GB2245750A - Still video device - Google Patents

Description

STILL VIDEO DEVICE The present invention relates to a still video device

by which a video signal and/or an audio signal are recorded in a magnetic disk, and these signals are reproduced.

In a still video device generally, a magnetic disk is used as a recording medium for storing a video signal and/or an audio signal. The magnetic disk is provided with a plurality of tracks concentrically formed on the magnetic disk, and the video signal and the audio signal are each recorded on a different track.

Thereafter, in a conventional still video device, the ignals recorded on each of the tracks are reproduced track by t rack.

As described above, a conventional still video device reproduces a signal stored in each track, one by one, i.e., cannot successively reproduce more than one track. Accordingly, when a plurality of tracks are to be reproduced, a reproducing operation in which each track is reproduced one by one must be repeated, which is cumbersome.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a still video device in which a plurality of tracks can be successively reproduced in a direction in which the track number becomes higher or lower.

According to the present invention, there is provided a still video device in which a recording medium is lw:)untable, the recording medium having a plurality of tracks to which track numbers are given and in which respective signals can be stored, the still video device cising reproducing means for reproducing a signal recorded in the recording medium, a switch operable for selectively designating a first successive reproduction mode in which a reproduction for each track is successively carried out in such a manner that the track number beconvas higher, or a second successive reproduction rode in which a reproduction for each track is successively carried out in such a manner that the track number becomes lower7and control means for controlling the reproducing rears so that, when the first successive reproduction mode is designated by the switch, the reproducing rleans successively reproduces a plurality of tracks from a track having a low track number to a track having a high track number, and when tile second successive reproduction mode is designated by the switch, the reproducing means successively reproduces a plurality of tracks from a track having a high track number to a track having a low track number.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a still video device in which a recording medium is mounted, the recording medium having a plurality of tracks in which signals can be stored, respectively, the still video device c omp rising a reproducing means for reproducing a signal recorded in the recording medium and a switch operable for selectively designating a f 1 rs t success i ve reproduc t ion mode i n wil i ch a reproduc tion f or each track is successively carried out from a track located at the outer periphery of the recording medium to a track located at tile inner periphery of the recording medium, or a second sticcessive reproduction mode in which a reproduction for each track is successively carried out from a track located at the inner periphery of the recording medium to a track located at the outer periphery of the recording medium.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a still video device in which a disk is mounted, the disk having tracks in which a video signal and/or an audio signal can be stored, respectively, each of the tracks being given a track number; the signal being reproduced by a head provided in the device, and the head being moved to a predetermined track of the disk to thereby reproduce the signals.

said still video device rising a switch operable for selectively designating a first successive reproduction mode in which a reproduction for each track is successively carried out in such a manner that the tract{ number becomes higher, or a second successive reproduction mode in which a reproduction for cacti track is successively carried out in such a umnner that the track nuniber becoines lower, and a moving nieans for mving the head so that, when the first successive reproduction mode is designated by the switch, the head is successively positioned at predetermined tracks from a track having a low track number to a track having a high number, and when the second successive reproduction mode is designated by the switch, the head is successively positioned at a predetermined tracks from a track having a high track number to a track having a low track number.

The present invention will be better understood from the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention set forth below, together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagrain showing the construction of an embodiment of a still video device of the present invention; Figure 2A is a view showing an indication by an LCD in a normal reproducing operation for a video signal or an audio signal; Figure 2B is a view showing an indication by the LCO in the normal reproducing operation for a video signal and an audio signal which form a pair; Figure 2C is a view showing an indication by the LCD in an upsuccessive reproducing operation for a video signal or an audio signal; Figure 2D is a view showing an indication by the LCD in the up-successive reproducing operation for a video signal and an audio signal which form a pair; Figure 2B is a view showing an indication by the LCD in a down-successive reproducing operation for a video signal or an audio signal; Figure 2F is a view showing an indication by the LCD in the down- successive reproducing operation for a video signal and an audio signal which form a pair-, Figure 3A is a flowchart showing a reproducing operation; Figure 3B is a flowchart showing a reproducing process subrou tine; Figure 3C is a flowchart showing an up-successive reproducing operation; Figure 3D is a flowchart showing a down-successive reproducing operation; Figure 4A is a flowchart showing another reproducing operation; Figure 4B is a flowchart showing another reproducing process subroutine; Figure 4C is a flowchart showing another tip-successive reproducing operation; and Figure 4D is a flowchart showing another down-successive reproducing operation.

