Showing papers by "Sony Broadcast & Professional Research Laboratories published in 1987"

Video display system with selective display of operating conditions

Abstract: A video display system has a circuit for sequentially superimposing N (N≧2) information signals upon a video signal for display on the picture screen of a television receiver, at predetermined positions in parallel relation, and a circuit for changing the display positions so as to display information signals sequentially from a corner of the picture screen.

Remotely controllable electronic apparatus

Abstract: In an audio and/or video electronic apparatus, such as, a television receiver or a video tape recorder, which, in a remote control mode, is capable of having operations thereof controllable by respective first remote control codes in response to the reception of corresponding signals from a first remote or separate control transmitter intended for use with such apparatus; there is provided, as an integral component of the electronic appartus, a nonvolatile memory in which, in a programming or learning mode, the first remote control codes are written in association with respective second remote control codes for controlling the same operations and which are generated in response to the reception of corresponding signals from a second remote control transmitter intended for use with a different electronic apparatus. After such programming, in the remote control mode of the apparatus, the reception of a control signal from the second remote control transmitter causes read-out from the nonvolatile memory of the first remote control code which is associated with the second remote control code corresponding to the received control signal for controlling the operation of the electronic apparatus in accordance with the read-out first remote control code.

Method and apparatus for recording and/or reproducing digital data

Abstract: In apparatus for recording and/or reproducing digital data, digital data such as video data is encoded with error correction codes including outer codes and inner codes so that respective predetermined numbers of symbols form respective blocks to be added with synchronizing data and so on, then recorded with rotary heads on slant tracks of a tape medium such as a magnetic tape. The redundancy symbols of the outer error correction code followed by the information data and inner error correction code are recorded at the beginning of each track, so that even if the data reproduced from the beginning portion of the tape contains error, the information data is not much influenced by that error.

Picture-in-picture television receivers

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a so-called picture-in-picture type television receiver in which a sub-picture screen is displayed within a main picture screen in a picture-in-picture fashion. When a picture based on a base band video signal from an external source such as a VTR, for example, is displayed on the sub-picture screen, if the sub-picture channel selecting means is then operated, the picture of a broadcast television channel is then automatically displayed on the sub-picture screen. This feature allows the omission of a video signal source switching means for the sub-picture, thus protecting the viewer from being confused when using the controls of the television receiver.

Open-air type earphone

Abstract: An earphone has a housing divided by a driver unit into front and back cavities with a sound generation opening at the front thereof, a duct extending from the back cavity of the housing and having a length substantially larger than its diameter, and a casing attached to the housing and communicating with the back cavity through a pipe having a length longer than its diameter, with the resonant frequency determined by the casing and pipe being made near to the resonant frequency determined by the equivalent mass of the vibration system, that is, the diaphragm and voice coil of the driver unit, and by the compliance of the back cavity, so that the lowest resonant frequency of the earphone can be lowered while the peak that would otherwise be formed in the frequency characteristic of the earphone by the resonance between the back cavity and mass of the vibration system can be supressed for improving the high frequency characteristic.

Dual electronic camera, previewing, and control

Abstract: A dual electronic camera that substantially concurrently exposes a conventional photographic film and an electro-optical sensor and memory, to provide both corresponding electronically recorded still images and photographic latent images of objects. An optical previewer is provided to view the electronic images prior to developing the film, for "proofing" purposes to select those to be developed and printed, as well as to control the parameters of developing and printing of the film. A recorder is provided for recording instructions concerning processing or editing of each of the frames during optical previewing. The instructions may be recorded on the photographic film, or on a separate memory or recorder. The recorded instructions are read-out during processing and/or printing of the photographic film to control the parameters of processing or for editing the individual frames being printed.

