Abstract: A multiple speed servo is provided which measures and controls the speed of a head scanner below approximately 900 rpm, to maintain a preselected, relatively reduced, scanner speed which is fast enough to aid threading and unthreading tape about the scanner in the reverse direction, but not fast enough to damage the heads or tape. The safe handling is enhanced by selectively reducing the tape speed during reverse threading and unthreading of the tape, to maintain a preferred ratio of scanner circumferential velocity equal to, or slightly greater than, the tape speed. To this end, a slow speed scanner servo is employed to continually monitor and maintain the scanner at the preselected reduced scanner speed while the tape is maintained at the associated reduced tape speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for reproducing digital signals recorded on a recording tape comprises a rotary drum about which a recording tape can be trained, a rotary head mounted in the drum, a transport mechanism for transporting the tape over the drum and rotating the head so that a relative speed is established between the head and the tape and the head scans the tape and generates reproduced digital signals in response to digital signals recorded on the tape, and a mode-control mechanism for controlling the transport mechanism so that the tape is transported over the drum at an absolute tape speed that can be varied. A servomechanism responsive to variations in the absolute tape speed adjusts the transport mechanism so that the head acquires a rotary speed such that the relative speed is restored to and maintained at a substantially constant value, not withstanding changes in the absolute tape speed effected under the control of the mode-control mechanism.

Abstract: A data transfer apparatus is disclosed as exemplified by a floppy disk drive which has photoelectric sensors such as a TRACK ZERO sensor for sensing whether a transducer head or heads are in the "track zero" position on the floppy disk, and a FILE PROTECT sensor for sensing whether the disk is protected against erasure of any prerecorded data. In order to avoid waste of power, at least the TRACK ZERO sensor, preferably the FILE PROTECT sensor as well, has its light source such as an LED connected to a power supply via a power saving switch herein shown as a switching transistor. Connected to the base of the power saving transistor is a switch control circuit which causes conduction through the transistor, and hence the energization of the sensor light source, only when the operation of the sensor is required, as for a preassigned length of time immediately after the apparatus is electrically turned on.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a relative velocity control device which enables to generate constant relative velocity between a head and a tape in a magnetic recording and reproducing system with a rotating head. When the tape running speed and direction are given at input terminals, the number of drum rotations is calculated by the first calculation means based on the conditional equation which makes the relative velocity constant, and the drum motor can then be rotated according to the control of the drum rotating controller which generates an output voltage corresponding to the difference between the drum rotation number calculated from the first calculation result and the present number of drum rotations detected by the drum frequency generator.

Abstract: An auto-tracking method and apparatus of a helical scan type magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus wherein envelope levels of reproduced signals are detected and the running phase of a magnetic tape is controlled so that the envelope level of the reproduced signal becomes maximum after detection is effected roughly and then finely, thereby allowing a video head to scan a track on the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A video tape recorder has a simple helical-scan construction capable of variable-speed reproduction free from noise bars on reproduced images at desired speeds ranging from a normal speed in reverse reproduction to threefold normal speed in forward reproduction.

Abstract: In a VTR having a rotary head cylinder (20) having four magnetic heads with 90.degree. angular pitches inbetween on a cylindrical surface thereof, a magnetic recording tape is helically wound around the rotary head cylinder (20), a motor to drive the rotary head cylinder (20) is servo-controlled by utilizing output signal of a phase comparator (10) which compare a first frequency divider (62) to divide frequency of output signal of a rotation phase detector (7) into N/(2N-2) times and an output signal of a second frequency divider (61) for dividing frequency of vertical synchronization signal (S.sub.v) of video signal into 1/2 times, and thereby accurate phase control of the rotary head cylinder is attainable.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing a magnetically recorded video signal utilizes reproduced pilot signals not only for tracking control but also for detection of the recording mode of a signal being reproduced. More specifically, the above described video signal reproducing apparatus examines for a prescribed period a fundamental cycle of a comparing signal generated by reproduced pilot signals and reference signals mixed in the reproduced pilot signals so that the recording mode can be determined based on the number of times in which the fundamental cycle is repeated in the prescribed period. For the above described purposes, a pulse output corresponding to the fundamental cycle of a tracking signal is provided by using a level detecting circuit (30) , a first differentiating circuit (31), a first frequency dividing circuit ( 33), a second differentiating circuit (34) and a flip-flop (32).

