U.S. patent number 3,637,940 [Application Number 05/038,133] was granted by the patent office on 1972-01-25 for monochannel audio teaching device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Data-Plex Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Don J. Dudley, Charles A. Morchand.
United States Patent |
3,637,940 |
Morchand , et al. |
January 25, 1972 |
MONOCHANNEL AUDIO TEACHING DEVICE
Abstract
A monochannel audio teaching device comprises an audio sender
which multiplexes several audio signals into a single composite
signal for transmission over single channel audio circuits for
recording on the single channel magnetic tape, and an audio
receiver which recovers the various audio signals from the single
composite signal received. The sender provides inputs for two or
more sources of audio information, related to, for example,
multiple choice questions. Two frequency-multiplexed channels are
provided and into each of these channels one or more audio signals
can be fed on a time-multiplexed basis. Control signals precede
each unit of information being time multiplexed. The control
signals and Frequency/Time-multiplexed audio signals are combined
to form a single composite signal or recording for subsequent use
at the receiver. At the audio receiver the signals are
demultiplexed and their control signals cooperate with student
operated switches to select which unit of information is to be
heard.
Inventors: |
Morchand; Charles A. (New York,
NY), Dudley; Don J. (Brightwaters, NY) |
Assignee: |
Data-Plex Systems, Inc. (New
York, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
21898252 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/038,133 |
Filed: |
May 18, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/478; 381/77;
434/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B
5/04 (20130101); H04J 4/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09B
5/00 (20060101); G09B 5/04 (20060101); H04J
4/00 (20060101); H04j 009/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;179/15BY,15BM,1B |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Blakeslee; Ralph D.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Audio teaching apparatus comprising a source of at least three
audio signals, each of said audio signals representing different
but related units of teaching information, means for generating at
least two different control signals, one of said control signals
being associated with a first of said audio signals, the other of
said control signals being associated with the second and third of
said audio signals, signal multiplexing means for frequency
multiplexing said second and third of the audio signals to form a
frequency multiplexed signal, and means for serially transmitting
on a single channel said first of the audio signals and the control
signals associated therewith and followed by frequency multiplexed
signal and the control signal associated with said second and third
audio signals.
2. The teaching apparatus of claim 1 wherein all of said audio
signals are in a first given frequency range and said control
signals have a given frequency, and wherein said signal
multiplexing means comprises a first input means for receiving said
first and second audio signals, a second input means for receiving
said third audio signal, means for frequency converting the audio
signals received at said second input means to signals in a second
and different frequency range, means for connecting said frequency
converting means to said second input means, and a signal combining
means having at least two inputs and an output for transmitting a
signal which is a combination of the signals received at said
inputs, one of said inputs being connected to said first input
means and the other of said inputs being connected to said
frequency converter means.
3. The audio teaching apparatus of claim 2 wherein said signal
combining means is an analog adder means having at least three
inputs, a first of said inputs being connected to said first input
means, and wherein said frequency converting means comprises a
modulator having a modulating signal input connected to said second
input means, a modulated signal output connected to a second input
of said analog adder means, and a carrier signal input, and a
source of carrier signals connected to said carrier signal input
and to the third input of said analog adder means.
4. The audio teaching apparatus of claim 3 wherein said analog
adder means has a fourth input connected to said means for
generating the control signals.
5. The audio teaching apparatus of claim 4 wherein said control
signal generating means includes means for generating coded bursts
of signals having a given fixed frequency which is distinguishable
from the signals in said first and second frequency ranges.
6. The audio teaching apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for
serially transmitting comprises a magnetic tape recorder.
