Audio-visual teaching machine and control system therefor

Abstract

An improved audio-visual apparatus for projecting visual information segments carried by a transparency holder in an audio-visual cartridge, and for reproducing corresponding narrative and control information recorded on a movable storage medium carried by the cartridge. The apparatus includes an optical projector for projecting a selected one of the visual information segments onto a screen and a first drive mechanism for supporting the holder and selectively driving it to align specified visual segments with the optical projector. A second drive mechanism supporting the storage medium and selectively moving it independently of the holder to permit reproduction of recorded information is provided, and a playback device is mounted in operative relationship with the storage medium to produce signals corresponding to the stored information. Control information reproduced from the storage medium is fed to a microprocessor which is responsive thereto selectively to operate the first and second drive mechanisms while narrative information is fed to a loudspeaker, whereby selected visual displays and accompanying corresponding audible narrative are produced in predetermined sequences. Manual control selectors is also provided to permit operator response to and modification of the audio-visual program.