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing system for a 4-head type recording and/or reproducing apparatus, comprises a circuit for recording a head discriminating information signal of each of the four heads during the recording, a circuit for reproducing this head discriminating information signal during the reproduction, and a circuit for controlling the rotational phase of the heads so that the recorded tracks on the magnetic tape are reproduced by the same heads which recorded these tracks at the time of the recording. In addition, a magnetic tape having such a discriminating signal recorded thereon, can be played in a conventional 2-head recording and/or reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetic disk drive apparatus writes data in a magnetic disk by use of first and second magnetic heads. The track position on the magnetic disk where the first or second magnetic head exists is detected, and a delay time corresponding to the detected track position is set into a timer circuit. In the write-in mode, a CPU starts the operation of a read/write head section of the selected one of the first and, second magnetic heads and thereafter, when a delay time which is set into the timer circuit has passed, the CPU starts the operation of an erase head section of the selected one of the first and second magnetic heads.

Abstract: In a video tape recorder of the helical scan type having a pair of heads mounted on diametrically opposite positions of a rotary cylinder, a pilot signal is recorded through the heads on the same track with video signal during recording and edit modes. During "insert" edit modes, the video heads are alternately switched between playback and recording modes in synchronism with each half revolution of the cylinder. A tape is wound over an arcuate extent greater than a semicircle of the circumference on the cylinder so that the video heads are simultaneously in contact with the tape at different positions to record a video signal over a major portion of the track and record a pilot signal over the full length of the track. One of the heads is in a recording mode and tracing the major portion of a given track, while the other head is in a playback mode tracing a minor portion of a subsequent track where the prerecorded pilot signal is present. A tracking signal is derived from the prerecorded pilot signal.

Abstract: In a rotary head type digital information signal recording and reproducing apparatus having plural rotary heads mounted on a rotary drum so as to be capable of recording and reproducing signals on parallel, oblique tracks on a magnetic tape, a tracking signal is recorded on at least one portion of each track which is not overlapped with a portion of each track where a digital information signal is recorded to avoid interference between the tracking signal and information signal. The tape travel speed and the rotary drum rotation speed are changed depending upon the transmission rate for a digital information signal to be recorded and reproduced to make the wavelength of a recorded signal frequency constant irrespective of the signal transmission rate. Tracking control is enhanced without increasing the error rate.

Abstract: An audio tape recorder comprises, over and above the conventional recording and playback heads, two playback heads incorporated in a rotary drum driven by a servo controlled motor operated by a servo control device. The playback heads are connected to a code word decoder of known kind, supplying synchronizing signals to the servo control device. When the absolute tape running speed is nil or smaller than the its nominal speed, the playback heads turn at a relative speed equal to the nominal tape running speed. When the absolute tape running speed is greater than its nominal speed, the rotary drum is stopped and the servo control device operates to provide positional servo control, as a function of the phase of the synchronizing signals supplied by the decoder.

Abstract: A control signal generating circuit for a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus comprises a monostable multivibrator for producing a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width in response to a reference signal from a supplying circuit of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus, a flip-flop circuit responsive to the output pulse signal of the monostable multivibrator, for inverting an output thereof every time the pulse signal is supplied thereto, and an OR gate for producing a control signal responsive to the output pulse signal of the monostable multivibrator and the output of the flip-flop circuit, and for supplying the control signal to a control head, of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus, which records and/or reproduces the control signal on and/or from a magnetic tape.

