Magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus permits a title for a video signal to be recorded in an 8-mm video tape recorder. A VSC region is formed between a video region for recording video signal and a PCM data region for recording PCM data. The title for the video signal and a control code for controlling the status of the title display are stored in the VSC region.

Description: This invention relates to magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus and methods. Apparatus embodying the invention may, for instance be embodied as an 8-mm video tape recorder. 8-mm video tape recorders are disclosed in US Patents Nos. US-A-4 551 771 and US-A-4 542 419. Prior art relating to this invention is disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. EP-A-0 196 104. With the conventional 8-mm video tape recorder (a video tape recorder incorporating a camera), it is possible to record predetermined video signals and also to record a title corresponding thereto to be superimposed onto an original image. When reproducing is carried out, the title is displayed superimposed on the original image. Therefore, it is possible to permit enjoyment of richly variable video. However, when a title is recorded in superimposition on a video signal, there is a problem that the title, once recorded, cannot be erased. Also, if the title is recorded in PCM audio data recording regions, it becomes impossible to record a corresponding quantity of PCM audio data. US Patent US-A-4 935 824 discloses a magnetic recording apparatus and method according to the pre-characterising parts of claims 1 and 4, respectively, hereof. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing an oblique track on a recording medium, the track comprising a first region on which a first information signal, which is a video signal (VIDEO), is recorded, a second region on which a second information signal (PCM) is recorded, and a third region located between the first and second regions and on which a third information signal (VSC) is recorded, the apparatus comprising: a recording arrangement having: memory means for storing data to be contained in the third information signal (VSC); control means for reading out the data stored in the memory means; and third information signal recording means operative to record the third information signal (VSC) on the third region of the track; and a reproducing arrangement having: reproducing means for deriving a reproduced signal from the information signals recorded on the track; first information signal separating means for separating the first information signal (VIDEO) from the reproduced signal at a timing corresponding to the first region of the track; and control signal separating means for separating the third information signal (VSC) from the reproduced signal at a timing corresponding to the third region of the track; the apparatus being characterised in that: the recording arrangement comprises: a memory controller for storing title data in the memory means; and title display mode control data generating means for generating title display mode control data; the control means being operative to read the stored title data from the memory means and to supply the read title data and the title display mode control data to the third information signal recording means to be included in the third information signal (VSC); and in that, in the reproducing arrangement: the control signal separating means is operative to extract title data and title display mode control data contained in the third information signal; memory means is provided for storing the title data extracted from the third information signal (VSC); a memory controller is provided for controlling reading out of said extracted title data stored in the memory means in accordance with the title display mode control data extracted from the third information signal (VSC); and synthesiser means is provided for combining the separated first information signal (VIDEO) and said extracted title data read out from the memory means. According to a further aspect thereof, the invention provides a magnetic recording and reproducing method as set forth in claim 4 hereof. A preferred embodiment of the invention described hereinbelow provides a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus which comprises a rotary head (11) serving as recording means for recording a predetermined signal in oblique tracks of a magnetic tape (12), a video and AFM circuit serving as a video signal supply means for supplying a video signal (first information signal) to the rotary head (11) at a timing corresponding to a first region of the oblique tracks, a PCM circuit (9) serving as PCM data supply means for supplying PCM data (second information signal) to the rotary head (11) at a timing corresponding to a second region of the oblique tracks, and a VSC circuit (8) serving as title supply