GB2254951A - Tape rewinder - Google Patents

Abstract

A video tape rewinder includes a programme selection setting device 2, a 7-element digital display driver 6, a display 8, a signal comparator 10, a D type forward/backward winder 12, a motor 14, a solenoid 20 and a tape signal reading magnetic head 22. A signal A set on the counter 2 for selection of a programme can be compared with a signal B, read by the magnetic head of the tape rewinder both signals being converted to BCD before input into the comparator. Depending on whether the comparison shows that the signal A > B or A < B, instructions are given to a D Type Forward/Backward Rewinder 12, thus rapidly winding tapes for until A = B, at which point the solenoid, 20, is driven and winding ceases. <IMAGE>

Description

TAPE REWINDER This invention relates to a video tape rewinder. In particular, it relates to video tape rewinder control circuits including functions for music selection and rewinding of sections of tape.

In general, video recorders are equipped with tape rewinders thus preventing the magnetic heads of the video recorders from being worn out by tape rewinding operations. However, existing tape rewinders are usually only equipped with fast forward (FF) and rewinding (REW) functions or at most with functions for tape cleaning and degaussing. Therefore, they are not suitable for use with popular Karaoke sets and self-produced tapes, since they cannot properly and accurately pinpoint the songs to be played on the Karaoke set or the right spot for playing songs on self-produced tapes.

For the purposes of this specification the term rewind embraces both functions of rewind (REW) and fast forward (FF) of tapes in video rewinders and the like.

The use of such rewinders for selecting songs to be played on a Karaoke set or for playing self-produced tapes is very inconvenient. Sometimes, even when using a video recorder, the right selection has to be found by repeatedly using the FF, REW and PLAY modes of the video recorder thus not only causing the magnetic head of the video recorders to be rapidly worn out but also hurting viewers' eyes as they are frequently subjected to a flickering and vibrating image on a video screen.

The object of the present invention is to provide a tape rewinder circuit which is easy to operate, has improved functions of music selection and rewinding and which can be used for example for the selection of songs to be played on a Karaoke set.

According to the present invention there is provided a tape rewinder control circuit for use in a video cassette rewinder including means for selection of a track on a tape designated by a signal "A"; a comparator for making a comparison of the signal "A" associated with the selected track with a preset signal "B" detected by means for reading a signal from the tape to discover whether A > B, A < B or A = B; and control means for operable connection to tape winding means and arranged so that if the result of the comparison is that A > B the tape winding means is caused to wind the tape in one direction, so that if the result of the comparision shows that A < B the rewinder is caused to wind the tape in an opposite direction and if the result of the comparison shows that A = B to cause winding to stop ready for the selected track to be played.

In use the comparator can compare a selected signal "A" which may be set by a comparing key, with a signal "B" usually detected by a detecting magnetic head for presetting the tape of the Karaoke set. If the result of the comparision is that signal A > B, a D Type Forward/Backward Rewinder may be arranged to cause the motor to rewind clockwise: if A < B the motor is arranged to rewind anti-clockwise. When the tape rewinding results in A = B, the comparator will have a high output potential to drive a solenoid to stop the rewinding wheel, thus cutting off the entire rewinding circuit, completing the music selection operation avoiding the need for systematic use of the FF, REW and PLAY buttons and saving time.

With regard to the technical means to be adopted for attaining to the purpose and characteristics of this invention and its functions, a practical embodiment of the invention, by way of example only, is presented below to facilitate the understanding of this invention by reviewers, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a technical block diagram of a music selection circuit for a video tape rewinder; and Figure 2 shows a music selection circuit diagram for a video tape rewinder.

The circuits for supplying a working voltage and other signals to music selection circuits and motor control circuits, since they are routine, will be omitted in this description.