Abstract: A tape guide mechanism includes an edge-guide element extending radially from a central axis. A tape guide roller, rotatable about the central axis, is arranged for urging an advancing magnetic tape laterally in the direction of the edge-guide element, to maintain an edge of the tape perpendicular to and in continuous contact with the edge-guide element during tape transport movement. A piezoelectric actuator, preferably comprising a stack of flexing type bimorph elements responsive to a voltage signal relating to the direction and magnitude of a tape-tracking error, causes movement of the edge-guide element in a single composite direction having a first component which is perpendicular to the edge of the tape, and a second component, which is parallel to the tape edge.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus in which an information signal is recorded in the first area of a track on a recording medium, a pilot signal is recorded in the second area for tracking control. When a reproducing head is on the second area, tracking by a reproducing head in the first area is controlled by the pilot signal reproduced by the reproducing head.

Abstract: A disk drive that generates a smooth spiral during the recording of data so that the recording operation is continuous. A magnetic read/write head (2) is mounted on an arm (4) so that it can move generally along a radius of a disk (8). A rotary motor (12) is used to spin the disk and to drive a gear train. The output of the gear train is used to move the arm-mounted head across the disk. The pitch of the spiral generated is controlled by the relative gear ratio between the disk and the head mechanism. Rapid retrace of the head mechanism to its starting position is accomplished by placing a return spring (56) on the head mechanism and a clutch (42) in the gear train. The location of the clutch in the gear train is chosen so that the head mechanism, while being returned to the starting position under spring power, spins a neutral pitch fan (102). The energy dissipated by churning the air by the fan limits the peak velocity of the head mechanism.

Abstract: A data recording/reproducing apparatus simultaneously records parallel data in recording tracks the number of which corresponds to the number of parallel data to be recorded, and sequentially reproduces the contents of the recording tracks to form serial data. A plurality of video signals for cooperatively forming a single picture are used for the parallel data. When one picture is quartered, four parallel video signals are simultaneously recorded in four recording tracks. By reproducing the contents of the recording tracks for each track in a sequential manner, one serial video signal corresponding to the picture is obtained. With this arrangement, high resolution picture data obtained from a solid-state image pickup device can be recorded and reproduced without the use of a specially designed parallel/serial converter.

Abstract: A rotary magnetic head type recording and/or reproducing apparatus to which a tracking system can be applied, comprises two rotary heads provided opposing a rotary body for alternately and successively recording signals on oblique tracks in a recording medium with respect to the longitudinal direction of the recording medium or for alternately scanning over tracks in the recording medium to reproduce recorded signals, moving mechanism for continuously moving the recording medium, a head moving mechanism for displacing the two rotary heads substantially at the same time in mutually opposite directions by the same amount in a plane which is perpendicular to the rotating plane of the rotary heads, in response to a driving signal supplied from the exterior, and a control head for recording a control pulse having a predetermined period onto the recording medium.

Abstract: A magnetic reproducing apparatus having a capstan servo circuit, comprises rotary heads for reproducing a recorded video signal from tracks which are formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction of a magnetic tape, a drum motor for rotating the rotary heads, and a capstan motor for rotating a capstan which drives the magnetic tape to travel.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled multiple servo system adapted for use with a recording and reproducing apparatus is disclosed. The system controls all servo systems for a magnetic tape recording and reproducing apparatus, including a capstan servo, a reel servo, a scanning drum servo and an automatic scan tracking servo which controls the position of reproduce heads carried by the scanning drum which are of the type which can be transversely moved relative to the longitudinal direction of recorded tracks so as to accurately follow the tracks during special effect reproducing modes, such as slow motion, stop motion and fast motion reproducing. The microprocessor controls all of the servos in a way which permits interaction between the various servo systems and enables more accurate and powerful functional operation of the entire apparatus.

Abstract: A video signal slow-motion or still picture reproduction system comprises at least one rotary video head for scanning a tape recorded with an FM video signal on tracks formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tape, a drum pulse obtaining circuit for obtaining a drum pulse in phase synchronism with the rotation of the rotary video head, a counting pulse generation circuit for generating a counting pulse in phase synchronism with the rotation of said rotary video head and having a repetition frequency sufficiently high with respect to the drum pulse, a noise detection pulse generation circuit for generating a noise detection pulse having a pulse width equal to a period in which an envelope of the FM video signal reproduced by the reproducing circuit is lower than a predetermined level, when the envelope of the FM video signal reproduced by the reproducing circuit is lower than the predetermined level, a calculation circuit supplied with the drum pulse, the counting pulse, and the noise

