressed voice information. automated presentation of information and programs without external human intervention. an integrated computer and video display terminal with no moving parts having touch response over both the monitor area and extending into regions adjacent to the monitor for keyboard and control panel functions. a display terminal having the keyboard section changing in parameters allowing extension into the monitor display from either computer, computer graphics or video image base and changing in content in the peripheral regions through inserting new templates under the touch panel or employing a liquid crystal display (LCD) to allow software determined fixed markings to fit program needs. a display terminal mounted flush with the work surface allowing the participant to touch the touch sensitive covering screen in similar posture as used with writing, and the region for response covers the entire surface of the terminal. a display-terminal which can have the monitor as a standard high resolution monitor or a higher resolution monitor combining video output of a multiple of video frames in a single image. a higher resolution monitor with'a combined video frame display which can be either segmented assigning each frame to an area of the screen or having the images interspersed making a integrated display giving greater definition of image enabling reading of very small type faces and seeing minute detail. a display terminal which can be designed to access the computer software and programs or which can be designed to limit access to computer software and programs depending on purpose of use. a display terminal which can incorporate within its control the computer, interactive video equipment, systems control for accessing live camera and modem inputs and recording digital, video, audio and voice information and applying these in programs and presentation, storing them for later use, and transferring information to other systems through both modem or hard copy be it paper or magnetic storage medium or other analogue or digital storage means. a display terminal which can incorporate systems control in itself to access the telephone, computer, modem, videodisc players, video tape players, live camera, live broadcast video and cable, live broadcast audio, voice, and coded voice messages and monitor and record input. a display terminal which can serve as the telephone console with computer based address and telephone number lists which can be on a single terminal computer, a multi-station computer, mainframe or time-sharing computer. a display terminal which includes along with touch response participation, voice response based on coded phoneme chains of spoken language and timing, pitch, and voice stop information. a^' display terminal which outputs video and computer and computer graphics displays and audio and coded voice output with sound reception through standard speakers, earphones, synthesized voice using phoneme crystal activation with possible voice pitch tracing and a tactile presentation of phoneme and pitch information allowing non-ear hearing. an information station which can receive, present and store, and transmit coded voice as part of analogue video signal, audio signal or digital signal in a code carrying phoneme sequence and voice pitch in real time frame. an information station which provides automatic retrieval and return of flexible film discs for video, audio, digital and analogue information. an automatic flexible film changer which for program information can 'dove tail' sequential discs so as to, in the use of one more flexible film disc player than the number of terminals using the system, can provide continuous program presentation, dual disc information presentation, and quick retrieval of previous disc for review and integration into information system of current disc in use. an automatic flexible film disc changer, player adaptation, and storage system which holds discs at all times such that changes in forces, gravitational conditions and atmospheric .conditions do not hamper functioning of the system or cause a disruption in order or functioning of the system. a flexible film disc system of storing recorded coded voice to give extended speech information on either isolated and dedicated frames for coded voice or in top and bottom image lines of video or interspersed in the video image carrying the code on one or more monochromatic signals of the video image so as to expand the programs, translate the visual text, read the text or any other voice usage, and can present the voice output in the recorded timeframe or in slowed or speeded phoneme sequences while carrying the pitch level of the voice as recorded. a coded voice system which can be received by either audio means with synthesized voice through use of phoneme crystals with modulated pitch or tactile presentation of the phonemes by patterns representing the specific phoneme which vibrate at frequencies proportional to voice pitch. a coded voice system for which the information station can serve as the receiver as well as transmitter of coded voice signal. a coded voice signal which can be transmitted real time or in bursts as in a frame of video or in amassed digital information and received in same, a coded voice signal which can be created by actual speaking or through the use of a manual keyboard designed to create the code and if desired the pitch for similar recording, transmission and presentation through either synthesized voice audio signal or tactile presentation. . an information station which contains microphone for audio, coded voice and pitch signal; touch screen for computer graphics creation through touch pointing, cursor control and series control as dragging the finger along the screen to adjust volume levels or create line; and live camera access for image production; and computer software use for graphics and text creation enabling audio recording, screen painting isolated or over video or computer displays; video recording; computer ASCII display and graphics creation. an information station allowing remote video presentation, audio presentation, and voice response to carry information into the work arena and adjust it as needs demand without interrupting task in progress. an information station allowing set video and computer imaging to be overlaid and updated by current information which is received from external sources and stored on discs or tape for simultaneous presentation, presentation displacing outdated information, or in split screen or other combined format or updating cross-referencing to anything in the entire station's library. an information station which can support display terminals from one display, to a series of like displays to a multiplicity of terminals for a wide range of uses and purposes. an information station which has automatic programming including disc referencing, sequencing of discs, and simultaneous program uses eliminating the need of human intervention beyond the person participating in the use of the station or in use of its information and activity base through one of many terminals. an information station allowing cable connected, remote and external terminals with voice response and/or touch response input. an information station which has voice response to include system commands, spoken word comparison for answer or comment responses, and pronunciation evaluation for both speech therapy and language instruction, and for use in user identification. an information station with a heating and cooling system enables its use in extreme environments. a temperature control system which makes corrections to return to the desired temperature envelop by pulsing the heating or ventilating to gently return the conditions to acceptable until the temperature becomes more extreme when the system imposes corrective measures on a steady basis, and with time period defined of unmet temperature correction adds added means or shuts down system to protect the components and information stored. a temperature control system and automated information system which allows an information station to have the display terminal in the use area, as the cockpit of an aircraft, and the remainder of the system to be located in inaccessible and unconditioned space as cargo hold or wing interior of aircraft. an information station which is shielded to both nuclear and microwave radiation protecting its contents and software and stored^•information to survive nuclear event or other calamity which otherwise would decommission computers, software, controls video, audio, voice and electronics systems. an information station shield which allows post-attack functioning, transmission and reception of information, data, audio and video and coded- voice input . an information station with any or all included attributes which can be custom designed for specific applications to best serve the participant with the system, the organization employing the system, and the information contained and received, and the output transmitted to external points by telephone, broadcast, cable, laser, or other conveyance means of video, audio, digital and analogue information and be automated to the degree desired for task. an information station not limited to language in either the written/read modes or the spoken/heard and understood modes, is not limited to written languages with letters but can include character and icon type languages and symbol systems, graphic and ' image type communications, and can carry lipreading and sign language presentations as well as spoken language presentation. a voice coding system which treats in like manner all spoken languages in both classifying spoken word and in the manual creation of the spoken language, and can receive and transmit the coded voice in any and all languages using the analogue or digital means to real time transmit, burst transmit or incorporate in video signal on monochrome output and transmit or receive and present or store the listed means. a voice coding system which includes in its information both the speech sounds-and pitch -57- information carrying in its content both the literal context and the emotional innuendos, and in the case of tonal based language as, for example, the Chinese language, fully define the meaning of the spoken language through the pitch comparisons required as well as the phoneme chain sequences. a voice coding system having a signal which can serve as a system control means for a unit or machine outside the system as voice control of an airplane, machine tool, or other software driven mechanical or biological systems, including man.