7. The audio teaching apparatus of claim 2 further comprising means
for receiving the signals transmitted on the single channel, said
receiving means comprising demultiplexer means having an input for
serially receiving said first audio signal and the associated
control signal and said frequency multiplexed signal and the
control signal associated therewith, and three outputs, said
demultiplexer means further including first means for selecting out
said control signals for transfer to said first output and second
means for selecting out said first audio signal and said second
audio signal from said multiplexed signal for transfer to said
second output, and said third audio signal from said multiplexed
signal for transfer to said third output, an audio output means for
converting audio signals to audible information, a controlled
switching means comprising at least two subject operable switches,
each associated with a different one of said second and third audio
signals, and a signal controlled switching means for selectively
connecting said second and third outputs of said demultiplexer
means to said audio output means, said signal controlled switching
means being controlled by said control signals so that said second
or third audio signal is switched to said audio output means only
when the switch associated therewith is operated at the time that
the control signal associated therewith is received.
8. The audio teaching apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first
selecting out means of said demultiplexer comprises a first signal
filter connected between the input and said first output for only
passing signals having said given frequency, and said second
selecting out means comprises a second signal filter connected
between the input and said second output for only passing signals
in said first given frequency range and the serial combination of a
third signal filter, a full-wave detector and a fourth signal
filter connected between the input and said third output for only
converting signals in said second given frequency range to signals
in said first frequency range.
9. The audio teaching apparatus of claim 7 wherein said controlled
switching means comprises an analog adder means having first and
second inputs and an output connected to said audio output means,
first and second gates, each of said gates having a signal input, a
signal output and a control signal input, the signal input of each
of said gates being connected to one of said second and third
outputs of said demultiplexer means, each of the signal outputs of
said gates being connected to one of the inputs, respectively, of
said analog adder means, means for seperating the control signals
associated with each of said audio signals, means for transmitting
the control signal associated with said first audio signal directly
to the control signal input of one of said gates, means for
transmitting the control signal associated with said second and
third audio signals via the subject operable switch associated with
said second audio signal to the control signal input of said one
gate, and means for transmitting the control signal associated with
said second and third audio signals via the subject operable switch
associated with said third audio signal to the control signal input
of the other of said gates.
10. The audio teaching apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for
serially transmitting comprises a magnetic tape recorder.
Description
This invention pertains to studio training devices and, more
particularly, to such devices wherein multiple units of information
are transmitted over a single channel.
There are presently available audio training devices in the form of
multitrack tape players which teach a student by means of multiple
choice questions. A first track carries the multiple choice
question while parallel tracks carry statements associated with the
possible choices to tell the student whether he made the correct
choice and, if not, why.
While such presently available devices perform the required
teaching function they require expensive multihead tape recorders
and players. Most inexpensive tape players are single track
devices. Since many tape players are required in any broad based
training program it is desirable to use single track tape players.
Furthermore, for many systems only a single channel is
available.
It is, accordingly, a general object of the invention to provide an
audio teaching device wherein several related units of information
are carried on only one channel.
Briefly, the invention contemplates an audio teaching apparatus
which comprises a source of at least three audio signals, each
representing a different but related unit of teaching information.
Associated with each of the audio signals is a unique control
signal. Signal multiplexing means frequency multiplex a second and
a third of the audio signals to provide frequency multiplexed
signals. Means serially transmit, on a single channel, the first of
the audio signals and an associated control signal followed by the
frequency multiplexed signals and a control signal associated with
the second and third audio signals.
There is further contemplated an audio receiver which receives the
signals on the single channel and demultiplexes them back to first,
second and third audio signals which are selected for listening by
subject-operable switches cooperating with the control signals.
Other objects, the features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description when read with the
accompanying drawing which shows apparatus for practicing the
invention.
In the drawing:
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an audio sender in accordance with
the invention;
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an audio receiver in accordance
with the invention;
FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a control switch utilized in a control
panel of the audio sender of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the switching circuits of the audio
sender of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an audio multiplexer in the audio
sender;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a tone generator in the audio
sender;
FIG. 7 are waveforms indicating signals at particular points in the
tone generator of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an audio demultiplexer in the audio
receiver of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a tone receiver in the audio receiver;
and
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the selection circuits in the audio
receiver.
