Abstract: Only one encoder for encoding color difference signals B-Y and R-Y into a carrier chrominance signal is required in a video camera combined in one unit with a video signal recording and reproducing apparatus. In both a recording and a reproducing mode, a composite video signal is provided as an output signal for monitoring, even though the color video signal is processed in the component manner by the apparatus. A synchronizing signal is selectively applied to the encoder either from a reference signal generator or from a reproduced synchronizing signal in the recording mode or the reproducing mode, respectively, so that only one encoder is sufficient to perform both recording and playback.

Abstract: In an optical head device, a grating element (22) is partitioned into first and second regions (221, 222) by a partition line (23) which passes through its point of intersection with an optical axis of an optical beam generated from a source point (17) and through a particular point. According to this invention, the particular point is determined so as to obtain an optimal focussing error signal within a dynamic range. An optical detector (24) is segmented into three segments by first and second segmentation lines (251, 252) which should preferably form particular angles with a reference plane (35) defined by the source point, the point of intersection, and a middle point between first and second points of convergence of beams diffracted from the first and the second regions.

Abstract: In the tracking servo system according to the present invention, the noise removal means for removing a high-frequency noise component contained in the tracking error signal is in an operative state in normal playing operation, while the noise removal means is made to be in an inoperative state at least in an opened state of the servo loop.

Abstract: A video reproduction signal-processing circuit is an integrated circuit and is incorporated in a video tape recorder. In this integrated circuit, a dropout-detecting circuit generates a dropout signal, and a limiter circuit and a wave-shaping circuit jointly output a noncorrelation/correlation signal. The dropout signal and the noncorrelation/correlation signal are first added together by an adder circuit, and are then output from the integrated circuit through a single output terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording video and audio signals, in which a magnetic head device is operative to record a unit period segment of a first recording video signal based on a first video signal from which a reproduced picture of a first aspect ratio is properly obtained or a second recording video signal based on a second video signal from which a reproduced picture of a second aspect ratio is properly obtained, a segment of a first digital audio signal based on an audio signal corresponding to the first video signal or a second digital audio signal based on an audio signal corresponding to the second video signal and identifying coce data indicating whether the first or second recording video signal is to be recorded, in respective different portions of a record track formed on a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: A CD (compact disk) stores audio data of a predetermined music piece. The CD is played back as a background music, and auto-playing data is sequentially stored in synchronism with the playback operation of the CD. Music No. data of the CD and present playback time data at the beginning of the storage operation are fetched from subcodes in the CD, and are stored in a memory. For this reason, when the stored data is automatically played, the corresponding music piece of the CD can be automatically selected, and an auto-play can be synchronously started at the same timing as in a storage mode.

Abstract: In an image signal processing apparatus, a drop-out period of an image signal is detected while the image signal is stored in a memory, the detected results are stored in another memory. Based on the information stored in the other memory, the signal drop-out period is displayed and the drop-out signal in the image signal is compensated.

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus comprises a light source, an optical disc, a beam splitting element for splitting a light beam from the light source into a first beam and a second beam, a light detection element for detecting the second beam and outputting a detection signal, a control circuit for controlling an intensity of the light beam from the light source on the basis of the detection signal from the detection element, so that an intensity of the light beam from the light source is uniform, and an optical system through which the first beam passes, to reproduce the information recorded on the optical disc.

Abstract: A control method and apparatus for operating a disc player for a composite disc having a first region containing digital audio signals and a second region containing digital audio signals and frequency modulated video signals recorded in multiplex form and for which the rotational speed for playing the second region is significantly greater than for the first region. When the power source of the player is turned ON, if the spindle motor is already rotating, such as will occur especially when the power source is turned OFF then immediately back ON when playing the second region, the spindle motor is stopped and then the information detecting point of the pickup of the player is moved to the innermost circumferential position of the first region to be ready to immediately read table of contents information or the like when a play start instruction is received.

Abstract: An optical pickup has a suspension base, a holder suspended from the suspension base by wires in a form of a cantilever. The optical pickup is slidably mounted on a guide shaft. The guide shaft is pivoted so that an optical axis of an optical system becomes perpendicular to an optical disk. The holder is provided to be tilted in a radial plane with respect to the optical disk when the holder is moved for focusing the optical system.

Abstract: A track search apparatus is composed of an actuator such as voice coil motor for moving a light beam to traverse tracks, a position detector for detecting that the light beam has reached a predetermined position in front of a target track, a velocity detector for detecting the velocity of the light beam, and acceleration/deceleration controller such as microcomputer for applying, to the actuator, a driving signal according to the output from the velocity detector when a signal is generated from the position detector.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing customized video recordings. The apparatus includes audio/video reproduction equipment for displaying prompt information and for providing a first audio signal synchronous with the prompt information. The apparatus further includes a device for providing a first video signal representative of background information, audio/video recording equipment for providing a second video signal and a second audio signal representative of a live performance performed synchronously with the display of the prompt information. A mixer is provided for combining the first and second audio and video signals, and creative modification are added whereupon the combined signals are recorded to form the customized video recording.

