Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for controlling a film transport apparatus of a film reel scanner. In one embodiment, a system is provided including a line scanning camera, a supply reel motor, a take-up reel motor, and a plurality of capstan motors. A control system may then be configured to receive and dynamically adjust position information from these motors. The control system may then provide the dynamically adjusted position information to a plurality of controllers, which may then generate control signals for the supply reel motor, the take-up reel motor, and the at least a subset of the capstan motors.

Abstract: A long-range optical device has at least one optical channel which comprises a housing and an arrangement of optical elements. At least one of the optical elements is movable relative to the housing for image stabilization in the event of perturbing movements of the housing. The device further comprises a stabilization system for the at least one movable optical element, which has an eddy current damper for damping movements of the at least one movable element. The stabilization system, in the event of a displacement of the at least one movable optical element, generates a restoring force proportional to the displacement velocity of the at least one movable optical element. The eddy current damper comprises a magnet system and an eddy current carrier interacting therewith. The restoring force generated by the eddy current damper is dependent on the amplitude of the displacement of the at least one movable optical element.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques associated with filtering of video data in a video encoding and/or decoding process. In accordance with this disclosure, filtering is applied at an encoder, and filter information is encoded in the bitstream to identify the filtering that was applied at the encoder. Different types of filtering may be applied based on an activity metric determined for the video data. Moreover, in accordance with this disclosure, the manner in which the filter information is encoded into the bitstream may be dependent on the activity metric. In particular, for a first range of the activity metric, one or more filters are encoded directly, and for a second range of the activity metric, one or more filters are predictively encoded.

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 viewfinder system for a camera, in particular a movie camera, in which there runs a viewfinder beam path that is diverted from a recording beam path for film exposure is provided. The viewfinder system comprising an eyepiece, an eye closure, a shutter for masking out stray light penetrating into the camera via the viewfinder system, and a control device that triggers the shutter and is connected to a sensor. The viewfinder system further comprising a sensor device for contactless detection of an eye or head, located at the eye closure of the viewfinder system, of a person viewing the picture to be recorded through the eyepiece.

Abstract: A method includes impacting at least one identifier on a section of passing film for identifying the film as a source for content copied from the film.

Abstract: A viewfinder system for a camera, in particular a movie camera, in which there runs a viewfinder beam path that is diverted from a recording beam path for film exposure is provided. The viewfinder system comprising an eyepiece, an eye closure, a shutter for masking out stray light penetrating into the camera via the viewfinder system, and a control device that triggers the shutter and is connected to a sensor. The viewfinder system further comprising a sensor device for contactless detection of an eye or head, located at the eye closure of the viewfinder system, of a person viewing the picture to be recorded through the eyepiece.

Abstract: In a method and medical examination device for post-editing of at least one film clip created within an examination with the imaging medical examination device, at least one associated data item of at least one film clip is created. The data item designates the film shot and contains at least one suitable information item for the purpose of determining a specific sub-segment of the film clip.

Abstract: A method for presenting video content including displaying the video content at an enhanced frame rate selectively modified to interfere with a recording of the video content by a camcorder. For example, the video content can be displayed at a frame rate of 54 pictures per second or a frame rate of 66 pictures per second. For implementation of the enhanced frame rate, a first picture can be displayed within the video content a first number of times and at least a second picture can be displayed a different number of times.

Abstract: A capturing apparatus includes an optical input, a fiber optic face plate arranged at the optical input, an image sensor, and optics for mapping a real image at an optical output of the fiber optic face plate onto the image sensor in a predetermined scale.

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 dual sprocket contact motion picture film printer maintains film steadiness when running a film negative in contact with an unexposed raw stock film by tensioning perforations along one film side against sprocket teeth of a full fitting sprocket and a shrinkage sprocket on the other side. The films pass through a fluid chamber before passing through a printer aperture and a vacuum pressure applied from one side of the chamber tensions the negative against the sprocket teeth while a positive fluid pressure applied from an opposite side tensions the raw stock against the sprocket. The films are self-aligned by the fluid forces maintaining equal tension on both sides of each film strip as the films pass the aperture of the film printer.