The disclosed system shows an audio sender AT which receives audio
signals representing multiple choice questions and answers and
records these signals on the single channel of a magnetic tape of a
cassette, for example. By way of example, a question posing four
choices is presented and is followed by statements concerning the
correctness of each of the four possible choices. After a complete
tape is prepared the cassette, or preferably a cassette which is a
copy of the master can be inserted in an audio receiver AR which
can be a modified cassette tape recorder. A student then runs the
audio receiver and in response to each question selects one of the
possible choices by depressing an appropriate switch. The switch
causes the audio reproduction of the statement associated with the
choice.
More particularly, the format employed is to generate and record a
first tone control signal which is unique to questions and general
comments and then record the question or general comments, then to
generate and record a second tone control signal unique to first
and second choices and start recording simultaneously the
statements for the first and second choices. At the end of the
first and second statements, the routine is repeated for the third
and fourth choices. Now, the statements for the first and second
choices are frequency multiplexed into one channel and are followed
by the third and fourth choices which are frequency multiplexed
into the same channel. It should be noted that the channel now
carries in three time multiplex slots: first, the question preceded
by its tone control signal; second, the frequency multiplexed
statements associated with first and second choices preceded by
their tone control signal; and third, the frequency multiplexed
statements associated with the third and fourth choices preceded by
their tone control signal.
By way of example and not limitation, the following parameters will
be used assuming a channel passband of 9 kHz. The first and third
statements will be time shared in a band from zero up to 3 kHz.,
the second and fourth statements time shared in a band from 3 to 6
kHz. and the control tones as coded bursts of 9 kHz. carrier.
However, it should be realized that other frequencies could be
used.
Now, refer to FIG. 1 which shows five audio sources AS1 to AS5
which can be instructors with microphones under the control of a
director or can be prerecorded tape units or the like which
transmits audio signals, via lines FAS1 to FAS5, to switching
circuits SKS. Circuits SKS switch the signals from sources AS1, AS3
and AS5, onto line SLO under the control of signals from control
panel CP; and switch the signals from sources AS2 and AS4 onto line
SHI by control signals on the lines from the control panel CP.
The signals on lines FCPl-2, FCP3-4 and FCP5 are generated by
selectively depressing the switches CP1, CP2 and CP3, respectively,
on control panel CP. Whenever any one of these three switches is
depressed a pulse signal is also transmitted via a related line
T1-2, T3-4 and T5 to tone generator TG.
Tone generator TG in response to these pulse signals transmits
coded combinations of bursts of 9 kHz. signal via line FTG and
audio multiplexer AM to tape recorder TR. Audio multiplexer AM
receives the time-multiplexed signals on lines SLO and SHI and
frequency multiplexes these signals. These frequency multiplexed
signals are transmitted via line FAM and amplifier A1 to the tape
recorder TR for recording.
The recording of a typical question will now be described assuming
the tape recorder TR is operating. A director depresses switch CP3
of control panel CP. In response thereto, a pulse signal is fed via
line T5 to tone generator TG which in turn generates a 100
millisecond burst followed by three spaced 10 millisecond bursts of
9 kHz. carrier which pass through audiomultiplexer AM to tape
recorder TR. Hereinafter, the 100 millisecond burst will be called
a "dash" burst and the 10 millisecond burst a "dot" burst. The
depression of switch CP3 also generates signals on line FCP5 which
opens paths in the switching circuits SKS from line FAS5 to line
SLO. The director then directs the instructor at audio source AS5
to state the multiple choice question which is transduced to an
audio signal in the base band (0 to 3 kHz.). The audio signal
passes through switching circuits SKS and multiplexer AM and is
recorded in the base band range by the tape recorder TR.
