Abstract: A signal recorder/reproducer comprising an integrated buffer memory 22 having a memory area for a recording system and a memory area for a reproduction system, the allocation of the memory areas being variable, and a system controller 5 to control, via a recording control signal input unit 2 or reproduction control signal input unit 4, the allocation of the memory areas in the integrated buffer memory 22 depending upon which is designated by the user, a recording or reproduction mode.

Abstract: Images of reproduced video data of plural channels are displayed on main small screens arrayed in a central horizontal row on an index picture. Time-serially anterior images of reproduced video data are displayed on two upper small screens above the main small screens, while time-serially posterior images of reproduced video data are displayed on two lower small screens below the main small screens. In a forward reproduction mode, the images displayed on the respective small screens are altered, with a lapse of time, to the lower adjacent images while being cross faded. And in a reverse reproduction mode, the images are altered, with a lapse of time, to the upper adjacent images while being cross faded. A normal reproducing operation is started from a desired image when the main small screen, where the desired image is being displayed, is selected by means of a cursor. Thus, any image of video data can be indexed efficiently.

Abstract: A video recording and playback apparatus and method by which accurate motion detection can be executed is disclosed. A noise reduction processing circuit performs noise reduction processing for video data inputted thereto from a switch and outputs resulting video data to a motion detection processing section and a video signal interpolation processing section. The motion detection processing section performs a motion detection process for the received video data and outputs a result of the motion detection to the video signal interpolation processing section. The video signal interpolation processing section performs an interpolation process for the video data inputted thereto from the noise reduction processing circuit based on the result of the motion detection received from the motion detection processing section and outputs resulting video data.

Abstract: A commercial detector includes a soundless section detecting circuit which detects a soundless section of an audio signal SA and a scene change detecting circuit which detects a scene change point of an image from a video signal SV during the soundless section detected by the soundless section detecting circuit. A commercial section detecting circuit detects whether a time interval of the scene change points detected by the scene change detecting circuit agrees with a predetermined rule. A tuner detects a sound multiplexing mode SSA of an audio signal received.

Abstract: By reducing the number of seek operations in an operation to play back a signal from a recording medium, the amount of data temporarily stored in a read buffer memory employed in a signal recording/playback apparatus is large enough to be output as a playback signal during a seek operation, allowing a continuous playback operation to be carried out. In order to reduce the number of seek operations, a signal is always recorded onto the recording medium in continuous free areas each having a size equal to or larger than a predetermined recording/playback time length which is typically set at 1 minute. If it is necessary to insert an additional signal having a length smaller than the predetermined recording/playback time length into a point of insertion in an area already occupied by an existing signal, a continuous free area with a size equal to or larger than the predetermined recording/playback time length is newly allocated to the additional signal.

Abstract: By reducing the number of seek operations in an operation to play back a signal from a recording medium, the amount of data temporarily stored in a read buffer memory employed in a signal recording/playback apparatus is large enough to be output as a playback signal during a seek operation, allowing a continuous playback operation to be carried out. In order to reduce the number of seek operations, a signal is always recorded onto the recording medium in continuous free areas each having a size equal to or larger than a predetermined recording/playback time length which is typically set at 1 minute. If it is necessary to insert an additional signal having a length smaller than the predetermined recording/playback time length into a point of insertion in an area already occupied by an existing signal, a continuous free area with a size equal to or larger than the predetermined recording/playback time length is newly allocated to the additional signal.

Abstract: A video signal reproducing method and apparatus are arranged to improve a retrieval characteristic and alleviate fatigue and discomfort of a user at a fast reproduction mode and further magnify the reproduction speed more. In the video signal reproducing apparatus, a fast reproducing circuit 15 synthesizes the picture data written in memories 21 and 22 for generating data of a middle picture in the case of outputting the picture data of one screen written in the memories 21 and 22. Then, the circuit 15 inserts the data of the middle picture between the picture data for generating the output picture at a fast reproduction speed. The data of the middle picture is generated by adding the picture data of both memories at a ratio set by a main control unit. This ratio is a coefficient K (0.ltoreq.K.ltoreq.1) and is given as a value of (1-K) to a first multiplier 25, while it is given as a value of K to a second multiplier 26.

Abstract: In a running stability control device of an automobile having front right, front left, rear right and rear left wheels, and a brake system for selectively braking each of said wheels separately, the control device estimates a ratio of a longitudinal force to a vertical load acting at each of the front right, front left, rear right and rear left wheels, and operates the brake system so as to make said ratio of each of the front right, front left, rear right and rear left wheels be substantially equal to one another.

Abstract: A noise reducer to which image data obtained by decoding coding data using a DCT coding is supplied. The noise reduser is comprised as follows. Noise extracting unit for extracting a noise component, first and second noise cancelling unit for cancelling the extracted noise component from input image data, a memory for delaying the image data from the first noise cancelling unit by a predetermined amount and supplying the delayed image data to the noise extracting unit, decimating unit for decimating the image data to be written into the memory, and interpolating unit for interpolating an output of the noise extracting unit and supplying the interpolated output to the second noise cancelling unit whose output is taken out.

Abstract: A picture signal processing device for processing picture signals for displaying e.g., an enlarged picture, a contracted picture or a still picture. The picture signal processing device includes a motion detection unit for comparing the picture signal level of a pixel under detection in a first field or a second field together making up a frame, the picture signal levels of pixels lying close to the pixel under detection and the value of a variably set motion detection coefficient to one another for detecting the possible presence of motion in the picture of the pixel under detection. The first field is formed by every two scanning lines and the second field is formed by the remaining scanning lines.