Abstract: Achieved is a motion picture reproducing apparatus at low price (being little increased in price even though the number of specifications are increased) capable of receiving motion picture streams complying with various specifications such as those containing programs that operate on different pieces of middleware, and reproducing motion pictures. A middleware storage unit 43 stores a plurality of different pieces of middleware. Based on program identification information contained in a motion picture stream received by the motion picture reproducing apparatus, an applicable middleware selecting unit 40 selects middleware applicable to a program contained in the motion picture stream. A middleware reading unit 41 reads the selected applicable middleware from the middleware storage unit 43. A middleware executing unit 42 executes the read middleware.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a record-mode selector switch. When a motion-image record mode is selected by the record-mode selector switch and the shutter button is pressed, camera signals of a plurality of screens are outputted from an image sensor. A signal processing circuit performs signal processing on camera signals of the plurality of screens to produce a compressed YUV signal. The produced compressed YUV signal is supplied via buffer memory to a disk control circuit. The disk control circuit drives an optical pickup and magnetic head and records the compressed YUV signal to a magneto-optical disk in the order of from a maximum vacant area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test apparatus for the checking of the exposure quality of an exposed film, in particular of a motion film. A test pattern holder serves for the holding of a test pattern of the exposed film. A reference pattern with at least one reference mark is provided in superimposition with respect to the test pattern held by the test pattern holder. A light transmitter serves for the illumination of the test pattern held by the test pattern holder and of the reference pattern superimposed herewith. A light receiver is provided for the reception of the light transmitted through the reference pattern and through the test pattern and for the generation of corresponding electrical received signals. An evaluation device evaluates these received signals with respect to at least one quality parameter. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding test method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moving picture decoding processor for multimedia signal processing. In more detail, it relates to a moving picture decoding processor, based on RISC processor, having a separate bus structure for minimizing memory access. And thus, it can provide optimized systems for various application fields.

Abstract: A field flattener having a function of flattening a bent image surface on which an image is formed through an optical system, is composed of a material of which a refractive index is equal to or larger than 2. A sectional configuration of the field flattener cut in an optical-axis direction containing the optical axis is formed to take a stepped shape toward its peripheral edge from the optical axis. An axial height of the stepped portion configuring the surface in the optical-axis direction in this stepped shape is set so as to equal to or larger than twice a wavelength of beams to be used.

Abstract: In a moving picture coding control apparatus, optimum relationships between local features and local coding parameters that are necessary to optimize ranges of global coding parameters are stored, for each optimum range of global coding parameters capable of reproducing a moving picture that reflects characteristics of display units which display moving picture data and opinions from a plurality of users. Optimum local coding parameters are sequentially selected for global coding parameters and local features by using the store data. Moving picture data is coded based on the selected local coding parameters.

Abstract: In a moving picture coding control apparatus, optimum relationships between local features and local coding parameters that are necessary to optimize ranges of global coding parameters are stored, for each optimum range of global coding parameters capable of reproducing a moving picture that reflects characteristics of display units which display moving picture data and opinions from a plurality of users. Optimum local coding parameters are sequentially selected for global coding parameters and local features by using the store data. Moving picture data is coded based on the selected local coding parameters.

Abstract: A motion picture code evaluator applicable to motion picture codes such as a scalability code, PB frame code and multi-object code is to be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moving picture decoding processor for multimedia signal processing. In more detail, it relates to a moving picture decoding processor, based on RISC processor, having a separate bus structure for minimizing memory access. And thus, it can provide optimized systems for various application fields.

Abstract: An exchange is provided with a data synthesizer that synthesizes moving picture data that are being communicated between terminals with additional moving picture data, and is capable of inserting the additional moving picture data into the moving picture data that are being communicated. Each terminal is provided with a data transmission/reception means that both synthesizes the moving picture data that are being transmitted to the terminal of a communication partner with the additional moving picture data and synthesizes moving picture data that have been transmitted in from the terminal of a communication partner with additional moving picture data; and is capable of inserting additional moving picture data into the moving picture data when the moving picture data are being transmitted or received.

Abstract: A method is described for processing motion picture scene data through a process in which the scene data is initially acquired from a film or an electronic camera and ultimately projected onto a screen, wherein image losses potentially occur during distribution and projection stages of the process. The method includes the steps of: (a) representing the scene data in a non-linear space; and (b) compensating for the image losses associated with the distribution and projection stages at a point in the process before they occur by converting the scene data into an intermediate space representing the space in which the losses occur and filtering the scene data in the intermediate space to compensate the scene data for the losses.

Abstract: A field flattener having a function of flattening a bent image surface on which an image is formed through an optical system, is composed of a material of which a refractive index is equal to or larger than 2. A sectional configuration of the field flattener cut in an optical-axis direction containing the optical axis is formed to take a stepped shape toward its peripheral edge from the optical axis. An axial height of the stepped portion configuring the surface in the optical-axis direction in this stepped shape is set so as to equal to or larger than twice a wavelength of beams to be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for producing high digital resolution images. Specifically, the present invention provides a film scanner and method for producing motion picture film images with a high digital resolution. In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides a film scanner, comprising: (a) a first image sensor for scanning an image from a film; (b) a second image sensor for capturing an image of a marker along the length of said film; (c) a means for processing a captured marker image; and (d) a means for synchronizing the first image sensor with the second image sensor. The method for scanning an image from a film comprises: (a) scanning an image from the film with a first image sensor; (b) capturing an image of a marker along the film with a second image sensor; (c) processing the captured marker image; and (d) synchronizing the first image sensor with the second image sensor.

