Programmable multi-channel audio playback system for reel-to-reel tapes

A programmable multi-channel audio playback system for tape cassettes and the like comprising

• an end-to-end tape means having two or more channels on which segments of information are serially recorded in one direction on a first channel and in the opposite direction on a second channel, each serially adjacent pair of segments being separated by a gap, said tape means further including information recorded in said gaps for identifying the position of each gap relative to one end of the tape means, and a table of contents which includes information identifying each segment of information recorded on the tape means, information identifying the gaps preceding and succeeding each segment of information, and information identifying which channel each segment of information is on,
• reading means for reading said information segments, the table of contents and the information contained in the gaps from said tape means,
• audio speaker means for aurally reproducing information segments applied thereto when activated by an activation signal,
• keyboard means having a plurality of manually operable keys which, when operated, cause production of key signals, said key signals identifying information segments on the tape means which are to be reproduced,
• storage means for temporarily storing said key signals,
• a microprocessor responsive to said key signals, said table of contents, and the information contained in the gaps for producing control signals for application to said control means to control movement of the tape means, and for producing activation signals for activating audio speaker means, and
• control means for causing the tape means to move and for controlling such movement in response to control signals, said control means including
• first direction play means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said tape means to move at a playback speed in said first direction,
• second direction play means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said tape means to move at a playback speed in said second direction,
• first rewind means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said tape means to move at a faster than playback speed in said first direction, and
• second rewind means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said tape means to move at a faster than playback speed in said second direction, and
• means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said reading means to read information segments from either the first or second channel and for causing said audio speaker means to reproduce information segments from either the first or second channel.

A programmable multi-channel audio playback system for tape cassettes and the like comprising

• an end-to-end tape means having two or more channels on which segments of information are serially recorded in one direction on a first channel and in the opposite direction on a second channel, each serially adjacent pair of segments being separated by a gap, said tape means further including information recorded in each of said gaps for identifying the information segment following each gap,
• reading means for reading said information segments from the tape means, and the information contained in the gaps,
• audio speaker means for aurially reproducing information segments applied thereto when activated by an activation signal,
• keyboard means having a plurality of manually operable keys, which, when operated, cause production of key signals, said key signals identifying information segments on the tape means which are to be reproduced,
• storage means for temporarily storing said key signals,
• a microprocessor responsive to said key signals and to the information contained in the gaps for producing control signals, and for producing activation signals for activating said audio speaker means, and
• control means for causing the tape means to move and for controlling such movement in response to control signals, said control means including
• first direction play means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said tape means to move at a playback speed in said first direction,
• second direction play means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said tape means to move at a playback speed in said second direction,
• first rewind means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said tape means to move at a faster than playback speed in said first direction, and
• second rewind means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said tape means to move at a faster than playback speed in said second direction,
• means responsive to control signals from said microprocessor for causing said reading means to read information segments from either or both the first and second channel and for causing said audio speaker means to reproduce information segments from either the first or second channel.