Patent ID: 6125013
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method for detecting a playing time of a magnetic tape, said method comprising the steps of:(a) determining whether a predetermined signal is detected from the magnetic tape;(b) when the predetermined signal is detected, performing a high speed winding search mode of operation until said predetermined signal is not detected;(c) storing a first residual time of the magnetic tape in a first memory when said predetermined signal is not detected;(d) performing a high speed rewinding search mode of operation;(e) determining whether said predetermined signal is detected;(f) if said predetermined signal is detected, determining if said first residual time is stored in said first memory;(g) if said predetermined signal is not detected, storing a second residual time in a second memory;(h) storing a third residual time of the magnetic tape by subtracting said first residual time from said second residual time; and(i) increasing said third residual time in response to operation of a deck in a corresponding recording/reproducing mode of operation.