DE3280407T2 - DEVICE FOR CONVERTING MARKING INFORMATION. - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for converting marking information.

The marking information may, for example, relate to the content, quantity or quality of the program information recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape. Such program information may be a video program or an audio program. Furthermore, the recording medium may, for example, be a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a video disk or a digital audio disk (known as DAD or audio PCM disk).

On conventional disks, analog audio information is recorded in the form of vibration waves in a spiral groove of the disk. Such vibration waves are scanned by a needle of a head of a playback device. Typically, the needle of the head is coupled to a magnetic sensor or cartridge, by which the mechanical movement of the needle is converted into an electrical signal, which is ultimately converted into an audible sound. Recently, it has been proposed to digitize the audio information and record the digital audio signals directly on a disk. The digital signals are scanned or reproduced by optical means, for example by a laser scanning beam. The reproduced digital signals are then converted back into audio signals, which are used to generate corresponding sounds. Digital recording of audio information brings many advantages, such as significantly improved fidelity over the original audio signals, and the ability to produce high-density digital audio discs that contain a large amount of information and allow for relatively long playback times. In addition, since the playback "head" does not need to be in physical contact with the disc, the disc is practically untouched, and therefore selected areas or programs can be quickly accessed for playback.

To digitize the audio information to be recorded, the analog audio signals are generally sampled, with each signal then converted into a digital signal, such as a PCM (pulse code modulation) signal. This technique, which can be modified and altered in various ways, has contributed to the rise of the audio PCM disc.

To ensure proper reproduction of the audio information, various synchronization and control signals are recorded on the disc, which signals are preferably multiplexed with the digital audio signals. The use of digital technology enables at least some control signals to act as marker information by which the playback device, the processing device or the like is "marked" to perform various functions. For example, the marker signals may represent the identity of the recorded audio program information, the length of the program, the number of programs recorded on the disc, the location of the end of a program, the composer, author or artist of a program, and numerous movements of the program, particularly when such programs are musical performances. Furthermore, when the audio PCM disc is used in conjunction with, for example, a display device such as a video line or text display, the latter can be controlled or synchronized with the reproduced audio information based on the marker signals on the disc. Further, when the program information is recorded in various modes or formats, the marker information can further identify such modes or formats as well as the condition whether the playback device is compatible therewith.

Many of the techniques used to make conventional analog audio record players can be used to make audio PCM records. For example, a so-called "master tape" can be created, where the audio information is recorded on a magnetic tape. This master tape can then be used to make a "master" or "print" record from which copies of the record can be made. and finally sold to consumers. In order to record the marker signals on the copied audio PCM disks, it is desirable to have the marker signals recorded on the master tape. Usually, however, the master tape on which the audio PCM signals are recorded is not provided with all the necessary marker signals which are to be recorded on the audio PCM disks or which are useful in producing such disks. Usually, the master tape is a video tape on which the audio PCM signals are recorded in a pseudo-video format. That is, the audio PCM signals are recorded by a spiral-scan video tape recorder (VTR) in parallel, oblique tracks on a magnetic tape, accompanied by synchronization signals which are analogous to the conventional horizontal and vertical synchronization signals normally provided in television signals. Likewise, the so-called time code signals, also commonly recorded by video tape recorders, are recorded on the magnetic tape to indicate the relative position on the tape at which the corresponding tracks can be found. Such time code signals facilitate quick access to the desired areas on the tape and are useful for editing operations. The technique for recording and editing the time code is also useful, for example, for producing master tapes for audio PCM recording.

An article entitled "Method of Adding Data Information to a Video Disc" in "News from the Art (1977.09), Page 4, Article 411 shows an apparatus for adding marker information to individual frames of a video disc. According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for converting first mark information recorded on a first recording medium and representing predetermined information characteristics also recorded on the first recording medium into second mark information to be recorded on a second recording medium, the apparatus comprising:

reproduced input signal circuit means for receiving reproduced first marker information and first recording medium information;

Code signal generating means for generating code signals having a predetermined relationship to the reproduction information and representing the relative positions on the first recording medium on which the information is recorded;

Storage means for temporarily storing the reproduced first marker information; and

Signal output means for deriving the second marking information and the information to be recorded on the second recording medium; characterized in that the first-mentioned marking information recorded on the first recording medium comprises a first set containing data representing the predetermined characteristics of the recorded information and an associated second set containing data representing the relative positions on the first recording medium in which the predetermined characteristics are present; and by

means for converting the first marking information into the second marking information having a different form from the first marking information; and

Format means for concatenating the first marker information and encoding it into a concatenated signal having the second marker information set and an information area to be recorded on the second recording medium.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1A and B are schematic representations of mark data and information such as audio PGM information signals recorded on a recording disk;

Figs. 2A to 2C are schematic representations of the marking information recorded on, for example, a magnetic tape;

Figs. 3A to 3C are timing diagrams useful for understanding what is represented by some of the marker data;

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a portion of a magnetic master tape;

Figs. 5 to 7 are block diagrams of various examples of devices used to record marker data on the magnetic tape;

Figs. 8A to 8E schematically show the format of the mark data recorded on the magnetic tape;

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of another apparatus in which a recording disk is manufactured from a so-called master tape, both having both mark data and information recorded thereon;

Figs. 10A to 10B together form a block diagram of an apparatus for processing marking data;

Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view of a keyboard for marking editing and

Fig. 12A to 12E are timing charts useful for understanding the typical operations of the keyboard shown in Fig. 11.

As will be apparent from the following description, the invention relates to the recording of marker data useful for virtually representing predetermined characteristics of any type of information. One advantageous use of such marker data is to represent various areas and characteristics of, for example, audio programs recorded on an audio PCM disc. However, the invention is not limited only to recording discs or to audio PCM signals recorded on such The invention can be understood by describing it in the context of the audio PCM signals which are first recorded on a so-called master tape from which audio PCM records are subsequently produced.

Fig. 1A schematically illustrates the format of a "frame" of signals recorded, for example, in a track of an audio PCM disk. The frame of signals contains data information, such as audio PCM signals, preceded by a synchronization signal or pattern located at the beginning or "head" of the frame, followed by marker signals, which in the example are illustrated as 14-bit marker signals C1 to C14. In the example presented, the 14-bit marker signal is formed by multiplexing individual bits of corresponding channels of marker data. In particular, eight marker channels may be provided, the 14-bit marker signal being selected by selecting one bit from each of these eight marker channels and the resulting 8-bit marker signal being converted. Such an 8- to 14-bit conversion is useful to improve the immunity of the digital signal to noise.

Fig. 1B shows 98 consecutive data frames, each frame having the format shown in Fig. 1A. It can be seen that eight marker channels are provided, with channels P, Q, R....W being shown. Examples of the P-channel marker data and the Q-channel marker data are described below. These channels represent predetermined characteristics of the information with which they are recorded. For example, in an audio PCM recording system, the information is constituted by audio information such as a music program. The P- and Q-channel marker signals may represent the beginning, end and certain intermediate portions of each music program. For example, as will be described, the P-channel marker data represents the beginning and end of a music program. The Q-channel marker data represents the beginning, end and intermediate portions of a music program as well as the relative position on the recording medium with respect to the beginning, end and intermediate areas. The remaining R-channel, S-channel to W-channel mark signals represent the title of the audio or music programs, the text information relating to these programs, the performers of these programs and other data relating to such a program, as desired.

In the format shown in Fig. 1B, the information (e.g., audio PCM signals) recorded in the data frame 0 is preceded by eight multiplexed bits (which are sequentially converted into a 14-bit character) consisting of, for example, the zeroth bit of the P channel, Q channel to W channel. Preferably, the eight bits d1 to d8 in the data frame 0 form a synchronization pattern referred to as synchronization pattern SO. The subsequent data frame 1 consists of useful data, e.g., audio PCM signals, preceded by the first bit of each of the P channel, Q channel to W channel. The multiplexed first bits d1 to d8 form another synchronization pattern referred to as synchronization pattern S1. In the same way, in the subsequent frame 2, the data is preceded by the second bit of the P channel, Q channel to W channel. These multiplexed bits form the marker signal d1 to d8. The remaining data frames 3 to 97 each have a similar format as shown in Fig. 1B and just described.