Multiple display system

Abstract: A multiple display system is adapted to display data in the VIDEOTEX standard on a display formed of a plurality of display devices. The system comprises an encoder (l,2) for generating a code on the basis of internal or external data supplied thereto, a plurality of decoders (3A to 3I), each of which includes a central processing unit, successively arranged in series with respect to the encoder, and a plurality of display devices (4A to 4I) provided respectively corresponding to the plurality of decoders to thereby display a large image by the plurality of display devices. The encoder inserts an identification number in a predetermined portion of a data sequence. The plurality of decoders respectively select data with corresponding identification number, convert the selected data into a video signal, and supply respective display devices with the video signal.

Signal transmission system for a CATV system

Abstract: A CATV (cable television) signal transmitting system for use with a broadcast satellite system includes a receiving stage for receiving a broadcast satellite station signal consisting of base-band video signals and a sub-channel digital audio signals PSK (phase shift keying)-modulated on sub-carriers, demodulators for deriving the video signals and digital audio signals, first modulators for modulating the main carriers of a plurality of CATV channels by the video signals, a second modulator for modulating the main carrier of a different channel by the digital audio signals in time-division manner. The mixed output signal from the first and second modulators is transmitted through a CATV transmission line. A CATV signal receiving system is also provided to produce video signals and digital audio signals which are converted into a plurality of channels of analog audio signals.

Organic electrolyte cell

Abstract: An organic electrolyte cell is disclosed which comprises an anode (1) mainly composed of Li and containing Al and a cathode (3) mainly composed of manganese dioxide, wherein the amounts for Li, Al and manganese dioxide are determined such that they are included within a region surrounded by : where x represents the ratio t2/t1 between the thickness t1 for Li and the thickness t2 for Al for expressing the ratio of the amounts between Li and Al constituting the anode; and y represents the weight ratio (Li/MnO 2 ) between Li and manganese dioxide whereby the increase in the internal resistance at the final stage of the discharge is suppressed, so that the cell capacity can be utilized effectively to the last

Generator for an error correcting code, a decoder therefore, and a method for the same

Abstract: A rectangular array is formed by a predetermined amount of data and an error detecting code that detects a possible error contained in the data. Each error correcting code is formed from data in each of the row and column directions of the rectangular array and is added to the rectangular array to thereby provide a product code. When the product code is arranged, row data in each of the row directions of the rectangular array is supplied to an error correcting code generator which generates the error correcting codes in sequence. At the same time, the respective data is supplied sequentially to the error detecting code generator and thereby a unique error detecting code is generated. When the decoding is carried out by using the error correcting code, the error correcting process is ended in response to the acceptance of a data request signal and then, the presence or absence of a data error in the error corrected data is checked by using the error detecting code. When the data error is not detected, that data is delivered.

Thermomagnetic recording method applying power modulated laser on a magnetically coupled multi-layer structure of perpendicular anisotropy magnetic film

Abstract: A thermomagnetic recording method is disclosed using a thermomagnetic recording medium where first, second and third magnetic thin films each formed of rare-earth and transition metals are sequentially superposed to form layers in a magnetically coupled manner. The recording is carried out by heating the thermomagnetic recording medium under a predetermined magnetic field perpendicular to the film plane thereof while selectively modulating, in accordance with data to be recorded, a first heating state at a first temperature T1 substantially above the Curie point Tc1 of the first magnetic thin film and adequate to hold the sublattice magnetization of the transition metal of the second magnetic thin film in a predetermined direction, and a second heating state at a second temperature T2 substantially above the Curie point Tc1 and adequate to invert the sublattice magnetization of the transition metal of the second magnetic thin film to the reverse of the predetermined direction. In a cooling step subsequent to the first and second heating states, maintaining the sublattice magnetization of the third magnetic thin film in a predetermined direction while orienting the sublattice magnetization of said second magnetic thin film to be directionally coincident with that of the third magnetic thin film at a temperature below the first temperature T1 without directionally inverting the sublattice magnetization of the first magnetic thin film.

