Abstract: A method and apparatus to inhibit the piracy of motion pictures in theaters by taking advantage of the frame rate discrepancies between film (or digital) display and video camcorders. By alternating specific image display intervals and, shuttering cadences, or with digital video projectors commanding a similar modified display via the digital projector's blanking and display capabilities, so that the projected images occur in a random and/or phase shifted manner, objectionable distortions are produced in an illicitly captured video image, while being invisible to theatrical viewers. In addition, various serrated, slit, multi-quadrant or spotted patterns may be used on mechanical shutters, or simulated on digital displays, to further degrade the quality of illicitly captured video by pirates in theaters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to inhibit the piracy of motion pictures in theaters by taking advantage of the frame rate discrepancies between film (or digital) display and video camcorders. By alternating specific image display intervals and, shuttering cadences, or with digital video projectors commanding a similar modified display via the digital projector's blanking and display capabilities, so that the projected images occur in a random and/or phase shifted manner, objectionable distortions are produced in an illicitly captured video image, while being invisible to theatrical viewers. In addition, various serrated, slit, multi-quadrant or spotted patterns may be used on mechanical shutters, or simulated on digital displays, to further degrade the quality of illicitly captured video by pirates in theaters.

Abstract: A picture image recording device using a recording medium which permits setting a plurality of recording tracks separately from each other for recording picture image signals on each of them. In the improvement made by this invention, the operating mode of the device is shiftable at least between two modes including a first mode in which image recording is performed only on one recording track and a second mode in which image recording is performed continuously or sequencially on a plurality of recording tracks.

Abstract: The disclosed image sensing device has a light measuring circuit for measuring the luminance of an object to be photographed or recorded and a photometric characteristic control circuit for shifting the photometric characteristic of the light measuring circuit from one characteristic to another according to change-over between a still picture taking mode and a motion picture taking mode. The photometric characteristic control circuit makes the photometric sensitivity distribution of the light measurement circuit more averaged or uniformalized in the motion picture taking mode than in the still picture mode.

Abstract: A rotary shutter adapted to be used in an electronic still camera comprises a rotatable shutter having shutter openings which are variable in size. The shutter is rotated by an electric motor in order to open and close intermittently an exposure aperture of the camera. A phase detector for detecting the phase of rotation of the shutter member provides a series of phase signal, and cooperates with a signal generator for generating stop signals in synchronism with the phase signals when a particular shutter speed is selected and a circuit for braking the motor to stop the shutter member. Responsive to the particular shutter speed selecting operation, the shutter opening is opened to its maximum size and the rotary shutter is simultaneously stopped quickly in position so as to open fully the exposure aperture of the camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and mechanism of film feeding, traction, shuttering and adjustment in programmable audiovisual apparatus, with rapid frame change, which executes the indexing of one frame to the next one in accordance with a pre-established programmed signal, indexing only one frame at each signal, characterized by apparatus which renders the time taken to effect the frame change imperceptible and also allowing the establishing of all the stages of projection of animation, varying from one static frame at a time, up to the particular frame change speed desired.

Abstract: A motion picture apparatus is provided which comprises a rotary disc shutter having a shutter sector and actuated by an electric drive device. A claw mechanism is controlled by the electric drive device and provides for transport of a film. An electromagnetic solenoid provides for stopping the film in position. A plunger for the solenoid is provided for disengaging the claw transport mechanism after a frame transport phase upon generation of an appropriate signal. A position signal generator provides a shutter position signal depending on the position of the shutter sector and a marking signal generator provides a signal depending on the detection of a marking placed on the film. The position signal generator is connected to a first input of an AND gate and the marking signal generator is connected to a second input of the AND gate. The output of the AND gate is connected to the solenoid.The apparatus and a corresponding method provide for stopping a film without interference in proper position.

Abstract: A motion picture apparatus and preferably a motion picture projector. A rotary disc shutter is actuated by an electric drive and comprises a shutter sector. A claw mechanism controlled by the electric drive provides for transport of a film and the motion of the film is controlled by a solenoid having associated a solenoid plunger suitable for disengaging the claw transport mechanism after a frame transport phase. A position pulse generator provides a shutter position pulse depending on the position of the shutter sector. An output memory element connected to the electromagnet solenoid controls the energization of the electromagnet and in turn is connected to a switch and to the position pulse generator. Preferably additional memories are provided for performing functions such as controlling the advance and the reverse motion or providing for a timer or individual frame operation.