Each of the data frames shown in Fig. 1B is reformatted into the format shown in Fig. 1A, where each 8-bit mark signal d1 to d8 is converted into a corresponding 14-bit mark signal C1 to C14. This data frame including the synchronization pattern, the multiplexed mark signal and the data (e.g., the audio PCM signal) is used to make an audio PCM disk. The frame shown in Fig. 1A can be recorded in a track on a disk such as an audio PCM disk.

As mentioned in the introduction to this application, a method for producing an audio PCM disc consists in to use a master tape on which all the necessary audio PCM information (including the marker data) is recorded when making the record. The master tape, which contains the audio PCM signals and the marker data, can be used to etch or "cut" a master or press disc from which copies of audio PCM discs are pressed.

As will be further seen with reference to Fig. 1B, it is advantageous that, for example, the Q-channel data signal is formed of 98 bits, the first two bits, i.e. bits 0 and 1, being in the synchronization patterns S0 and S1, respectively, and the remaining 96 bits representing the marker data. As will be described below, the Q-channel marker data represents unnatural marker information such as the identity (e.g., the number of the address) of a music program, the beginning and ending sections of that program, and various intermediate sections such as sub-addresses which can be used to represent a particular set of a music program. In addition, the Q-channel marker data can contain time information representing the duration as well as the relative dwell times of the various sections of the audio programs.

The P-channel marker data may be comparatively simpler than the above-mentioned Q-channel marker data. For example, the Q-channel marker signal may be a flag to indicate the beginning and end of an audio program and a pause in that program. In a particular embodiment, the P-channel marker signal may be a bi-level signal having a comparatively low level during the duration of an audio program and a comparatively higher level during the duration of a pause within or between such programs. Furthermore, the P-channel marker signal may be an alternating signal having a frequency of approximately 2 Hz to define the lead-out region of the record. It is advantageous if the detected 2 Hz signal is indicative of the lead-out region of the record, so that the recording and Playback device for the record can be suitably controlled.

Since the mark data of the P channel and/or the Q channel are recorded on the record, desired programs can be quickly and precisely accessed for playback by detecting and processing the mark data, whereby the desired positions of such programs can be directly selected. Thus, any one of the recorded programs can be blindly selected at a time, and the playback device used for the record can operate in conjunction with the recorded mark data to quickly switch from one program to another, particularly from one position of one program to another position of another program. Therefore, the selection of previously recorded information is very high and flexible.

In the format shown in Fig. 1B, it can be seen that each frame has one bit of the P-channel, Q-channel, through W-channel mark data. With respect to the P-channel mark signal, as mentioned above, this signal has a relatively high level, for example, during a pause, and a relatively low level during an audio program. Thus, for each bit of a P-channel mark signal, there will be either a binary "0" or a binary "1" depending on whether an audio program is present at the time of that bit or a pause. The bits of the Q-channel mark signals are described below with reference to Figs. 2A through 2C.

Fig. 2A shows 98 consecutive bits containing a Q-channel marker signal. As shown, the first two bits (which appeared in data frames 0 and 1 in Fig. 1B) are included in the synchronization patterns S0 and S1. The next four bits of this Q-channel marker signal (that is, three bits contained in data frames 2 to 5) indicate whether the audio PCM signals represent two-channel or four-channel signals, and also whether the original audio information has been subjected to pre-emphasis. The next four bits of the Q-channel marker signal (which appearing in data frames 6 to 9) indicate the mode of the Q channel. The Q channel mark data may be as in Fig. 2B (mode 1) or as in Fig. 2C (mode 2). In mode 1, the mark data indicates the number (MNR) of audio programs, an index number (X) representing, for example, the number of a movement or the like when the audio program is a piece of music, and time information (in minutes, seconds and tenths of a second) representing, in particular, the actual time of the duration of the audio program. Fig. 2B further shows "reserve" bits, represented by the cross-hatched area, in case further information is to be represented by the mark data. The 72 information bits contained in this mark data are arranged in data frames 10 to 81, respectively (Fig. 1B).

The audio program number (MNR), sometimes referred to as the "music number" to indicate the number of the selected piece of music recorded on the record, is preferably a two-digit number formed from two 4-bit BCD characters and may be any decimal number from 00 to 99. Preferably, but not necessarily, the music number MNR is set to 00 in the lead-in track of all data frames so as to identify the lead-in track on the record. The hexadecimal number AA is used for the music number (MNR) in the lead-out track in all data frames so as to identify the lead-out track. The index number (X) is also a two-digit decimal number represented by two 4-bit characters. Preferably, a pause in or between audio programs is represented by the index number (X) 00 and the current run or intermediate section of an audio program may be represented by any index number (X) from 01 to 99. The time information is represented by a five-digit number formed by a two-digit minute representation (tens and ones), a two-digit second representation (tens and ones) and a one-digit tenth of a second representation. For example, when a piece of music is running, the running time of that piece is represented, with the time information starting from zero until the piece of music ends. Consequently, the Time information represents the running time up to this point in the piece of music. The time information can also represent the duration of a pause between pieces of music, whereby in this representation the time information decreases from the value that represents the total length of the pause time to zero at the end of the pause and thus the beginning of the next piece of music. Thus the time information about a pause represents the time that remains until the pause is over.

In the mode 2 of the Q-channel mark data, as shown in Fig. 2C, the mark data includes thirteen decimal numbers N1 to N13, each consisting of a 4-bit character. These numbers can be used as a disk index or identification number, similar to conventional bar coding. Since the amount of data represented by the Q-channel mark data signals in the mode 2 is much smaller than that represented in the mode 1, both modes can be recorded on the same disk, for example, in the mode 2 in or in the closest proximity to the lead-in or lead-out track.

Returning to Fig. 2A, the 72 bits of the Q channel mark data are followed by a 16-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code signal. This CRC code signal is well known and is used to detect and correct errors that may be present in the 80-bit Q channel data. The CRC code signal bits are located in the Q channel data frame 82 through 97 (Fig. 1B).

The relationship between the P-channel and Q-channel marker data and the actual audio programs recorded on the audio PCM disk is schematically shown in Figures 3A to 3C. Figure 3A shows successive tracks starting with the lead-in track, which has, for example, the smallest radius, and ending with the lead-out track, which has the largest radius. Between the lead-in and lead-out tracks there are four different music programs, with pauses provided between the lead-in track and music program 1, between music programs 1 and 2, and between music programs 2 and 3. Figure 3A also shows a faded change from the music program 3 to the music program 4. The run-out track immediately follows the end of the music piece 4.

Preferably, the music program information in Figs. 1A and 1B is represented by the "data" area, and the marker data of the P channel, Q channel through W channel are multiplexed and recorded with this audio data, as best shown in Fig. 1B.

Fig. 3B shows the marker signals in the P-channel, where a pause is represented by a binary "1" and an audio program or music interval is represented by a binary "0". The current duration of the binary "1" of the P-channel marker data is equal to the pause between audio programs, provided that such pause is equal to or greater than two seconds. If the current pause is less than two seconds, as indicated between programs 2 and 3, the duration of the binary "1" of the P-channel marker signal is still fixed at two seconds. In the case of a crossfade between two music programs, as between music programs 3 and 4, the P-channel marker signal will still form a binary "1" level for a fixed period of two seconds as shown. As also shown in Fig. 3B, the marker signal is an alternating signal in the lead-out track area.

The current signals recorded in the P channel for each data frame as shown in Fig. 1B become a binary "0" or "1" depending on the level of the mark signal of the P channel shown in Fig. 3B in the presence time of the respective data frame.

Fig. 3G shows on different coordinate axes the music number (MNR), index number (X) and time data present in the mode 1 of the Q channel mark signal. As mentioned above and shown in Fig. 3C, the music number (MNR) is set to "00" to identify the lead-in track and to "AA" to identify the lead-out track of the audio PCM disk. This music number (MNR) changes to the numerical value "01" when the first pause occurs to introduce the first music program, and this music number (MNR) remains at "01" throughout the duration of this first music program. After the completion of the first music program, the music number (MNR) changes to "02" to identify the second music program. As shown, the music number (MNR) changes at the pause separating music programs 1 and 2 and remains at "02" during the second music. In accordance with this, the music number (MNR) changes to "03" to identify the third music program, and after its completion, the music number (MNR) changes to "04" to introduce the fourth music program. It is advantageous that when additional music programs are recorded on this disk, the music number (MNR) is continuously increased to thereby accurately identify the number of the additional music programs. Thus, the music number (MNR) serves as an address for each music program.

