Optical data record copier having array of lenses with field gaps aligned with data gaps

摘要

An optical data record copying apparatus is described which includes an array of lenses whose viewing fields do not overlap but are separated by field gaps. The viewing field gaps are aligned with data gaps between data groups in the data tracks on the master record to prevent distortion of the copied data. The optical data is high density digital or analog data, such as digital color television signals recorded on an optical video disc. The lens array may include a plurality of lens pairs which are separated by a light opaque mask having apertures each aligned with different lens pairs for limiting the viewing field of each lens pair. One embodiment of the copying apparatus of the present invention employs a fixed lens array and moves the master record and copy so that such lens array scans the entire length of the master. Another embodiment employs a moving lens array and a fixed master record and copy, such lens array and associated light source being scanned along the length of the master during copying.