An effects processor for an effects module. The effects processor comprises a RISC processor, a DSP for fast integer multiplication and a small memory. The processor uses VARK language and a lookup table of VARK scripts to apply a variety of effects to images stored outside the effects module. The effects processor includes a serial bus interface which communicates with the Serial Bus of a compact printer system comprising one or more further modules. The Serial Bus communicates power and data b...

A device for installation in proximity to the windshield of a motor vehicle for reducing glare caused by sunlight reflected from parts of the motor vehicle in the daylight as well as the glare caused by headlights of oncoming vehicles after dark, including a selectively controllable artificial light source and a distributor for the light rays emanating therefrom, the distributor including a colored translucent surface through which the light rays are directed over the surface of the windshield f...

A method for changing each of and/or arranging the sequential order of audio effects circuit modules constructed to be received in any electronic system so predisposed, noiselessly, without the generation of spurious noise signals into the main signal path of the system, during performance and all stages of operation, maintaining, all the while, the uninterrupted flow of the main signal path through the system. The effects box described herein includes a main housing containing a main circuit ap...

A speed control signal for a record segment is generated from starting speed and starting time information signals, an ending speed information signal, and a signal indicative of the duration of the segment. Provision is made for "pre-roll" (stopping the tape ahead of the exact cue point). Duration can be entered directly or computed from start and end times. The speed control signal is applied to a capstan servo, while a cue logic servo controls a reel servo.

A special effects mallet for production of a variety of unique sound effects when used with percussion instruments. An ellipsoidally shaped mallet head of semi-rigid material having a high coefficient of friction when in contact with a percussion instrument such a drum head or the like, produces sounds imitative of an extremely uniform drum roll when drawn across the drumhead or the like. The frequency of the roll may be varied by varying the speed of movement or the angle of orientation of the ...

Method and apparatus for accentuating beats in a musical arrangement. A continuous loop of film is prepared containing sequential sets of different images. A predetermined number of the images is projected for no more than one-third of a second ensuring that there is a discrete image change within one-sixth of a second of the time of occurrence of a beat.

A video effects generator consists of two major components: an electronic video switch and a waveform generator. The switch can give either sharp or soft edges, fade in or out or fade bewteen the two inputs. This switch is driven by a waveform generator to provide switching at a line rate, field rate or both. Effects result when two video sources are alternately selected within the time of one field.

A digital video effects apparatus comprises an input for receiving a digital input video signal representing the distribution of optical information over a video field, and a key signal generator for providing a digital key signal that defines an area of the video field. A mask signal generator provides a digital mask signal that defines at least a portion of said area of the video field. The digital mask signal is combined with the digital key signal to provide a modified digital key signal, an...

A photocopier for reproducing an image of an object together with a "special effect" image that is related to the image. In one embodiment, the "special effect" image is the same entire image, or a modified portion, that is reproduced at an adjacent position and in a different color, or in otherwise different visual form. In another embodiment, the "special effect" image is a fixed geometric figure, or portion, such as a line, circle, box, or other shape, also in different color or visual form. ...

A sound effects generator including a pair of digitally programmable sound generators, each of which is independently and dynamically controlled by a programmed digital signal processor through a control logic interface. Each programmable sound generator includes three intermediate signal channels providing respective digital noise and tone signals. Each intermediate signal channel, moreover, includes a mixer for blending the respective noise and tone signals as desired. Each intermediate channe...