Fig. 3C further shows the index number (X) which, as mentioned above, is set to "00" to identify each pause. The index number (X) is different from "00" (i.e., it is not "00") during the lead-in and lead-out sections of the disc and also during the corresponding music programs. For example, if the index number (X) represents a particular movement of each music program, those movements are identified by the two-digit index number. The index number (X) can, of course, be used to indicate other intermediate and sub-sections of each audio program.

Finally, Fig. 3C shows the time course from time zero during all audio programs and also the time course to time zero during each pause. Thus, during a music interval or audio program, the time information contained in the marker data (Fig. 2B) of the Q channel shows the time course from the beginning of the program. At each pause, the time information starts at a value representing the duration of the pause and gradually decreases to the value zero at the end of the pause.

The music number (MNR), index number (X) and time information shown in Fig. 3C are represented as 96-bit data as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, and these data are repeated or updated every 98 data frames as shown in Fig. 1B. That is, at each of the 98 data frames, the time information is updated, and if there has been a change, the music number (MNR) and/or the index number (X) is also updated. If there has been no change in the music number (MNR), it remains unchanged. If there has also been no change in the index number (X), it also remains unchanged. Nevertheless, the time information is updated after 98 data frames. It is of course recognized that after 98 data frames, the time changes. However, it is expected that the entire time system is such that, for example, 980 (or even 1000) data frames occur every second, and for this reason tenth-of-a-second digits in Fig. 2B are normally updated only after every 98 data frames without losing the accurate time data.

Figures 1 through 3 show the marker data recorded on a phonograph record such as an audio PCM record. As mentioned above, the information recorded on such records is usually derived from a master tape. This tape is used to "cut" a master record from which a pressed record is made, which pressed record is then used to press copies of records for the consumer. The marker data shown in Figures 1 through 3 is not recorded on the master tape in the same format used to record the marker data on the audio PCM record. Rather, the marker data recorded on the master tape is merely a "list" of events or occurrences of predetermined characteristics in the audio programs (e.g., beginning, ending, or intermediate areas such as musical movements or the like) together with the dwell times of the occurrences of such characteristics. The marker data recorded on the master tape can thus be regarded simply as a "table of contents", and in order to distinguish the marker data recorded on the audio PCM disk from the marker data recorded on the master tape, the latter marker data is simply referred to as TOC (table of contents) data.

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the signal tracks recorded on a magnetic tape 1 which can be used as a master tape from which audio PCM discs can be made. The tape 1 is a common tape used to record video signals and which is hereinafter referred to as a video tape. Audio information such as digital audio signals (or audio PCM signals) is recorded in oblique tracks 2 by the recording transducers of a spiral pickup recorder of the type similar to those used in recording video signals. Time code signals (TC) and TOC signals are recorded on elongated tracks 3a and 3b on which a VTR normally records audio signals, respectively. The time code signals TC may advantageously consist of the conventional SMPTE time code representing hours, minutes, seconds and frames and usually increase as the recording progresses. Such time code signals thus represent corresponding addresses on the tape 1 and indicate a relative position along the length of the tape 1 so that they can be used to address or access a particular track of the tracks 2 to retrieve the information recorded in the accessed track 2. Since the use of time code signals in video tapes is well known, further description thereof will be omitted.

The TOC data stored in track 3b has a format which will be further described with reference to Fig. 8. Suffice it to say that this TOC data is provided with, for example, a program number (MNR) for identifying an audio program (e.g., program 1, program 2, etc.) and the relative position of this audio program as may be represented by a time code signal, an index number (X) for identifying, for example, a movement in a piece of music with the relative position of this movement, an indication of the change of the marker signal in the P channel from "1" to "0" or vice versa and the dwell times of the occurrences (or relative positions) of such changes. The manner in which this TOC data is generated is described below. In a preferred example the TOC data is recorded sequentially on track 3b, not necessarily in alignment or even together with the program information recorded on tracks 2. For example, all the P-channel TOC data may be recorded sequentially in order on track 3b first, followed by all the Q-channel TOC data (preferably from mode 1). Normally, it is expected that all the TOC data can be recorded in a length much smaller than the full length of track 3b and occupy less length of tape 1 than is occupied by the audio information recorded on tracks 2.

The manner in which the TOC data is generated and recorded on Tape 1 is described with reference to three different methods:

(1) a so-called real-time method where the TOC data is generated under the control of an operator while the operator listens to the audio information reproduced from the tape 1;

(2) a so-called key input method, where substantially all TOC data is generated in response to operator control of a keyboard; and

(3) a so-called editing process, whereby the TOC data is generated in conjunction with an editing operation.

In general, all of the above methods generate a marker signal according to a predetermined characteristic in the audio information recorded on the tape 1. Such predetermined characteristics include, for example, the beginning of an audio program, the end of that program, a pause between programs, and various intermediate areas present in a program such as the change from one movement of a piece of music to another. It is advantageous that other detectable features of the audio program can also be used as predetermined characteristics on the basis of which marker signals can be generated.

Also in accordance with the general aspects of the above methods, when a marker signal is generated, a time code signal is generated to indicate the relative position on the tape 1 at which the above-mentioned predetermined characteristics are recorded. This time code signal serves to address or identify particular tracks 2 associated with the generated marker signal. As will be described, such time code signals may be generated by reproducing the time code signals TC from the track 3a of the tape 1 or the time code signals may be generated by the manual operation of a keyboard. The manner in which the TOC data is derived and recorded will be explained in connection with the following description of each of the above-mentioned TOC recording methods.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an apparatus for carrying out the method (1) where the TOC data is recorded in real time. In this apparatus, the tape 1 is processed by a VTR 5 which is arranged to reproduce the audio PCM signals recorded in the tracks 2, and further to record the TOC data in the track 3b. As shown, the VTR 5 is connected to a PCM processor 9 which recovers the original audio signals from the PCM signals recorded on the tape 1 and separates such audio signals into separate channels, i.e., the stereo signals for the left and right channels. When the audio PCM signals are recorded as 4-channel signals, the PCM processor 9 will also process these signals for four separate channels. In Fig. 5, the PCM processor 9 is connected to the amplifiers 12a and 12b which drive speakers 13a and 13b, respectively, to reproduce the audible sounds stored as signals in the slant tracks 2 on the tape 1. Thus, the VTR 5 can be operated to reproduce the audio signals on the tape 1 and thus allow the user to listen to the audible sounds.

The VTR 5 is further connected to a mark editor 7, which will be described below with reference to Figs. 10A and 10B. The mark editor 7 is connected to a keyboard 8 which is controlled by the operator of the mark editor 7 to generate TOC data. The generated TOC data of the mark editor 7 is a VTR 5 to be recorded in the track 3b of the tape 1. As will be explained later, the TOC data is generated in association with the time code signals (TC) reproduced from the tape 1 by the VTR 5 and fed to the mark editor 7. As also shown in Fig. 5, once the TOC data has been recorded on the tape 1, the information recorded on the tape 1 can be reproduced, and the reproduced TOC data is fed to a mark editor 7 to check and verify whether the generated TOC data is error-free.

In editing, the tape 1 carrying audio PCM signals recorded in the tracks 2 is reproduced by the VTR 5. It is assumed that at this time the TOC data was not recorded on the track 3b. The reproduced audio PCM signals are supplied by the VTR 5 to the PCM processor 9 where they are processed (with error correction, digital-to-analog conversion, and the like) to recover the original audio signals which are used to drive the speakers 13a and 13b. Thus, the audio information is reproduced from the tape 1, the operator listens to the audio information to detect predetermined characteristics therein, such as the beginning and end of an audio program, various sets of music pieces, and the like. Simultaneously with the reproduction of the audio PCM signal, the time code signals TC recorded on the track 3a are also reproduced and supplied to the marker editor 7. When the operator detects a desired characteristic of the reproduced audio information, such as the beginning of an audio program, a particular key on the keyboard 8 is depressed. The marker editor 7 is then supplied with a signal representing the depression of that key, and that signal is stored in an appropriate memory together with the time code TC reproduced at the time of depression of that key. Similarly, when the next desired feature of the reproduced audio information, such as a new set of music piece, the end of an audio program, a pause or the like is detected, a corresponding key on the keyboard 8 is depressed. Accordingly, the memory in the mark editor 7 stores signals, referred to herein as mark signals, representing the operation of the corresponding keys of the keyboard 8 by an operator, together with the time code signals TC identifying the relative position along the tape at which the features represented by the mark signals are recorded.

