SYSTEM FOR TELLING, LAGRING OG AVLESING AV ANTALL GANGER EN VIDEOKASSETT HAR BLITT SPILT

摘要

A system for counting videotape cassette play includes a counter sealed within the cassette to count plays. A count signal is provided on the tape or a movable part of the cassette. Coded access circuitry allows retrieval of the count. Discrimination circuitry discriminates between a count signal passing an internal head at the slowed play speed, as opposed to the fast-forward and rewind speeds. A rental agent's unit is a decoder that is programmed with the correct digital code word that permits access to the count stored in the cassette's circuitry. A decoding and display circuit converts the count to a visible numeric display for the rental agent. Resetting the cassette's counter is prohibited except in the presence of the digital code word. The count signal can be electromagnetically recorded at a frequency distinct from the audio and video content, can be an opening or transparency optically detectable, can be a reflective segment optically detectable, or a conductive segment bridging contacts that engage the tape. Frequency and duration of the signal provide means to recognize the signal passing the pickup at play speed. Certain embodiments of the system provide further information such as tape source, rental rate, or title. This information is contained in the count signal or in separate memory.