Abstract:
An optical playback machine, which plays back data recorded on an optical record (10) in track segments (35, L), employs a track intercept apparatus to transversely deflect a scanning light beam (18) during each scan to accurately intercept each selected track segment despite record or optical misalignment. A track intercept control circuit (50, 52, 60) includes storage means (80) for storage of variable values of track alignment data, adjust means (90) for producing an adjustment signal from the stored data and timing means (70) controlling gating circuitry for applying the adjustment signal to a light beam deflection means (45, 47) at the proper point in each scan. One embodiment compensates for track-following corrections made during scanning by returning the scanning light beam to a stored starting position. Another embodiment electronically aligns the scanner optics. A third embodiment uses data track addresses to direct the scanning light beam to the correct track. A fourth embodiment combines the first three embodiments.