2. A method of changing the position of a selected flexible videodisc from a storage unit, containing a plurality of flexible discs, to a playing unit, and returning the same, comprising the steps of: partially ejecting said selected videodisc from a designated sheath in the storage unit, such that the outermost edge of the selected videodisc is directed toward a clamp associated with the player; clamping the selected videodisc at a point on the circumference by said player clamp; shifting said selected videodisc from said storage unit to a playing position on said playing unit by the movement of said player clamp; releasing said player clamp for allowing the playing of said selected videodisc on said playing unit; clamping a point on the circumference of said selected videodisc by said player clamp, upon the finishing of the playing of the selected videodisc by said playing unit; shifting said selected videodisc from said playing position near said storage unit entering c into the extended storage sheath; clamping at the center hole of said selected videodisc by the storage sheath assigned and releasing said 0 player clamp; returning said selected videodisc into its own designated slot in said storage unit by the movement of said storage sheath. 5

3. The method in Claim 2 wherein, each of said plurality of videodiscs is grasped by an individual storage sheath during static storage, and wherein in said partial ejecting step said storage sheath grasping 0 said selected videodisc and shifts it out from its own slot, and releases said selected videodisc only when said selected videodisc is clamped by said player clamp, and said player clamp grasps said videodisc until the 5 said player spindle clamps said videodisc by its center hole, at which time said player clamp releases said videodisc thus retaining control of said videodisc at all times and reversing the sequence of grasping clamps 0 for return of said videodisc.

