Abstract: An optical information processing apparatus includes a device for scanning tracks formed on an optical recording medium by a light beam, a device for moving the applied position of the light beam in a direction across the tracks, a device for detecting a tracking error signal indicative of the deviation between the applied position of the light beam and the tracks, a tracking servo device for feeding the tracking error signal back to the moving means, a switching device for selectively rendering the tracking servo device operative or inoperative, and a control device for measuring the time for which the tracking error signal exceeds a predetermined level, and switching the tracking servo device from its inoperative state to its operative state by the switching device after the aforementioned time exceeds a predetermined time.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a light beam to an optical recording medium having tracks provided thereon and effecting at least one of recording and reproduction of information includes a light source emitting the light beam, an optical system for directing the light beam emitted from the light source to the medium, a device for receiving the light flux reflected by or transmitted through the medium and detecting a tracking error signal indicative of the deviation between the applied position of the light beam and a track, a tracking servo for moving at least a portion of the optical system on the basis of the tracking error signal and correcting the applied position of the light beam, a detector for detecting abnormality of tracking servo from the velocity of the moved portion of the optical system.

Abstract: In an information recording medium according to the present invention, marks for discriminating between information tracks and a mark indicative of the information concerning spacing from a position at which each of the marks is provided to the recording starting position are provided in an information block, and a plurality of such information blocks are continuously provided in the other area of the information tracks than the recording area. The specification also discloses an information recording and reproducing method and apparatus utilizing such a plurality of information blocks.

Abstract: An information reproducing system is disclosed. This system is arranged such that information is read out from a recording medium having different types of first and second items of information and is output in the form of a signal. The waveform of the output signal is shaped and supplied as a reproduced signal. In the above-mentioned signal processing, this information reproducing system is adapted to control the shaping of the signal waveform in accordance with each type of information to be read out from the recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an abnormality of the spinal column is provided with apparatus for obliquely applying at least one light beam to each of the left and right backs of a subject in parallel with an imaginary spinal line, and apparatus for comparing and detecting the positions on the left and right backs to which the light beams have been applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting abnormality in a spinal column is provided with means for projecting at least a slit-like light which is parallel to the imaginary spinal line on each of right and left sides of the back of an inspected person, pickup means for taking the image of the left and right backs of the inspected person, and a signal processing unit for detecting and comparing the positions of the slit-like lights on the right and left shoulders by means of the scanning lines of the pickup means.