Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An apparatus and method for recording and reproducing data with respect to closely spaced magnetically recording areas or tracks of a magnetic recording member such as a card, tape or magnetic disc wherein scanning, tracking and reproduction functions are controlled by electro-optically scanning markers or indicia which are predeterminately recorded with respect to the magnetic recordings of the record member. Signals generated when such electro-optically scannable markers are detected are employed to control either or both the functions of selectively tracking and locating a magnetic transducer with respect to a select recording area or track of the magnetic record member and selectively controlling magnetic reproduction of information from the select recording area by either controlling the driving of the magnetic transducer mount and/or the operation of the transducer as it scans a select portion of the recording area or track along which it scans. In a particular method, the recording surface of the record member is preformed with track positional indicating indicia by molding or pressing, after which select magnetic data is recorded by control signals generated by electro-optically detecting such indicia, generating detection signals and employing same to control such recording of primary data. The invention also includes improvements in the structures of record members used with the apparatus and methods disclosed.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim