Abstract: A system for recovering information from a videodisc and performing special functions which enhance the operational character of the system. To increase the reliability of landing at or near a target track, provisions are made to search for a track adjacent a target track whose track identifier has been obliterated. Further, a method and means for stepping forward or reverse one field at a time is disclosed. Another aspect of the invention concerns a capability to respond to a random command instruction resulting in subsequent functioning of the system in a random manner. Yet a further aspect of the invention is related to controlled jumping of one or more tracks during vertical blanking time to produce unique forward or backward motions; multiples of playing speed, both forward and reverse, and visual special effects can be realized using the multiple track jumping feature. Finally, a method and means are described which permit synchronous transmission of video from a videodisc to an external using device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recording and playing back a plurality of digitally encoded audio messages along with associated video data. The messages are combined along with a plurality of corresponding audio message initial data address signals and recorded on a recording medium with the video data. In playback, the address and audio data signals are retrieved from the recording medium and stored. The address signals are utilized to access selectable messages for decoding and playback with selected video data. Codes can be included to control the decoding rate in accordance with the sample rate of the audio message data.

Abstract: A video signal play back device derives video signals from successive tracks formed as a continuous spiral on a video disc using a light source and a lens system, which is carried by a rotatable element at a predetermined spacing from the surface of the disc and which defines a folded optical path. The rotatable element translates the lens system in the radial direction relative to the disc for "coarse" steering of the light beam along the information tracks as the disc is rotated by a turntable. The optical path includes a mirror which is articulated for rotational motion about an axis which shifts the point of impingement of the transmitted light beam upon the disc in the radial direction. The returned beam is directed to a photosensitive pick-up which provides input signals to a circuit which generates a "fine" servo control signal to drive the articulated mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly moving a reading beam of light radially relative to a rotating record disc, to impinge on a selected target track on the disc and recover information recorded on it. The apparatus first radially translates an optical system that directs the beam onto the disc at a relatively high speed until it is within a prescribed radial distance of the target track. Thereafter, an element of the optical system is controllably deflected such that the beam moves incrementally across a prescribed plurality of tracks during each disc revolution, until reaching the target track. The information recorded on each track includes a unique addres signal, and movement of the beam relative to the disc is controlled according to the difference between the respective addresses of the track currently being scanned and the target track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectably retrieving information from any of a plurality of spirally-formed information tracks formed in a video disc by means of controlling a carriage for translating the video disc in a forward or a reverse direction relative to radiant beam information recovery means in a video disc player. Each information track is identified by a unique address and means are provided for selecting the address of a particular track to be retrieved. A prescribed sequence of drive signals is applied to a carriage motor dependent on the distance to be traveled by the carriage to retrieve the selected information, the drive signals being successively stepped downward to intermittently redetermine carriage motor speed as predetermined location thresholds are reached during carriage translation.