Unified automatic video and audio signal control and distribution system

• US 5,034,808 A
• Filed: 05/30/1989
• Issued: 07/23/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Harold R. Murray
• Original Assignee: Harold R. Murray
• Inventors: Murray, Harold R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ng, Jin F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Woo, Stella L.
• Application Number:
  US07/357,882
• Time in Patent Office: 784 Days
• Field of Search: 358/86, 455/3-6, 381/82, 381/85, 381/86, 381/123
• US Class Current: 725/75
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/00 Arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus with cameras or projectors G03B31/00 ; recording/reproducing of music for electrophonic musical instruments G10H1/0033; automatic arrangements for answering calls or for recording messages for absent subscribers H04M1/64; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with dictation recording and playback systems H04M11/10; connection of TV recorder with other related apparatus, e.g. TV camera or receiver, in which the TV signal is significantly involved H04N, e.g. H04N23/00, H04N5/765; combination of radio or TV with other apparatus, e.g. with vehicles H05K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/62 for transportation systems, e.g. in vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 27/00 Public address systems circuits for preventing acoustic reaction H04R3/02; circuits for distributing signals to loudspeakers H04R3/12; monitoring or testing arrangements for public address systems H04R29/007; amplifiers H03F
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 3/12 for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers specially adapted for hearing aids H04R25/407

Abstract

A video and audio signal control and distribution system for mobile use includes an audio select logic controller for selection and distribution of one of an AM/FM radio signal, a video tape audio track signal and a microphone signal based on a hierarchical signal arrangement. The system further includes video signal transmission circuitry and video monitors which are triggered to an on state whenever the video tape audio track signal is selected by the audio select logic controller.

Claims

1. An audio and video signal control and distribution system comprising:

audio entertainment means for generating first audio output signals without video output signals;

video entertainment means for generating both video output signals and second audio output signals;

audio select logic controller means for automatically selecting one of said first and second audio output signals to be amplified, and for automatically selecting said second audio output signals for amplification in lie of said first audio output signals when said first and second audio output signals are simultaneously received by said audio select logic controller means;

audio amplifier means coupled to said audio entertainment means and said video entertainment means for amplifying said one of said first and second audio output signals selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification;

audio output means coupled to said audio amplifier means for converting said selected one of said first and second audio output signals for audible sounds;

video output means coupled to said video entertainment means for converting said video output signals to visual images; and

power means coupled to said audio amplifier means for supplying power to said audio and video signal control and distribution system.

2. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising interlock means for preventing amplification by said audio amplifier means of the one of said first and second audio output signals which is not selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification by said audio amplifier.

3. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising microphone means for converting audible sounds to third audio output signals and for transmitting said third audio output signals to said audio amplifier means, said microphone means including an off position in which audible sounds are not converted to said third audio output signals and an on position in which audible sounds are converted to said third audio output signals, said audio amplifier means being structured for amplifying said third audio output signals.

4. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 3, wherein said audio select logic controller means is structured so as to aotomatically select said third audio output signals for amplification in lieu of said first and second audio output signals when said microphone means is in said on position and said first, second and third audio output signals are simultaneously received by said audio select logic controller means.

5. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 3, further comprising interlock means for preventing amplification by said audio amplifier means of said first and second audio output signals when said microphone is in said on position.

6. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said power means is a 12 volt DC power source.

7. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising means for coupling at least one additional power amplifier to said system.

8. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting the input sensitivity of said audio amplifier means.

9. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting the level of said first audio output signals to match said audio select logic controller means.

10. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said selected one of said first and second audio output signals is latched to the audio output means by means of a solid state switch.

11. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 10, wherein said solid state switch comprises a complementary metal oxide semiconductor analog switch.

12. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said audio entertainment means includes a radio and said first audio output signals comprise radio frequency signals.

13. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said audio entertainment means includes magnetic tape audio reproduction means.

14. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said audio entertainment means includes optical disk audio reproduction means.

15. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said video means includes video tape audio and video reproduction means.

16. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said audio output means comprises at least one accoustical speaker.

17. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said video output means comprises at least one video monitor.

18. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising video output distribution amplifier means for distributing said video output signals to said video output means.

19. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 18, further comprising means for adjusting the input sensitivity of said video output distribution amplifier means.