The present invention will now be described with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of an embodiment of a still video device of invention.

the present A floppy disk, i.e., a magnetic disk 11, is used as a recording medium of this still video device, and is provided with a plurality of tracks concentrically formed thereon. A video signal and an audio signal are each recorded in a different track.

The floppy disk 11 is rotated by a spindle motor 12 controlled by a spindle motor control circuit 13. A magnetic head 14 is moved radially over the floppy disk 11 by a tracking motor 15 controlled by a tracking motor control circui t 16, to be thereby positioned at a predetermined track of the floppy disk 11, whereby a recordingreproducing circuit 17 is able to record a desired video signal or audio signal onto the track, or reproduce the video signal or audio signal. A Ynonitor and speaker 18 are connected to the recording- reproducing circuit 17 for outputting an image and sound.

A system controller 21 comprising, for example, a microcomputer, controls the tracking motor control circuit 16, the recording-reproducing circuit 17, and an indication control circuit 22 so that an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 23 indicates predetermined information. In addition to these controls, the system controller 21 controls the operations by which information is recorded in the floppy disk 11, information stored in the disk 11 is reproduced, and information is deleted from the disk 11.

A trigger switch, i.e., a release switch 32, an exposure correcting switch 31, a mode switch 33, a select switch 34, an "up" switch 35, a "down" switch 36, and a stroho-mode switch 37 are connected to the system controller 21. The trigger switch 32 is operated when starting and finishing the recording of a reproduction. The exposure correcting switch 31 is operated to carry out an e>qmsure correction and the mode switch 33 and the select switch 34 are operated to select and set various modes sun as recording, reproduction, and erasing. The up switch 35 and the down j switch 36 are operated to increment and decrement a numeral indicated by the LCD 23. The strobo-mode switch 37 is operated to input a predetermined strobo-mode to the system controller 21.

The operation of the embodiment is described below with reference to Figures 2A through 2F, which show examples of indications by the WD 23.

As shown in these drawings, various indications are made by the LC1) 23. Further, a flicker position of each indication is ed in a vertical direction by the q:tion of the rede switch 33, and in a horizontal direction by the operation of the select switch 34.

For example, whenever the mode switch 33 is operated, a flickering indication is positioned sequentially at any one of a single mode indication (a rectangular indication in the drawings) denoting a mode for recording one frame image, a "REC" indication denoting a recording mode, a "NORMAL" indication denoting a normal mode in which a video signal or an audio signal is recorded, an "AUTO" indication of a white balance symbol "W, and a 7-segment element displaying digits denoting a year, month and day, or hour, minutes and seconds.

For example, where the single mode indication, located at the first line in the drawings, is caused to flicker, when the select switch 34 is operated, a self timer indication (a clock face in the drawings) for setting a self timer, a continuous photographing indication (shown in the drawings by three overlapping rectangles) showing a mode in which one, two, or five frame images are recorded per second, and digits "1", "2", and "5" showing the selected number of continuous photographing operations per second, are sequentially caused to flicker.

In the same way as described above, in an indication of the second line, "REC denoting a recording mode, "PLW denoting a reproduction mode, and "ERASE" denoting an erasing mode are selectively and sequentially indicated.

In the third line in the drawings, "NORMAL" denoting the normal mode in which a video signal or an audio signal is recorded, "AV" denoting an AV mode in which a video signal and an audio signal, which form a pair, are recorded, and "MONITOR" denoting a monitor mode are selectively indicated.