4. The method in Claim 2 wherein, as each storage sheath pushes the said videodisc from the storage unit, 5 the said videodisc is guided to flex in the direction of the said player clamp by a deflector which curves at -59- proper angle for the deflexion in the direction of the player unit; and similarly, as the said player clamp pushes the said videodisc from the player unit, the said videodisc is guided to flex in the direction of said storage sheath as each receiver unit is open to receive said videodisc in transit.

5. The method in Claim 2 wherein said player clamp is extended and drawn into said player unit by spring

10 extended rods riding on tracks mounted parallel to the said videodisc pathway on the inside walls of the said player unit by travelling crossbars and controlled by cables withdrawing the rods to get proper extension

15 distances, and by a second rod extension system extended further out of the player unit holding said player clamp, again spring extended which is controlled by two or more cables on the upper and lower surfaces of the

20 second extension causing the extension to curve upward or downward depending on the ratio of extensions of the two opposing cable systems so as to direct said player clamp to receive or return said videodisc to its proper

25 storage sheath.

6. The method in Claim 2 in which said storage sheath is drawn in and out of said storage slot to release and receive said assigned videodisc such that in

30 the storage position, said magnet pair, one a permanent magnet and one a coil magnet which with polarity change goes from matching polarity which causes the magnetic

35 clamping to repel releasing said videodisc, to opposing polarity which holds the said videodisc secure by its -60- center hole, with sheath movement controlled by cables pulling and pushing on the rear crossbar of the sheath driven by single pulley units that wind and unwind the center and corner guide cables, and said sheath layer away from the said player unit slides out and extends by the firm; spring metal base of flat spring stock to catch the approaching videodisc and the layer of the sheath toward the player unit curls open by restraining cables holding the outer end of the sheath layer close to the storage unit front, and as the disc moves to the rear crossbar, the cables retract the sheath to a closed position, the sheath magnetic clamp reverses polarity so the poles are opposite and the said videodisc is secured by the center hole, and as the sheath retracts, the layers close parallel around said videodisc. This process reverses on release of said videodisc.

7. The method in Claim 6 wherein said storage sheath layers are of pure linen so as to have a lint- free environment for said videodisc and so as to eliminate static charge on the said videodiscs and on receiving and releasing said videodiscs, no static charge is created.

8. The method in Claim 2 wherein to enable playing of sequential videodiscs with no interruption during the changing from the first videodisc to the second, and so on, that a few seconds of video programming be repeated at the end of the first disc and the beginning of the second disc such that the frames can be matched as each is spinning -on player units and the said player unit for disc two can be switched to as the video program is synchronized so as to not interrupt the motion image or voice track.

9. The method in Claim 8 wherein each videodisc has a software identification at one end of the programmed capacity so as to identify itself enabling autoselection of the videodisc when its software identification is given by the programming of the computer or that of another videodisc.

10. The method in Claim 2 of moving the flexible film videodiscs at a rate to take advantage of the flex- recoil period of the film substrate so as to push the sheath with said videodisc out of the storage slot to get maximum curvature in the videodisc as it impacts the storage unit deflector and enters the grasp of the player clamp and that the clamp on grasping the videodisc and sheath clamp releasing, the player clamp withdraws into said player unit during the coil phase such that when the said videodisc substrate recoils to the planar configuration that the said videodisc is in place in the player unit for the spindle to grasp said videodisc as the player clamp releases.

11. The method in Claim 2 wherein the player unit has guidance for said videodisc on exiting said player unit such that the plane of the videodisc is aligned to exit the player unit without contacting the opening through which it must pass, and such that it contacts the deflector for the player unit at proper angle to deflect upward or downward as aligns it to enter its selected storage sheath and storage unit slot.

12. Apparatus for storing, loading and unloading flexible film discs and playing said discs on said player units comprising means for: storing said discs in storage sheathes in storage slots in storage units. selecting said discs for playing on said player units. exiting said discs from storage slot enabling apparatus in said player unit to grasp said disc and draw said disc into said player unit and to enable the spindle in said player unit to clasp said disc for playing. returning said discs from player unit releasing clasp of spindle when player disc moving apparatus grasps said disc and pushes it from player unit guided to smoothly exit the disc port, deflects disc to direct it into the extended storage sheath which grasps said disc by the center hole when said player unit clamp releases said disc and returns into storage slot in storage unit.