Real-time manipulation of texture-mapped surfaces

Abstract: A system for real-time texture mapping was constructed, Here, "real-time" means that the system reacts to changes in parameter values which define the shape of surfaces and the viewing point that are given by its operator 30 times per second. This real-time processing enables interactive manipulation of texture-mapped free-form surfaces and various application software has been developed taking advantage of this ability. The system owes its performance to a new algorithm for texture mapping which is based on a newly proposed approximation scheme of mapping functions. In this scheme, a mapping function from the texture plane into the output screen is approximated by a linear function on each of the small regions which form the texture plane altogether. The algorithm is very simple and applicable to any smooth surface. It is especially efficient when implemented by a special-purpose hardware.

Method and apparatus for preventing copying of an optical disk

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing copying of an optical disk. A software program and the basic data necessary for executing the program, as well as an erasing program are nonrewritably recorded in advance on a predetermined region of the disk. The erasing program attempts to erase the non-rewritable portion, which has no effect on the original disk, but will erase that portion of a disk which is copied. Thus, if the software program and the basic data for executing the program are copied without authorization, the copy disk is prevented from being used.

Automatic assembly apparatus

Abstract: An automatic assembly apparatus has a first conveyor for transporting trays carrying parts to be assembled, a second conveyor for transporting pallets on which the parts are to be assembled and which extends parallel to the first conveyor, a stocking station positioned between the first and second conveyors and at which a plurality of the trays can be accommodated, a working station adjacent to the second conveyor, a pusher arm for moving trays from the first conveyor to the stocking station, and a root mounted between the first and second conveyors for carrying the trays from the stocking station to parts supplying stations adjacent the working station, and for assembling, on pallets transported to and from the working station by the second conveyor, parts removed by the robot from trays situated at the parts supplying stations, whereby a plurality of parts can be assemled by a single robot and it is possible to automatically and efficiently assemble the parts even in cases of relatively small scale production.

Radio communication method and system

Abstract: A method and system for radio communication between at least one parent communication unit and a plurality of slave communication units. A slave communication unit transmits an automatic answer signal in response to an incoming call receipt signal transmitted from the parent communication unit. When one of the slave communication units makes a called-person's answer to the incoming call receipt signal, it transmits a called-person's answer signal. If interference occurs between the automatic and called-person's answer signals, the parent communication unit provides a command, causing the slave communication units to stop the automatic and called-person's answer signals and permits the slave communication unit which transmits the called-person's answer signal to communicate with the parent communication unit.

Multi-format optical disk and reading device

Abstract: A disk device which reproduces at least a disk (1) in which a servo signal region (3) in which a pit for servo and the like are formed and a data and address signal region (4) on which data and address are written are alternatingly provided along the circumferential direction of the disk (1), and in which signals are recorded depending upon two or more kinds of physical changes on the data and address signal regions (4) among the servo signal regions (3). A signal recorded depending upon one physical change is switched into a signal recorded depending upon another physical change in the servo signal region (3) or in a no-signal recording region (5c). Therefore, margin is provided for the operation of switching the signals of various recording types, and stable operation can be maintained even when the data are transferred at higher speeds.

A 0.5-4.0-GHz Tunable Bandpass Filter Using YIG Film Grown by LPE

Abstract: A tunable bandpass filter using YIG film grown by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) has been developed. Taking advantage of the very low resonance frequency in the perpendicular resonance of YIG film, an operation frequency of 0.5 GHz has been achieved. In order to make this filter operate up to 4.0 GHz, a new technique for multioctave tuning has been developed and applied to the filter. Over the wide tuning range from 0.5 GHz to 4.0 GHz, low insertion loss and high spurious suppression have been achieved. The performance of this filter satisfies the requirements for use as a tracking preselector in a microwave spectrum analyzer.

Apparatus for recording and reproducing data

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus comprising a memory for storing input data to be recorded in units of a predetermined quantity, a first address control means for generating only sequential memory addresses, a second address control means for generating non-sequential memory addresses, and means for adding a redundant bit such as an error correcting code and so on to each predetermined quantity unit of data, wherein when the input data has no correlation with adjacent input data, the input data is sequentially written in the memory by the first address control means, read out therefrom, added with the redundant bit, and sequentially recorded on the recording medium without changing the order of the inputted data, while when the input data has a correlation with adjacent input data, the input data is written in the memory by the second address control means in scrambled form, read out therefrom, as scrambled, and then the scrambled data is added to the redundant bit and recorded on the recording medium. Essentially the reverse operation takes place upon reproduction of the recorded signals.