In a "WB" indication of the white balance shown in the fourth lino- in the drawings. "AUIO" denoting the automtic mode, a Cloud indication (shown by a reproduction of a cloud in the drawings) denoting a cloudy weather mode, a Fine indication (shown by a reproduction of the sun in the drawings) denoting a fine weather Mde, a Fluorescent lanp indication (shown by a reproduction of a fluorescent lairp in the drawings) denoting a fluore-scent larp mode, and an Incandescent Lamp indication (shown by a reproduction of an incandescent lamp in the drawings) denoting an incandescent lamp, are sequentially selected.

In the fifth line in the drawings, numerals denoting a date (or a time) are sequentially selected.

Note that an indication located at the lef t of the date shows the state of a battery, and is caused to flicker when the voltage of the battery is low. An indication located at the right of the date shows the state of a disk, i.e., shows whether or not a floppy disk is mounted in the still video device, and is always turned ON when a disk is mounted in the device.

Accordingly, by operating the mode switch 33 and the select switch 34, a flickering position is moved, whereby a command for a mode indicated by the flickering position is sent to the system controller 21. Note, an indication other than the node which is selected is changed from a flickering condition to a steady light condition.

lhe operation of the strobo-mode switch 37 causes the "AUTC indication, the ON" indication, and the OFF" indication to be sequentially lit.

When the recording mode is designated (whereby the "REC indication is caused to flicker) and the trigger switch 32 is operated, the system controller 21 drives the spindle motor 12 through the spindle motor control circuit 13, and thus the floppy disk 11 is rotated. At the same time, the tracking motor 15 is driven through the tracking motor control circuit 16, and thus the magnetic head 14 is moved to a predetermined position of the tracks. The track position (i.e., the track number) is indicated by a double-digit at the left of the "REC indication. Thereafter, a predetermined video or audio signal is inputted to the magnetic head 14 through the recording-reproducing circuit 17, and thus the signal is recorded in the predetermined track of the floppy disk 11.

The recording-reproducing circuit 17 generates a code signal (a)PSK signal or a control code which are described later) in accordance with a control signal outputted by the system controller 21, and supplies the code signal together with a predetermined video signal or audio signal to the magnetic head 14. Mese signals are then recorded in a predetermined track of the floppy disk 14. The code signal includes a track number, a recording mode and so on as a DPSK signal when a video signal is recorded in the floppy disk, and includes them as a control code when an audio signal is recorded i n the f I oppy d i sk. When a record i ng is carried out in the AV mode, information denoting that the corresponding audio signal exists is included in the DPSK signal, or information denoting that the corresponding video signal exists is included in the control code. In this embodiment, an audio signal is recorded in an adjacent track which is positioned inward of a track in which the corresponding video signal is recorded.

Prior to this recording operation, when the exposure correcting switch 31 is operated during the recording mode, an exposure correcting indication " Er," is caused to flicker, and an indication of the 7-segment element at the right of the exposure i correcting indication is changed to an exposure correcting value designated at that time. When the up switch 35 or the down switch 36 is operated while the exposure correcting switch 31 is operated, the exposure correcting value is incremented or decremented. Then, when the exposure correcting switch 31 and the trigger switch 32 are operated at the same time, a photographing operation is carried out i n a s t a t e i n w h 1 c h the exposure is set to the correct value.

In the recording mode, if the continuous photographing mode is set, the continuous photographing indication is lit and a numeral corresponding to the selected number of frames per second, among "5", is caused to flicker. In this state, when the trigger switch 32 is operated, video signals of the selected numbers of frames per second are continuously recorded.