13. The apparatus in Claim 12 which through the entire transit of said disc to and from storage unit and player unit is held tightly by one mechanism or another either through friction and suction grasping or through continuance of clamping mechanism through the center hole keeping hold of said discs in storage and during playing, and in transit even in circumstances of dynamic motion, gravitational effects, and atmospheric pressure -63- conditions.

14. The apparatus in Claim 12 wherein sections of the storage units fit together by alternating ridges fitting one conformation into the other to prevent forward and back sliding and allowing sidewise withdrawal of the storage units to fill, refill or empty contained sheathes with said discs through manual or automated activation of storage sheath extension mechanisms and withdrawal mechanisms having said discs

_ in inverted position to that when being played, and to return storage unit sections to bank of storage unit sections for selection of said discs, and securing said storage sections in storage unit bank by close encasement to prevent sidewise motion when information station is functioning.

15. Apparatus in Claim 12 wherein static charge buildup on said discs is dissipated in the storage sheath material, pure linen, and wherein said removing and returning of said discs does not develop static charge.

16. The apparatus in Claim 12 wherein said discs are moved in and out of player units and storage units in rhythm with the flex/recoil character of said disc substrates such that the curve developed with impact on the deflector units external and in the exiting pathway for both the player and storage units creates the curve in the planar flexible discs and the grasping mechanism for both the player and storage units retracts as the said disc opens from the curved configuration to the flat configuration for storage or playing.

17. The apparatus in Claim 12 wherein motion of both storage sheathes and player disc handling apparatus are controlled by spring extension pressure reined by e control cables for firm control of motion and speed of motion.

18. The apparatus in Claim _2 wherein temperature is controlled so as to prevent extremes of heating and 0 cooling of flexible film discs which could damage or destroy said discs if transitted under such conditions.

19. The apparatus in Claim 12 wherein the automated retrieval and returning of said discs can take place 5 even in extreme environments with wide ranges of motion, gravitional pull, atmospheric pressure and temperature such that the changer can function aboard aircraft, space vehicles, and sea and ground units in action and 0 below sea level to limits of the earth's extremities and space environments. -

20. The information station in Claim 1 which incorporates the automatic flexible film disc changer so 5 as to contain a library of information, selecting information units from same, and expanding the library of information by adding new discs of information and additional storage unit sections and whole storage units 0 to expand the body of contained information.

21. An integrated computer and video display terminal for reviewing, receiving, programming and creating text, graphics, images in motion and still presentation, audio and voice signal, having both touch response and voice response direct input, and having no moving parts comprises means for: viewing through the transparent touch sensitive screen mounted flush with the work surface, be it horizontal as a table or counter, angled as a lectern or drawing table, or vertical as a wall or enclosure side, the computer and video monitor and area extending from said monitor in any and all directions. assigning areas for specific fixed markings in the said areas beyond the monitor as keyboard, number board, answer panel, function panels, telephone dial, and system control and cursor and frame control and any other touch function required. assigning areas within the monitor parameters on a per frame basis for touch identification or response to include image, text, and number displays, keyboard and keyboard extension or continuance and augmentation of any and all fixed marking areas. implementing changes in fixed markings with replacement of inlay bearing markings or through software modification liquid crystal or light emitting diode display markings which can be changed to match the needs of the program or activities. responding and inputting information by touching the said touch sensitive screen in the areas of fixed markings and on the monitor area, and creating graphics and screen painting information. designs and art by touching over the monitor surface at marking locations, dialing telephone using telephone dial markings, and controlling the system and peripheral equipment, modem input and output and system on and off. receiving audio and voice information using the general monitor speaker(s), earphones, or tactile voice coding armband, and transmitting audio information and voice code information abroad and receiving external signal into the system for listening and/or storage and review and inclusion in programs. responding and inputting information by voice - for system control, response to program information and questioning, and for pronunciation comparison and participant identification, and for recording and storage within system and for transmission abroad. receiving video information from live camera, broadcast and cable signals, video tape and videodisc and compact disc players in both continuous play and interactive formats. programming and applying computer software programs enabling normal computer use on display terminal as well as receive and transmit functions even to having the computer external to the terminal environment. integrating easily video and computer presented information with print media and note taking, instrument use, mechanical tasks, musical instrument learning and performance, graphics and art work, engineering design so as to coordinate the information, creative, and practice activities with electronic media through terminal use. writing posture touch response to^' transparent touch sensitive screen enabling extended use without tiring for all angles of presentation. screen painting on open screen, over computer display and over video imaging and retention of work for use and review with high resolution input through touch. converting electronic image to print media through use of laser or fine dot matrix printer, and transferring electronic image abroad for electronic or print display at new location. adding to touch and voice response, standard keypad use for tasks involving extended keyboard input if participant desires.