After the tape 1 has been played back or after the operator has reproduced a sufficient portion thereof, the VTR 5 is controlled, e.g. by an appropriate key on the keyboard 8, to rewind or fast-forward the tape 1 to its beginning or to another desired starting point. Then the tape is advanced and the mark signals stored in the memory of the mark editor 7 are recorded in the track 3b.

As mentioned above, the TOC mark signals recorded in the track 3b include the mark signals of the P and Q channels. These mark signals are recorded in sequence, for example, all the mark signals of the P channel are recorded, and then all the mark signals of the Q channel are recorded. In this way, the TOC signals recorded in the track 3b include the mark signals of the P channel, followed by the mark signals of the Q channel. Consequently, the PCM and the TOC signals are recorded on the tape 1 together with the time code signals TC recorded previously, whereby the tape 1 can be used as a master tape with which the audio PCM disc can be made.

Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of the apparatus for carrying out the process (2) in which the TOC data is generated in response to an operator-operated keyboard. The apparatus shown in Fig. 6 is substantially similar to the apparatus shown in Fig. 5, except that the apparatus of Fig. 6 lacks the PCM processor 9, the amplifiers 12a and 12b and the speakers 13a and 13b.

When using the keyboard-operated device shown in Fig. 6, the operator notes the time codes received from tape 1 reproduced by the VTR 5 in the presence of a feature of the recorded program information, e.g. the time code at a beginning of an audio program, at an end of that program and at a change of the movement of one piece of music to another. These recordings may be made in advance and recorded, for example, on a suitable sheet or form, e.g. by a pencil and paper. These recordings may alternatively be made by the operator when the magnetic tape on which the audio program information is recorded is played back, as described above with reference to the apparatus of Fig. 5. In any case, the keyboard 8 is operated by the operator to key in into the memory of the marker editor 7 the TOC data representing the predetermined feature (e.g. the beginning, end and intermediate portions of corresponding audio programs), together with the time codes representing the locations, times of occurrence of such predetermined features. The TOC data is temporarily stored in the memory of the marker editor 7. They are read out therefrom when the VTR 5 is operating so that this TOC data is recorded on track 3b of tape 1. In this way, the apparatus of Fig. 6 operates similarly to the apparatus of Fig. 5 to record successive TOC data on track 3b, the recording of this data being independent of the current location on tape 1 at which the features identified by the TOC data are recorded. In both apparatuses, as mentioned above, all the P-channel TOC data is recorded first, and then all the Q-channel TOC data. As explained below with reference to Fig. 8, the TOC data is recorded in successive sectors, each sector containing marker information to identify the particular features in the audio program and the relative locations on tape 1 at which the features are recorded. For example, each sector may contain TOC data related to m features. In the preferred apparatus, the Q-channel TOC data associated with a large number of characteristics are recorded in a sector as Q-channel TOC data.

Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of an apparatus capable of carrying out the method 3, where TOC data is recorded in conjunction with an editing operation. In the apparatus shown, the information reproduced from one magnetic tape (e.g., the "playback" tape) by the VTR 5 is transferred to another magnetic tape (e.g., the "recording" tape) to be recorded therein by a VTR 6. A PCM editor 10 is connected to both the VTR 5 and the VTR 6, which is responsive to the operation of an editing keyboard 11 to control the operation of the VTRs 5 and 6 separately, thereby transferring the desired information from one magnetic tape to the other separately. Since the information transferred or edited here is assumed to be the audio PCM information, the editor 10 is referred to as a PCM editor.

The construction and operation of the PCM editor 10 may be conventional. Since the magnetic tape recording and playback devices used with the PCM editor 10 may be VTRs, the PCM editor 10 is similar to those of conventional video editors. Under the control of the keyboard 11, the PCM editor 10 controls the VTR 5 to access a desired audio program (by searching for the time code available as the address for that program) to play back the desired program and transfer the program via the processor 9 to the recording magnetic tape driven by the VTR 6. The PGM editor 10 also controls the VTR 6 to access a desired area of the recording tape on which the transferred program is to be recorded. This is accomplished by using the time code recorded on the recording tape to address the desired location. Consequently, selected or individual audio programs can be transferred from the playback tape to the recording tape.

Furthermore, the PCM Editor 10 is used to control VTR 5 and 6 to perform both "Insert" and "Compose" editing operations. After that, a selected program reproduced by the VTR 5 can be "inserted" between two existing programs already present on the recording tape operated by the VTR 6. Likewise, successive audio programs reproduced by the VTR 5 can be "joined" one after the other on the recording tape by the VTR 6.

Advantageously, the PCM editor 10 functions to select edit points on both the playback tape of the VTR 5 and the recording tape of the VTR 6. These edit points identify the corresponding location along the playback and recording tapes at which the edit is to be performed. Typically, such edit points are identified by the corresponding time codes recorded on the playback and recording tapes. Furthermore, it is known that the edit points are referred to as "cut-in" and "cut-out" points, which identify the start and stop locations or time codes on the playback and recording tapes. Of course, the cut-in point typically identifies the beginning portion of an audio program and the cut-out point identifies the end portion of the program.

When editing is carried out by controlling the keyboard 11 by an operator, the various start and end cut points selected by the operator can be displayed by suitable display means provided on the keyboard 8 for editing the marker. Furthermore, as selected audio programs are transferred to the VTR 6 and recorded there on the recording tape, a time code for the recording tape is generated by the PCM editor 10 to record it on this tape. This time code for the recording tape can also be visually displayed on the keyboard 8.

The keyboard 8 can be controlled by the operator to perform the operation of the marker editor 7 and the VTR 6 in a manner similar to that described above with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. Thereafter, the VTR 6 can be rewound due to the control of the keyboard 8. or fast-forwarded to reproduce a desired program from the edited programs recorded on the recording tape. Operation of appropriate keys or switches on the keyboard 8 serves to identify predetermined features of the playback program, the location of such features being identified by the time code read from that tape. For example, appropriate keys may be operated to determine the beginning and end of a program as well as changes in the movement of a piece of music. The relative location of such beginning and ending portions as well as the position at the change of movement is identified by the playback time code. In addition, both keyboards 8 and 11 may be operated during an edit to transfer desired programs from the playback to the recording tape, the beginning and ending portions of such programs (i.e., the beginning and ending cuts) also being identified, together with their relative location on the recording tape. As mentioned above, the marker signals, together with the time codes identifying the relative position, are stored in the memory of the marker editor 7 to be recorded as TOC data on the recording tape by the VTR 6. After editing is completed and the operator has identified the features of the transmitted audio program in which he is interested, the marker editor 7 is controlled by the keyboard 8 to cause the VTR 6 to rewind the magnetic tape in which, for example, in track 3b, the TOC data stored in the memory of the marker editor is processed and recorded. As with the device described above, the TOC data is recorded sequentially, for example, in successive sectors, at locations in track 3b which are independent of the actual location of the features in track 2 in which such features are recorded.

In the apparatuses of Fig. 5 and 7, the magnetic tape with the recorded TOC data can be played back to check and verify whether the recorded TOC data corresponds to the TOC data selected by the operator. For example, the TOC data recorded in the memory of the marker editor 7 may be compared with the TOC data reproduced from the tape 1, and a display may be provided for this comparison. The reproduced TOC data may, in another example, be visually displayed and compared or verified by the operator as to whether it is the selected TOC data. Other arrangements may, of course, be provided for verifying whether the TOC data recorded on the tape 1 is the same or substantially the same as the TOC data selected by the operator.

8A to 8E schematically show an illustration of the format in which, for example, the TOC data is recorded in track 3b of tape 1. Preferably, the TOC data is recorded as a frequency modulated (FM) signal. As mentioned above, the TOC data is generated by operating appropriate keys provided on keyboard 8 in conjunction with time code data read from tape 1. It is assumed that a basic element of the TOC data is a multibyte sub-block or word which contains, for the P-channel flag signal, a flag signal representing, for example, the beginning and end of an audio program and also contains time code data representing the relative position (or time of occurrence) along the magnetic tape at which the audio program begins or ends. This P-channel TOC data is of course stored in the memory of the marker editor 7 as it was created. Also stored in the memory of the marker editor 7 is the Q-channel TOC data, the sub-block of which contains a mode identifier (e.g., mode 1 or mode 2), control data, the number of channels (e.g., two channels or four channels) of the audio signal and whether these signals have been boosted, a program number (MNR), an index number (X), and time code data representing the relative position (or time of existence) of the beginning, end or intermediate portion of an audio program on the magnetic tape.