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 31) show operations in which the select switch 34 has a first function Of selecting the nOrrnal rnode, in which the reproduction is carried Out track bY track, Or the successive reproducing mode. Ibe select switch 34 has a second function Of selecting, in the successive reproducing mode, an up-successive repr. oducing mode in which the successive reproduction is carried out in a direction in which a track number is succeessively incremented, and a downsuccessive reproducing mode in which the successive reproduction is carried out in a direction in which a track number is sucecessively decremented. The reproducing operations will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in these drawings.

When the reproduction mode is set by the Operation of the rode switch 33 and the select switch 34, the "PLAY" indication is caused to flicker. In this state, if the trigger switch 32 is operated (step SO, the "PLAY" indication is changed from a flickering condition to a steady light condition (step S2), the floppy disk 11 is.rotated by the spindle motor control circuit 13 and the spindle motor 12 (step S3), and a reproducing process subroutine is carried out (step S4).

The reproducing process subroutine is described below with reference to the, flart shown in Figure 3B.

In this subroutine, first a track mode in which a signal is stored in a reproduced track is inputted from the recOrdiM/rePrOdUcing circuit 17 to the system controller 21 ( S21). This system controller 21 reads information which denotes whether the track is storing only a video signal (a video mode) or only an audio signal (an audio mode), or whether the track is storing a video signal and an audio signal, which form a pair (an AV mode), through the recording/reproducing circuit 17, in accordance with a DPSK (differential- phase-shift-keying) signal or control da ta - When the track mode of the reproduced track is the video mode (step S22), as shown in Figure 2A, the "NORMAL" indication is lit and the "AV" indication is extinguished (step S23). Then, a video signal is read by the magnetic head 14, which is moved to the track by the tracking motor 15 under the control of the tracking motor control circuit 16, and thus the record i ng/reprod tic! ng circuit 17 supplies the video signal to the monitor and speaker 18 as it is, whereby reproduction of the video signal is carried out (step 524).

When the track mode of the reproduced track is the audio mode (step S25), as shown in Figure 2A, the "NORMAL" indication is lit and the "AC indication is extinguished (step 526). Then, an audio signal is read by the magnetic head 14, which is moved to the track by the tracking motor 15 under the control of the tracking Motor control circuit 16, and this audio signal is stored in a memory of the recording/reproducing circuit 17 and then read to be thus reproduced (step S27).

When the track mode is the AV mode (step S28), as shown in Figure 2B, the "AC indication is lit and the "NORMAL" indication is extinguished (step S29). Then, the magnetic head 14 is moved by the tracking motor control circuit 16 and the tracking motor 15 to an.adjacent track, which is located inward from the previous track, and in which an audio signal is recorded. Thereafter, the track is reproduced, and thus the reproduced audio signal is compressed, i.e., the signal recording period is shortened, and stored in a memory housed in the recording/reproducing circuit 17. Then, the magnetic head 14 is moved to the track in which a video signal corresponding to the audio signal is recorded, and thus the video signal stored in the track is reproduced. This reproduced video signal is supplied to the monitor and speaker 18, and indicated by the monitor. At this time, the audio signal stored in the memory is expanded to the original period thereof and reproduced, and then outputted to the monitor and speaker 18. As described above, in this embodiment, an audio signal is recorded in an adjacent track positioned inward of a track in which the corresponding video signal is recorded.

Accordingly, the video signal and the audio signal corresponding to the video signal, are outputted at the same time (step S30).

Note, when the track is not storing a video signal or an audio signal, the "NORMAL" and the "AC indications are e xtinguished (step S31).

During such a reproducing operation, if the select switch 34 is not operated, a cheek of whether or not the select switch 34 has been operated is repeated until the trigger switch 32 is again ope rated, whereby a command to stop the reproduction is sent (steps 55 and 56). Note, in this embodiment, the select switch 34 is-also used for commanding tip-successive and down-successive reproduction modes, as described later.