At the end of the question, the director releases switch CP5 and
depresses switch CP1 which causes the generation of a pulse signal
on line T1-2 and a signal on line FCP1-2. The pulse signal on line
T1-2 causes tone generator TG to generate a dash burst followed by
one dot burst of 9 kHz. carrier which passes through multiplexer AM
into tape recorder TR. At the same time, the signal on line FCP1-2
causes switching circuits SKS to close a path from line FAS1 to
line SLO and a path from line FAS2 to line SHI. When the director
depressed switch CP1 he ordered the instructors at sources AS1 and
AS2 to make simultaneously the statements concerning the first and
second possible choices, respectively, the audio signals of the
statement from source AS1 pass via circuits SKS and line SLO into
multiplexer AM in the base band range. The audio signals from
source AS2 (in the 0 to 3 kHz. base band) pass via circuits SKS and
line SHI into multiplexer AM. It should be noted that now the audio
signals from sources AS1 and AS2 are simultaneously entering the
multiplexer AM, via lines SLO and SHI, respectively. Audio
multiplexer AM frequency multiplexes these signals. In particular,
all audio signals of line SLO remain in the base band. However, the
signals on line SHI are frequency converted up to the band of 3 to
6 kHz. The up-converted signals from line SHI and the base band
signals from line SLO are amplitude added by the multiplexer to
provide a frequency multiplexed signal having a band of 0 to 6 kHz.
which is fed to tape recorder TR.
When both instructors have finished their statements the director
releases switches CP1 and depresses switch CP2 causing the
generation of a pulse signal on line T3-4 and a signal on line
FCP3-4. The pulse signal on line T3-4 causes tone generator TG to
emit a dash burst followed by two dot bursts of the carrier signal
which are recorded in the usual manner. The FCP3-4 signal causes
circuits SKS to close a path from line FAS3 to line SLO and a path
from line FAS4 to line SHI. The director orders the instructors at
sources AS3 and AS4 to speak simultaneously the statement
associated with the third and fourth choices, respectively. The
associated audio signals from source AS3, at base band, enter
multiplexer AM via line LSO. The associated audio signals from
source AS4, at base band, enter the multiplexer AM via line SHI. It
should be noted that they are in parallel with the signals from
source AS3 on line SLO. The signals on line SLO pass through the
multiplexer at base band while the signals on lines SHI are up
converted to the 3 to 6 kHz. band. The base band signals from line
SLO and the up converted signals from line SHI are amplitude added
and recorded on the tape recorder TR. At the end of the statements
by sources AS3 and AS4 the director releases switch CP3 and the
recording cycle for one question is completed.
Before describing the playback of the recorded information the
various elements of the audio sender AS will be described.
The control panel CP comprises three control switches CP1 to CP3.
Since switches CP1 to CP3 are alike only control switch CP1 is
shown in FIG. 3. Switch CP1 comprises a pair of ganged single-pole
single-throw switches SW1 and SW2 whose movable contacts are
connected to a voltage source +v. The fixed contact of switch SW1
is connected, via a pulldown resistor R1, to a voltage source -v,
and to line FCP1-2, when switch SW1 is open, line FCP1-2 is at a
negative voltage (assumed to be the absence of signal), but when
switch SW1 is closed, line FCP1-2 carries a positive signal. The
fixed contact of switch SW2 is connected, via differentiating
capacitor C1, to line T1-2. The junction of capacitor C1 and line
T1-2 is connected via resistor R2 to voltage source -v. Whenever
switch SW2 is open, line T1-2 is at a negative level. However, when
switch SW2 is closed, a pulse is transmitted onto line T1-2.
The switching circuits SKS, shown in FIG. 4, comprises five similar
gates G1 to G5 which can be conventional analog gates, each having
a signal input, a signal output and a control input. Signals can
only pass from the signal input to the signal output when a signal
is present at the control input. The signal inputs of the gates G1
to G5 are connected to the lines FAS1 to FAS5, respectively. The
signal outputs of the gates G1, G3 and G5 are connected, via mixer
M1, to the line SLO, while the signal outputs of the gates G2 and
G4 are connected, via mixer M2, to line SHI. The control inputs of
gates G1 and G2 are connected to line FCP1-2. The control inputs of
gates G3 and G4 are connected to line FCP3-4 and the control input
of gate G5 is connected to line FCP5.
