Magnetics-on-film, multi-track image area interleaved record/reproduce

Abstract

Magnetic recording and/or reproducing schemes and systems particularly for use for recording and/or reproducing information in data tracks of a magnetics-on-film (MOF) layer in the image area of a photographic filmstrip in a camera or in other photographic equipment. Recording of a photographic data set related to captured images is effected in n lengthwise extending, total interleaved tracks effected in the alternative by a single one or plural magnetic head array(s) of m magnetic recording heads arranged to extend across the filmstrip width and positioned in the camera alongside the photographic image frame gate. In one embodiment, the photographic data set is prepared in n/m data sub-sets, and a stepping mechanism is provided for stepping the magnetic head array between n/m positions to effect the recording of each data sub-set in the respective sub-set of m interleaved tracks such that the full data set is recorded in a single image frame area or in a single sub-set of m tracks extending for more than one image frame. In a further embodiment, n/m head arrays of m recording heads are fixedly mounted in the camera in a staggered fashion so that the n/m data sub-sets are recorded in the n/m sub-sets of m interleaved tracks. The n/m recording heads may be mounted on one side or on both sides of the photographic image frame gate.