US 4,544,958 A · High-speed recording and reproducing of signals

Abstract

Apparatus for recording an analog signal employs n rotary heads (where n is a positive integer) which cooperate with a magnetic tape wound around a tape guide drum over an angular range of .alpha..degree. (where .alpha..degree. is less than or equal to 360.degree.) and the rotary magnetic heads are rotated at a speed N (where N is greater than one) times a reference rotation speed. The input analog signal to be recorded is first converted to a pulse-code-modulated (PCM) data signal which is then time-base compressed by a ratio of (n.times..alpha..degree.)/(N.times.360.degree.) at successive predetermined periods. The PCM data that has been compressed in time base is recorded on the magnetic tape by the n rotary heads during predetermined intervals that occur within the time when the n rotary heads are in contact with the magnetic tape. The time-base compression of the data permits the addition of error correction codes and parity words to provide error detection and correction during reproduction of the recorded digital signals and by raising the rotary head speed the number of memory units required to perform the time-base compression is minimized.

Claims17

Dependent claims

Apparatus for recording an analog signal on a magnetic medium using n rotating recording heads that periodically scan the magnetic medium in a plurality of discrete traces, n being a positive integer;

said apparatus comprising:
converting means for converting said analog signal to a digital signal;
means for rotating said n rotating recording heads at a rotary speed equal to N times a reference rotation speed, where N is greater than one;
guide means for guiding said magnetic medium past said rotating recording heads over an angular range of .alpha..degree., where .alpha..degree. is less than 360.degree.;
compressing means for time-base compressing said digital signal by a ratio of (n.times..alpha..degree.)/(N.times.360.degree.) at predetermined periods and producing a time-base compressed recording signal;
and
means for selectively supplying said time-base compressed recording signal to said n rotating heads for recording on said magnetic medium.

4 more elements

A method for recording an analog signal on a magnetic medium using n rotating recording heads that periodically scan the magnetic medium in a plurality of discrete traces, n being a positive integer;

the method comprising the steps of:
converting said analog signal to a digital signal;
rotating said n recording heads at a rotary speed equal to N times a reference rotation speed, where N is greater than one;
guiding said magnetic medium past said rotating recording heads over an angular range of .alpha..degree., where .alpha..degree. is less than 360.degree.;
time-base compressing said digital signal by a ratio of (n.times..alpha..degree.)/(N.times.360.degree.) and producing a time-base compressed recording signal;
and
selectively supplying said time-base compressed recording signal to said n rotating recording heads for recording on said magnetic medium.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High-speed recording and reproducing of signals

Life of this patent

High-speed recording and reproducing of signals

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17