Abstract: A head drum servo control arrangement is provided in a video tape recording and reproducing apparatus, for example, of the helical scan type, for reducing head phase error at the cut-in point on a magnetic tape during an electronic editing operation. A variable delay circuit imparts an adjustable delay to a detecting signal provided in response to rotation of the head drum. A first phase comparator circuit provides a drive control signal in response to a comparison of phases of the delayed detecting signal and an off-tape synch signal. A second phase comparator circuit provides a phase error signal in response to a comparison of phases of the reproduced synch signal and an off-tape synch signal derived from a video signal to be recorded during the editing operation.

Abstract: A video signal reproducing apparatus capable of performing high-speed reproduction comprises a reproducing circuit having at least one rotary video head for scanning over a tape recorded with a video signal on tracks formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tape and a control pulse recorded on a track formed along the longitudinal direction of the tape, for reproducing the video signal from the oblique tracks, a tape driving circuit for causing the tape travel at a speed higher than a tape speed upon normal reproduction during high-speed reproduction, a motor controlled of its rotation, a motor speed detecting circuit for detecting the rotational speed of the motor and producing a rotation detection signal having a repetition frequency in accordance with the detected rotational speed, an input switching circuit for supplying a signal reproduced from the tape to a frequency-voltage converter upon high-speed reproduction, where the frequency-voltage converter is supplied with the rotat

Abstract: A scan tracking apparatus for a helical scan tape recorder, comprising a movable tape head (11), a detector (13) detecting the envelope of the tape signal to produce a reproduced signal, sampling means (15) for sampling the reproduced signal at fixed points of the helical scan, memory (17) for storing the reproduced signal and correction signals from different tracks of the helical scan, computation means (2) for computing a correction signal to return the tape head to the center of the track, a sawtooth generator (2, 4) for producing a signal related to the tape speed (v), and a head driving mechanism (9) for moving the tape head in response to the sawtooth and correction signals.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus comprises first through fourth circuits. The first circuit edits and records a new video signal within a predetermined section of a magnetic tape which is pre-recorded with a video signal and a control signal on respective video and control tracks. The second circuit produces a new control signal having a frequency identical to that of the pre-recorded control signal. The third circuit reproduces the pre-recorded control signal from the tape while the first circuit is operating. The fourth circuit detects the existence of a control signal reproduced by the third circuit, and supplies the new control signal which is produced by the second circuit to the third circuit when the non-existence of the reproduced control signal is detected, so as to record the new control signal on the control track of the tape.

Abstract: A video signal reproducing system performs a still-picture reproduction or a slow-motion reproduction. A reproducing circuit picks up a recorded video signal and control signal which are fed to a reproducing circuit. A control head of the reproducing circuit is located at a position which is displaced from a standard position by a predetermined distance. The control signal which is reproduced by the control head is displayed by a delay time corresponding to the distance by which the control head is displaced from a standard position.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus for sequentially recording each of four pilot signals of different frequencies on each video track to be multiplexed with a video signal and reproducing the video signal and the pilot signals at which time the pilot signals are separated from the video signal and used as a tracking signal to control the transport speed of the magnetic tape, wherein upon reproduction the levels of the pilot signals reproduced from the right and left adjacent video tracks are detected and one of the reproduced pilot signals from the right and left adjacent tracks is controlled in its level so that the tape travelling speed is controlled to make the center of the video head scan the same position on the track as upon recording.

Abstract: An image recording and reproducing apparatus of the present invention has change over means between a running state and a stopped state of a recording medium, operation detecting means to detect an operation state of the change over means by a control signal synchronized either with a reference signal or a vertical synchronizing signal of an image signal, and delay means to have an output from the operation detecting means delayed for a prescribed length of time after a moment of the change over for a start of running of the recording medium or a stopping of the same thus having a running or stopping signal output therefrom. The recording of the control signal on the recording medium is stopped corresponding to the output of the operation detecting means and the output of the delay means.