When the trigger switch 32 is again operated to command an end of the reproduction (step S7), rotation of the floppy disk 11 is stopped, and the "NORMAL" and "AC indications are extinguished (step S8). Then, the "PLAY" indication, which is steadily lit, is caused to flicker (step S9), and the still video device is returned to a condition of waiting for a reproduction to be carried out, and further, the spindle motor 12 is stopped (step S10).

As described above, reproduction of one track or only a pair of tracks is carried out.

Conversely, when the select switch 34 is operated during a repioducing operation (step S5), the continuous photographing and U +" indications are lit (step S41 in Figure 30, and an upsuccessive reproduction mode is set. Then, a recording mode, in which a reproduced track stores a signal, is inputted from the recording/reproducing circuit 17 to the system controller 21 (step S42). When it is determined that the recording mode is the video mode, the "NORMAL" indication is lit and the "AV" indication is extinguished (step S44) as shown in Figure 2C, and a video reproduction in an tip-successive reproduction mode is then started (step S45). Further, the system controller 21 starts an interval timer housed therein (step SW. When the interval timer reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (step S47), the magnetic head 14 is moved to a track which has a higher track number the previom track by one, by the tracking mator 15 undbr the control of the tracking motor control circuit 16 (step S51). At this time, the track number indicated by the LCD 23 is incremented hy one.

When the track mode of the next reproduced track is inputted (step S42) and it is determined that the track mode is not the video mode but the audio mode (step S43 and step S52), the "NORMW indication is lit and the "AV" indication is extinguished as shown in Figure 2C (step S53). Then an audio reproduction in the upsuccessive reproduction mode in which the track number is successively incremented is started (step S54). When the reproduction of the audio signal of the track is ended (step S55), the magnetic head 14 is moved to a track which has a higher track nuMber than the previous track by one, by the tracking motor 15 1 (st?p S51). At this tiTne, the track number indicated by the = 23 is incremented by one.

1 Mien the track mode of the next reproduced track is inputted (step S42) and it is determined that the track mode is neither the video mode nor the audio mode but the AV mode (step S43, step S52 and step S59), the "AC indication is lit and the "NORMAL" indication is extinguished as shown in Figure 20 (step S60).

Then an AV reproduction in the up-successive reproduction mode in which the track number is successively incremented is started (step S61). When the reproduction of the audio signal of the track is ended (step S55), the magnetic head 14 is moved to a track which has a higher track number than the previous track by two, by the tracking motor 15 (step S51?. At this time, the track number indicated by the LCD 23 is incremented by two. Note that, in step S51, the magnetic head 14 is moved by two tracks when the track mode is the AV mode.

Stich an operation is repeatedly carried ou t so that video signals, audio signals, or a pair of a video signal and an audio signal (AV signal) are sequentially read from a tiack having a lower track number to a track having a higher track number, whereby the tip-successive reproduction is carried out.

Note, when the magnetic head 14 reaches the last track (the innermost track), the magnetic head 14 is moved back to the first track ( the ou termos t track), whereby a 11 of the tracks of the f 1 oppy disk 11 are reproduced one after another.

Before the interval timer bas sensed the predetermined tinvee, if the trigger switch 32 is again operated so that a command to'stop the successive reproduction mode is sent (step S49), the continuous photographing indication and the "+" indication are extiguished (step S63). Thereaf ter, the process goes to step S7, and thus the reoroduction is stopped.

If the trigger switch 32 is again operated before the audio reproduction is ended, so that a command to stop the reproducing 1 ophration is issued (step S57), the continuous photographing inication and the "+" indication are extinguished (step S63) and the reproducing operation is stopped (steps S7 through S10).

During the up-successive reproducting operation in which the track number is incremented, if it is determined in step S50 or S58 that the select switch 34 has been operated, the process goes to a down-successive reproduction mode in which the track number is successively decremented. In this case, the "+" indication is extinguished (step S62) and the "-" indication is lit (step S71 in Figure 30.