Abstract: A camera has a film transport device for gradually advancing a one-edge perforated light sensitive film over a picture gate with a support face, and a device for illuminating a mark on the film and including an opening which is formed in the support face at a side of a not perforated edge of the film and forms first edges on the support face and a second edge which faces toward a picture gate and lies deeper than the first edges.

Abstract: A motion picture camera has a rotary shutter driven by a DC motor which is supplied from a battery. The camera also has an arrangement for making light markings for identification purposes on the film in the camera. This arrangement includes a light-emitting diode and a capacitor which is charged by the battery and discharges across the diode. The electrical circuitry is such that the capacitor is connected to the battery only when the motor is disconnected therefrom; inversely, when the motor is to be connected to the battery in order to operate the shutter (and also to advance the film), the capacitor is first disconnected from the battery before the motor is connected to it and then discharges across the diode. The circuit also suppresses afterglowing of the diode.

Abstract: A motion picture camera having a start sequence digital circuit, by which various component elements in the camera related to photographic operations are sequentially and automatically operated with a predetermined relationship, when the trigger operating member of the camera is actuated, and a stop sequence digital circuit, by which the abovementioned various elements are sequentially and automatically stopped with a predetermined relationship, when the trigger operating member is released.

Abstract: A synchronized audio visual system including an audio program source capable of producing a film advance signal at predetermined intervals and a projector interconnected therewith. The projector has a source of light for passing light through an aperture in the projector and film is directed along a pathway into and out of alignment with the aperture for projection of individual frames thereof in sequence. A motor is used for initiating advance of the film in response to advance signals from the audio source in a predetermined sequence. The motor directs an advance mechanism including a rotating member with a drive projection extending therefrom for rotating into and out of engagement with film support and drive structure for the film. The period of advance of the film is controlled by each stroke of the rotating member and is related to a film advance signal from the audio source.

Abstract: In the disclosed motion picture system a shutter drive control circuit renders it possible to operate a rotary shutter in various exposure control modes including a mode in which rotation of the shutter is stopped for each long exposure of motion picture frame, the system can defer release of the shutter to the exposure aperture closed position pending completion of a picture frame exposure in any of the modes. The system terminates the preceding manual actuation of a shutter trigger when the taking of the particular picture frame is in progress.

Abstract: The reproducing apparatus, such as a motion-picture film projector, stops recording medium transport in response to interrupt-transport frame markings on the recording medium and reproduces the thusly marked image frames as still images. Interrupt-transport frame markings are provided at the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene on the recording medium, or at each still-shot image frame on the recording medium, or both. The user of the reproducing apparatus can select automatic reproduction of motion-picture scenes interspersed with automatic still reproduction of still shots, and can additionally select automatic still reproduction of the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene.

Abstract: The user of a motion-picture camera selects between motion-picture and single-exposure operation, and presses a release member to initiate shooting, letting go of it to terminate motion-picture shooting. Each time the user lets go of the release member, an internal device provides an interrupt-transport marking alongside the just exposed film frame, or phase shifted relative thereto. Alternatively, the interrupt-transport marking is provided the next time the user presses the release member. In this way, the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene, and each and every one of the interspersed single-exposure shots, is provided with an interrupt-transport frame marking. Thus, if the film is run through a reproducing apparatus provided with a marking detector, detection of each interrupt-transport marking during motion-picture reproduction causes the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene, and also each one of the still shots, to be persistently reproduced as a still image.

Abstract: A motor driving the shutter of a motion-picture camera is intermittently energizable under the control of two time-constant networks triggering respective pulse generators of the one-shot type, the first time-constant network including a photoresistor to measure an exposure interval dependent upon luminous intensity, the second time-constant network being adjustable to establish a selected recurrence period. With the shutter arrested in an unblocking position at the start of an operating cycle, which coincides with the beginning of an exposure interval, a pulse from the first generator releases the shutter for movement into a blocking position until a pulse from the second generator restarts the cycle by letting the shutter return to its unblocking position.

