Method and apparatus for controlling a tape player/recorder for retrieving and playing prerecorded information

Claims

We claim:

1. Apparatus for use with a tape player/recorder having a tape therein having a plurality of audio and/or video selections recorded thereon at spaced locations, said player/recorder including means for providing an indication of tape motion and direction and for generating a signal indicative thereof, comprising:

means responsive to said tape motion and direction indicating signal for generating a number indicative of tape position from a known reference point;

means for selecting any one of said audio and/or video selections; and

memory means responsive to said tape position number generating means and said selection means for storing the tape position number generated by said number generating means each time said selection means is activated.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said tape motion and direction indicating signal is a series of pulses and wherein said tape position number generating means comprises:

a counter responsive to said pulses, said pulses incrementing or decrementing said counter as a function of tape motion and direction whereby the output of said counter is the numerical equivalent of tape position from said known reference point.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said player/recorder includes means for providing a signal when said tape reaches the beginning thereof, and wherein said counter is responsive to said beginning of tape signal for setting said counter to a reference count.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: means responsive to said tape position number generating means for sensing when said tape position number reaches a predetermined count and for resetting said counter to a new reference count when said predetermined count is reached.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said selection means comprises:

a series of buttons, activation of a single button or a pair of buttons being required to store in said memory means the tape position number generated by said number generating means.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said memory means includes separate registers for storing a start tape position number and a stop position number for each one of said audio and/or video selections.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said memory means includes a separate register for storing a tape position number defining a park location.

8. Apparatus for recording on tape information for controlling the tape when the tape is placed in a player/recorder, the tape having a plurality of audio and/or video selections recorded thereon at spaced locations, said player/recorder including means for providing an indication of tape motion and direction and for generating a signal indicative thereof, comprising:

means responsive to said tape motion and direction indicating signal for generating a number indicative of tape position from a known reference point;

means for selecting any one of said audio and/or video selections;

memory means responsive to said tape position number generating means and said selection means for storing the tape position number generated by said number generating means each time said selection means is activated; and

means for recording on said tape at a predetermined central location, remote from said audio and/or video selections, the tape position numbers stored in said memory means.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said recording means comprises:

means responsive to said tape position numbers stored in said memory means for converting said numbers into a stream of digital data, said digital data being conducted to said tape player/recorder for recording on said tape.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said tape motion and direction indicating signal is a series of pulses and wherein said tape position number generating means comprises:

a counter responsive to said pulses, said pulses incrementing or decrementing said counter as a function of tape motion and direction whereby the output of said counter is the numerical equivalent of tape position from said zero reference point.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said player/recorder includes means for providing a signal when said tape reaches the beginning thereof, and wherein said counter is responsive to said beginning of tape signal for resetting said counter to a reference count.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising:

means responsive to said tape position number generating means for sensing when said tape position number reaches a predetermined count and for resetting said counter to a new reference count when said predetermined count is reached.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising:

a tone generator for generating an audio tone of a predetermined frequency, the output of said tone generator being connected to said tape player/recorder for recording said tone on said tape, said tone generator being responsive to said position counter resetting means for generating said tone when said resetting means resets said counter.

14. Apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising:

means for comparing the tape position number generated by said tape position number generating means with all of the tape position numbers stored in said memory means and for generating a coincidence signal whenever there is coincidence therebetween; and

a tone generator for generating an audio tone, the output of said tone generator being conducted to said tape player/recorder for recording said tone on said tape together with said recorded tape position numbers, said tone generator being responsive to said comparing means for generating said tone in response to said coincidence signal.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said memory means includes separate registers for storing a start tape position number and a stop tape position number for each one of said audio and/or video selections.

16. Apparatus for controlling a tape player for playing a tape therein having a plurality of audio and/or video selections recorded thereon at spaced locations, said tape also having recorded thereon, at a predetermined central location, remote from said selections, a plurality of tape position numbers indicative of tape position from a known reference point, said tape position numbers being indicative of the start points of said selections, said player/recorder also including means for providing an indication of tape motion and direction and for generating a signal indicative thereof, comprising:

memory means for storing tape position numbers;

means for reading from said tape said tape position numbers recorded thereon and for conducting said tape position numbers to said memory means for storage therein;

means responsive to said tape motion and direction indicating signal for generating a number indicative of tape position from a known reference point;

means for selecting any one of said audio and/or video selections;

means for comparing any tape position number stored in said memory means and selected by said selection means with the tape position number generated by said tape position number generating means; and

means responsive to said comparing means for commanding said player to wind or rewind said tape to locate the selected tape position number and for commanding playing of said tape when the selection associated therewith is located.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said player includes means for providing a signal when said tape reaches the beginning thereof, and wherein said tape position number generating means is responsive to said beginning of tape signal for resetting the number generated thereby to a reference number.

18. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said tape also has recorded thereon an audio tone of a predetermined frequency at said reference point and wherein said apparatus further comprises:

means for detecting audio tones recorded on said tape and for generating a signal when a tone is detected; and

means responsive to said signal generated when said tone is detected at said reference point for resetting the number generated by said tape position number generating means to a reference number.

19. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said selection means comprises:

a series of buttons, activation of only a single button or a pair of buttons being required to select any one of said audio and/or video selections.

20. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said tape also has recorded thereon an audio tone of a predetermined frequency at the start position of each audio and/or video selection recorded thereon and further comprising:

means for detecting audio tones of said predetermined frequency recorded on said tape and for generating a start signal upon the detection thereof, said commanding means commanding said player to wind or rewind said tape until the tape position number generated by said tape position number generating means is within a range of numbers before the selected tape position number and subsequently commanding playing of said tape when said start signal is detected by said tone detecting means.

21. Apparatus for controlling a tape player/recorder for playing a tape therein having a plurality of audio and/or video selections recorded thereon at spaced locations, said player/recorder including means for providing an indication of tape motion and direction and for generating a signal indicative thereof, comprising:

means responsive to said tape motion and direction indicating signal for generating a number indicative of tape position from a known reference point;

means for selecting any one of said audio and/or video selections;

memory means selectively responsive to said tape position number generating means and said selection means for storing the tape position number generated by said number generating means each time said selection means is activated;

means for recording on said tape at a predetermined central location, remote from said audio and/or video selections, the tape position numbers stored in said memory means whereby said tape may be removed from said player/recorder and subsequently reinserted into the same or another player/recorder;

means for reading from said tape said tape position numbers recorded thereon and for conducting said tape position numbers to said memory means for storage therein;

means for comparing any tape position number stored in said memory means and selected by said selection means with the tape position number generated by said tape position number generating means; and

means responsive to said comparing means for commanding said player/recorder to wind or rewind said tape to locate the selected tape position number and for commanding playing of said tape when the selection associated therewith is located.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said selection means comprises:

a series of buttons, activation of one or more buttons being required to locate a desired audio and/or video selection on said tape.

23. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said tape motion and direction indicating signal is a series of pulses indicative of tape motion and direction and wherein said tape position number generating means comprises:

a counter responsive to said pulses, said pulses incrementing or decrementing said counter as a function of tape motion and direction whereby the output of said counter is the numerical equivalent of tape position.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said player/recorder includes means for providing a signal when said tape has come to the beginning thereof and wherein said counter is responsive to said beginning of tape signal for resetting said counter to a reference count.

25. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said memory means includes separate registers for storing a start tape position number and a stop tape position number for each one of said audio and/or video selections.

26. Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said memory means includes a separate register for storing a tape position number defining a park location.

27. A method for recording on tape information for controlling a tape when the tape is placed in a player/recorder, the tape having a plurality of audio and/or video selections recorded thereon at spaced locations, said player/recorder including means for generating a signal indicative of tape motion and direction, comprising the steps of:

playing said tape;

generating from said tape motion and direction indicating signal a number indicative of tape position from a reference point as said tape is played;

storing in a memory means the tape position numbers generated by said number generating means and indicative of the start points for said selections recorded on said tape; and

subsequently recording on said tape at a predetermined central location, remote from said audio and/or video selections, the tape position numbers stored in said memory means.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein said step of recording on said tape comprises the steps of:

converting said tape position numbers stored in said memory means into a stream of digital data; and

conducting said digital data to said tape player/recorder for recording on said tape.

29. A method according to claim 27, wherein said player/recorder includes means for generating a signal when said tape reaches the beginning thereof, further comprising the step of:

setting the generated number indicative of tape position to a reference number when said tape reaches the beginning thereof.

30. A method according to claim 29, further comprising the step of:

sensing when the generated number indicative of tape position reaches a predetermined number and resetting said generated number indicative of tape position to a new reference number when said predetermined number is reached.

31. A method according to claim 30, further comprising the steps of:

generating an audio tone of a predetermined frequency; and

conducting said audio tone to said tape player/recorder for recording said tone on said tape when said generated number indicative of tape position is reset.