Then, a track mode, in which a reproduce'd track stores a signal, is inputted f rom the record ing/reproduci ng circui t 17 to the system controller 21 (step S72). When it is determined that the track mode is the video mode (step S73), the "NoinIAL" indication is lit and the "AV" indication is extinguished (step S74) as shown in Figure 2E, and a video reproduction in a down-successive reproduction mode is then started (.step S75). Further, the system controller 21 starts an interval timer housed therein (step S76). When the interval timer reaches the predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (step S77), the magnetic head 14 is moved to a track which has a lower track number than the previous track by onem, by the tracking motor 15 (step S81). At this time, the track number indicated by the ICD 23 is decremented by one.

When the track mode of the next reproduced track is inputted (step 572) and i t is determined that the track mode is not the video mode but the audio mode (step S73 and step S82), the "NORMAL indication is lit and the "AC indication is extinguished as shown in iFigure 2E (step S83). Then an audio reproduction in the don-successive reproduction mode in which the track number is successively decremented is started (step S84). When the reproduction of the audio signal of the track is ended (step S85), the magnetic head 14 is moved to a track which has a lower track number than the previous track by one, by the tracking motor 15 (step S81). At this time, the track number indicated by the LeD 23 is dec-emented by one.

X When the track mode of the next reproduced track is inputted (step S72) and it is determined that the track mode is neither the video mode nor the audio mode but the AV mode (step S73, step S82 and step S89), the "AC indication is lit and the "NORMAL" infication is extinguished as shown in Figure 2F (step S90).

Theh an AV reproduction in the down-successive reproduction mode in which the track number is successively decremented is started (step S91). Thereafter, the reproduced audio signal of the track is compressed, i.e., the signal recording period is shortened, and stored in a memory housed in the recording/reproducing circuit 17. Then, the magnetic head 14 is moved to (or returned to) the track in which a video signal corres. ponding to the audio signal is recorded, i.e., the track number is decremented by one, and thus the video signal stored in the track is reproduced. At this time, the audio signal stored in the memory is restored to the original period the-eof and reproduced.

Then, when the reproduction of the audio signal of the track is ended (step S85), the magnetic head 14 is moved to a track which has a lawex track number than the previous track by two, and the track number indicated by the LCD 23 is decremented by two (step S81). Note that, in step S81, the magnetic head 14 is moved by two tracks only in the AV mode. Further, note that, in the AV mode, a track in which an audio signal is recorded is adjacent to and positioned inward of a track in which the corresponding video signal is recorded, and in a reproduction, since the magnetic head 14 is returned to the video track after reproducing the audio signal and storing it in the memory, the magnetic head 14 is moved by two tracks.

Such an operation is repeatedly carried out so that video signals, audio signals, or a pair of a video signal and an audio signal (AV signal) are sequentially read from a track having a higher track number to a track having a lower track number, whereby the down-successive reproduction is carried out. Note, if the trigger switch 32 is again operated before the b interval

timer senses a predetermined time, so that a command to stop the successive reproduction mode is sent (step S79), the continuous photographing indication and the "-" indication are extinguished (step S93). Thereafter, the process goes to step S7 and the reproduction is stopped.

if the trigger switch 32 is again operated before the audio rePrOducing is.ended, so that a command to stop th reproducing operation is issued (step S87), the continuous photographing idication and the '-" indication are extinguished (step S93) and the reproducing operation is stopped (steps S7 through S10).

If it is determined in step S80 or 588 that the select switch 34 has been operated during the down-successive reproduction, the continuous photographing idication and the "-" indication are extinguished (step S92) and the process goes to step SC).

Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 41) show operations in which the exPosure correcting switch 31 has a function of selecting the normal mode in which a reproduction is carried out track b y track, or the successive reproducing mode. The select switch 34 has a function of selecting, in the successive reproducing mode, the upsucessive reproducing mode in which the successive reproduction is cariecl out in a direction in which the track number is successively incremented, and the down-successive reproducing mode in which the successive reproduction is carried out in a direction in which the track number is succeessively decremented.

