Patent ID: 6256270
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
Disc reproducing apparatus comprising:means for reproducing a disc on a turntable,a stocker for accommodating a plurality of discs, each of which is put on a corresponding one of a plurality of shelves of the stocker; first transport means for engaging a disc accommodated within the stocker at a first height level and transporting the engaged disc between a position where the disc is accommodated within the stocker and a position where the disc is projected outside the apparatus body for replacement of the projected disc; second transport means for engaging a disc accommodated within the stocker at a second height level and transporting the engaged disc between a position where the disc is accommodated within the stocker and a position on the turntable for reproduction; stocker drive means for moving upward or downward the stocker so that a designated disc accommodated within the stocker is positioned flush with the first or second height levels; and control means for controlling the first and second transport means and the stocker drive means, andan open/close key means for designating one of the plurality of shelves and instructing the control means to control the stocker drive means and the first transport means so that a disc on the designated shelf is projected outside the apparatus body or a disc projecting outside the apparatus body is accommodated into the designated shelf of the stocker, wherein, when the open/close key means designates one of the plurality of shelves while one disc is being reproduced on the turntable and another disc is projecting outside the apparatus body, the control means controls the stocker drive means and the first transport means so that, the stocker is moved so that the designated shelf is flush with the first height level without interrupting the reproduction of said one disc to accommodate said another disc into the designated shelf of the stocker, and after the disc projecting outside the apparatus body has been accommodated into the designated shelf of the stocker, the stocker is moved so that the shelf on which the disc under reproduction is to be put is positioned flush with the second height level for the second transport means,whereby upon an instruction to accommodate said one disc on the turntable into the stocker, said one disc is accommodated without moving the stocker.