Normally, the number of P and Q channel sub-blocks generated by the operator-operated keyboard is within the capacity of the memory of the marker editor. Preferably, a number of such sub-blocks are recorded in each corresponding sector, as shown in Fig. 8A. However, it is also possible that the total number of sub-blocks of the P and Q channels exceeds the storage capacity of the marker editor. In this case, the excess number of sub-blocks is recorded in one or more additional sectors. Fig. 8A shows a preferred format in which such excess blocks can be arranged and recorded by the marker editor 7. This format includes a start area 12 to identify the start of the TOC data, followed by N separate sectors, each sector being designed to contain a number of sub-blocks (described in more detail below), followed by a middle area 13 designed to indicate whether a number of the P and Q channel sub-blocks exceed the capacity of the marker editor memory, the middle area being followed by additional sectors in which the exceeding sub-blocks are recorded, followed finally by an end area 14 to indicate the end of the TOC data. Preferably, the P channel sub-blocks are recorded first, for example in sector 1, 2, etc., followed by the Q channel sub-blocks to be recorded, for example in sector 3, 4 to N.

It will be appreciated that the number of P and Q channel sub-blocks formed for each tape depends on the number of audio programs recorded on the tape, the different movements of each piece of music, and other characteristics of the recorded information determined by the operator. Consequently, the amount of TOC data may vary from tape to tape, and in some cases the total amount of TOC data may be recorded in less than N sectors, while in other cases the total amount of TOC data may be recorded in more than N sectors. The center area 13 is omitted when the total amount of TOC data is recorded in N sectors or less, that is, when the total amount of TOC data does not exceed the storage capacity of the marker editor memory. The TOC data are always arranged between the starting area 12 and the end area 14, whether the middle area 13 is inserted or not.

As can best be seen in Fig. 8B, the initial area 12 contains the following sub-areas in sequence:

GAP 0 (Gap 0) A pulse signal of the TOC data clock is provided in the GAP 0, which is intended to keep the TOC data recovery circuits used in recording a phonograph record in a stand-by position. Such data recovery circuits include a phase-locked loop to recover the frequency-modulated TOC data and a window pulse forming circuit used to separate the required P and Q channel mark signals from the format shown in Fig. 8A. These circuits are in their respective stand-by positions depending on the signal recorded in the GAP 0 sub-area. For example, if a byte contains eight bits, the GAP 0 shows a duration of five bytes.

SYNC This sub-area is provided with a synchronization clock signal used by the phase-locked loop included in the FM demodulator of the TOC data recovery circuits to synchronize the phase-locked loop with the playback TOC data. The duration of the SYNC sub-area is four bytes.

IM 1 This subarea provides the index mark to indicate the beginning of the TOC data. The duration of the IM 1 subarea is one byte.

GAP 1 The purpose of this sub-area is to provide sufficient tolerance to accommodate rewritten TOC data in the case where the rewritten data occupies a larger space than the original data. This may occur in the case where the tape speed during rewriting is not exactly the same as that during the writing process of the Original data. The duration of the GAP 1 subarea is 22±2 bytes.

Fig. 8B shows a format of each sector in which the mark signals of the P and Q channels are recorded. Each sector is divided into an ID field followed by a data field. The ID field is used to identify the sector number (i.e., sector 1, 2...N) and the tape number in the case where, for example, two or more master tapes are used in making records. The data field contains the current sub-blocks of the P and Q channels. The ID field is formed by the following sub-areas in order:

SYNC The purpose of this SYNC sub-area is the same as that of the SYNC sub-area described above with reference to the initial area 12.

AM 1 This address mark sub-area identifies the ID field and is one byte long.

SECTOR NR This sub-area identifies the particular sector number contained within it and is made up of two bytes to identify a sector from 0 to, for example, 65,535.

TAPE NO. The tape number identifies the individual master tape (e.g. Master Tape 1, 2, etc.) on which the TOC data is recorded.

CRC The CRC code is common and is used for error correction of the information recorded in the sector ID field.

The ID field is separated from the data field by the GAP 2 subarea. The GAP 2 subarea consists of an interval equivalent to 22±2 bytes and serves to provide a margin for when the TOC data is written back. From this point of view, the GAP 2 subarea is similar to the GAP 1 subarea mentioned above.

The data field included in each sector has mark signals of the P and Q channels recorded therein. In particular, the data field is provided with the following sub-areas in sequence:

SYNC The purpose of this SYNC subfield is similar to that of the SYNC subfield contained in the ID field. Accordingly, the SYNC sub-area of the data field is provided with a signal by which the recovery circuits for the TOC data are phase-locked to the frequency-modulated TOC data.

AM 2 This address mark sub-area is of one byte duration and indicates whether the P and Q channel mark signals contained in the data field are valid or should be ignored, or whether these signals are valid and represent the mark data. For example, when the data stored in track 3b is checked as in another mark editing operation, it may happen that the TOC data that was previously recorded has not been erased. This previous TOC data should therefore be identified as invalid so that it is ignored during the manufacture of a record. The address mark contained in this AM 2 sub-area serves to provide such identification.

DIM This data identification mark identifies the TOC data recorded in this sector as P-channel or Q-channel mark data. In the latter case, the data identification mark also identifies the mode (e.g. Q-mode 1 or Q-mode 2). The data identification mark preferably comprises one byte, which in decimal form may be equal to 10 to identify the P-channel mark data, equal to 20 to identify the Q-channel mark data (mode 1) and equal to 21 to identify the Q-channel mark data (mode 2).

Fig. 8E is a table showing a representation of the data identification mark of the respective mark data signals. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the data identification mark may also represent the mark signals of the R channel, the S channel through the W channel by other decimal representations for identification.

LENGTH This sub-area, which is one byte, represents the length of each P or Q channel sub-block or word in the subsequent sub-area of the data field. For example, each P channel sub-block is five bytes long. Each Q channel sub-block or word (both mode 1 and also mode 2) comprises eight bytes. The LENGTH sub-area of the data field indicates the number of bytes per sub-block or sub-word.

DATA The data sub-area comprises 128 bytes. Since each P-channel sub-block or word comprises five bytes, it can be seen that 25 P-channel sub-blocks or words are contained in the DATA sub-area together with the remaining three bytes which are not used. Conversely, since each Q-channel sub-block or word comprises eight bytes, 16 Q-channel sub-blocks or words can be contained in the DATA sub-area. In a preferred embodiment, the DATA sub-area of a sector is provided with only P-channel sub-blocks or words or only Q-channel sub-blocks or words. Preferably, a DATA sub-area does not consist of a mixture of P-channel or Q-channel sub-blocks or words. Furthermore, although a maximum of 25 Q channel sub-blocks or words and a maximum of 16 Q channel sub-blocks or words may be provided in the data sub-area, it is possible that less than this maximum amount may actually be provided. It will be appreciated, particularly with respect to the Q channel sub-blocks or words, that the total number of sub-blocks or words contained in the data sub-area depends on the number of audio programs (MNR) and index numbers (X) generated by the operator. Therefore, the actual number of sub-blocks or words contained in the DATA sub-area depends on the number of detected features contained in the audio program recorded on the magnetic tape.

CRC The CRC code consists of two bytes and is used to detect errors in the data field when the TOC data is reproduced or otherwise processed.

GAP 3 This gap is 23±3 bytes and provides a margin for when the TOC data is written back. For this reason, GAP 3 is used for a purpose similar to that described above for GAP 2.

The remaining sectors also comprise ID and data fields similar to those just described for sector 1. As shown in Fig. 8C, the central region 13 is formed successively by the following sub-regions:

SYNC This SYNC subsection is similar to the SYNC subsection contained in the initial section 12 and described above.

IM 2 This sub-area for the index mark indicates that further sectors containing data follow the central area 13. Of course, as mentioned above, if all the TOC data is accommodated in the N sectors following the initial area, the central area 13 is not needed. Sectors (N+1) etc. are then omitted.

GAP 4 This gap is 27±2 bytes long and serves a purpose similar to that of the previous gaps.

When the middle region 13 is provided, additional sectors follow, each sector being of the type shown in Fig. 8B and containing ID and data fields. These additional sectors are provided only as long as the P-channel and/or Q-channel sub-blocks or words are being generated and recorded. Preferably, there is not a fixed number of sectors either between the beginning region 12 and the middle region 13 or between the middle region 13 and the end region 14. The last sector recorded is followed by the end region 14.

