Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing localized control of film, allowing high speed and high resolution continuous digital scanning of the film. The method includes continuously and precisely transporting the film, capturing successive slit images, and storing the images. The apparatus includes the use of a drive system to control the transport of the media being scanned. In a preferred embodiment, a dual capstan drive system under the control of a single motor provides localized tension and location control for the continuous transport of the film to be scanned, the capstans comprising a metal shaft. The preferred embodiment further comprises pinch rollers immediately adjacent to the capstans, the pinch rollers comprising a metal shaft covered with an elastomeric material. As a result of the accurate localized control of the film, high speed scanning is possible.

Abstract: A manually-focused video camera provides a movie image for an electronic viewfinder and a still image for recording apparatus. A diaphragm in the optical section of the camera determines the optical aperture presented to incoming image light, which coincidentally establishes the depth of field in which the subject remains in focus. When the aperture necessary for a still image exceeds the aperture used for the movie image by, e.g., three aperture stops, a warning system in the camera produces a control signal. The existence of this signal indicates a potential focusing problem due to the disparity between aperture values and the reduced depth of field in the corresponding still image. The signal is used, e.g., to illuminate a warning element in the viewfinder or to insert a neutral density filter into the path of incoming light, in the latter case forcing the movie aperture to approach the still aperture and thereby causing the movie depth of field to approach the still depth of field.

Abstract: A video player includes a playback head that repeatedly passes in contact with a circular track on a flexible magnetic disk in order to reproduce a still picture on a video display. By cycling the player into a special quiescent state after a certain interval elapses without user instructions, excessive disk wear is avoided. While in the quiescent state, the disk drive motor is stopped--immobilizing the disk-to-head interface--and the video display is blanked. If user instructions are received while in this state, the disk drive motor is reenergized and the video display is resumed, showing the still picture displayed prior to interruption. If no user instructions are received during a further interval, the player is shut off.

Abstract: A tracking servo for a disk player controls the movement of a playback head between prerecorded magnetic tracks carried by a magnetic disk. A feedback signal is provided from a timing wheel attached to a cam and gear configuration that connects a dc servomotor to the head. The servo separates the track-to-track movement into two components: one component occurring while the dc motor is energized and another occurring while the dc motor is coasting to a stop, presumably opposite the desired track. The first component of movement continues until the feedback signal corresponds to an intermediate value, which is predetermined for the first movement. At this point the dc motor is turned off but the timing wheel continues to increment the feedback signal as the motor coasts. Should the head be misaligned with respect to the track after the dc motor stops, the final value of the feedback signal is used to modify the intermediate value for the next track-to-track movement.