Abstract: In a brake system of a vehicle adapted to be operated automatically, the brake system includes a forecasting mechanism for forecasting a need of automatic braking, and a pump to provide a source of a pressurized working fluid for the automatic braking is started when a need of an automatic braking is forecast. By such a need forecast starting of the pump, the brake system can automatically apply an effective braking to a vehicle wheel or wheels, with no accumulator for storing the pressurized working fluid. The pump need forecasting may depend upon an estimation of a turn behavior of the vehicle and/or a detection of an obstacle in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus by which a panorama image is produced with a high degree of accuracy from an image signal are disclosed. An image signal produced by a CCD imaging element is recorded onto a video tape by way of a camera signal processing circuit, a recording signal processing circuit, a recording/reproduction amplifier and so forth. Meanwhile, a microcomputer calculates of a motion vector of an image from the output of a motion vector detector to which the image signal from the CCD imaging element is inputted, and controls a video subcode processor so that motion vector information may be recorded onto the video tape. The motion vector information is reproduced from the video tape together with the image signal, and a plurality of images are formed from the thus reproduced image signal and joined together in accordance with the motion vector information to produce a panorama image.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus by which a panorama image is produced with a high degree of accuracy from an image signal are disclosed. An image signal produced by a CCD imaging element is recorded onto a video tape by way of a camera signal processing circuit, a recording signal processing circuit, a recording/reproduction amplifier and so forth. Meanwhile, a microcomputer calculates of a motion vector of an image from the output of a motion vector detector to which the image signal from the CCD imaging element is inputted, and controls a video subcode processor so that motion vector information may be recorded onto the video tape. The motion vector information is reproduced from the video tape together with the image signal, and a plurality of images are formed from the thus reproduced image signal and joined together in accordance with the motion vector information to produce a panorama image.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus by which a panorama image is produced with a high degree of accuracy from an image signal wherein an image signal produced by a CCD imaging element is recorded onto a video tape by way of a camera signal processing circuit, a recording signal processing circuit, a recording/reproduction amplifier and so forth. Meanwhile, a microcomputer calculates of a motion vector of an image from the output of a motion vector detector to which the image signal from the CCD imaging element is inputted, and controls a video subcode processor so that motion vector information may be recorded onto the video tape. The motion vector information is reproduced from the video tape together with the image signal, and a plurality of images are formed from the thus reproduced image signal and joined together in accordance with the motion vector information to produce a panorama image.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus by which a panorama image is produced with a high degree of accuracy from an image signal, wherein the image signal produced by a CCD imaging element is recorded onto a video tape by way of a camera signal processing circuit, a recording signal processing circuit, a recording/reproduction amplifier and so forth. Meanwhile, a microcomputer calculates of a motion vector of an image from the output of a motion vector detector to which the image signal from the CCD imaging element is inputted, and controls a video subcode processor so that motion vector information may be recorded onto the video tape. The motion vector information is reproduced from the video tape together with the image signal, and a plurality of images are formed from the thus reproduced image signal and joined together in accordance with the motion vector information to produce a panorama image.

Abstract: A pressure boosting device as used in a vehicle brake system or other hydraulically operated system wherein the boosting device is connected to a mechanically operated pressure regulator for producing a manually controlled pressure, an electrically controlled pressure regulator and a hydraulically operated actuator, and includes a booster piston for boosting an electrically controlled pressure produced by the electrically controlled pressure regulator so that the boosted pressure is applied to the actuator, and a valve mechanism having an open and a closed position which are established when the booster piston is placed in its original position and moved away from the original position, respectively. In the open position, the actuator communicates with the mechanically operated pressure regulator. In the closed position, the actuator is disconnected from the mechanically operated pressure regulator, to permit the booster piston to boost the electrically controlled pressure.

Abstract: A television receiver for receiving a first audio signal which is FM modulated and which has a carrier with a first predetermined frequency difference from a carrier of a video signal. A second audio signal is PCM modulated. The carrier has a second predetermined frequency difference from the carrier of the video signal. A tuner is provided for receiving an RF signal and for generating an IF signal. A video detecting means detects a video IF signal. An FM audio detecting means detects the first audio signal. A PCM audio detecting means detects the second audio signal. An audio IF detecting means is connected between the tuner and the FM audio detecting means or PCM audio detecting means.

Abstract: A braking system for an automotive vehicle, having a first brake system and a second brake system. The first brake system includes a master cylinder responsive to an operation of an operator-controller brake operating member, for generating a fluid pressure which corresponds to an operation value of the brake operating member, and a first brake actuated by the fluid pressure generated by the master cylinder. The first brake is adapted to produce a braking effect which is smaller than a desired or optimum braking effect corresponding to the operation value of the brake operating member. The second brake system has a second brake and is controlled by a controller such that the second brake produces a braking effect which is equal to a difference between an actual braking effect applied to the vehicle, and the desired braking effect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new type of transparent GaAs photo electric layer formed on an optical window made of a GaP single crystal substrate via an Al.sub.x Ga.sub.(1-x) As buffer layer, in which a gradual-lattice-constant layer of quadruple Al.sub.x Ga.sub.(1-x) PyAs.sub.(1-y) compound crystal is formed between the GaP single crystal substrate and the Al.sub.x Ga.sub.(1-x) As buffer layer. The y content in the gradual-lattice-constant layer of quadruple Al.sub.x Ga.sub.(1-x) PyAs.sub.(1-y) compound crystal changes from 1 to 0 as deposition of the gradual-lattice-constant layer of quadruple Al.sub.x Ga.sub.(1-x) PyAs.sub.(1-y) compound crystal goes on while the x content can arbitrarily be selected in the range of 0 to 1.