Magnetic disc apparatus

Abstract: A magnetic disc apparatus having at least one magnetic disc having a plurality of track groups thereon at different distances from the center of the disc each of which groups comprises plural data tracks having plural data sectors, each of the track groups having a different number of the data sectors therein in such a manner that the outer track group has more data sectors, a transducer head for reading and writing data signals from and on the data tracks, an actuator for positioning the transducer head over a desired one of the data tracks, a position sensor for sensing the position of the transducer head relative to the magnetic disc, and for generating at least two periodic position signals each of which is out of phase with each other, and a controller for controlling the actuator according to the periodic position signals so that the transducer head is positioned over the desired one of the data tracks.

Rechargeable organic electrolyte cell

Abstract: A rechargeable organic electrolyte cell includes a cathode mainly composed of LiMn2 O4, obtained by sintering manganese dioxide with either lithium carbonate or lithium iodide.

Optical disk discriminating device

Abstract: An objective lens (3) of an optical pick up head (10) is moved in a direction of the optical axis, and a signal level of the output detected by the optical pick up head (10) before and after a focussed state is compared with predetermined reference levels (Vref1) and (Vref2) level comparators (32) and (33), In order to discriminate the reproduction-only disk from the recording disk by utilizing a difference in the reflection factor on the recording surface on the optical disk (20). Operation of the optical disk recording/reproducing apparatus is automatically switched over depending upon the kind of the optical disk.

High efficiency encoding system

Abstract: In a high efficiency encoding system, a picture is divided into many three-dimensional blocks, or blocks each consisting of n areas in each of n frames continuous in terms of time. Any movement of the picture is detected in each block to develop movement information. The picture element number of each block is sub-sampled, and the sub-sampling phases are sequentially shifted with respect to the blocks. Data of picture elements thinned by sub-sampling (i.e., not transmitted) are decoded, while data relating to a still portion of the picture is decoded with excellent results by merely combining sub-sampling patterns.

Video cassette auto changer

Abstract: An automatic cassette loading and transferring apparatus for use with at least one reproducing unit which is arranged between two housing blocks adjacent the reproducing unit, in which the housing blocks each hold a plurality of cassettes. The cassette transfer device has inlets facing the two cassette housing blocks for transferring the cassettes back and forth between the blocks, as well as to the reproducing unit. The cassette transferring device has at least one cassette receiving portion formed therein with two inlets and includes transport means capable of carrying in and carrying out a cassette from both of the cassette receiving portions in either direction and includes a cassette push-out element used to push out a cassette housed in each of the receiving portions in either the forward or rear facing directions relative to the two cassette housing blocks. A bar code detector is provided on a movable mounting for scanning an identification code on a cassette and is also movable to either inlet entrance of the cassette receiving portion to accommodate cassettes entering from either side.

Method and apparatus for employing a buffer memory to allow low resolution video data to be simultaneously displayed in window fashion with high resolution video data

Abstract: A low resolution to high resolution display system arranged such that a low resolution video signal from a personal computer is written in a memory plane in response to an address based on a clock signal produced from the personal computer side, a switching circuit is provided in a video signal path of a high resolution display apparatus for switching between the memory plane and the video signal produced by the high resolution display apparatus and the memory plane is read by an address based on the clock signal of the display apparatus produced during a display window period, whereby the video signal read from the memory plane is supplied through the switching circuit to the video signal path of the display apparatus.