The differences between the operations shown in these drawings and the operations shown in Figures 3A through 31) are as follows. Namely, when the exposure correcting switch 31 is operated (step S5A in Figure 40, the continuous photographing indication is lit (s.tep 541A in Figure 4C), and thus the process goes to the successive reproduction mode. Further, when the select switch 34 is op'erated (step S88 in Figure 4D), the indication is exhinguished (step S92B in Figure 0) and the indication is lit 1 (step S411 in Figure 40. Furthermore, in the successive reproduction mode, if the exposure correcting switch 31 is operated before the interval timer has sensed the predetermined time or before the audio reproduction is ended (steps S48 and S56 in Figure 4C, and steps S78 and S86 in Figure 413), the continuous photographing indication, and the "I" or "-" indication are extinguished (step S65 in Figure 4C, and step S92A in Figure 0), and the process goes to step S6 in Figure 4A.

As describe(] above, in this embodiment the select switch 34 is used for selecting other f ' unctions (selecting a Photographing mode, a white balance mode, a year-month-day indication, or an hour mintites-seconds indication), and further, is used for selecting the tip-succeR.sive reproduction or the down-successive reproduction.

rsxcltisivo switches can he provide(] for these purposes, but the use of one switch for more than one operation avoids an increase of the number of parts, reduces [It(- amount of ele(Arical wiring, lowers costs, and maintains the compact si7e of the device.

Note, although in the above embodiment the indication denoting a direction in which an exposure correction is carried out is used for indicating a direction of the successive reproduction, an exclusive indica tion for denoting the direction of the successive reproduc t ion can be prov ided. Such a cons truct i on i ncl udi ng the exclusive indications, however, requires an increase in the size of the area or the LC11 23, which is disadvantageous. Accordingly, preferably the indications used for other denotations are also used as in the above- described embodiment.

AlthouCh the embodiments of the present invention have been describe(] herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, obviously many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in this art without departing from the scope of Lite invention.

1 CLA 1 MS 1. A still video device in which a recording medium is mountable, said recording redidm having a plurality of tracks in which respective signals can be stored, said still video device comprising:

reproducing means for reproducing a signal recorded in said recording medium; a switch operable for selectively designating a first successive reproduction mode in which a reproduction of each track is successively carried out in such a manner that a track number of the track becomes higher, or a second successive reproduction mode in which a reproduction of.each track is successively carried out in such a manner that the track number of the track becomes lower; and means for controlling said reproducing means so that, when said first successive reproduction mode is designated by said switch, said reproducing means successively reproduce a plurality of tracks from a track having, a low track number to a track having a high track number, and when said second successive reproduction mode is designated hy said switch, said reproducing means successively reproduce a plurality of tracks from a track having a high track number to a track having a low track number.

2. A still video device according to claim 1, further comprising means for displaying a predetermined indication in said first and second successive reproduction modes and another predetermined indication in a non-sticcessive reproduction mode in which each track is non-successively reproduced.

3. A still video device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said reproducing means reproduces track by track when only a video signal or only an audio signal is stored in each track, and reproduces every other track when a video signal and an audio signal, which form a pair, are stored in two tracks, respectively.

4. A still video device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, if said switch is operated during said first or second successive reproduction mode, the present successive reproducing rede is changed to the other successive reproducing mode.

4 1 5. A still video device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said switch can be also used for inputting a predetermined cam in a non-successive reproduction mode in which each track is nonsuccessively reproduced.

6. A still video device in which a recording medium is mountable, said recording medium having a plurality of tracks in which respective signals can be stored, said still video device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Published 1991 atMe Patent Office, Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport, Gwent NP9 I RH. Further copies roaYbe obtained fro -_ Sales Branch. Unit 6, Nine Mile Point, Cwrafelinfach, Cross Keys, Newport, NPI 7HZ. Printed by Multiplex technique s ltd, St Mary Cray, Kent.