means for supplying title data corresponding to a video signal and a control code to control display of the title (third information signal) to the rotary head (11) at a timing corresponding to a third region between the first and second regions of the oblique tracks. The preferred embodiment of the invention also provides a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus that comprises a rotary head (11) serving as reproducing means for reproducing a signal recorded in oblique tracks of a magnetic tape, a video and AFM circuit (13) serving as video signal separation means for separating a video signal from a reproduced signal outputted from the rotary head (11) at a timing corresponding to a first region of the oblique tracks, a PCM circuit (9) serving as PCM data separation means for separating PCM data from the reproduced signal outputted from the rotary head (11), a VSC circuit serving as title separation means for separating title data corresponding to a video signal from the reproduced signal outputted from the rotary head (11), and a switch 14 serving as synthesizer means for combining title data separated by the VSC circuit into the video signal separated by said video and AFM circuit (13). The preferred embodiment of the invention further provides a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus that comprises a rotary head (11) serving as reproducing means for reproducing a signal recorded in oblique tracks of a magnetic tape (12), a video and AFM circuit (13) serving as video signal separation means for separating a video signal from a reproduced signal outputted from the rotary head (11), a memory (5) serving as storage means for storing title data corresponding to a video signal, a monitor (15) serving as display means for combining and displaying a title stored in the memory (5) and a video signal separated by the video and AFM circuit (13), and a memory controller (4) serving as control means for controlling the display of the title according to a title control code separated by a VSC circuit (8). In the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus embodying this invention, title data corresponding to a video signal and a control code for controlling the display of the title are stored in the third region between first and second regions of the oblique tracks. It is thus possible to record the title by recording or after-recording while keeping the original video and PCM audio. In reproducing also, the title and a control code for controlling the display of the title are reproduced from the third region. It is thus possible to permit, as desired, display of the title in superimposition on an original video signal or display of the sole original video without any title display. The title display is also controllable according to a control code stored in a memory so as to permit richly variable title display. With the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus embodying this invention, title data and a control code for controlling the display of a title are recorded in a third region between a first region for recording a video signal therein and a second region for recording PCM data therein. It is thus possible to record a title on a magnetic tape in a short period of time with a single apparatus. In addition, it is possible to obtain a magnetic tape, which permits richly variable title display, and there is no possibility that the title spoils the original video signal or reduces the PCM data capacity. Further, title data is reproduced from the region between the region with the video signal recorded therein and the region with the PCM data recorded therein, and the title is combined with the video signal. Thus, it is possible to omit the title display, if necessary. Additionally, the status of display of the title in superimposition on the video signal is controlled in correspondence to a control code stored in storage means. It is thus possible to enjoy a richly variable title display without damaging the original video signal. The preferred embodiment of this invention provides a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus which permits recording and erasing of a title as desired while permitting the recording of PCM audio data as well as a video signal at all times. The invention will now be further described, by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like reference signs throughout, and in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus embodying the invention, implemented as an 8-mm video tape recorder; Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a key arrangement of an operating unit 7 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a schematic view for explaining the track format of a magnetic tape 12 shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing, on an enlarged scale, the VSC region shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the signal format in case of recording title data in each word of the data block shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the signal format in case of recording title control information in each work of the data block shown in Fig. 4; Figs. 7A to 7C are schematic views showing three different systems for recording VSC signal; Fig. 8 is a flow chart for explaining the process of recording the VSC signal with a system shown in Fig. 7A; Fig. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the process of reproducing the VSC signal recorded with the system shown in Fig. 7A; Fig. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the process in case of recording the VSC signal with a system shown in Fig. 7B; Fig. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the process in case of reproducing the VSC signal recorded with the system shown in Fig. 7B; Fig. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the process in case of recording the VSC signal with a system shown in Fig. 7C; and Fig. 13 is a flow chart for explaining the process of reproducing the VSC signal recorded with the system shown in Fig. 7C. Preferred embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of an embodiment of the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus according to the invention applied to an 8-mm video tape recorder. A luminance signal S1 is input as title to an input terminal 1 from an external circuit (not shown). The luminance signal S1 supplied may represent characters, drawings, etc. manually written on a board using a picture computer (not shown), for instance. A comparator 3 compares the luminance signal supplied to the input terminal 1 to a predetermined reference value and thus digitalizes the signal into binary data which is supplied to a title memory controller 4. To the title memory controller 4 are also supplied a horizontal and a vertical sync signals (H and V signals) S2 from an input terminal 2. A memory 5, implemented by a RAM or a ROM, stores title data. A microcomputer 6 controls various parts of the apparatus according to operations in an operating unit 7 for the execution of recording and reproduction. The operating unit 7, as shown in Fig. 2 for instance, has keys 7A and 7B for recording a code for on-off controlling the display of a title and also title mode keys 7C to 7I for recording various title mode data. The keys 7C and 7D are operated for recording an upward and a downward title scroll control code, respectively. The key 7E is operated for recording a title wipe control code, and the key 7F is operated for recording a title fade-in or fade-out control code. The key 7G is operated for recording a non-processed (or original) title display control code, and the key 7H is operated for recording a control code for providing a predetermined title display color. The key 7I is operated for recording an inverse title display control code. The key 7J is operated for recording title display time information. A VSC circuit 8 outputs title data and control code supplied from the microcomputer 6 to a recording/reproduction amplifier 10 in a timing corresponding to a VSC region to be described later. In addition, it demodulates VSC signal supplied from the recording/reproduction amplifier 10 and reads out title and control code to be output to the title memory controller 4. In a recording mode, a PCM circuit 9 PCM processes audio signal S3 supplied from an input terminal 17 and outputs the processed signal to the recording/reproduction amplifier 10 in a timing corresponding to a PCM region to be described later. In a reproduction mode, the circuit 9 demodulates PCM data supplied from the recording/reproduction amplifier 10 and outputs the demodulation data through a contact P of a switch 18 to a monitor 15 side. In the recording mode, the video and AFM 13 FM modulates video signal S4 and audio signal S3 supplied from respective input terminals 16 and 17 and outputs the modulated signals to the recording/reproduction amplifier 10, while outputting video and audio signals for monitoring to a contact "b" of a switch 14 and a contact "F" of the switch 18, respectively. A rotary head 11 is mounted on a rotary drum (not shown) and traces a magnetic tape 12. As the magnetic tape 12 is traced by the rotary head 11, many oblique tracks are formed on the tape 12. In the recording mode, the rotary head 11 records signal from the recording/reproduction amplifier 10 in oblique tracks of the magnetic tape 12. In the reproduction mode, it outputs signal reproduced from the oblique tracks to the recording/reproduction amplifier 10. Fig. 3 shows the pattern of oblique tracks formed on the magnetic tape 12. As shown, the oblique tracks have a video region, which has a length corresponding to a winding angle of 180 degrees, and a PCM region, which is formed on the side of a V-P guard region opposite the video region. In the PCM