Abstract: A modular film transport and control mechanism for selectively advancing either regular 8mm or super 8mm perforated motion picture film through a projection gate is provided. The module comprises a film transport shuttle having a film engaging claw biased for engagement with the perforations of the film, a rotatable drive cam in operative engagement with the shuttle to reciprocally move the claw along horizontal and vertical paths to advance the film through the projection gate, and a pivotally mounted projection mode shifter interposed between the shuttle and the cam to transmit the desired horizontal motion from the cam to the shuttle, and selectively movable between at least two positions along a surface of the cam to change the mode of operation from normal projection to still projection. A control linkage connected to the shifter permits manual selection of the desired operating mode. The module also comprises a rotatable shutter mounted on a common shaft with the shuttle drive cam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cine-projector so designed as to carry out the motion picture projection, the still picture projection, the quick film feeding as well as winding up by simultaneously controling the first clutch mechanism for selectively interrupting the engagement of the driving ower transmission mechanism with the feeding shaft rotated by means of the driving power of a motor rotating along a single direction through the driving power transmission mechanism by means of the translation mechanism to be translated at least into three positions in functional engagement with the operation mode change over mechanism for changing over the operation mode of the cine-projector, the second clutch mechanism for selectively interrupting the engagement of the driving power transmission mechanism with the winding up shaft rotated along the inversed direction as that of the above mentioned feeding shaft by means of the driving power of the above mentioned motor through the driving power transmission mech

Abstract: A motion picture projector having various functions such as, projecting and rewinding, all of which can be selectively performed by a single control knob, and including an intermittent-drive film advancing mechanism which comprises a pull-down structure, a compound cam of an up-and-down cam wheel and an in-and-out cam disk, and first and second cam followers arranged between the pull-down structure and the compound cam to be consecutively operated so that the pull-down claw enters the perforations of the film and moves it in a forward direction always by the length of a frame and at a desired frequency through a film gate mechanism. The film gate mechanism consists of a film guideway, a resilient thin aperture plate self-biased to move away from the film guideway and defining an actual projection aperture, and a movable film gate member arranged on the opposite side of the aperture plate from the guideway and biased to urge the aperture plate for guidance and support of the film against the guideway.

Abstract: The motion picture camera which is adjustable for taking individual pictures has a rotary shutter and means for locking this shutter in an open rest position thereof. This open rest position, at which the shutter passes the exposure light beam, is effected immediately upon the completion of the film advancement phase during one turn of the rotary shutter and can last for an arbitrarily long time period. This long time exposure is terminated by unlocking the rotary shutter simultaneously with the actuation of the release of the camera for taking the subsequent picture.

Abstract: A scene-pause counter, a scene-production counter, and a repetition counter are connected in a series. Each counter furnishes its count to an associated comparator which also receives a signal from an addressable read-only memory. Pulse trains are applied to the counters. When a comparator in the series detects coincidence, it initiates counting by the next counter. When the last comparator in the series detects coincidence it can restart the first counter. A program-selector switch causes different address signals to be applied to the memory, resulting in different operations of different durations, in different combinations and sequences. This makes possible projection or exposure of single frames or series of frames with intermediate pauses between the projection or exposure of successive frames or series of frames, as well as repetitions of such combinations of operations.

Abstract: A motion picture camera with a release device capable of selective control of rotative movement of the shutter blade in the camera for a normal motion picture sequence and for a single frame slot depending upon the position of a selector therefor. The release device is provided with the single stop lever arranged between the shutter blade and a release member to be pivoted in either of two planes, perpendicular to each other. For a motion picture sequence, as the pivotal movement of the stop lever is limited to only one of the planes, it is retained in operative engagement with the release member so long as the latter is pressed, thus permitting a number of revolutions of the shutter blade in sequence.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control system for controlling the diaphragm of a motion picture camera in accordance with the object brightness level photoelectrically determined from the amount of light passing through the diaphragm is provided with a manually switchable shutter control device having a number ofswitched positions including positions for selection of various speeds of rotation of the camera shutter and for selection of various shutter intervals each effected in one revolution of the shutter in combination with a corresponding number of branch circuits of the exposure metering device controlling operation of the camera diaphragm, whereby it is made possible to make exposures not only at normal light levels but also at low light levels outside the lower limit of the normal light level range.