As shown in Fig. 8D, the end region 14 contains the following subregions in sequence:

SYNC This SYNC sub-area is similar to the SYNC sub-area and is intended to perform the same function as the SYNC sub-area contained in the initial area 12 and the middle area 13.

IM 3 This index mark comprises one byte that indicates the end of the TOC data.

GAP 5 This gap has a length of approximately 27 bytes and confirms the end of the TOC data.

Advantageously, a master tape of the type shown in Fig. 4 containing TOC data recorded in the format shown in Fig. 8 is used to produce or "cut" a "master" disc, for example by a laser cutting process, from which a "press" disc is produced to press disc copies. These discs are audio PCM discs in the example described. It will be seen that the audio PCM data recorded on the disc produced from the master tape contains the same audio PCM data recorded on the master tape. The disc also contains marker data derived from the TOC data in track 3b of the master tape. Of course, the format of the marker data may differ from the TOC data, the format of which is preferably of the type shown in Fig. 2. It will be recalled that this marker data is multiplexed with the audio PCM data shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 9, an apparatus is shown which is used to make a record from a master tape.

Fig. 9 shows an FM demodulator 17 connected to the VTR 5 to receive the TOC data reproduced from the master tape by the VTR 5. The frequency modulated TOC data is demodulated by the FM demodulator and supplied to a P and Q generator 15 via a buffer memory 18. In addition, a time code reader 22 is connected to the VTR 5 to receive the time code signals read from the master tape by the VTR 5. These time code signals are also supplied to the P and Q generator 15 via a buffer memory 23.

The P and Q generator 15 includes a memory (not shown) in which TOC data is stored. To facilitate initial synchronization and subsequent reading of this data from the memory, control signal generators 19 and 24 are connected to the FM demodulator 17 and the time code reader 22, respectively. The control signal generators 19 and 24 are similar and they extract timing pulses synchronized with the TOC data and the time code signals from the demodulated TOC data and from the reproduced time code signals. As shown, these timing pulses are applied to the P and Q Generator 15 to synchronize the writing and reading of the TOC data.

Preferably, the P and Q generator 15 includes, in addition to the memory, a processor by which the TOC data and the time code data described above with reference to Fig. 8 are converted into P-channel mark signals shown in Fig. 3B and into Q-channel mark signals shown in Figs. 2A to 2C.

As also shown in Fig. 9, the PCM processor 9 is connected to the VTR 5 to recreate the audio PCM information when the master tape is played back by the VTR 5. This audio PCM information is supplied to a format encoder 20 along with the P and Q channel mark signals from the P and Q generator 15. The format encoder 20 rearranges the audio PCM data, the P and Q channel mark signals (as well as the R through W channel mark signals) into the format shown in Fig. 1B. Once the mark data and the audio PCM data are in this format, they are supplied to a cutting machine 25 to cut a "master disk."

In editing, the master tape is first reproduced by the VTR 5 so as to load the P and Q generator 15 with the TOC data reproduced from the track 3b of the master tape. Thus, the memory in the P and Q generator stores, for example, a P channel marker signal indicating the beginning and end of each audio program as well as the time code address of each beginning and end. The memory also stores a Q channel marker signal indicating the number (MNR) of each audio program and the time code address of the beginning of each program. In addition, the memory stores the Q channel marker signal of each index number (X) of each audio program as well as the time code address of each index.

After the TOC data is loaded into the P and Q generator 15, the master tape is wound to its beginning or start point, and the audio PCM data recorded thereon is then reproduced. When the time code is read from the master tape during its reproduction, the mark signals of the P and Q channels produced by the P and Q generator 15 are read from its memory, multiplexed with the audio PCM data and arranged in the format shown in Fig. 1B for recording on the "master" disk.

In addition to rearranging the audio PCM data and the marker data into the form of Fig. 1B, the format encoder 20 detects and corrects errors in the audio PCM data. The frame synchronization signal or pattern of Figs. 1A and 1B is generated and inserted into the signals recorded on the "master" disk. In this way, the TOC data recorded on track 3b is reproduced from the master tape, multiplexed with the reproduced audio PCM data, and recorded on the "master" disk in the same tracks as the audio PCM data and at the specific locations corresponding to the features identified by the marker data. The resulting marker data recorded on the disk is of the type described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 through 3.

10A and 10B show a block diagram of an example of a marker editor 7. The marker editor 7 comprises a microcomputer that includes a central processing unit (CPU) 26, an address decoder 27, a random access memory (RAM) 28, a read only memory (ROM) 29 and an interrupt control circuit 31 as shown in Fig. 10B. An address bus 33 connects the CPU 26 to the address decoder 27, the RAM 28 and the ROM 29. Furthermore, as shown, a read/write control of the CPU 26 acts on the RAM 28. A control signal generator 30 is supplied with a periodic signal from an oscillator to generate clock and step clock control signals for use in the microcomputer.

The microcomputer is able to receive signals from the keyboard 8 and time code signals from the VTR to generate TOC data and send the TOC data to the VTR for recording on the magnetic tape. In addition, the microprocessor is able to command the VTR to perform recording and playback operations. and, when the mark editor 7 is used in conjunction with the PCM editor 10, as shown in Fig. 7, the microprocessor is capable of communicating with the PCM editor 10. To facilitate this, the data bus 32 is coupled to the CPU 26 and the RAM 28 for supplying data to the microcomputer and receiving TOC data as well as other control data therefrom. An input/output select bus 34 (1/0) is connected to the address decoder 27 and is capable of both allowing data to be supplied to the data bus 32 from any of the various external devices used for the mark editor 7 and receiving data from such devices. This data exchange is controlled by the CPU 26 in accordance with the program stored therefor in the ROM 29.

In addition, an interrupt bus 35 is connected to the interrupt circuit 31 to receive interrupt request signals from any of the various external devices needed for the mark editor 7.

As shown in Fig. 10A, the time code signals reproduced from the magnetic tape are supplied to the data bus 32 and from there to the RAM 28. The time code signals are received by the VTR at the input terminal 36, then amplified by an amplifier 37, read out by a time code reader 38, and temporarily stored in a buffer memory 39. While the time code reader 38 reads out a time code signal, it also actuates an interrupt generator 40 which supplies an interrupt request to the interrupt control circuit 31 via the interrupt bus 35. If the microcomputer accepts the request, the address decoder 27 supplies an authorization signal to the buffer memory 39 via the I/O selection bus 35, whereupon the time code signal stored in the buffer memory 39 is passed to the data bus 32 for storage in the RAM 28.

According to Fig. 10B, the keyboard 8 is connected to an input terminal 62 of the illustrated marking editor 7. When the keyboard 8 is operated, an appropriate signal associated with the particular key operated is fed to the input terminal 62, and from there to a buffer memory 64 via a buffer amplifier 63. The key signal applied to the buffer memory 64 also serves to activate an interrupt generator 65 which then provides an interrupt request to the interrupt control circuit 31 via the interrupt bus 35. If the microcomputer recognizes this interrupt request, the address decoder 27 enables the buffer memory 64 to apply the key signal stored in the buffer memory 64 to the RAM 28 via the I/O selection bus 34.

As will be described with reference to Fig. 11, the keyboard 8 includes various visual displays and indicators. When a marking operation is performed, some of these displays and indicators are activated. The display data is supplied from the CPU 26 to the RAM 28 and from the RAM 28 to a buffer circuit 66 via the data bus 32. The buffer circuit 66 is controlled by the address decoder 27 via the I/O select bus 34 and is capable of supplying display data to an output terminal 68 via a buffer amplifier 67. Consequently, the display or indicator device comprising the keyboard 8 is activated to indicate to the operator that the operation is being performed.

Returning to Fig. 10A, it can be seen that the signals supplied from the keyboard and the time code signals supplied from the keyboard 8 and from the VTR to the microcomputer are used by the microcomputer to generate the TOC data described above in the format shown in Fig. 8. This TOC data is stored in the RAM 28 and supplied to a buffer circuit 41 (Fig. 10A) via the data bus 32. The buffer circuit 41 is controlled by the address decoder 27 via the I/O selection bus 34 to supply the TOC data to an FM modulator 42. Thus, the TOC data is frequency modulated and is supplied to the VTR via a buffer amplifier 43 and an output terminal 44. The frequency modulated TOC data is recorded in the track 3b of the tape.