20. An audio and video signal control and distribution system comprising:

audio entertainment means for generating first audio output signals without video output signals;

video entertainment means for generating both video output signals and second audio output signals;

microphone means for converting audible sounds to third audio output signals, said microphone means including an off position in which audible sounds are not converted to said third audio output signals and an on position in which audible sounds are converted to said third audio output signals;

audio select logic controller means for automatically selecting one of said first, second and third audio output signals for amplification in a predetermined order of priority;

audio amplifier means coupled to said audio entertainment means, said video entertainment means and said microphone means for amplifying said one of said first, second and third audio output signals selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification;

audio output means coupled to said audio amplifier means for converting said selected one of said first, second and third audio output signals to audible sounds;

video output means coupled to said video entertainment means for converting said video output signals to visual images; and

power means for supplying power to said audio and video signal control and distribution system.

21. The audio and video control and distribution system of claim 20, wherein said audio select logic controller means automatically selects said third audio output signals for amplification in lieu of said first and second audio output signals when said microphone means is in said on position and said first, second and third audio output signals are simultaneously received by said audio select logic controller, and further wherein said audio select logic controller means automatically selects said second audio output signals for amplification in lieu of said first audio output signals when said first and second audio output signals are simultaneously received by said audio select logic controller means in the absence of said third audio output signals.

22. An audio and video signal control and distribution system comprising:

at least one member selected from the group consisting of a radio, a magnetic tape player and an optical disk player, for generating first audio output signals without video output signals;

a video tape player for generating both video output signals and second audio output signals;

a microphone for converting audible sounds to third audio output signals, said microphone including an off position in which audible sounds are not converted to said third audio output signals and an on position in which audible sounds are converted to said third audio output signals;

audio select logic controller means for automatically selecting one of said first, second and third audio output signals for amplification in a predetermined order of priority;

an audio amplifier coupled to said at least one member, said video tape player, and said microphone, for amplifying said one of said first, second and third audio output signals selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification;

at least one acoustical speaker coupled to said audio amplifier for converting said selected one of said first, second and third audio output signals to audible sounds;

at least one video monitor coupled to said video tape player for converting said video output signals to visual images; and

a 12 volt direct current power supply coupled to said audio amplifier for supplying power to said audio and video signal control and distribution system.

23. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 22, wherein said system includes a plurality of accoustical speakers coupled to said audio amplifier for converting said selected one of said first, second and third audio output signals to audible sounds.

24. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 22, wherein said system includes a plurality of video monitors coupled to said video tape player for converting said video output signals to visual images.

25. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 22, further including means for coupling at least one additional power amplifier to said system.

26. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 22, further including interlock means for preventing amplification by said audio amplifier of the ones of said first, second and third audio output signals which are not selected by said audio select logic controller for amplification by said audio amplifier.

27. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 22, further comprising a video output distribution amplifier for distributing said video output signals to said video output means.

28. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 27, further comprising means for adjusting the input sensitivity of said video output distribution amplifier.

29. The audio and video signal control and distribution system comprising:

at least one member selected from the group consisting of a radio, a magnetic tape player and an optical disk player, for generating first audio output signals without video output signals;

a video tape player for generating both video output signals and second audio output signals;

a microphone for converting audible sounds to third audio output signals, said microphone including an off position in which audible sounds are not converted to said third audio output signals and an on position in which audible sounds are converted to said third audio output signals;

audio select logic controller means for automatically selecting one of said first, second and third audio output signals for amplification in a predetermined order of priority;

an audio amplifier coupled to said at least one member, said video tape player, and said microphone, for amplifying said one of said first, second and third audio output signals selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification;

a plurality of acoustical speakers coupled to said audio amplifier for converting said selected one of said first, second and third audio output signals to audible sounds;

a plurality of video monitors coupled to said video tape player for converting said video output signals to visual images;

means for coupling at least one additional power amplifier to said system;

interlock means for preventing amplification by said audio amplifier of the ones of said first, second and third audio output signals which are not selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification by said audio amplifier; and

a 12 volt direct current power supply coupled to said audio controller for supplying power to said audio and video signal control and distribution system.

30. An audio and video signal control and distribution system comprising:

audio entertainment means for generating first audio output signals;

video entertainment means for generating video output signals and second audio output signals;

audio select logic controller means for automatically selecting one of said first and second audio output signals for amplification in a predetermined order of priority;

audio amplifier means coupled to said audio entertainment means and said video entertainment means for amplifying said one of said first and second audio output signals selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification;

audio output means coupled to said audio amplifier means for converting said selected one of said first and second audio output signals to audible sounds;

video output means coupled to said video entertainment means for converting said video output signals to visual images;

power means coupled to said audio amplifier means for supplying power to said audio and video signal control and distribution system; and

video output distribution amplifier means for distribution said video output signals to said video output means, said video output distribution amplifier means comprising a two stage input buffer pre-amplifier and a plurality of capacitively coupled common collector type amplifier stages.

31. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 30, wherein each of said plurality of amplifier stages is constructed so as to provide a low impedance output which is independent of the other amplifier stages.

32. An audio and video signal control and distribution system comprising:

at least one member selected from the group consisting of a radio, a magnetic tape player and an optical disk player, for generating first audio output signals;

a video tape player for generating video output signals and second audio output signals;

a microphone for converting audible sounds to third audio output signals, said microphone including an off position in which audible sounds are not converted to said third audio output signals and an on position in which audible sounds are converted to said third audio output signals;

audio select logic controller means for automatically selecting one of said first, second and third audio output signals for amplification in a predetermined order of priority;

an audio amplifier coupled to said at least one member, said video tape player, and said microphone, for amplifying said one of said first, second and third audio output signals selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification;

at least one acoustical speaker coupled to said audio amplifier for converting said selected one of said first, second and third audio output signals to audible sounds;

at least one video monitor coupled to said video tape player for converting said video output signals to visual images;

a 12 volt direct current power supply coupled to said audio amplifier for supplying power to said audio and video signal control and distribution system; and

video output distribution amplifier means for distributing said video output signals to said video output means, said video output distribution amplifier means comprising a two stage input buffer pre-amplifier and a plurality of capacitively coupled common collector type amplifier stages.

33. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 32, wherein each of said plurality of amplifier stages is constructed so as to provide a low impedance output which is independent of the other amplifier stages.

34. An audio and video signal control and distribution system comprising:

audio entertainment means for generating first audio output signals;

video entertainment means for generating video output signals and second audio output signals;

microphone means for converting audible sounds to third audio output signals, said microphone means including an off position in which audible sounds are not converted to said third audio output signals and an on position in which audible sounds are converted to said third audio output signals;

audio select logic controller means for automatically selecting one of said first, second and third audio output signals for amplification in a predetermined order of priority;

audio amplifier means coupled to said audio entertainment means, said video entertainment means and said microphone means for amplifying said one of said first, second and third audio output signals selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification;

audio output means coupled to said audio amplifier means for converting said selected one of said first, second and third audio output signals to audible sounds;

video output means coupled to said video entertainment means for converting said video output signals to visual images;

power means for supplying power to said audio and video signal control and distribution system; and

video output distribution amplifier means for distributing said video output signals to said video output means, said video output distribution amplifier means comprising a two stage input buffer pre-amplifier and a plurality of capacitively coupled common collector type amplifier stages.

35. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 34, wherein each of said plurality of amplifier stages is constructed so as to provide a low impedance output which is independent of the other amplifier stages.

36. An audio and video signal control and distribution system comprising:

at least one member selected from the group consisting of a radio, a magnetic tape player and a optical disk player, for generating first audio output signals;

a video tape player for generating video output signals and second audio output signals;

a microphone for converting audible sounds to third audio output signals, said microphone including an off position in which audible sounds are not converted to said third audio output signals and an on position in which audible sounds are converted to said third audio output signals;

audio select logic controller means for automatically selecting one of said first, second and third audio output signals for amplification in a predetermined order of priority;

an audio amplifier coupled to said at least one member, said video tape player, and said microphone, for amplifying said one of said first, second and third audio output signals selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification;

a plurality of acoustical speakers coupled to said audio amplifier for converting said selected one of said first, second and third audio output signals to audible sounds;

a plurality of video monitors coupled to said video tape player for converting said video output signals to visual images;

means for coupling at least one additional power amplifier to said system;

interlock means for preventing amplification by said audio amplifier of the ones of said first, second and third audio output signals which are not selected by said audio select logic controller means for amplification by said audio amplifier;

a 12 volt direct current power supply coupled to said audio amplifier for supplying power to said audio and video signal control and distribution system; and

video output distribution amplifier means for distributing said video output signals to said video output means, said video output distribution amplifier means comprising a two stage input buffer pre-amplifier and a plurality of capacitively coupled common collector type amplifier stages.

37. The audio and video signal control and distribution system of claim 36, wherein each of said plurality of amplifier stages is constructed so as to provide a low impedance output which is independent of the other amplifier stages.