The audio multiplexer AM, shown in FIG. 5, centers around adding
operational amplifier AOA having four inputs. The amplifier can be
a conventional amplifier analog adder which adds the signals fed to
its inputs to transmit the amplitude sum of these signals onto line
FAM.
The first input receives the base band audio signals from line SLO
via amplifier A2, low-pass filter LP1 and amplifier A3. Filter LP1
insures that only signals below 3 kHz. enter the first input. The
base band signals of line SHI pass, via amplifier A4 and low-pass
filter LP2, to the modulating signal input of conventional lattice
modulator LM. Filter LP2 insures that only signals below 3 kHz.
enter the modulating input. The carrier input receives a 3 kHz.
signal from carrier oscillator CO. Modulator LM up converts the
signals on line SHI to signals in the band of 3 to 6 kHz. which are
fed, via amplifier A5, to the second input of amplifier AOA. The
third and fourth inputs to amplifier AOA are connected to
oscillator CO and line FTG, respectively.
Tone generator TG comprises three set-reset flip-flops F1 to F3
whose set inputs S are connected to lines T1-2, T3-4 and T5,
respectively, and whose reset inputs R are connected to sequential
outputs 1 to 3 of step counter SSK. The "1" output of each of the
flip-flops F1 to F3 is connected to an input of OR-circuit OR1. The
output of OR-circuit OR1 is connected to the input of one-shop OS1
and to the reset input of set-reset flip-flop F6. Thus, whenever
one of the flip-flops F1 to F3 is set the signal "1," line FL jumps
from a low voltage to a high voltage. The signal will remain at the
high voltage until the flip-flop that was set is reset.
One-shop OS1 can be a one-shot multivibrator that is triggered on
when the voltage at its input switches from a low voltage to a high
voltage. When triggered on, it transmits onto line FOS a positive
pulse having a duration of 100 milliseconds. See FIG. 7. The signal
on line FOS passes through one input of OR-circuit OR2 to keyed
oscillator KO. Keyed oscillator KO is a sinusoidal oscillator which
emits a 9 kHz. carrier as long as a signal is present at its input.
The carrier is transmitted via amplifier A6 to line FTG. At the
same time the signal of line FOS is fed to the reset input of step
counter SSK. Step counter SSK can be a four state step counter
which is locked in a zero state as long as a signal is received at
its reset input R and is stepped state-by-state for each pulse
received at its count input C. Thus, in response to the triggering
of one-shot OS1 a dash burst of 9 kHz. carrier is transmitted to
line FTG and step counter SSK is locked in the zero state with no
signals from any one of its state outputs 1 to 3.
The FOS line is also connected to the set input of flip-flop F6.
Flip-flop F6 is of the type which triggers on negative going
signals. Thus, at the end of the 100 millisecond pulse on line FOS,
flip-flop F6 is set and starts transmitting a positive signal on
line FO1 to the input of keyed free-running multivibrator KM. See
FIG. 7. Free-running multivibrator KM can be a symmetrical astable
multivibrator which oscillates only when a positive signal is
present at its input and then transmits 10 millisecond pulses onto
line FKM.