22. Apparatus in Claim 21 which enables a simplified formating such that those persons not familiar with computers and other electronic devices can ably use the said terminal with confidence.

23. Apparatus in Claim 21 wherein specific terminal designs do allow access to software and programming of a computer or computer system and other terminal designs elimate the possibility of accessing added information or program input.

24. Apparatus in Claim 21 which is an integral part of the surfaces in the environment as table surface, lectern surface, or as a picture on the wall making its presence in the environment integral rather than obtrusive.

25. Apparatus in Claim 21 wherein the terminal is located on the work surfaces people use in the same location as reading matter or writing or drawing paper making posture and viewing considerations the same as for these long practiced activities.

26. Apparatus in Claim 21 wherein the terminal in the horizontal and angled presentation provides privacy for participant and subject of material in that the display is not viewed such that those passing behind participant, as in a library situation, for instance, can read and view what is displayed and in the case of horizontally displayed information, the monitor surface can be totally covered by a standard size, 8.5 x 11 inch, piece of paper or folder or booklet eliminating the need to shut down the system for secrecy.

27. Apparatus in Claim 21 which serves all languages, whether written or spoken with equal performance as it would not make any difference in whether English, French, Arabic, or Chinese written language were used or whether any or all of these plus others were spoken, word processing, text creation, voice recording, voice coding and use as system control, response, pronunication comparisons, participant identification, transmission and reception are possible whether the system is based on letters, icons, symbols, sounds, tonal information or rhythm and stops, and whether these languages are presented via audio, synthesized voice or tactile presentation or created by voice or manually coded sound chains, pitch levels and rhythm.

28. The information station in Claim 1 which incorporates said integrated computer and video display terminal integrated in the contained station or externally in connected arrays of terminals of like nature or of wide variety of designs for many differing applications which can be handled within the system, or carrying complete or partial functioning terminals at remote locations.

29. The integrated computer and video display terminal in Claim 21 which can serve as a terminal for any type computer, personal, mini, micro, mainframe, vax, or remote as time-share mainframe and even remotely located information stations with full computer and video equipping off site using cable, telephone or broadcast or hard wire connections.

30. A higher resolution monitor for video information composed of video input from a combination of video frames which are combined in segments or interspersed imaging to make a display with increased resolution comprising means for: displaying said imaging combinations monitoring the monochrome signals and mixing the output via fiber optics or other means such that the integration of multiple video frames combine to produce the image. taping said images for video frames using matching techniques to create the separation of image components such that the converse presentation represents accurately the selected image with the higher resolution. placing the frames of video in the cadence or order such that multi-player head systems can define the combined image in the display system. transmitting and receiving video signal with higher resolution information for electronic delivery of media as newspapers and magazines, newletters and print, graphics and image communications. including the higher resolution monitor in the integrated computer and video display terminal in some designs enabling review, printing and storage of information at remote sites throughout the world. allowing all languages printed and images included to be clearly presented in the electronic delivery systems.

31. The integrated computer and videodisplay terminal in Claim 21 wherein the higher resolution monitor is installed with the transparent, touch sensitive screen cover such that the particpant viewing archived newpapers and other periodicals can have software control to select dates of publications, authors and keyword selected articles giving an auto indexing.

32. The integrated computer and video display terminal in Claim 31 wherein the archiving terminal in conjunction with a laser or high resolution dot printer can provide hard copy of the publication articles on either full page or sectional areas.

33. The integrated computer and video display terminal with higher resolution monitor in Claim 31 wherein a segmented display presents for example a three part screen for musicians, one part with a conductor, one with a musician playing the featured part, and one with several lines of music that progresses as the sound track progresses, is controlled by touching the touch screen and has dual sound tracks or more for full orchestra, for example, one or more sound tracks for the instrument part, and if need be, another monaural track for conductor instructions and comments as the music is played. With three or more images used simultaneously, six or more sound tracks are made available. The viewer can play along with the music group, as under the great conductors and with great orchestras and on perfecting the part, can play and be recorded with the musical group.