Abstract: In a mass storage system, a method for controlling the stepping feed of an information medium (T) on which recording tracks are formed by stripes (T.sub.n) which run diagonally or vertically across the information medium is disclosed. According to this method, the feed of the information medium (T) begins after the completion of the recording or reading operation of data (DATA) upon a first recording track (T.sub.n) and prior to the completion of the checking of the content of the data (DATA). After that, it is determined whether the feed of the information medium is continued or reversed should be in accordance with the result of checking the content of the data (DATA). That is, when no error is detected as a result of the checking, the feed is continued so as to perform the recording or reading operation of data (DATA') upon a second recording track (T.sub.n+1).

Abstract: A video signal recording and reproducing apparatus records and reproduces a video signal on and from a magnetic tape, by selecting an arbitrary recording and reproducing mode from among a plurality of recording and reproducing modes in which tape traveling speed and track pitch differ, and by selecting a plurality of pairs of video heads.

Abstract: A head servo circuit in a magnetic reproducing apparatus comprising rotary heads for reproducing a video signal recorded on tracks formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of a magnetic tape, a motor for rotating the rotary heads, and a magnetic tape traveling circuit for causing the magnetic tape to travel at a high speed during a high-speed reproduction mode and causing the magnetic tape to travel at a speed in accordance with a mode as the mode is switched over to a mode other than the high-speed reproduction mode, comprises a detecting circuit for detecting the rotation of the motor and producing a signal in accordance with the detected rotation, a reference frequency signal generating circuit for generating a reference frequency signal, a phase comparing circuit for comparing phases of the reference frequency signal generated by the reference frequency signal generating circuit and the signal from the detecting circuit, a control circuit for controlling the rotation of the motor by an

Abstract: The position of a rotary head mounted on a deflection device is controlled as the head scans successive tracks on a record medium. Tracking drive signals are generated as a function of the deviation of the head relative to a track scanned thereby. The tracking drive signal is sampled at successive locations along the trace. Previously stored samples are compared to the sucessively produced samples, and any difference is used to correct the stored sample by a predetermined amount irrespective of the actual difference. Hence, the stored samples gradually are corrected to represent the configuration of the tracks scanned by the rotary head. When the head reproduces signals from the record medium, the generated tracking drive signals are used to control the deflection device so as to make the head coincident with the track being scanned thereby. When the head is used to record signals, the stored samples are used to control the deflection device before such samples are corrected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately positioning a transducing means along a desired path for recording parallel tracks of information being transmitted at varying rates. The apparatus also is arranged to control the transducing means so that accurately follows the tracks during reproducing at various tape transport speeds.

Abstract: A phase control circuit for improving the stability after a predictable rotational speed change of a rotating apparatus and a magnetic reproducing apparatus for performing slow motion reproduction by means of intermittent tape transport and yet being free from transverse swings of the reproduced picture comprises a phase shift circuit which shifts the phase of the reference signal, which is produced by dividing a source signal, at a desired rate, to maintain the phase locked at the very moment during which the rotational speed change is changing. The relative speed of the magnetic head rotation is kept constant during the intermittent tape movement under the condition of the phase being locked.

Abstract: An improved tape timer is achieved by using pulses generated by a control track previously recorded on magnetic tape to determine the magnitude of phase shift between said control track pulses and pulses generated by a mechanical tachometer in contact with the magnetic tape. The pulses generated by said mechanical tachometer are counted and said counting sequence used to generate a pulse to up-date a tape timer. In response to a detected phase shift, the count sequence is dynamically adjusted by an amount determined by the magnitude of the phase shift in such a manner as to reduce said phase shift.

Abstract: The position of a rotary head mounted on a deflection device is controlled as the head scans successive tracks on a record medium. Tracking drive signals are generated as a function of the deviation of the head relative to a track scanned thereby. The tracking drive signal is sampled at successive locations along the trace. Previously stored samples are compared to the successively produced samples, and any difference is used to correct the stored sample by a predetermined amount irrespective of the actual difference. Hence, the stored samples gradually are corrected to represent the configuration of the tracks scanned by the rotary head. When the head reproduces signals from the record medium, the generated tracking drive signals are used to control the deflection device so as to make the head coincident with the track being scanned thereby. When the head is used to record signals, the stored samples are used to control the deflection device before such samples are corrected.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for information signals recorded in inclined tracks together with tracking signals whose frequency changes from track to track in a cyclic sequence, comprises a variable-frequency signal generator for the generation of track selection signals, from which together with the crosstalk tracking signals reproduced during a playback mode by at least one rotatable playback head arranged on an electromechanical transducer a transducer actuating signal is derived for tracking purposes, by means of which actuating signal the transducer with the playback head is adjustable between two extreme positions transversely of the tracks.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing video signals recorded in successive parallel tracks extending obliquely on a record tape, which apparatus includes a rotary head repeatedly scanning across the tape generally in a direction along the tracks for reproducing the signals recorded therein while the tape is advanced longitudinally at a selected reproducing speed which is any arbitrary ratio n of a normal reproducing speed for achieving various reproducing modes, and a transducer deflecting device responsive to a drive voltage for deflecting the head in a direction transverse to said direction along the tracks; a tracking control system is provided with a circuit for determining the value of said ratio n and for extracting, from said value of the ratio n, values m and l of an integer and a fraction, respectively, which aggregate said ratio n; a circuit for forming relatively large and small head jump voltages which respectively correspond to said value m and a value (m-1); a discriminating circuit for determining wheth

Abstract: A tracking error detection system in a magnetic reproducing apparatus having M rotary heads where M is an integer and M rotary heads respectively and successively scan over oblique tracks on a magnetic tape to reproduce signals, comprises a head moving mechanism for moving at least one rotary head along a height direction thereof, a head moving signal generating circuit for generating a head moving signal having a square wave shape wherein a rise and a fall are obtained for every M.multidot.

Abstract: A high-speed tape transport system in a magnetic reproducing apparatus. The reproducing apparatus includes a reel for taking up a magnetic tape on which an information signal and a control signal have been recorded. The system comprises a control head for reproducing the control signal from the magnetic tape, a frequency-voltage converter for producing a voltage corresponding to the frequency or period of the control signal thus reproduced. Moreover, the system includes a reel motor for rotating the reel and a circuit for controlling the reel motor's rotational speed in response to the voltage produced by the frequency-voltage converter. Consequently, the rotational speed of the reel motor is controlled so that the magnetic tape is travelled at a constant high speed.

Abstract: A video tape recording/reproducing apparatus for reproducing video signals recorded in successive parallel tracks on a magnetic tape, includes a magnetic head movable in a direction generally along each of the tracks in a scanning path from a beginning end to a concluding end thereof for reproducing signals recorded therein, and a bi-morph leaf for mounting the head and being operative to deflect the head in a direction transverse to the direction along the tracks. During the scanning operation, the bi-morph leaf is supplied with a dithering signal for wobbling the head transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the record tracks, a tracking error signal to correct deviations of the head trace from the tracks to be scanned and a slant compensation signal to correct any inclination tracking error of the head. During the non-scanning operation, a jump signal is supplied to the bi-morph leaf for deflecting the head to accurately scan the beginning of the tracks.

Abstract: A pilot signal recording and reproducing system comprises a frequency generating circuit for successively generating a first frequency, a third frequency, a second frequency, and a fourth frequency in this order or in a reverse order for every recording unit of one track, where the first and second frequencies are mutually separated frequencies, selected from a first frequency group, and the third and fourth frequencies respectively are frequencies approximately equal to the first and second frequencies, selected from a second frequency group, a recording device for recording a frequency obtained from the frequency generating circuit as a pilot signal together with an information signal onto a recording medium, a comb filter for frequency-selecting pilot signals recorded on both sides of a track which is to be reproduced, where these pilot signals have mutually different frequencies and are included as crosstalk within a reproduced signal reproduced from the recording medium, a control circuit for controlling

Abstract: A tracking control system used in video reproducing apparatus to keep the signal head on the parallel recorded tracks in spite of speed deviations of the recording medium has a bi-morph leaf to support the head. The bi-morph leaf includes piezo-electric material to which a control voltage can be applied to deform the piezo-electric material to the extent necessary to deflect the leaf in the proper direction and to the proper extent necessary to keep the head mounted on the leaf alignment with the correct track section. When the leaf reaches its maximum permissible deflection, the control voltage is reversed to shift the head in the opposite direction. In so doing the head either skips a track section, if the recording medium is moving too fast, or repeats playback of a section, if the medium is moving too slowly.