Since line FKM is coupled, via a second input of OR-circuit OR2, to
the input of keyed oscillator KO a dot burst of carrier is
transmitted onto line FTG for each 10 millisecond pulse on line
FKM. Furthermore, since line FKM is coupled to the count input of
counter SSK, the counter steps one position for each pulse on line
FKM. The first of such pulses steps the counter off the zero state
into the 1 state and the "1" output transmits a pulse to the reset
terminal of flip-flop F1 to reset the flip-flop if it had been set
by a signal on line T1-2. However, it will be assumed that a signal
on line T5 had set flip-flop F3. Therefore, at the third such
pulse, the "3" output of counter SSK will reset flip-flop F3 and
the signal on line FL will switch back from a high voltage to a low
voltage. This voltage level switch is received by the reset input R
of flip-flop F6 which triggers to the reset state terminating the
signal on line FO1 and shutting off the keyed free-running
multivibrator KM, terminating the tone control signal cycle. Thus,
whenever, one of the T1-2, T3-4 and T5 lines carries a pulse signal
to the tone generator TG, it generates a dash burst of carrier
followed by from one to three dot bursts dependent upon which of
the flip-flops F1 to F3 had been set by the pulse signal.
The playback or receive mode will now be described with respect to
FIG. 2. In a normal teaching program, a multiple choice question is
presented which lists four possible choices. Thereafter, statements
concerning each choice are given. Therefore, the first information
transmitted from tape player TP via line FT is the tone control
signal for a question. This tone control signal, as well as every
other tone control signal, is fed from tape player TP, via line FT,
audio demultiplexer AD and line TTR, to tone receiver TNR. Tone
receiver TNR decodes the signal as a signal associated with
questions and transmits a TR5 signal to selector circuits SG which
connect a path between lines DLO and TAO. The audio signals related
to the question then follow from tape player TP and pass via audio
demultiplexer AD, line DLO, selector circuits SG and line TAO, to
audio output AO which can be an audio amplifier and speaker.
The next information is the tone control signal for the statements
associated with the first and second choices. This signal is fed
from tape recorder TP, via line FT, demultiplexer AD and line TTR
to tone receiver TNR where it is decoded to generate a signal on
line TR1-2. If the student had made the first or second choice by
pushing switch SG1 or switch SG2 in selector circuits SG a path
would be closed from line DLO to line TAO or from line DHI to line
TAO, respectively. If he depressed either of the switches SG3 and
SG4 no path would be open at this time. In any event, tape player
TP then transmits the audio signals associated with the first and
second choices via demultiplexer AD and via lines DLO and DHI,
respectively, to selector circuits SG. Whether either of these
signals pass to the audio output depends on whether the student is
depressing switch SG1 or SG2.
There then follows the tone control signal and the audio signals
representing the statements for the third and fourth possible
choices and these are handled in a manner similar to those of the
first and second possible choices, respectively. The tone control
signal for the third and fourth choices result in a signal on line
TR3-4 while the audio signals representing the statements of the
third and fourth choices appear on lines DLO and DHI, respectively.
The depression of switch SG3 closes a path between lines DLO and
TAO, while the depression of switch SG4 closed a path between lines
DHI and TAO.
Thus, it is seen that the question is unconditionally fed to the
audio output AO, but the choice statements depend on which switch
the student depressed in selector circuits SG.
The various elements of the audio receiver AR will now be
described.
In FIG. 8, the audio demultiplexer AD receives all the signals from
tape player TP, via line FT which is connected to amplifier A16
which feeds band-pass filter BP, high-pass filter HP and low-pass
filter LP3. High-pass filter HP passes signals at 9 kHz. and above.
Thus, only the tone control signals (bursts of 9 kHz. carrier) can
pass via filter HP and amplifier A7 to line TTR. Low-pass filter
LP3 is designed to pass signals only in the 0 to 3 kHz. range.
Thus, the audio signals for statements associated with the first
and third possible choices pass through low pass filter LP3 and
amplifier A8 to line DLO.
Band-pass filter BP passes signals in the 3 to 6 kHz. range. Thus,
the audio signals associated with the statements of the second and
fourth possible choices can pass via the filter BP and amplifier A9
to full-wave detector FWD and low-pass filter LP4. Low-pass filter
LP4 passes signals in the 0 to 3 kHz. band. Hence, the combination
of detector FWD and filter LP4 demodulate or down convert the audio
signals associated with the second and fourth possible choices to
base band. These signals are fed, via amplifier A10, to line
DHI.