34. To achieve the following capabilities and those in USP 4,520,501, a method of determining and identifying the sounds of speech called phonemes, by computer means in real time is achieved through artificial intelligence techniques by taking a body of speech of many speakers in the language of choice, as a movie sound track, and using manual coding, input into -72- the information bank the exact sound codes of each utterance in the sound track. Secondly, trace over this sound sequence record with pitch information as it is desired in the final, computer determined output. Then with accurate and high spectral resolution of the sound spectra in software which is readily available technology, input to a computer with high speed and sufficiently large memory capacity programmed with the speech spectra resolution software, the sound track simultaneous with the coded speech with proportional pitch tracing. Taking segments of the track with sufficient variations of speech sound variations and speakers, coded, the computer is fed information and correct answers, then running the same segment, the computer assigns code and pitch information to the same track and the results are compared to the manually created code and pitch trace and the computer scores itself and redoes erroneous passages after these passages are checked to be accurately coded manually and corrected to accurately portray the voice information. Continuing through the sound track the computer is trained to code the speech. As the child's voice for that language and speech of other languages and the child's voice thereof are needed in the coding body these are added in identical technique with a body of recorded speech of many speakers. With completion of the task, the computer identifies in real time the speech sounds, phonemes, of all languages and the maturing sounds of children so as to enable non-ear hearing in all languages for persons of all ages.

35. Apparatus for manually creating voice text comprising means for speech sound, phoneme, indication using a keyboard for example one hand to indicate the mouth position used in speaking the sound and a keyboard for the other hand which indicates consonant or vowel by pressing or releasing a single key and coding specific sound using a plurality of keys, as four, and for pitch indication by sliding one key left or right to give full voice range in speaking, and for indicating stops in speech by releasing all phoneme indicating keys or pressing another key which indicates stop and its duration depending on user preference of manual keyboard styles.

36. The apparatus in Claim 35 which applies the voice text coding to creation of digital and/or analogue code which carries sound identification, pitch and stop information.

37. The method in Claim 34 wherein the resulting computer output for identifying speech sounds, pitch and stops applies the voice text coding to creation of digital and/or analogue code which carries sound identification, pitch and stop information, thus producing equivalent coding as created by apparatus of the manual keyboards in Claim 36.

38. The method and apparatus in Claims 36 and 37 whereby the created voice text coding is transmitted in realtime or bursts independently or recorded in video frame format and stored or transmitted for use at another time and/or location from where it was created, and transmission can be in any means, airwaves, telephone lines, cable, laser and other transmission means.

5 39. The method and apparatus in Claim 38 wherein the digital code for speech sound identification and analogue code for voice pitch is carried on the monochromatic outputs of the color video signal such

10 that slow speed reading of the full frame scan for each color gives a body of voice text, and such that each color scan produces a separate body of voice text whether it is three versions of the same voice text but

1*5^* in different languages, for instance, or continuation of the text on the three color bands, say, starting with red, then green and then blue, before moving to next frame for added voice text and continuation, or in using

^"20 marginal video lines which are usually buried in the bezel or frame of the screen, carrying small segments of voice text, or other areas of the video signal which would not noticeably alter the motion picture of normal

25 video presentation.

40. The method and apparatus in Claim 39 wherein the recorded video frames are stored on tape, recorded in videodisc and compact disc formats for applications

30 in broadcast, cable, interactive video, and entertainment video and such applications.

41. A method for receiving, presenting and 35 recording and storing coded voice comprising: reception of ^' - real time voice code whereby the signal is either presented or recorded and stored.

- burst transmitted voice code whereby the signal is recorded and presented at real time pace or stored in burst format combined with sequential transmission for whole message.

- video encompassed voice code whereby the video frame(s) are recorded and the monochromatic segments scanned for real time voice presentation and retained in recorded form for storage. presentation of - real time voice code whereby signal is in proper timing and format for direct use in activating the tactile speech presentation armband as described in USP 4,520,501, or using phoneme crystals for creating code indicated speech sound which is driven by frequency modulating circuitry to recreate the voice pitch variations in the original speech that was voice coded.

- burst transmitted voice code whereby the converted signal to real time pace is presented as above in either tactile or synthesized voice format for non-ear or ear hearing.