32. A method according to claim 27, further comprising the steps of:

comparing the generated number indicative of tape position with all of the tape position numbers stored in said memory means and generating a coincidence signal whenever there is coincidence therebetween;

generating an audio tone; and

conducting said audio tone to said tape player/recorder for recording said tone on said tape together with said recorded tape position numbers in response to the generation of a coincidence signal.

33. A method according to claim 32, further comprising the step of:

storing in said memory means the tape position numbers indicative of the stop points for said selections recorded on said tape.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein said step of generating an audio tone comprises the step of:

generating audio tones of first and second different frequencies, said first frequency tone being generated when a coincidence signal is generated as a result of coincidence between the tape position number generated as said tape is played and a start tape position number stored in said memory means, said second frequency tone being generated when a coincidence signal is generated as a result of coincidence between the tape position number generated as said tape is played and a stop tape position number stored in said memory means.

35. A method according to claim 27, further comprising the steps of:

subsequently reading from said tape said recorded start tape position numbers for each of said selections;

storing in said memory means said read start numbers; and

utilizing said stored numbers for locating said selections on said tape to be played.

36. A method for controlling a tape player for playing a tape therein having a plurality of audio and/or video selections recorded thereon at spaced locations, said tape also having recorded thereon, at a predetermined central location, remote from said selections, a plurality of tape position numbers indicative of tape position from a known reference point, said tape position numbers being indicative of the start points of said selections, said player/recorder also including means for generating a signal indicative of tape motion and direction, comprising the steps of:

providing a memory means for storing tape position numbers;

playing said tape;

reading from said tape said tape position numbers recorded thereon as said tape is played and conducting said tape position numbers to said memory means for storage therein;

generating from said tape motion and direction indication signal a number indicative of tape position as said tape is played;

providing a means for selecting any one of said audio and/or video selections;

comparing any tape position number stored in said memory means and selected by said selection means with the generated number indicative of tape position; and

commanding said player to wind or rewind said tape to locate the selected tape position number and to play said tape when the selection associated therewith is located.

37. A method according to claim 36, wherein said player includes means for providing a signal when said tape reaches the beginning thereof, further comprising the step of:

setting the generated number indicative of tape position to a reference number when said tape reaches the beginning thereof.

38. A method according to claim 36, wherein said tape also has recorded thereon an audio tone of a predetermined frequency at said known reference point, further comprising the steps of:

detecting audio tones recorded on said tape; and

setting the generated number indicative of tape position to a reference number when said audio tone is detected at said reference point.

39. A method according to claim 36, wherein said tape also has recorded thereon an audio tone of a predetermined frequency at the start position of each audio and/or video selection recorded thereon, further comprising the steps of:

detecting audio tones of said predetermined frequency recorded on said tape; and

generating a start signal upon the detection of an audio tone of said predetermined frequency; and wherein said commanding step comprises:

commanding said player to wind or rewind said tape until the generated number indicative of tape position is within a range of numbers before said selected tape position number; and

commanding playing of said tape when said start signal is generated.

40. A method according to claim 39, wherein said audio tone recorded on said tape at the start position of each selection has a first predetermined frequency, wherein said tape also has recorded thereon an audio tone of a second predetermined frequency at the stop position of each selection recorded thereon, wherein said detecting step comprises:

detecting tones of said first and second predetermined frequencies; wherein said generating step comprises:

generating a stop signal upon the detection of an audio tone of said second predetermined frequency; and wherein said commanding step comprises:

commanding that the playing of said tape be stopped when said stop signal is generated.

41. A method according to claim 40, wherein one of said tape position numbers recorded on said tape is a number defining a park location and wherein said commanding step comprises:

commanding the comparing of said park tape position number with the generated number indicative of tape position when said stop signal is generated whereby said tape is wound or rewound to locate said park location.

42. A method according to claim 41, wherein said commanding step comprises:

commanding the stop of said tape when said park tape position number is located until a new tape position number is selected by said manual selection means.

43. A method according to claim 36, wherein said tape position numbers recorded on said tape are also indicative of the stop points of said selections, wherein said comparing step first compares a start tape position number stored in said memory means and selected by said manual selection means, wherein after said tape is played said comparing step comprises the step of:

comparing the stop position number stored in said memory means associated with the played selection with the generated number indicative of tape position; and wherein said commanding step comprises the step of:

commanding said player to stop the playing of said tape when the generated number indicative of tape position is the same as said stop tape position number.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a tape player/recorder for retrieving and playing prerecorded information and, more particularly, to a controller which may be interfaced with either an audio or audio/video player/recorder for searching for and playing discrete tape segments on demand by an operator through the use of a separate control push button or a combination of push buttons for each desired segment or by means of a remotely generated command signal.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The development of standard types of cassettes for storing audio and video magnetic tape has greatly expanded the use of magnetic tape for prerecorded messages. Prerecorded cassette tapes are now widely used as teaching, training, and sales aides.