The tone receiver TNR is shown in FIG. 9. The tone bursts are
received from line TTR by tuned amplifier TNA, of conventional
design, and fed to detector DT, of conventional design, to
recapture the envelope of the carrier bursts. The pulse shaper PS,
which can be an overdriven amplifier with clipping, shapes the
envelope into sharp leading and trailing edge pulses similar to
those shown on lines FOS and FKM of FIG. 7. (It should be noted
that the envelope of the tone control signal comprises a 100
millisecond or "dash" pulse followed by one to three 10 millisecond
or "dot" pulses.) The output of pulse shaper PS feeds in parallel
to one-shot OS2 (a monostable multivibrator which emits a 50
millisecond pulse when triggered) and inverter IV (simply an
inverting amplifier) whose outputs feed NOR-circuit NOR. The
combination of these three elements comprise a pulse-width detector
which emits a "clear" pulse onto line L1 only when the dash pulse
is received. This clear pulse is fed to the reset input R of step
counter RSK (similar to previously described step counter SSK of
FIG. 6) to clear and hold the counter in the zero state until the
pulse terminates. It will be assumed that three dot pulses follow.
These are fed to the count input C of counter RSK which steps to
the third state and transmits a signal on line TR5. This signal
remains until the counter is cleared at the next tone control
signal. A lesser number of dot pulses would have stepped the
counter to a lower state. For example, two dot pulses would step
the counter to state 2 and a signal would be transmitted on line
TR3-4.
The selection circuits SG, shown in FIG. 10, center around
two-input adding operational amplifier AOA1 (similar to amplifier
AOA of FIG. 5) whose output is connected to line TAO. The first
input is connected to line DLO via gate G5A and the second input is
connected to line DHI via gate G6A. Gates G5A and G6A, which are
similar to gates G1 to G5 of FIG. 4, have their control inputs
connected to the outputs of OR-circuits OR3 and OR4,
respectively.
OR-circuit OR3 has three inputs connected to line TR5, to line
TR1-2, via single-pole single-throw switch SG1, and to line TR3-4,
via single-pole single-throw switch SG3, respectively. OR-circuit
OR4 has two inputs connected to line TR1-2, via single-pole
single-throw switch SG2 and to line TR3-4, via single-pole
single-throw switch SG4, respectively. Thus, gate G5A is open and
the signal on line DLO can pass to amplifier AOA1 only at three
possible times: (1 ) when a signal is present on line TR5 (when a
question is being presented); (2 ) when a signal is present on line
TR1-2 associated with statements of the first and second possible
choices and switch SG1 is closed indicating the selection of the
first possible choice; and (3 ) when a signal is present on line
TR3-4 associated with the third and fourth possible choices and
switch SG3 is closed indicating the selection of the third possible
choice. Similarly, gate G6A is open when a signal is present on
line TR1-2 and switch SG2 is closed or when a signal is present on
line TR3-4 and switch SG4 is closed.
There has thus been shown improved apparatus for compressing
question and answer information on a single channel by a
combination of time and frequency multiplexing.
Although the specific embodiment contemplates single channel
magnetic tape devices, the invention could be used over a single
channel telephone line or a radio channel. In addition, it could be
incorporated in the audio portion of an educational television
system, such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,180,931 and
3,256,386.
Furthermore, while switches SG1 to SG4 are shown as freely operable
by the student, they could be expanded to rows of four switches
each, where the operation of the rows of the switches is under the
control of further control signals as shown in U.S. Pat. No.
3,345,758.
Finally, while only single channel operation has been shown it
should be realized that the inventive idea can be used for a
plurality of such single channels, each of which is time and
frequency multiplexed in different combinations to increase the
versatility of the teaching device.
While only one embodiment of the invention has been shown and
described in detail, there will now be obvious to those skilled in
the art, many modifications and variations satisfying many or all
of the objects of the invention, but which come within the spirit
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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