Abstract: A time base correction apparatus includes a feedback loop for performing time base correction of an input signal by detecting a time base error component of the input signal and a filter having an amplitude characteristic approximating an open loop characteristic of the feedback loop for receiving the time base error component. The input signal whose time base error is corrected by the feedback loop is treated by time base correction by a feed forward operation using an output signal of the filter. With this feature, a time base error which was not removed by the feedback loop is further corrected, and an effective time base correction is performed also for high frequencies.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for storing data on a high speed write-once recording media such that random writes and fast random accesses are possible. Writes are verified by decoding reflections of write pulses from the recording media, and comparing the decoded data with intended data. The recording media is divided into a plurality of bands. When a write for a sector of a band is rejected during verification, sector slip occurs and an attempt is made to rewrite the data in a next sequential sector of the band. When more than a predetermined number of slips have occurred in a band or a data collision occurs, the data is written in a preallocated spares area of the recording media.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display projector combined with a video printer is capable of copying a desired picture being displayed on a screen as a photograph. The combination of a liquid crystal display projector and a video printer has a projection optical system including a concave mirror, an LCD panel, a projection lens, and a partial reflective mirror provided between the LCD panel and the projection lens. A copier optical system is also included which has a total reflective mirror, a copier lens, an LCD shutter, and photographic film on which an image signal passing through the partial reflective mirror is formed. A control circuit supplies a video drive signal to the LCD panel and a shutter output control signal to the LCD shutter when a copy selection signal is applied to the control circuit. Still picture data are outputted and applied through the LCD driver to the LCD panel so that the image passing through the copier lens is formed on the photographic film.

Abstract: An optical information recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes an optical head for recording and/or reproducing information by applying a light beam to an optical recording medium having a plurality of tracks, an actuator for relatively moving the light beam in a direction which intersects the tracks, an optical detector for detecting, by intersecting the tracks, a reflected or transmitted light of the light beam, which has been modulated, a peak holding circuit for holding a peak value of a signal detected by the optical detector, a bottom holding circuit for holding a bottom value of the detected signal, a circuit for obtaining an intermediate value of the held peak value and bottom value, and a comparison circuit for transmitting an on-track/off-track signal by making a comparison between the intermediate value and the detected signal.

Abstract: A tape counter for counting an amount of tape by which a tape has run for a video signal recording and reproducing apparatus and method therefor, in which the number of frames on tape tracks over which each rotary head scans are counted according to a change in level of an envelope of a reproduced FM signal detected through each rotary head, the number of rotations of a rotary drum on which the rotary head is mounted is counted, and the amount of tape by which the tape has run is counted on the basis of the number of frames scanned by the rotary head and the number of rotations of the drum. The tape counter detects the amount of tape by which the tape has run in all running modes during a reproduction operation with a high accuracy and displays the amount of tape by which the tape has run in a series of units of hours, minutes, and seconds.

Abstract: A digital information signal reproducing apparatus is provided, in which a relative speed between a recording medium in which a digital information signal is recorded and a reproducing device for reproducing the digital information signal from the recording medium is selectively changed. Even when the multiple of the over-sampling digital filter is switched in response to the switching of the relative speed, the frequency characteristic of the analog low-pass filter need not be changed. Thus the circuit arrangement of this digital information signal reproducing apparatus can be simplified.

Abstract: Easily-fabricated, high track density, size-tolerant and efficient sector servo patterns are provided for optical disks. Easily-fabricated and efficient codes are provided for use with sector tracking optical disk servo systems. Marks larger than the spot size are used to avoid resolution problems and the limits of photolithographic processes. Independence from line-width variations is achieved by balancing. The features used for servo information are in every case in the form of pits or depressions in the substrate surface, such as could be produced by exposing a photoresist through a mask, followed by etching. The servo detectors sense the changes in reflectance from the disk owing to the cancellation of light waves from the two differing depths. The optimum depth is one-quarter wavelength in the substrate, so that the contributions from the two depths will be exactly out of phase. This produces maximum signal, but it also means that no data can be expected to be written or read in the servo sectors.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reading information recorded in an information layer comprised of a fluorescent dye. In order to read the recorded information, the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope is passed over the information layer, said scanning tunneling microscope being of sufficient voltage to excite the fluorescent dye material to an excited state. Upon return of the dye material to ground state, fluorescence results. By measuring the fluorescence, or absence thereof, the recorded information can be deciphered.