region, a VSC region, a PCM data region and a PCM clock line region are formed in the mentioned order from the side of the V-P guard region. In the video region, FM video and FM audio signals are recorded by frequency multiplexing recording. In the PCM data region, PCM audio data is recorded. In the PCM clock line,region, clock data necessary for reproducing the PCM data is recorded. The VSC and V-P guard regions are partly shown exaggerated in Fig. 3. As shown, the VSC region is formed in portions of post-amble and V-P guard regions. The PCM data and VSC regions are spaced apart by 0.1 H. The VSC and video regions are spaced apart by 2.3 H in the case of the NTSC system and by 2.8 H in the case of the PAL system. The VSC region, as shown in Fig. 4, is divided into three regions, i.e., a region for recording erase code (for instance being all "1") to be set in order to remove a signal without using conventional erasing when after-recording VSC, a 1.0 H region for recording search mark which is searched when in searching a head of data, and is used for deciding, for instance, as a search mark when all "0" or as a signal other than search mark when all "1", and a 0.8 H region for recording data. The data region consists of 6 blocks, i.e., 5 data blocks and an end block. The end block is constituted by 36-bit length data. In this block, an end code indicative of the last data in the VSC region is recorded. Here, the number of data blocks of the data region may be one. Each data block is constituted by 51-bit data. The first 3 bits are allocated to a sync code S, and the following bits are allocated to 6 words each of one byte (i.e., 8 bits). In the first 5 words WD0 to WF4, predetermined data are recorded, and the last word is allocated to an end detection code. Figs. 5 and 6 show the contents of the data recorded in the words WD0 to WD4. Fig. 5 shows a case, in which "250" is recorded as mode No. data in the word WD0. In each of the following 4 words WD1 to WD4, a title is recorded. Fig. 6 shows a case, in which "251" is recorded as mode No. data in the word WD0. In the following 4 words WD1 to WD4, title mode information (i.e, title control codes) is recorded. More specifically, in the word WD1 a control code for turning on or off the title display or a time code indicative of the display time is recorded. In the word WD2, an original code indicative of displaying the title without any process, scroll up and down codes indicative of upwardly and downwardly scrolling the title, a wipe code indicative of wiping of the title and a fade code indicative of causing the fading of the title, are recorded. In the word WD3, a color code is recoded. In the word WD4, an inversion code is recorded. Title modes are recorded in the words WD1 to WD4 in correspondence to the operation of the keys 7A to 7J shown in Fig. 2. The operation will now be described. In the recording mode, video and audio signals coupled to the input terminals 16 and 17 are FM modulated in the video AFM circuit 13, the output of which is in turn supplied to the recording/reproduction amplifier 10. The recording/reproduction amplifier 10 includes an internal switch 10A, which is adapted to be switched to a contact "b" in the video region and to a contact "a" in the other regions. Thus, in the timing of supply of the video FM and audio FM signals from the video and AFM circuit 13, the switch 10A is switched to the contact "b", and the video FM and audio FM signals are supplied from the recording/reproduction amplifier 10 to the rotary head 11 to be recorded in the video region of the magnetic tape 12. The audio signal coupled to the input terminal 17 is also supplied to the PCM circuit 9 for PCM processing before being supplied to the contact "a" of the switch 10A. Thus, in the PCM region the switch 10A is switched to the contact "a", and the recording/reproduction amplifier 10 supplies the PCM audio data to the rotary head 11. Consequently, the PCM audio data is recorded in the PCM data region of the magnetic tape 12. Meanwhile, the video and audio signals supplied to the video and AFM circuit 13 are also supplied to the contact "b" of the switch 14 and the contact "F" of the switch 18. At this time, the switch 14 has been switched to the contact "b", while the switch 18 has been switched to the contact "F". Thus, it is possible to monitor the video and audio signals for recording on the monitor 15. In the reproduction mode, signal reproduced from oblique tracks of the magnetic tape 12 by the rotary head 11 is supplied to the recording/reproduction amplifier 10. In the recording/reproduction amplifier 10, the switch 10A is switched such that a signal reproduced from the video region of oblique tracks is supplied to the video and AFM circuit 13 and that a signal reproduced from the other regions is supplied to the PCM and VSC circuits 9 and 8. The video and AFM circuit 13 demodulates the input