Referring to Figure 1, the technical block diagram of the music selection control circuit for a tape rewinder, consists of a pulsating wave setting counter (UP/DOWN COUNTER) 2, a BCD Coder 4, a 7-element digital display mover (a decimal decoder) 6, a 7-element digit indicator and display 8, a comparator 10, a D-type forward/backward rewinder 12, a motor 14, a signal detecting magnetic head 16, for reading signals from a tape a Signal Detecting Coder 18 and a Solenoid 20.When music selection is attempted, the piece of track of music desired shall be set by the counter 2 to generate a pulsating wave A which is edited by the coder 4 into BCD code which is then divided into two signals, one for input via the decimal decoder 6 into the 7-step digit mover and display 8 for indicating the music selected on the display, and one for input into the comparator 10 for temporary storage to be compared with an input signal B detected by the magnetic head 22. If the result of the comparision shows signal A > B or A < B, such an output will, by means of the functions of the D-Type Forward/Backward Rewinder, cause the motor to immediately rotate clockwise or anti-clockwise respectively.When the comparator reaches the condition A = B, it will have a high potential output to operate the solenoid 20 which will stop the rewinder and complete the music selection tape rewinding operation. The selected piece or track of music of then ready to be played.

Figure 2 illustrates a suitable circuit for use in Karaoke sets for music selection rewinding; setting keys on the UP/DOWN counter 2 can be used for keying in the pulsating waves one of which will be input via the 15th leg of IC1, IC2, which together with 1C5 comprise the BCD coder 4. IC3, IC4, 4511 decode BCD code into decimal code, for displaying on the 7-element digit display 8 thus indicating the music selected, the other is for input into signal comparator 10 (IC6 4063) for temporary storage to be compared with the signal B which is detected by the magnetic head 22 after being processed by IC5 4516 to become 16-digit BCD. The signal B is preloaded on the video tape, for example one cycle is loaded, by a clock generator, in the space before the first track/song two cycles in the space before the second track on the tape and so on.

In use, Karaoke tapes are put into the tape rewinder, the detecting magnetic head is capable of quickly detecting the high frequency signal B preset in the music tapes. Its signal will match certain song numbers distinguished by the sizes of the preset signals. Such signals are detected by the magnetic head 22 and input into IC7 and IC8 4532 for coding after being decoded. After being coded into BCD code, signal B, will, be input into the 1C6 4063 comparator for comparision with signal A set (selected) by the music selection mode on the setting counter 2. If the result of the signal comparision shows A > B, a signal will be output from the 5th leg of IC6 4063 and input into the end R of IC9. After being processed, its high potential will be output from end Q to set off the motor for fast forward (FF) rotation. On the other hand, if A < B, the signal will be output from the 7th leg of IC6 and input into end S of IC9. After being processed, it will set off the motor from end Q for rewind (REW) rotation. In the music selection tapes, if A = B in the comparision of IC6, a high potential will be output from the 6th leg to operate the solenoid to stop the driving wheel of the rewinder. At this point, with the tension difference of the driving belt (routine technique), a cartridge can be opened and a microswitch can be released from being pressed by the cartridge thus cutting off the entire working circuit, completing the music selection tape rewinding. The above embodiment of this invention makes the operation of music selection rewinding much simpler and more practical.

Claims (6)

1. A tape rewinder control circuit for use in a video cassette rewinder including: means for selection of a track on a tape designated by a signal "A"; a comparator for making a comparison of the signal "A" associated with the selected track with a preset signal "B" detected by means for reading a signal from the tape to discover whether A > B, A < B or A = B; and control means for operable connection to tape winding means and arranged so that if the result of the comparision is that A > B the tape winding means is caused to wind the tape in one direction, so that if the result of the comparision shows that A < B the rewinder is caused to wind the tape in an opposite direction and if the result of the comparison shows that A = B to cause winding to stop ready for the selected track to be played.

2. A tape rewinder control circuit as claimed in claim 1 further including means to divide the signal "A" for input into a display to give an indication of the selected track in addition to its input into the comparator.

3. A tape rewinder control circuit as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means to select a track on a tape includes a pulsating wave setting counter, means for editing the pulsating wave A into BCD code before it is divided for selected input into the comparator and the display respectively.

4. A tape rewinder control circuit substantially as hereinbefore described and as shown in the drawings.

5. A tape rewinder including a tape rewinder control circuit as claimed in any preceding claim, a display, a dual direction motor connected to the control means and a solenoid operable to stop winding of a tape when A = B.

6. A tape rewinder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.