As mentioned above, the TOC data from tape 1 can be reproduced to compare and confirm that the recorded TOC data is the same TOC data selected by the operator. The reproduced TOC data is supplied to the microcomputer for comparison. As shown in Fig. 10A, the reproduced TOC data is supplied to an input terminal 45 and to an FM demodulator 47 via an amplifier 46. The demodulated TOC data is then temporarily stored in a buffer memory 48. When TOC data is stored in the buffer memory 48, an interrupt generator 49 is activated to supply an interrupt request to the interrupt control circuit 31 via the interrupt bus 35. When the microcomputer recognizes this interrupt request, the buffer memory 48 is activated to supply the reproduced TOC data to the RAM 28 via the data bus 32. The reproduced data stored in the RAM 28 is then compared in the CPU 26 with the desired TOC data produced in response to the operation of the keyboard 8 and the time code signals read out from the VTR, and this desired TOC data is also stored in the RAM 28. A display for the compared TOC data is provided in the keyboard 8 to display the signals supplied by the microcomputer.

When the marker editor 7 is used with the PCM editor 10, it is connected to the PCM editor via an input terminal 50 and an output terminal 52, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. Signals such as the edit point signals described above are fed from the PCM editor to the input terminal 50 where they are received by a receiver 51 and thence to an editor controller 54 as well as to a buffer memory 55. The edit points are fed to the RAM 28 via the data bus 32 when the buffer memory 48 is activated by the address decoder 27 which passes a signal to activate it via the I/O data bus. Likewise, the address decoder 27 activates a control generator 56 to receive signals therefrom via the data bus 32 from the RAM 28 or from the CPU 26, which signals are also fed to the editor controller 54. The editor control 54 responds to the signals from the receiver 51 and the control generator 56 to provide appropriate signals to the output terminal 53 via a driver 52. Although not described in detail, it will be seen that identification indicia of the edit points as represented by the time code signals are supplied from the PCM editor 10 to the input terminal 50 and from there to the microcomputer of the mark editor 7, which microcomputer supplies corresponding indication signals representing time code signals to the display and indicator devices of the keyboard 8. Indications of the activation of certain keys of the keyboard 8 shown in Fig. 11 are also supplied to the microcomputer of the mark editor 7, which in turn applies corresponding VTR control signals to the PCM editor 10 via the driver 52 and the output terminal 53. Thus, the operation of the keyboard 8 results in a selected operation of, for example, the recording VTR (for example, the VTR 6 of Fig. 7) via the PCM editor 10.

In Fig. 10A, the editor controller 54 is provided to generate synchronization and clock signals for the PCM editor 10. Accordingly, the signals supplied from the microcomputer to the PCM editor 10 in response to the selected operation by the keyboard are accurately synchronized with the PCM editor 10.

The marker editor 7 is connected, for example, to the VTR 5 (Figs. 5 and 6) through the terminals 57 and 58 as shown in Fig. 10B. The terminal 58 supplies VTR control signals to drive the magnetic tape and receives signals from the VTR 5 indicating the status or mode of operation. The signals received from the VTR 5 at the terminal 57 are supplied to the data bus 32 via a buffer 59 when the buffer 59 is activated by the address decoder 27 via the I/O selection bus 34. Control signals supplied from the terminal 58 to the VTR 5 are supplied by the microcomputer to the data bus 32 and from there to a buffer memory 60. The buffer memory 60 is activated under the control of the address decoder 27 via the I/O selection bus 34 to supply the control signals stored therein to the terminal 58 via a buffer amplifier 61. Consequently, the mark editor 7 is connected to the VTR 5 to control its operation.

The microcomputer is further connected to a printer which serves to print a record of the TOC data test. The printer controller 70 is connected to a terminal 71 and communicates bidirectionally with a buffer circuit 69. The buffer circuit 69 is connected to the data bus 32 to receive data from the microcomputer to thereby control the printer controller. The buffer circuit 69 is controlled by the control of the address decoder 27 via the I/O selection bus 34.

Referring now to Fig. 11, there is shown a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a keyboard 8. The keyboard 8 is provided with various manually operable keys or switches and with indicator and display devices useful in carrying out the marker processing. As shown, a time code display 72 is provided for displaying the time code in hours, minutes, seconds and frames reproduced by the VTR. The reproduced time code is supplied to a microcomputer shown in Figs. 10A and 10B via the input terminal 36, the microcomputer supplying the time code display 72 with the time code display signals via the output terminal 68 (Fig. 10B). When the tape 1 is wound forward or backward, the displayed time code is updated accordingly.

In addition, a fast-forward time display 73 is provided to indicate the length of the tape 1 that is fast-forwarded during special mark editing operations.

The keyboard 8 is provided with switches 74 for mark editing, two of the switches shown being a LOAD switch and a STORE switch. When the LOAD switch 74 is operated, TOC data is stored or loaded into the RAM 28. The TOC data can be generated as a function of the time code which is then reproduced from the tape 1 in combination with the operation of a special switch for generating the TOC data, which will be described. When the STORE switch of the mark editing switches 74 is operated, the TOC data stored in the RAM 28 is recorded on the track 3b of the tape 1.

VTR control switches 75 and a rotary selector switch 76 are provided to control the operation of the VTR 5 used with the marker editor 7. For example, the VTR control switches 75 may have an AUTO LOCATION switch which, when operated, serves to advance the tape 1 to a desired or predetermined time code address. The rotary selector switch operates in two directions to wind the tape 1 forward or backward at a slow, normal, fast or very fast speed as desired.

The switches for generating the TOC data include an END OF MUSIC switch (EOM) 77, a BEGIN OF MUSIC switch (BOM) 78 and an INDEX switch (INX) 79. Normally, the operator will operate one of the switches 77 through 79 to determine a corresponding point of the audio program to be reproduced from tape 1. For example, at the beginning of an audio program, the BEGIN OF MUSIC switch 78 is operated. Upon operation of the switch 78, the TOC data is generated, and when the LOAD switch for mark editing is operated, the generated TOC data is loaded into the RAM 28. In the same way, when the end of an audio program is detected, the END OF MUSIC switch 77 is operated, which also results in the generation of corresponding TOC data. When a special feature, such as a change in the movement of a piece of music or the like, is detected, the operator will operate the INDEX switch 79. This also results in the generation of the TOC data, which is described below.

A numeric keypad 80 is also provided to enable the operator to manually enter a desired time code. The keypad 80 is normally used when TOC data is generated by the device shown and described in Fig. 6.

A keyboard 81 for function control is provided and is used to verify the TOC data and to control a display for marking processing.

Mode editing selector switches 82 are provided to select a special mode in which the Marking Editor 7 is to operate. For example, when operating according to the method (1) carried out by the device of Fig. 5, a REAL TIME INPUT switch is operated. When operating according to the method (2) carried out by the device of Fig. 6, an EDIT switch is operated. Finally, when operating according to the method (3) carried out by the device of Fig. 7 and used with a PCM editor, an EDITOR INPUT switch is operated.

A REVIEW switch 83 is operable to reproduce the TOC data recorded on the tape 1 so as to compare and verify whether the recorded TOC data corresponds to the TOC data selected by the operator. During this review, when a special Q-channel mark signal is reproduced, a corresponding indicator 84 is activated to indicate to the operator the special feature for evaluation represented by the recorded Q-channel mark signal. The indicators 84 are provided to indicate "PAUSE", "BOM" (beginning of an audio program), "INX" (features such as change of sentence) and "EOM" (end of audio program), respectively.

An offset display 85 is also provided. The offset display 85 provides a display for the offset response time, for example in milliseconds, between the occurrence of the corresponding generator switch for the TOC data by the operator. This offset, which can be predetermined and adjusted by the operator, serves to cancel the expected delay between the detection and operation.

Furthermore, an operation display 89 is provided for displaying the TOC data generated by, for example, the activation of the TOC data generator switches 77 to 79. The operation display 89 can display P or Q channel marker signals, those of the Q channel in either mode 1 or 2, depending on the operation of the selector switches arranged beside the operation display 89. As shown in Fig. 11, the operation display 89 displays the audio program number (MNR=03), the index number (X=01), and the time code at time X=01, where the time code indicates one hour, thirty minutes, fifteen seconds, and twenty-seven frames.

A data entry or explanatory display 90 is further provided to display various controls and functions of the marking processing, the explanatory display 90 cooperating with the keyboard 81 for function control.

The manner in which the keyboard 8 shown in Fig. 11 operates to generate TOC data will now be described in connection with the timing diagrams shown in Figs. 12A to 12E. Fig. 12A shows a schematic representation of the audio PCM signal reproduced from tape 1. It can be seen that these signals are similar to the signals shown in Fig. 3A. Following a lead-in track on tape 1, a first audio program (Music 1) is reproduced. For example, assuming that this program is a piece of music having three different movements, these movements are identified as INX 1, INX 2 and INX 3 respectively. After the pause which is longer than two seconds, the audio program (Music 2) is then reproduced. After a pause of less than two seconds, a third audio program (Music 3) is then reproduced and this third audio program is faded into a fourth audio program (Music 4). Finally, a lead-out track is provided on tape 1. Fig. 12B shows an analog version of the time code reproduced by tape 1 as tape 1 is advanced from its lead-in area over the corresponding audio programs to the lead-out area.

Assuming that the mark editing is carried out by the method (1), the REAL TIME input switch is operated by the editing mode switches 82. This method (1) is carried out by an apparatus as shown in Fig. 5 and it is repeated that in accordance with the mark editing mode, the audio information is reproduced. When predetermined features are detected by the operator therein, appropriate switches are operated to generate the TOC data.

Following the lead-in area, the operator finds the beginning of the audio program (Music 1) at time t1. Accordingly, the operator activates the BOM switch 78. At this moment, the RAM 28 stores the P channel marker signal equal to "zero" and also stores the time code corresponding to time t1. Furthermore, the identity of the BOM switch 78 is stored. Since this is the first audio program, the RAM 28 also stores the Q channel marker signal MNR=01. Since this is the first sentence in this program, the RAM 28 also stores the Q channel marker signal X=01. In one embodiment, the time code, although not stored in the RAM 28 when the TOC data is recorded on the tape, is recorded two seconds before time t1 (i.e., t1-2) together with the P-channel marker signal P=1 at time t1-2. The marker editor also records on the tape 1 the Q-channel marker signals (MNR=01) at time t1-2 and (X=00) at time t1-2 even though the Q-channel marker signals are not yet stored in the RAM 28. Such Q-channel marker signals are automatically generated.

Suppose that at time t2, the INDEX switch 79 is operated when the operator detects a change in the movement of a piece of music. Consequently, the mark signal (X=02) of the Q channel is stored in the RAM 28 at time t2. In the same way, at time t3, the INDEX switch 79 is operated again when a change in the movement of a piece of music is detected. Consequently, the mark signal (X=03) of the Q channel is stored in the RAM 28 at time t3.

At time t4, the first audio program ends. The operator therefore actuates the EOM switch 77, whereby the marking signals of the P and Q channels are stored in the RAM 28 at time t4 with P=01, MNR=02 and X=00.

When the beginning of the next audio program is detected at time t5, the operator operates the BOM switch 78. Accordingly, the P and Q channel marker signals now generated are P=0 and X=01. These signals are stored in the RAM 28 together with the time code representation t5. It can be seen from Fig. 12E that the audio program (MNR) at the end of the previous audio program and was not updated until the end of this subsequent audio program.

At time t6, the operator detects the end of the second audio program and operates the EOM switch 77. At this time, the following P and Q channel marker signals are generated: P=1, MNR=03 and X=00. The time code representation of time t6 is also generated. These signals are stored in RAM 28.

At time t7, the operator detects the beginning of the third audio program and operates the BOM switch 78. Consequently, the P channel mark signal P=0 is generated at time t7. However, since the difference between the time code signals t6 and t7 is less than two seconds, the previous P channel mark signal P=1 is erased from the RAM at time t6 and is now set to P=1 at time t7-2. In addition, the operation of the BOM switch 78 at time t7 results in the generation of the Q channel mark signal X=01 at time t7.

At time t8, the operator determines the end of the third program and the beginning of the fourth program. At this time, he or she actuates the BOM switch once again. Accordingly, the microcomputer of the marking editor 7 generates the following marking signals of the Q channel P=0, MNR=04 and X=01. The time code corresponding to time t8 is also stored in RAM 28. Furthermore, at time t8, the microcomputer determines the immediately preceding marking signal of the P channel, which is stored in RAM 28 and was also P=0. Consequently, the microcomputer additionally writes the further marking signal of the P channel P=1 into RAM 28 at time t8-2.

Finally, upon detection of the end of the fourth audio program, the operator actuates the EOM switch 77 and upon detection of the lead-out region of tape 1, the microcomputer generates the following P and Q channel signals: P=2 at time t9 and MNR=AA (hexadecimal) at the same time. This represents the lead-out region of tape 1.

After the RAM 28 stores the TOC data generated in the manner described above, the mark editing STORE switch 74 is operated. This causes the VTR to rewind the tape 1 to the beginning or starting point, after which the tape 1 is then run forward and after which the TOC data stored in the RAM 28 is read out and recorded in the track 3b. During this recording, the TOC data is arranged in the format as shown in Fig. 8.

When the keyboard 8 of Fig. 11 is operated in accordance with the method (2) whereby the TOC data is generated only by operating the corresponding switches, an appropriate switch 77 to 79 is operated to generate the TOC data and also the numeric switches of the keyboard 80, the latter serving to generate the time code data. This mode can be selected by operating the EDIT switch of the edit mode switch 82.

When method (3) is selected, that is, when the marker editor is operating in accordance with a PCM editor, the EDITOR INPUT switch 82 is operated. Start and end edit points form BOM and EOM points, which results in updating the audio program number (MNR) as well as generating the index number X=00. These Q-channel signals are stored in the RAM 28 together with the time codes corresponding to these points as if they were from the recording tape. On the other hand, once the start and end edit points have been selected, the audio programs defined by these points can be transferred from the playback tape to the recording tape, and the operator can operate the BOM switch 78 at the beginning and end of this editing process. This method is similar to the first-mentioned method (1) where the marker data is generated in real time mode.

The manner in which the Q channel marker signals are generated by the operator in response to manual operation of the function control switch 81 and the numeric keypad 80 has now been described.

Various changes and modifications are, of course, possible. For example, instead of recording the TOC data in the format shown in Fig. 8, track 3b may have recorded therein marker signals as shown in Figs. 2A to 2C, as well as the P-channel marker signal shown in Fig. 3B. Also, suitable electronic sensors may be provided to detect pauses, the beginning and end of an audio program, and other characteristics of the recorded information. Such automatic detection may replace the operator and may result in automatic generation of suitable marker signals for the P and Q channels. Such signals are analogous to those generated in response to the actuation of switches 77 to 79 of Fig. 11 to generate the TOC data. Furthermore, the RAM 28 can be designed as a non-volatile memory, such as a magnetic bubble memory, in order to prevent loss of data if the power fails or other events occur that would lead to the loss of the memory contents.

Claims (4)

1. An apparatus for converting first marker information recorded on a first recording medium (1) and representing predetermined information characteristics also recorded on the first recording medium (1) into second marker information to be recorded on a second recording medium, the apparatus comprising: Reproduced input signal circuit means (16, 17, 9) for receiving reproduced first marker information and information of the first recording medium (1); Code signal generating means (5,21) for generating code signals having a predetermined relationship to the reproduction information and representing the relative positions on the first recording medium (1) on which the information is recorded; Storage means (18) for temporarily storing the reproduced first marking information; and Signal output means (20) for deriving the second marking information and the information to be recorded on the second recording medium; characterized in that the first-mentioned marking information recorded on the first recording medium (1) comprises a first set containing data representing the predetermined characteristics of the recorded information and an associated second set containing data representing the relative positions on the first recording medium (19) in which the predetermined characteristics are present; and by means (15) for converting the first marking information into the second marking information having a form different from the first marking information; and Format means (20) for concatenating the first marker information and encrypting it into a concatenated signal having the second marker information set and an information area to be recorded on the second recording medium. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first mark information is recorded on the first recording medium (1) in a track (3a, 3b) which is different from the track or tracks (2) in which the information is recorded. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first recording medium (1) has further recorded code signals representing the relative positions on the first recording medium (1); and wherein the format means (20) is operative in response to the reproduction code signals from the code signal generating means (5, 21) to associate the second marking information stored in the storage means (18) with the reproduction information. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second recording medium is a disk.