video FM and audio FM signals and supplies the video signal through the contact "b" of the switch 14 to the monitor 15 while supplying the audio signal through the contact "F" of the switch 18 to the monitor 15. It is thus possible to monitor the video and audio signals reproduced from the magnetic tape 12 on the monitor 15. When a speech switch (not shown) in the operating unit 7 is operated, the microcomputer 6 switches the switch 18 to the contact "P". At the contact, reproduced audio signal obtained through modulation in the PCM circuit 9 prevails. It is thus possible to monitor the PCM audio signal in lieu of the FM audio signal on the monitor 15. The operation will now be described in connection with the case of recording a title on the magnetic tape 12 or reproducing (i.e., displaying) the recorded data. As the system for recording a control code therefore if necessary, in the VSC region, there are three different systems as shown in Figs. 7A to 7C. In the system shown in Fig. 7A, the VSC signal of the title control code is recorded in all the title display fields. In the system shown in Fig. 7B, the VSC signal of the title control code is recorded at title display start and end positions. In the system shown in Fig. 7C, the VSC signal of the title control code is recorded in the title display position (or in a preceding position). Here the VSC signal may be recorded simultaneously with when recording the video signal and the audio signal, or may be recorded in after-recording. The flow charts of Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate the operation in the case of recording or reproducing the VSC signal in the system shown in Fig. 7A. When the VSC signal is recorded, the reproduction mode is instructed to the microcomputer 6 by operating the operating unit 7. By so doing, the video and audio signals recorded on the magnetic tape 12 are reproduced and output to the monitor 15 for display thereon, as mentioned before. The user thus may record (i.e., after-record) the VSC signal, if necessary, by operating a predetermined key in the operating unit while watching the image display. More specifically, in a step SP1 a check is made as to whether the title "on" key 7A is operated. If the key 7A is operated, a step SP2 of recording as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is executed. That is, the mode No. data "251" is recorded in the word WD0, and a code for turning on the title display is recorded in the corresponding word WD1. Further, in response to the operation of the title mode keys 7C to 7I in the operating unit 7, the prevailing various title mode codes are recorded in the words WD2 to WD4. The title memory controller 4 processes the digitalized title, which is obtained from a luminance signal supplied to the comparator 3 from the input terminal 1. Thus, various data to be recorded in the words WD1 to WD4 shown in Figs. 5 and 6 are stored in the memory 5. The title memory controller 4 reads out data from the memory 5 in a predetermined timing and supplies the read-out data to the VSC circuit 8, and generates a code corresponding to control from the microcomputer 6. The VSC circuit 8 converts the input data into a recording signal, which is output to the recording/reproduction amplifier 10 in a timing corresponding to the VSC region. In consequence, the title and title mode data subordinate thereto, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, are recorded in the VSC region of the magnetic tape 12. While sole title may be recorded, in case of recording control code together with title, one of the 5 blocks in each field (i.e., inclined track) may be used for control code while using the other 4 blocks for title. As a further alternative, a control code may be recorded in one block of one of 5 blocks while recording the title in the other 4 blocks of that field and also recording the title in all the 5 blocks in the other 4 fields. The title control code may be also recorded by operating the title "on" key 7A of the operating unit 7 after obtaining a predetermined title data which is recorded and reproduced. The "on" code may be also started to record from the position corresponding to when operating the title "on" key, after recording the title data on the VSC region, when the title key is operated to rewind a tape by predetermined quantity. The above write operation is executed continuously while the title "on" key 7A of the operating unit 7 is operated by the user. If it is judged in the step SP1 that the title "on" key 7A is not operated, the process in the step SP2 is skipped. That is neither title nor title mode data is recorded. If it is judged in the step SP1 that the title "on" key 7A is not operated, upon completion of the process in the step SP2 a next step SP3 is executed, in which whether the title "off" key 7B is operated is checked. If it is judged that the title "off" key 7B is operated, a