In the most common situation, a particular message, classroom lecture, sales program, training aid, or the like, is prerecorded on a cassette tape and the user listens to or watches the message on the tape from the beginning thereof so that there is no particular problem associated with the searching for a particular tape segment. However, it is often the case that the capacity of the tape cassette is much greater than the length of any one message and it is inefficient to limit each tape cassette to one message. Thus, in order to increase the versatility of audio and video playback as a teaching, training, and sales technique, it becomes desirable to prerecord a number of separate and distinct programs on a single cassette tape. For example, short segments of a continuous tape program can be used to illustrate a classroom lecture or a number of separate product messages can be recorded on a single cassette for use as a point of purchase or product demonstration sales tool.

The problem therefore becomes one of locating the desired program when a number of programs are prerecorded on a length of recording tape. In the past, it has become necessary to search for the program using a trial and error "look-and-see" searching technique. However, such a random back and forth searching technique has a number of disadvantages. In the first instance, a trial and error searching technique is frustrating and the unwanted images are distracting to the viewer. When used as a sales technique for visually demonstrating a product, the attention of customers is often lost due to fumbling with the equipment. The trial and error searching technique is time consuming and the repeated start and stop cycles subject a tape and a tape player to excessive wear and tear.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,220, there is disclosed a remote control, electronic, random access, automatic apparatus for use with a standard tape player for locating and playing prerecorded messages on a tape. Numerical push buttons permit selection of any prerecorded message on the tape and the tape player automatically locates the program and initiates the beginning of the message. One can switch from one tape segment to another, in any random sequence, or a single segment can be repeated again and again. With such an automatic program locator, one can eliminate time consuming look-and-see searching. The tape player automatically advances or rewinds at fast speed and then starts the program at the exact position selected. By eliminating all back and forth searching, one avoids frustration, wear and tear on the tape and player, and the distraction of unwanted messages.

In order to automatically locate and play a prerecorded message on a tape with the system of said patent, one selects a first number which corresponds to the location of the prerecorded message on the tape, the first number being indicative of the desired number of revolutions of one of the tape reels from the beginning of the tape. A means coupled to the tape player senses the rotation of the one tape reel and generates a second number indicative of the actual number of revolutions of the one tape reel from the beginning of the tape. Upon comparing the first and second numbers and noting the absence of coincidence therebetween, the tape player can be signaled to advance or rewind, at high speed, in the direction to decrease the difference between the first and second numbers. Upon noting coincidence between the first and second numbers, the tape player can be signaled to automatically play the tape at normal play speed.

While such a system solves many of the problems associated with the location of a prerecorded message on a tape and the automatic initiation of the playing of such message, certain problems remain. Specifically, the operator must be provided with, along with the tape, a list containing the start numbers for each program selection recorded on the tape. The controller must be provided with a keyboard having the capability of manually inserting this number for comparison with the number indicative of actual tape position. It has been found that under many circumstances, this procedure is overly complex. That is, in many circumstances, it would be preferable simply to push a single button, or a pair of buttons, indicative of a particular selection and to have that selection play without the selection of a particular number associated with such selection. In such a case, the apparatus would function much like a jukebox, where the operator would simply push a button or buttons associated with a particular selection. This highly simplifies the nature of the operation.

Still further, it is desirable that the operator receive nothing with the tape other than the tape itself and, perhaps, a list of the selections thereon. The tape should contain all of the information necessary to permit the player to locate the messages simply upon the pushing of a button. That is, the tape should contain all of the information necessary to program the player without any extraneous apparatus such as a memory device associated with the tape to be placed into the player therewith. Such a simplified automatic, remote control, electronic, random access apparatus for locating a prerecorded message on a tape and for automatically initiating the playing of such message has been unavailable heretofore.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for locating prerecorded messages on a tape and for automatically initiating the playing of such messages which solves the problems discussed herein in a manner unknown heretofore. According to the present invention, a single push button or a combination of push buttons allows a user to select any segment or portion of a tape. Within seconds, and without touching the player or monitor, the desired message is located and begins. One can switch from one tape segment to another, in any random sequence, or a single segment can be repeated again and again.

