Audio Disc Research Articles

Development of a Generic Operator Aiding and Training System

A blend of recent technological innovations has provided the capability for a new generation of operator aiding and training systems. This paper discusses the development of one such system - a multi-purpose, computer-based system that permits real-time user interaction with custom designed training and/or decision aids. The system is built around a laser video-disc player which provides the capability for random access of video imagery which can be combined with computer-generated graphics on a color monitor. The audio signal is stored on an audio disk system that also permits random access to real speech segments. System software is designed with the flexibility to permit the production and integration of video, audio, graphics and text information which can be made available to the user through different accessing schemes, for example, paging, selection from a menu, embedded in operating/maintenance procedures, or through highly interactive decision-making routines. The system under development is being used to explore and demonstrate a wide range of applications in the utility, process control and commercial industries. Video-disc techniques of surrogate travel, interactive instruction, and spatial data management are under investigation as potential aids to the operator/maintainer of large complex systems. This paper discusses the potential system applications and also evaluates the advantages and limitations of the component technologies for the human-machine interface.

Large Scale Integrated Circuit System for Digital Audio Disc Player

The Compact Digital Audio Disc player system is integrated by high speed CMOS and Bipolar technology.1)

A Semiconductor Laser for Optical Disc Systems

Semiconductor lasers based on the GaAlAs system have great potential to be used is light sources in optical read out systems for video and audio discs. It is essential to consider the laser in combination with its control circuit to define an optimum in performance and price. The requirements on laser structure and package design will be discussed in terms of temperature dependence versus wavelength and also stability against surge currents versus circurity of the power supply.

Audio-disc scratch filter

A new method of detecting and removing the audible effects of scratch imperfections on audio discs is described.

A Co-operative research project in Computer-Aided Learning

In 1967, the National Research Council (NRC) began a preliminary study of the application of computers as aids to learning. This initial work led to the establishment of a central research facility which is used by the NRC and a number of educational research organizations in a co-operative program of research into computer-aided learning. This central facility includes a medium-scale time sharing computer which is accessible to the participating organizations by means of remote terminals. A major objective of the project is to provide a facility which will allow the active co-operation of research workers throughout Canada in the development and evaluation of Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) systems to meet Canadian requirements. The NRC efforts are concentrated in the areas of development of terminal equipment, specialized computer facilities, and system programs. Examples of such development include audio tape and disc storage units, a transparent touch-sensitive tablet for computer input, alphanumeric and graphic display devices, line-concentrator systems and supporting-system programs. The co-operating educational organizations provide the facilities for the development and testing of course material and evaluation of terminal equipment. In some cases they assist in the development of system programs. The first participating educational organization to go “on line” was the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in Toronto which was linked to the computer early in 1970. Since that time, the number of on-line participants has grown to six. The project provides a means for close communication between the educational researcher and the system designer. In this way, effective use can be made of available resources to arrive at a system specification which more closely meets the requirements of the user than might otherwise be possible.