- video encompassed voice code whereby the recorded signal is converted to real time voice code output and again drives the tactile or synthesized voice format described above. recording of - real time voice code can most efficiently be made using the compressed signal either as the burst format or that of the video format and instrumentation facilitates that.

- burst transmitted voice code is magnetically recorded on audio tape or hard disc or other standard recording medium used in the receiving system.

- video encompassed voice code is recorded on video tape or in formats of compact disc or other video recording means for reuse or applications. storage of - real time voice code does not justify because of the inefficient packing of code signal.

- burst transmitted voice recorded is efficient and the means can be stored in memory or tape or compressed disc of other format.

- video encompassed voice code also is efficient and is stored in video tape or permanent video formats as discs, reflective laser discs, flexible film laser discs, compact discs and future technology formats for permanent storage.

42. The method in Claim 31 of including video encompassed voice code with presented newspaper and publication archiving such that added frames of video for pages presented can include readings of the publication texts so that participants who have vision impairment can have articles read to them, and so that translations of the articles and texts can be provided in an unlimited number of languages. -77-

43. The method in Claim 42 of providing the video encompassed voice code with presentation being adjustable for presentation speed such that with both tactile and synthesized voice presentation the phoneme sequences can be speeded or slowed based on participants needs or desires and such that in the rate changes the voice pitch is still retained as the voice text is recorded.

44. Apparatus in Claim 22 allowing incorporation of coded voice comprising the following means: adding coded voice to top and bottom margins of video disc or compact disc interactive video programs such that when the program requires the voiced text is read providing questions and comments to which the participant response by touching the touch sensitive screen or by voice response. coding voice responses to the integrated computer and video display terminal so as to compare the verbal responses to stored voice text coded so as to evaluate responses, commands, and pronunciation attempts and other verbal input according to the software programming thus making a working voice response system as an integral part of the information station or stand alone display terminal with computer support. providing synthesized voice to include what is shown on the display terminal for those with impaired vision and blindness so as to describe graphics and images, read text, and ask written or implied questions to which the "special" participant can respond by voice or by use of a braille marked, or raised letter marked margin to the touch sensitive screen so the touch response can be made in the sensitive screen adjacent to the raised letters. scanning video frames of coded voice for comparison to identify voice responses and having positions of matching code identified to provide meaning of verbal response, adaptation of answer to program format as progression with correct answer, taking branch of program designated by individual selecting from a menu or comparing pronunciation with model speech, or coaching as to continued voice text as in learning scripts. scanning hard disc storage of coded voice for coded voice comparison as above with voice code stored in burst format and expanded for comparison in software.

45. The information station in Claim 1 which incorporates said voice response system and coded voice for system control, frame selection and interactive video uses, voice input for recording, storage, transmission and broadcasting, and function controls during computer use.

46. A modem for receiving and transmitting information, text, voice, and images, graphic and video, and data comprising means to include coded voice in both reception and transmission functions in both digital and digital and analogue formats from live presentation, included programs, stored voice text, video and burst format coded formats, and manual created voice code, and receive information and applying it to immediate presentation, recorded, and stored use, and updating system contained information.

47. An information station in Claim 1 including a modem with the capabilities to handle coded voice in both transmission and emission modes.

48. A temperature control system comprised of a thermodetector as described in USP 4,633,885 and cooling fans, and, if desired, air conditioner comprising means for monitoring the ambient temperature of the electronic equipment environment continually, responding to temperature rises above the lower of the two preset temperatures by pulsing the cooling fans so as to gently lower the temperature to be below the selected temperature, and stopping the fan action when the temperature lowers to selected temperature envelope, or, if temperature continues to rise above the second selected temperature, operate cooling fans continuously to implement cooling, after which the temperature lowers to the pulsing range or, after the passing of a given time interval either the system is shut down or an air conditioning cooling is applied, and/or a temperature control system comprised of a thermodetector with settings responding to extremes in coolness and heating coils and/or infrared heating lamps or other heater such that when the ambient temperature drops below a preset temperature, the heating unit pulses gently to get a gradual rise in temperature for the electronic equipment and flexible film environment, and when the temperature rise is complete re-entering the acceptable temperature c envelop, the heating unit remains off, or if the temperature lowers further, beyond a second preset temperature the heating unit remains on steadily until the temperature rise allows the system to pulse heading 0 and eventually turn off, or if temperature does not move toward the desired temperature envelop after a predetermined time period, the system or components in the system are shut down. 5

49. The apparatus in Claim 48 is included in the information station and in its individual components such that the equipment is protected from extreme temperature fluctuation by the incorporation of either 0 or both the heat or cold sensitive temperature control systems for protecting the electronic and physical components of the equipment and accessories.

