Abstract: Disclosed are 3,7-dimethyl-4-oxo-7-octenoic acid and its alkyl esters which are intermediates for producing a fragrance, rosefuran and which are represented by: ##STR1## where R is H or a lower alkyl. The compounds [1] are obtained by reacting 2-methyl-3-alkoxycarbonylpropionic acid halide and 3-methyl-3-butenylmagnesium halide. The octenoic acid [1] is treated with acetic anhydride under heat in the presence of an acidic catalyst to give 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-4-olide. The olide is reduced in an ordinary manner to give rosefuran.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus comprises a reference inserting circuit for inserting a reference waveform, preferably a ramp, at periodic intervals into an analog information signal. The reference waveform varies in the range of amplitude variations of the information signal. A reference detector circuit detects the inserted reference waveform from the signal as the latter is reproduced from a recording medium or received through a transmissions medium. The detected reference waveform and the information signal are alternately applied to a correction circuit having a which stores a signal describing the relationship between the original reference waveform and the detected reference waveform which has been affected by errors present in the apparatus. The correction circuit is periodically operative in response to detection of error-affected reference waveform and transforms the waveform of the information signal according to the stored signal.

Abstract: The information recording card of the present invention comprises a postcard or a blank form equal in size thereto, and a magnetic stripe which is stuck on one surface of the postcard or the blank form so as to extend along the shorter or longer latus thereof and in which the payment data of a specified charge is written. Such a magnetic stripe-stuck card is efficiently utilized for a specified charge making/paying system. In the charge making/paying system, the payment data of the specified charge is stored in the memory unit of a host computer which is installed in, e.g., the center of a public office, and the card whose magnetic stripe has the charge payment data written therein by a magnetic tape writer is mailed to a customer.

Abstract: A video signal recording method and apparatus for-recording each field of a video signal as a plurality of segments on respective tracks of a magnetic tape, in which each segment consists of a sequentially-ordered set of scanning lines which constitute a fraction of the total scanning lines of the field and which extend substantially over the entire field, for example all of the even-numbered or all of the odd-numbered lines of the field. Since each recording track contains scanning lines extending sequentially over one field, a playback signal providing a correctly ordered display image is obtained for playback operation at speeds higher or lower than the standard speed, while utilizing the same recording and playback signal processing circuits as are utilized during standard speed operation.

Abstract: A video signal recording and playback apparatus for recording each field of a video signal as a plurality of segments on a plurality of tracks, including a circuit for inserting segment index signals after conversion of the video signal to a recording signal, to be recorded together with the recording signal to designate the respective segments. During varied-speed playback operation, the segment index signals are detected in the playback signal, and the data thus obtained are used to control the operation of a memory which temporarily stores successively produced portions of the playback signal. A playback signal can thereby be obtained by combining output signals from the memory, which will produce a satisfactory display image during varied-speed playback operation, e.g. during high-speed playback, with only simple signal processing being required.

Abstract: A video signal recording and playback apparatus and method which is applicable to wide-band recording in which a video signal is divided into a plurality of channels by time-axis expansion, and the channels are recorded in parallel on respective tracks. Prior to recording, a reference signal consisting of a plurality of different signal bursts, each having a specific frequency and each being superimposed on a specific DC level, is inserted into blanking intervals of the video signal and recorded therewith. On playback, the amplitudes of the signal bursts in the reference signal are monitored, and playback equalizers are controlled accordingly such as to maintain a predetermined equalizer characteristic and to maintain identical overall frequency characteristics for the various channels.