step SP4 is executed, in which the operation of writing data in the VSC region is stopped. If it is judged in the step SP3 that the title "off" key 7B is not operated, a step SP5 is executed, in which whether any of the title mode keys 7C to 7F is operated is checked. If it is judged that any key is operated, a step SP6 is executed, in which the title mode (i.e., data stored in the memory 5) corresponding to the operated key is changed and the tape is recorded via VSC circuit. If none of the title mode keys 7C to 7I is operated, the process in the step SP6 is skipped. If the process in the step SP6 is executed, or if it is judged in the step SP5 that no title mode key is operated, the routine returns to the step SP1 to repeat the subsequent operation. Fig. 9 illustrates a process in the case of reproduction from a magnetic tape, in which title and control code therefore are recorded in the VSC region. First, a check is done in a step SP11 as to whether the mode recorded in the word WD0 in the VSC signal is "251" (i.e., title control information). If the mode No. recorded in the word WD0 is "251", and the code recorded in the next word WD0 is a code for turning on the display, a step SP12 is executed, in which the title is displayed in correspondence to the title mode code designated by the words WD2 to WD4. If it is judged in the step SP11 that the data in the word WD0 is not "251" (i.e., not title control information), a step SP13 of . discontinuing the display is executed. This title data has been reproduced from the tape to be stored into the memory 5, or has been input from external through the title controller to be stored into the memory 5. More specifically, when the VSC signal is supplied from the recording/reproduction amplifier 10, the VSC circuit 8 reads this signal and outputs the same to the title memory controller 4. The title memory controller 4 processes the read-out title data and supplies the processed data to the memory 5 for storing. Then, it controls the switching of the switch 14 in accordance with the title and title mode data reproduced. More specifically, when displaying the title, the switch 14 is switched to the contact "a", and the video signal of the title stored in the memory 5 is output to and displayed on the monitor 15 in lieu of the video signal supplied to the video and AFM circuit 13. At this time, the title memory controller 4 causes the color code title set in the title mode to be displayed on the monitor 15. In this way, title is displayed together with video signal on the monitor 15. The title is displayed without any process in correspondence to the title mode code noted above, or it is scrolled upward or downward or wiped or caused to fade. Further, the data is displayed in a predetermined color or as inverse display. While in the above case the switch 14 outputted the title signal in lieu of the video signal to the monitor 1, it is also possible to construct the switch 14 with an adder to permit display of title in superimposition on the original video signal. Operation in the case when recording or reproducing the VSC control signal in the manner as shown in Fig. 7B. In this case, the VSC signal is recorded in the title display start and end positions. Therefore, unlike the case shown in Figs. 8 and 9 (the case shown in Fig. 7A), it is impossible to change the status of the title display. In this case, therefore, it is necessary to set a predetermined title mode in advance. For this reason, the user sets a predetermined title mode by operating the title mode keys 7C to 7I before turning on the title "on" or "off" key 7A or 7B. At this time, it is judged in steps SP21 and SP22 that the title "on" and "off" keys 7A and 7B are "off", and thus a step SP23 is executed, in which whether any of the title mode keys 7C to 7I is operated is checked. If any title mode key is operated, a step SP24 is executed, in which the corresponding title mode is set in the microcomputer 6. After the setting of the predetermined title mode in this way, reproduction of the magnetic tape 12 is made, and the user operates the title "on" key 7A at a position, at which it is desired to start the title display. At this time, the step SP21 yields YES, and a step SP25 is executed, in which the mode No. "251" is held in the word WD0 for a predetermined period of time, and an "on" code indicative of the start of the display is recorded in the next word WD0. Further, title data is recorded in the words WD1 to WD4 corresponding to the word WD0, in which the mode No. "250" is stored. Here, the tape may be wound back with quantity enough to record the mode No. "250" to record on the tape. Next, when the user operates the title "off" key 7B at a position, at which it is desired to end the title display, the step SP22 yields YES, and a step SP26 is executed, in which an "off" code is recorded in the word WD1 corresponding to the word WD0, in which