Abstract: An electromagnetic trigger device in a motor-driven camera capable of selection of continuous single-frame or time exposure mode. A latching lever latches a shutter driving mechanism in a shutter closed position in which a shutter is completely closed and in a shutter open position in which the shutter is fully opened. A preventing member prevents the latching lever from latching the shutter driving mechanism in the shutter open position when the continuous or single-frame exposure mode is selected.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a forward-reverse and variable speed film transport mechanism for use in a motion picture projector. The mechanism includes an integrally formed multiple bladed shutter and up-and-down cam which are rotatable in unison on a driven shaft and an in-out cam having a plurality of surface dwelled concentric cam tracks which is rotatable about a fixed axis in response to the rotation of the shutter and up-and-down cam. The mechanism also includes a shuttle having at least one tooth for engaging the perforations of the film and a first cam follower communicating with the up-and-down cam for causing the tooth to travel in a forward direction through a predetermined stroke and in a reverse direction through a predetermined stroke.

Abstract: A device on a film projector for copying movie films in combination with a movie camera which is equipped with a releaser for the exposure of single frames. Said device includes a speed-changing mechanism at the film projector for changing the speed of projection to less than the maximum exposure rate of the movie camera when operating the single-frame releaser. The film projector further comprises a pulse-generating switch, which is operated synchronously with the film feed mechanism of the film projector, such that a pulse is generated or transmitted at each change of frame of the projected film. Said pulses are used for releasing the single-frame releaser of the movie camera.

Abstract: An electromagnet release device for a motion picture camera having a drive motor, a shutter control member actuated by the driving force of the motor, a blocking mechanism to selectively block the actuation of the shutter control member, an electromagnet member to control the actuation of the blocking mechanism and a release control switching member with a delay circuit having a charging circuit that delays, for a predetermined time, the timing of the actuation of the motor relative to the timing of the actuation of the electromagnet and a discharging circuit to keep the motor energized for a period after the electromagnet is released to assure the driving of the shutter to the proper stop position. Circuits are also shown for reducing magnet current during continuous operation and for timing the operated period of the electromagnet in single frame operation.

Abstract: A pair of contacts of a relay energizes the driving circuit for the film drive motor when closed. The coil operating the contacts is connected in series with the emitter of a transistor whose base is connected to the battery upon closing of the camera activating button. Zener diode connected between the base of the transistor and the relay contacts. Closing of the contacts thus energizes the motor driving circuit and also connects the Zener diode into the base-emitter circuit of the transistor, thereby decreasing the base voltage and increasing the emitter-collector resistance so that current through the coil is decreased to the holding current.

Abstract: A cine camera with an exposure regulating device for regulating the aperture during operation with a continuously driven shutter and having means for stopping the rotation of the shutter in an open position to provide long exposures. The means for stopping the rotation of the shutter for long exposures operates automatically when the maximum available aperture is inadequate to provide correct exposure when the shutter is driven continuously.

Abstract: A circuit for use in connection with a motor driving device for a camera in which a timing circuit is provided. The timing circuit comprises a resistor and condensor and a switch for discharging the condensor. A second switch is provided in a series with the condensor and actuated by the camera release button to render the timing circuit inoperative in order to quickly ready the camera for additional use.

Abstract: This specification discloses a motion picture projector device as audio-visual aid and an audio-visual system using the same. The device uses a film structure including an image information recording zone, a row of perforations along one side edge of the film, and a balance zone juxtaposed with said row of perforations along the one side edge of the film and having various signals recorded thereon in a straight line. These signals include a non-normal projection mode speech information signal, a transfer instruction signal for instructing the transfer of said non-normal projection mode speech signal to a record information member, a transfer stop instruction signal for stopping the transfer, and a reproduce instruction signal for instructing a reproduce mechanism to reproduce the non-normal projection mode speech information signal transferred to said record member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electromagnetic trigger device in a motor-driven camera for effecting bulb exposure in which the shutter is kept open during depression of the shutter release button. By depression of the shutter release button, discharge current from a first capacitor directly or indirectly energizes a electromagnet to drive a shutter driving mechanism. A latching lever stops the shutter driving mechanism in an open shutter position. By release of the button, discharge current from a second capacitor directly or indirectly energizes the electromagnet to drive the shutter driving mechanism. The latching lever stops the shutter driving mechanism in a closed shutter position, thus accomplishing the bulb exposure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic trigger device for use with camera capable of automatic time exposure, comprises: a power supply; a motor; a trigger switch; shutter driving means driven by said motor for driving a shutter and movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, said shutter driving means fully opening the shutter when it is at the fully open position and fully closing the shutter when it is at the fully closing position; engaging means movable between a latching position and a non-latching position, said engaging means being adapted, when moved to said latching position, to latch said shutter driving means which occupies one of the fully open and closing positions; a motor switch which is closed for electrically connecting said motor to said power supply, when said engaging means is in said non-latching position; a starting coil for attracting said engaging means, when energized, to move said engaging means to said non-latching position; a switching circuit for connecting said starting coil