50. The information station in Claim 1 including 5 the temperature control system so as to enable its application in environments which would be hostile to the normal operations of the components and accessories to the system. 0

51. Apparatus for radiation shielding comprising means for: enveloping the enclosure for electronic 5 components and recording accessories and storage means such that all openings into the enclosure can -8 1- be completely covered in the case of a nuclear explosion or other radiating event that would damage components and accessories. absorbing radiation from such event having pure element lead to absorb the nuclear radiation and pure element tantalum to absorb microwave radiation in a plurality of layers of each element and such that radiation from the interior of the enclosure is also absorbed. dissipating heat created by the radiation absorption through conduction across the extent of the outer area of the enclosure and passing it to ground from inner layers not cooled by convection. dissipating charge created by the radiation absorption through conduction across layers and grounded by inner layer extension to a physical ground external to the system. containing of the lower melting point element, lead, in layers of the higher melting point element, tantalum, such that the melted section does not displace uring the molten state, and preventing breakdown of the laminated radiation shield below 1,740°C external or internal temperature even in spot heating circumstances, and to temperature 2,996°C in the event that the tantalum layer can withstand the pressure of vaporized lead. conducting charge build up in low conductivity lead by the high conductivity of the tantalum, and having grounded the inner layers of tantalum, eliminating the charge from the shield. establishing conductivity for heat and charge of the main body of the shield with aperture covers though design of opening and cover to have complementary angles of laminate so that each layer has a broader region of substance for direct contact through parallel alignment of aperature cover edge which mates with hole configuration in the main shield body, and such that the size of aperture cover matches in size so that each laminate layer matches its corresponding layer in the neighboring part. enabling the separation of aperture covers from main shield body in case of radiation event melting the lower temperature element, lead, since the element is soft and can be cut with fine blade which can be inserted in the cut between the aperture cover and shield body of the tantalum layer to resume use of the equipment following the event. The ductile tantalum will work out of the way of the blade. protecting the contained equipment, apparatus, and accessories from nuclear and microwave radiation damage during general operation, and in case of high radiation events in closed configuration from high levels of radiation provided the location is not at the direct hit zone or close to it.

52. The apparatus in Claim 51 comprising a five or more layer laminate with odd numbers of layers only and with the high melting point element used as the odd numbered layers so as to contain the lower melting point element in the case of generated heat which would cause melting thus preventing any displacement of the 5 substrate and weakening of the shielding effect.

53. The apparatus in Claim 51 comprising a means to ground the inner layers of the conductive element with

,« the high melting point to enable rapid dissipation of charge and heat from the inner layers of the system through conduction while the outer layers cool by convection or radiation of heat and dissipate charge by

15 passing charge through low conductivity layer to dissipate it through grounded inner layers with optional high conductivity element wires connecting outside layers of shield to the grounded inner layers in a few 0 locations to hasten charge dissipation in extreme circumstances and at high charge levels.

54. The information station in Claim 1 when encased in the radiation shield and having aperture covers for 5 all openings and exposed surfaces is protected in the case of nuclear attack from both nuclear and microwave radiation which under unprotected circumstances would

0 destroy the function of the current technology components leaving the equipment useless and irreparable, whereas, with said shielding, at least, in some instances will allow equipment functioning to 5 survive such attack for use during recovery period retaining technology, culture, and information banks.

55. The apparatus in Claim 51 comprising five or -84- more laminate layers of tantalum and lead with perfectly fitting aperture covers provides means for radiation protection of nuclear and microwave radiation for all

5 manner and types of equipment desired to survive nuclear attack either in enclosing the electronic and high technology component zone only or the entire piece of equipment enabling some remaining capacity for a nation ° after nuclear attack.

56. The apparatus in Claim 51 comprising laminate layers of tantalum and lead provides cornering of the shielding in either continuous curves through the 90° curve or has sides with bevelled edges so that the layers of the laminate are in firm contact one panel with another enabling no leakage, charge transfer and heat transfer between panels on all sides of the equipment as well as for the aperture covers inset in the body of the shielding.