the mode No. "251" is held. Again this recording is provided for a predetermined period of time. When the VSC signal is recorded in the manner as shown in Fig. 10, a reproduction process as shown in Fig. 11 is executed. More specifically, in a step SP31 a check is made as to whether the mode No. in the word WD0 in the VSC signal is "251" (i.e., whether title control information is recorded). If it is judged that the title control information is recorded, a step SP23 is executed, in which whether the "on" code is stored in the word WD1 is checked. If it is judged that the "on" code is recorded, a step SP33 is executed, in which title recorded in memory 5 is displayed in the title mode recorded in the words WD2 to WD4. If it is judged in the step SP32 that the code in the word WF1 is not the "on" code, a step SP34 is executed, in which whether the code is the "off" code is checked. If the code is judged to be the "off" core, a step SP35 is executed, in which the title display is discontinued. In the above way, predetermined title is displayed in a predetermined title mode from the position, at which the title display start is instructed, to the position, at which the title display end is instructed. Now, operation in the case of displaying title only for a predetermined period of time as shown in Fig. 7C will be described with reference to the flow charts of Figs. 12 and 13. In this case, like the case shown in Fig. 7B, the title display status can not be changed during the operation. Therefore, again in this case it is necessary to set a predetermined title mode in advance. The user thus sets a predetermined title mode in the microcomputer 6 by operating a pertinent one of the title mode keys 7C to 7I before operating the title "on" key 7A. At this time, it is judged in a step SP41 that the title "on" key 7A is not operated, and a step SP42 is executed, in which whether any of the title mode keys 7C to 7I are operated is checked. Since the title mode keys are operated, a step 43 is executed, in which the title modes corresponding to the operated title mode keys are stored in the microcomputer 6. When the user operates the title "on" key 7A at a position, at which it is desired to start the title display, after completion of the title mode setting operation, the step SP41 yields YES, and a step SP44 is executed. When the tape is for example wound back by quantity enough to come to the tape position on which the title data is recorded and the title "on" key is operated, the "on" code is recorded in the word WD1 corresponding to the mode No. "251". At this time, a time code indicative of the time, during which it is desired to continue the display, is also recorded. This time is set by operating the time key 7J in the operating unit 7. Further, various title modes are recorded in the words WD2 to WD4 corresponding to the mode No. "251". The reproduction in case when the VSC signal is recorded in the above way, is carried out as shown in Fig. 3. In a step SP51, a check is made from the VSC signal as to whether title control information is recorded. That is, whether the mode No. "251" is stored as the word WD0 is checked. If it is judged that the title control information is recorded, a step SP52 is executed, in which whether "on" code and time code are recorded in the word WD1 corresponding to the mode No. "251" is checked. If it is judged that these codes are recorded, a title SP53 is executed, in which display corresponding to the title modes recorded in the words WD2 to WD1 are made. Then in a step SP54, a timer corresponding to the time code recorded in the word WD1 is started. If it is judged in the step SP55 that a preset time of the timer has passed, a step SP56 of ending the title display started in the step SP53 is executed. In this case, the title display is made for a constant period of time which is recorded in advance. As shown in Fig. 4, in the VSC region data of 5 blocks in one field (or one track) is present. Since data of 4 bytes can be recorded in each block, it is possible to record data of 20 bytes (i.e., 5 times 4 bytes) in one field. Thus, title data of 8 K bytes, for instance, can be recorded in a time interval of about 6.6 seconds (i.e., 8,000 divided by 20 divided by 60). In the above description, the VSC signal is recorded in continuous fields (or tracks). However, it is possible to record the VSC signal intermittently for every predetermined number of fields. Further, by permitting the video signal of the title to be recorded by compression, the recording time can be further reduced. Further, while in the above embodiment the VSC signal reproduced from the magnetic tape 12 is once stored in the RAM as the memory 5, it is possible to use a ROM as the memory 5 for storing predetermined title data in advance and displaying a predetermined title, which is selected by operating the operating unit 7, in a predetermined title mode.

