Device for reading a printed code and for converting this code into an audio signal

A device for generating audio signals on the basis of printed code representations that are present on a visually selectable zone of the surface of a carrier, said device comprising:

• (a) first means, suitable for manipulation, for the selective and optical scanning of said zone and for deriving code signals from the code representations present in said zone;
• (b) second means, including an intermediate memory having a data input which is connected to an output of the first means, for receiving and processing said code signals and for developing reproduction control signals therefrom;
• (c) within said second means a synchronization mechanism for deriving synchronization signals from the signals of the code representations and for controlling the storage of code signals in the intermediate memory by means of these synchronization signals;
• (d) clock means within said second means for controlling the reading of code signal information stored in the intermediate memory and for presenting these code signals on an output of the second means,
• (e) third means having an input connected to an output of the second means for receiving therefrom control signals, for the sequential actuation of acoustic generator means included in said third means.