Abstract: A video tape recording/reproducing apparatus for reproducing video signals recorded in successive parallel tracks on a magnetic tape includes a magnetic head for scanning the tracks to reproduce the signals recorded therein; a bi-morph leaf for deflecting the head in a direction transverse to the direction along the tracks; a controllable oscillator for supplying a wobbling signal to the bi-morph leaf so as to cause the latter to deflect the head to oscillate in a transverse direction with respect to the tracks, whereby the signals reproduced by the head are amplitude modulated at the frequency of the wobbling signal; a tracking error detecting loop for supplying a tracking error signal, corresponding to deviation of the head from the respective track being scanned, to the bi-morph leaf so as to control the latter to correct the deviation; and a signal detecting loop for detecting the fundamental and second harmonic components of the amplitude modulated signals reproduced by the head and for controlling the a

Abstract: In an apparatus which reproduces video signals using rotating heads to scan oblique tracks formed on a tape, the tape is intermittently moved and stopped by a tape capstan motor which is driven by a motor drive pulse. The motor drive pulse is generated at predetermined time intervals corresponding to a predetermined number of tracks for slow-motion reproduction of the recorded video signals. Deviations in the amount of tape intermittently advanced, as measured by a predetermined number of tracks, is avoided by varying the pulse-width or amplitude of the motor drive pulse.

Abstract: A tracking system including positionable elements, rotary video heads mounted on the positionable elements, a control head, a frequency generator attached to a capstan motor, and a displacing pattern generator. The displacing pattern generator includes counters which count the pulses from the frequency generator. The pattern generator is reset by control signals reproduced by the control head, a still pattern generator, and an adding means which adds the output signal from the counters and the output signal from the still pattern generator. The output signal of the displacing pattern generator is amplified and applied to the positionable element. As result, the video head mounted on the positionable element can properly trace on a recorded video track at a normal tape speed or at a different tape speed.

Abstract: A phase servo circuit for controlling a rotatable magnetic head which is used for recording and/or reproducing a television signal includes a pulse generator for producing a pulse signal synchronous with the rotating phase of the rotatable magnetic head, a phase difference detecting circuit for generating a control signal which is used for controlling the rotating phase of the rotatable magnetic head, the control signal having a pulse width modulated in response to the phase difference between the pulse signal and the vertical synchronizing signal of a television signal to be recorded, another circuit for detecting the phase difference between the aforementioned vertical synchronizing signal and a second vertical synchronizing signal of a reproduced television signal and a modulating circuit for modulating the pulse width of the control signal in response to the output of the phase difference detecting circuit, whereby the phase angle of the first-mentioned and second vertical synchronizing signals are in syn

Abstract: A video tape recording/reproducing apparatus for reproducing video signals recorded in successive parallel tracks on a magnetic tape which is adapted to be longitudinally advanced, includes first and second magnetic heads movable in a direction generally along the tracks for reproducing signals recorded therein, and first and second bi-morph leaves for mounting the magnetic heads and being operative to deflect the first and second heads, respectively, in a direction transverse to the direction along the tracks. During the scanning operation by the respective heads, the first and second bi-morph leaves are supplied with a dithering signal for wobbling the heads transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the record tracks, a tracking error signal to correct deviations of the head trace from the tracks to be scanned and a slant angle correction signal to correct any inclination tracking error of the first and second magnetic heads.

Abstract: To continuously correct for tape stretching ("skew"), the phase of timed video information on the tape is compared with a reference at two different times, thereby forming two comparison signals. The two comparison signals are subtracted from each other to form an error signal, which is used to continuously correct the tape length variations.