Claims: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing an oblique track on a recording medium, the track comprising a first region on which a first information signal, which is a video signal (VIDEO), is recorded, a second region on which a second information signal (PCM) is recorded, and a third region located between the first and second regions and on which a third information signal (VSC) is recorded, the apparatus comprising: a recording arrangement having: memory means (5) for storing data to be contained in the third information signal (VSC); control means (6) for reading out the data stored in the memory means (5); and third information signal recording means (8, 10, 11) operative to record the third information signal (VSC) on the third region of the track; and a reproducing arrangement having: reproducing means (10, 11) for deriving a reproduced signal from the information signals recorded on the track; first information signal separating means (13) for separating the first information signal (VIDEO) from the reproduced signal at a timing corresponding to the first region of the track; and control signal separating means (8) for separating the third information signal (VSC) from the reproduced signal at a timing corresponding to the third region of the track; the apparatus being characterised in that: the recording arrangement comprises: a memory controller (4) for storing title data in the memory means (5); and title display mode control data generating means (6, 7) for generating title display mode control data; the control means (6) being operative to read the stored title data from the memory means (5) and to supply the read title data and the title display mode control data to the third information signal recording means (8, 10, 11) to be included in the third information signal (VSC); and in that, in the reproducing arrangement: the control signal separating means (8) is operative to extract title data and title display mode control data contained in the third information signal; memory means (5) is provided for storing the title data extracted from the third information signal (VSC); a memory controller (4) is provided for controlling reading out of said extracted title data stored in the memory means (5) in accordance with the title display mode control data extracted from the third information signal (VSC); and synthesiser means (14) is provided for combining the separated first information signal (VIDEO) and said extracted title data read out from the memory means (5). Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third information signal recording means (8,10, 11) is operative to record the third information signal (VSC) such that it has an erase code portion for removing any previously recorded third information signal in the event of after-recording of the third information signal, a search mark code portion for searching the third information signal, and a data portion which contains the read title data and the title display mode control data. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control signal separating means (8) is operative to separate a third information signal (VSC) which has an erase code portion for removing any previously recorded third information signal in the event of after-recording of the third information signal, a search mark code portion for searching the third information signal, and a data portion which contains the title data and the title display mode control data. A magnetic recording and reproducing method for recording and reproducing an oblique track on a recording medium, the track comprising a first region on which a first information signal, which is a video signal (VIDEO), is recorded, a second region on which a second information signal (PCM) is recorded, and a third region located between the first and second regions and on which a third information signal (VSC) is recorded, the method comprising: a recording operation that includes: storing (5) data to be contained in the third information signal (VSC); reading out the stored data; and recording (8, 10, 11) the third information signal (VSC) on the third region of the track; and a reproducing operation that includes: reproducing (10, 11) a signal from the information signals recorded on the track; separating (13) the first information signal (VIDEO) from the reproduced signal at a timing corresponding to the first region of the track; and separating (8) the third information signal (VSC) from the reproduced signal at a timing corresponding to the third region of the track; the method being characterised in that: the recording operation comprises: storing (5) title data; generating (6, 7) title display mode control data; and reading the stored title data and including the read title data and the title display mode control data in the recorded third information signal (VSC); and the reproducing operation comprises: extracting title data and title display mode control data contained in the third information signal; storing (5) the title data extracted from the third information signal (VSC); controlling (4) reading out of the stored title data in accordance with the title display mode control data extracted from the third information signal (VSC); and combining (14) the separated first information signal (VIDEO) and the read out title data. A method according to claim 4, wherein the third information signal (VSC) recorded in the recording operation has an erase code portion for removing any previously recorded third information signal in the event of after-recording of the third information signal, a search mark code portion for searching the third information signal, and a data portion which contains the read title data and the title display mode control data. A method according to claim 4, wherein the third information signal (VSC) separated in the reproducing operation has an erase code portion for removing any previously recorded third information signal in the event of after-recording of the third information signal, a search mark code portion for searching the third information signal, and a data portion which contains the title data and the title display mode control data.

Inventors: FURUYA MIKI, NAGANO NAOKI, OKAZAKI SAKAE, FURUYA, MIKI, NAGANO, NAOKI, OKAZAKI, SAKAE, Furuya, Miki, c/o Sony Corporation, NAGANO, NAOKI, C/O SONY CORPORATION, Okazaki, Sakae, c/o Sony Corporation
Applicants: SONY CORP, SONY CORPORATION
Application year: 1993
Main classification: G11B20
IPC codes: H04N5, G11B20, G11B27, G11B33