The present system eliminates time consuming look-and-see searching. The tape player automatically advances or rewinds, at fast speed, and then starts the program at the exact position selected. By advancing directly to each new segment before threading, the apparatus eliminates most of the wear and tear that occurs with repeated start and stop cycles. The present system reduces tape and duplicating costs by allowing a number of programs to be combined in a single cassette. Furthermore, by eliminating all back and forth searching, one avoids frustration and the distraction of unwanted messages.

The present system provides a user with a high degree of flexibility. Once the various audio and/or video selections are recorded on a tape, at spaced locations, the user can play the tape and assign selection numbers to each program. After the start and stop points for each selection have been determined, all of the information necessary to identify such start and stop points is recorded right on the tape itself. Accordingly, thereafter, the tape can be removed from the player and duplicated. When a user receives the tape and places the tape into his player, the start and stop locations of the various selections may be read from the tape and stored in a memory so that all the user has to do is to push a single button or pair of buttons and the selection associated therewith will be located and played.

Briefly, the method of the present invention for controlling a tape player/recorder for playing a tape therein having a plurality of audio and/or video selections recorded thereon at spaced locations, said player/recorder including means for providing an indication of tape motion and direction, comprises the steps of playing the tape; generating from the tape motion and direction indication a number indicative of tape position as the tape is played; storing in a memory the tape position numbers indicative of the start and stop points for selections recorded on the tape; subsequently recording on the tape the stored start and stop numbers for the selections whereby the tape may be removed from the player/recorder and subsequently reinserted into the same or another player/recorder; reading from the tape the recorded start and stop numbers for each selection associated with each selection number; storing in the memory the read start and stop numbers; and utilizing the stored numbers for locating selections on the tape to be played.

Briefly, the apparatus according to the present invention for controlling a tape player/recorder for playing a tape therein having a plurality of audio and/or video selections recorded thereon at spaced locations, the player recorder including means for providing an indication of tape motion and direction and for generating a signal indicative thereof, comprises means responsive to the tape motion and direction indicating signal for generating a number indicative of tape position from a zero reference point; means for selecting any one of the audio and/or video selections; memory means responsive to the tape position number generating means and the selection means for storing the tape position number generated by the number generating means each time the selection means is activated, an operator activating the selection means at the start and stop numbers for each audio and/or video selection whereby the memory means has stored therein the start and stop tape position numbers for each selection; means for recording on the tape the start and stop tape position numbers stored in the memory means whereby the tape may be removed from the player/recorder and subsequently reinserted into the same or another player/recorder; means for reading from the tape the start and stop tape position numbers recorded thereon and for conducting the tape position numbers to the memory means for storage therein; means for comparing any start tape position number stored in the memory means and selected by the selection means with the tape position number generated by the tape position number generating means; and means responsive to the comparing means for commanding the player/recorder to locate the selected start tape position number.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for controlling a tape player/recorder for retrieving and playing prerecorded information.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a controller which may be interfaced with either an audio or audio/video player/recorder for searching for and playing discrete tape segments on demand by an operator through the use of a separate control push button or buttons for each desired segment.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for controlling a tape player/recorder in which all of the information for controlling the tape player/recorder is recorded on tape.

Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present apparatus for controlling a tape player/recorder for retrieving and playing prerecorded information; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a length of tape showing the manner in which information is recorded thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a block diagram of the present apparatus, generally designated 10, for locating prerecorded messages on a length of magnetic tape and for automatically initiating the playing of such messages. Apparatus 10 is designed for use with an existing cassette tape player/recorder 11, which may be an audio tape player but which preferably is a video cassette tape player. In the latter case, the output of tape player 11 would be conducted to a conventional T.V. monitor (not shown) for viewing the information recorded on the tape within tape player 11.

Tape player 11 includes a tape drive mechanism (not shown) including a tape drive capstan for contacting the magnetic tape and for transporting the tape from a supply reel to a take-up reel. Tape player 11 can receive a series of control inputs, at 12, for signaling stop, play, record, fast forward, fast rewind, etc. Tape player 11 also has an audio control channel 13 for receiving and playing back audio information to be recorded on such channel. Player/recorder 11 preferably includes a sensor 14 for generating, on a line 15, a signal indicating that a cassette has been positioned therein.