Abstract: In an electromagnetic trigger device in a camera capable of effecting time photography, and having a trigger switch, a power source and a motor for driving a shutter driving mechanism, there is provided a restraining lever movable between a restraining position and a non-restraining position. The lever, when in the restraining position, restrains the shutter driving mechanism in fully closed shutter position. A motor switch is adapted to be closed to energize the motor when the restraining lever is in the non-restraining position. A phase switch is parallel-connected to the motor switch and operatively associated with the shutter driving mechanism to be opened in the fully open and the fully closed position of the shutter. An actuating coil is responsive to closing of the trigger switch to be connected to the power source for a predetermined time and thereby energized to attract the restraining lever to the non-restraining position.

Abstract: A motion picture camera of the type having an electrically magnetically operated release. The electric circuit includes a drive circuit and a release circuit as well as a signal circuit connected between the drive circuit and the release circuit. The drive circuit includes an electric motor for driving the film and a normally open drive switch all connected in series with the current source. The release circuit includes a release magnet having an armature and an exciting coil. The armature operates a normally open release switch for closing it upon energization of the exciting coil. The release switch and exciter coil are connected in series with the source. Finally, the signal circuit includes an electro-optic indicator such as an incandescent lamp or light-emitting diode connected in parallel with the exciter coil of the magnet and in series with the motor. As a result, the indicator lights up upon closing of the release switch to produce a light mark on the film before the motor begins to drive the film.

Abstract: In an improved motion picture camera capable of continuous shooting and one-frame shooting, by employing a novel circuit arrangement, the period of one frame shooting can be shortened, and the stability of operation against a wide range of the environmental temperature change can be attained, and also the electric power in the circuit can be conserved.

Abstract: A motion picture camera wherein a rotary shutter can be arrested in a first or a second angular position in which its blade respectively overlies and is out of register with the light-admitting aperture. In order to terminate a long exposure which is started with stoppage of the shutter in the second angular position, the user must close an auxiliary switch serving to energize an electromagnet which starts an electric motor for the shutter and simultaneously withdraws a tooth of a pivotable intercepting lever from the path of movement of two projections on the shutter. The first projection approaches and engages the tooth when the shutter is to be arrested in the first position, and the second projection approaches and engages the tooth in the second position of the shutter.

Abstract: A capacitor-energized electromagnetic trigger device controls the energization of a camera motor which drives a film transport and shutter mechanism. For one-frame photography the motor is de-energized after a predetermined number of revolutions and then the transport and shutter mechanism is immobilized by a restraining device. For continuous photography the motor continues to operate and the restraining device is maintained ineffective. For repetitive one-frame photography, the capacitor is recharged after a one-frame cycle and the cycle is repeated. Embodiments are disclosed having different types of switching circuits, including different arrangements of transistor switches, SCR switches, mode selection switches, reset switches, and starting and holding coils.

Abstract: If a cine film is to be projected to the accompaniment of a sound track on a separate tape it is necessary to cheek that the film and the sound track are correctly coordinated. This is ensured by reading a code mark from the sound track and using it to slow or stop the motion of the film. The point at which the film motion is slowed or stopped is used to evaluate the relative position of the film with respect to the sound track and thus check that correct coordination is present. This evaluation may take place visually or automatically. In the latter case the prolonged presence of a correlation marking on the film in a sensing position can be used to signal the existence of correlation whereas the absence of such marking may energize a warning lamp or deactivate the film drive.