Security monitor system

Abstract: A security monitor system is designed to transmit video signals from a plurality of video information sources via a common transmission line. Video information from respective video information sources is scanned at given timings to check the monitoring areas in a given order. An automatic recognition may be facilitated in the security monitor system for detecting substantial and noticable movement within a picture derived from the video information from each of the video signal sources. Therefore, the security monitor system is inexpensive and satisfactory for monitoring a plurality of monitoring areas and is satisfactory for recording video information of a variety of monitoring areas, when movement in the picture of one of the monitoring areas is detected, by means of a video tape recorder or other appropriate recording means.

Apparatus for recording and/or reproducing data signal on or from disk shaped recording medium at a variably selected constant linear velocity

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and/or reproducing a data signal on or from a disk shaped recording medium having a special track in which control information is prerecorded. The apparatus reproduces the control information at first when the disk is mounted therein, and stores the reproduced control information in a memory. A rotation control cirucit for controlling the rotation of the recording medium is supplied with a control signal based on the control information read out of the memory and controls the rotation of the medium such that the linear velocity of the rotation is of a predetermined constant value according to the control information.

Method and apparatus for automatically establishing a color balance of a color television monitor including an ambient light sensing and data compensating function

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically establishing a color balance for a color television monitor includes a sensor device which is separably attached to the screen of the monitor to detect the brightness of the ambient light. The ambient light brightness detected when no image is displayed is used to compensate reference data for establishing a color balance of the color signals independent of the ambient light.

System for processing video signal for detecting changes in video data and security monitoring system utilizing the same

Abstract: A video signal processing system which detects a change of the video data in the video signal supplied by a source by comparing the source video signal with a variable reference signal derived from a predetermined number of sampled fields of the source video signal but which excludes the video data of those pixels whose video data fluctuates during the sampled frames.

Electrochromic properties of alkylviologen-cyclodextrin systems

Abstract: Electrochromic properties of methyl, ethyl, n-hexyl and n-heptyl viologens, and α-, β-, γ-cyclodextrin systems were studied using cyclic voltammetry and absorption spectroscopy Colourations of red-violet (λ max = 530 or 560 nm), blue (λ max = 600nm) and light purple (λ max = 560 and 600 nm) could be obtained by changing the length of the alkyl chain of viologens or the radius of cyclodextrin The intermolecular interaction between viologen radicals is weakened when the radicals form inclusion complexes so the blue colour inherent in the monomer of viologen radical appears The red-violet colour is ascribed to the dimer of the reduced viologen With the addition of γ-cyclodextrin, viologens were found to be included as dimer The light purple colour is ascribed to the mixed colour of the monomer and the dimer Furthermore, since the ratio of monomer and dimer depends upon the concentration of cyclodextrin, any colour between the red-violet of the dimer and the blue of the monomer can be obtained by adjusting the concentration of cyclodextrin The redox reaction of an inclusion complex was found to depend upon the length of the alkyl viologen and the size of the cavity in cyclodextrin

Digital transmission system

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital transmission system provided with a transmitter 11 and a receiver 12, wherein the transmitter 11 comprises a first clock extracting device 13, 14 for detecting a synchronizing signal contained in a first digital audio interface (DAI) format signal from the receiver 12 and generating a first clock signal of a predetermined frequency in being phase-locked with the synchronizing signal, a data read-out device 4 for reading out data from a recording medium on the basis of the first clock signal, and a first encoder 5 for encoding the data from the data read-out device 4 in a second digital audio interface (DAI) format signal on the basis of the first clock signal, while the receiver 12 comprises second clock extracting device 6, 7 for detecting a synchronizing signal contained in the second DAI format signal and generating a second clock signal of a predetermined frequency in being phase-locked with the synchronizing signal, a decoder 8 for decoding data from the second DAI format signal on the basis of the second clock signal, an oscillator 3 for generating a master clock, D/A a converter 9 for digital-to-analog converting the decoded data on the basis of the master clock, and a second encoder 15 for encoding the master clock to derive the first DAI format signal, whereby the system is synchronously operated by the master clock in a manner that digital-to-analog conversion can be effected with a timing clock signal which is not mixed with jitter.