Apparatus 10 requires certain other signals indicative of the status of tape player 11 in order to provide an effective search/play sequence. Apparatus 10 requires a signal indicating that the tape has come to the beginning thereof (BOT) and tape player 11 includes a BOT sensor 16 which generates a BOT signal on a line 17. Apparatus 10 also requires a series of pulses which are proportional to tape motion and indicative of tape direction, apparatus 10 utilizing these pulses to increment or decrement a counter which will yield an output that represents a numerical equivalent of tape position expressed in a distance away from a known reference point. Accordingly, tape player 11 includes a tape motion sensor 18 which provides, on an output line 19, pulses which are proportional to tape motion. BOT sensor 16 and tape motion sensor 18 may be as described in the beforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,220.

Tape player 11 is preferably a Sony model SLO-320 video cassette tape player/recorder, the industrial version of the Sony Betamax series of video cassette tape player/recorders. No modification of such player/recorder is required for use in apparatus 10 in that such player/recorder has the inputs and outputs described herein on a remote control connector and adjacent audio input and output connections.

Apparatus 10 includes means 20 for selecting a desired prerecorded message on the tape in tape player 11. Means 20 may simply be a manual keyboard made up of a series of buttons and means associated with such buttons for generating, on a line 21, a signal indicative of which button or buttons have been pressed. For explanation purposes only, keyboard 20 will be described as including sixteen buttons, one for each selection, and this number will be used for the present example. Alternatively, if a large number of selections are recorded on a single tape, keyboard 20 could include two sets of buttons and the selection of one of each set would be required to make a program selection. Still further, program selection signals could be generated remotely by an external selection means, such as a computer. Keyboard 20 may be as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,996,671 or 4,014,039.

Apparatus 10 also includes a plurality of lamps 22, one for each button on keyboard 20. Preferably, lamps 22 are mounted on keyboard 20 adjacent the buttons. Lamps 22 are controlled by a lamp decoder and driver 23 which receives, over a line 24 or a line 25, a signal indicative of which lamp is to be lit. Decoder and driver 23 interprets such signal and provides, over a line 26, a signal suitable for activating the selected lamp 22. Lamps and lamp driver circuits are known to those skilled in the art.

Apparatus 10 includes a position counter 30 which is simply a conventional pulse counter for counting the pulses received over line 19 from tape motion sensor 18 in tape player 11. As the tape moves through player 11, pulses appear on line 19 indicative of the tape motion and direction. These pulses increment or decrement counter 30 which provides, on a line 31, an output that represents a numerical equivalent of tape position. Position counter 30 receives inputs over line 17 from BOT sensor 16 and over a line 32, as will be described more fully hereinafter, to selectively reset counter 30 to a zero or other reference count. Position counter 30 may be a multiplicity of model 74191 pre-settable binary up/down counters of the type manufactured by National Semiconductor, Signetics, Texas Instruments, and others.

The output of counter 30 on line 31 is applied as one input to a memory device 35. Memory 35 is a conventional digital memory device having a series of storage registers for storing numerical equivalents of tape position, hereinafter referred to as tape position numbers. Specifically, memory 35 has sufficient storage capacity for storing the tape position numbers indicative of the start point for each selection recorded on a tape, the tape position numbers indicative of the stop point for each selection recorded on a tape, and a tape position number indicative of a "park" location. Since keyboard 20 is capable of selecting any one of sixteen programs, memory 35 has sixteen registers for start numbers, sixteen registers for stop numbers, and one register for a park number. Memory 35 is preferably a Motorola model 6810, 128 byte memory or equivalent or a memory as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,996,671.

Apparatus 10 also includes a scan and match circuit 40. Scan and match circuit 40 receives a first input over line 31 from position counter 30 and a second input over a line 41 from memory 35. Depending upon the mode of operation, as will be described more fully hereinafter, scan and match circuit 40 either compares the output of counter 30 with the number stored in a selected register in memory 35 or continuously scans the numbers stored in all of the registers in memory 35 and compares such numbers with the output of position counter 30 on line 31. In either event, scan and match circuit 40 provides a command output on line 25 which is based on the difference between its two inputs. The scanning portion of circuit 40 could be a conventional multiplexing system for sequentially conducting the outputs of all registers in memory 35 to one input of the matching portion of circuit 40. Multiplexing may be achieved by using a 74191 counter driven by a clock for sequentially addressing the address lines of memory 35, the outputs of the registers of memory 35 being applied to one input of the matching portion of circuit 40. The matching portion of circuit 40 could be a conventional magnitude comparator capable of providing, in response to two binary inputs, an equal to, a less than, or a greater than output. Such a magnitude comparator could be a Texas Instruments Incorporated part No. SN7485, a N