Abstract: Achieved is a motion picture reproducing apparatus at low price (being little increased in price even though the number of specifications are increased) capable of receiving motion picture streams complying with various specifications such as those containing programs that operate on different pieces of middleware, and reproducing motion pictures. A middleware storage unit 43 stores a plurality of different pieces of middleware. Based on program identification information contained in a motion picture stream received by the motion picture reproducing apparatus, an applicable middleware selecting unit 40 selects middleware applicable to a program contained in the motion picture stream. A middleware reading unit 41 reads the selected applicable middleware from the middleware storage unit 43. A middleware executing unit 42 executes the read middleware.

Abstract: An exchange is provided with a data synthesizer that synthesizes moving picture data that are being communicated between terminals with additional moving picture data, and is capable of inserting the additional moving picture data into the moving picture data that are being communicated. Each terminal is provided with a data transmission/reception means that both synthesizes the moving picture data that are being transmitted to the terminal of a communication partner with the additional moving picture data and synthesizes moving picture data that have been transmitted in from the terminal of a communication partner with additional moving picture data; and is capable of inserting additional moving picture data into the moving picture data when the moving picture data are being transmitted or received.

Abstract: The system for and a method of generating a scent and an image based upon a coded signal transmitted from a remote location, and the scent is generated from a dry scent carrying medium which contains a plurality of independent sources of scent causing agents. The coded signal is indicative of simultaneously activating the independent sources of scent causing agents so as to generated a complex mixture of the scents on the fly.

Abstract: An outdoor studio for moderating the effects of direct sunlight to be utilized in camera work comprising a screening apparatus, including at least one panel of a scrim material, a self-supporting frame including a plurality of interconnected frame sections for providing support to the screening apparatus, a means for stabilizing the frame and a means for attaching the edges of the scrim material panel to the frame. One embodiment of the inventive outdoor studio further comprises a platform, which may include interconnected modular platform sections, for supporting and mounting the frame. The frame itself may comprise a boxlike rectangularly shaped frame, an overarching quonset hut like structure, or any other appropriate frame structure. The scrim material which may he hung over and clamped onto and over the frame, or may be rolled out vertically and horizontally between uprights and eaves of the frame, can also be attached to the frame by strings or snaps.

Abstract: A controller uses image processing to detect any abnormalities in the shape and distance of the perforations of a motion picture film by means of image data obtained upon imaging the perforations of the running motion picture film by a video camera in a sensor unit arranged in the film running path. If any abnormalities are detected in the perforations in the motion picture film running in the film running path, an error output specifying such abnormalities is fed to a system controller that operates to stop the film drive system including stopping the intermittent film feed at the optical film gate and extinguishing the light source illuminating the film.

Abstract: A lighting system and method with variable light intensity for use in motion picture photography. In the lighting apparatus, light emitted from a source is passed through an aperture and then through a section of a movable, neutral density filter. The preferred filter is specially designed to have a variable density, continuously increasing from one side of the filter to the other. By changing the position of the filter, selectively placing higher or lower density sections in the light path, the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting apparatus may be varied. The neutral density filter is selected to be generally color neutral so that the color quality of the light passing therethrough remains unchanged. To ensure complete light blockage, a douser of opaque material is provided which is selectively interposed in the outgoing light path.

Abstract: A film instability compensating system compensates for the effects of film instability in a film gate. The film instability compensation system includes a positional transducer for measuring the position of the film edge relative to a sprocket hole which is maintained in contact with a sprocket tooth by a pressure roller. The positional transducer measures the distance between the film edge and a sprocket hole and then measures deviations from the distance for subsequent sprocket holes to determine a compensation signal. The output of the positional transducer is coupled to a delay unit which delays the signal corresponding to the error at a particular sprocket hole until that sprocket hole reaches the film gate. Signals representative of the cyclic errors caused by the relative lateral displacement of the sprocket holes, are stored in a memory and are applied to a subtractor circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning the optical systems of a lamphouse and a movie projector in the form of a laser alignment tool having a single beam laser with a diffraction grating to split the beam into multiple beams and the laser diode module is housed in a cylindrical casing. The diffraction grating splits the single laser into a specific number of beams of equal intensity, consisting of a center beam and each of the beams to either side of it at equal angles. The laser alignment tool has a geared motor with an adjustable speed which rotates the diffraction grating so that each angled beam sweeps a concentric circle with respect to the other beams. The diffraction grating is interchangeable so that the laser alignment tool can be used for lamphouse systems with varying focal lengths or for other applications such as reflector inspection. The motor may be turned on or off while the laser is kept on. The speed of rotation of the beams is controlled by varying the voltage to the motor.

Abstract: A film-to-tape transfer apparatus suitable for transferring images from movie film, slide film, photograph and the like which includes a case body having a bottom plate therein, a rotary shaft rotatably installed on the bottom plate and having a manipulating knob mounted on the top portion thereof, a supporting member secured to the rotary shaft, a reflecting mirror attached to the supporting member, a glass screen unit provided on the rear side of the case body, a macro-lens provided on the left side of the case body, a fluorescent lamp installed at the right portion inside the case body, a transparent and pushing plate provided on the right side of the case body and slightly spaced with each other for receiving a photograph to be recorded, and a sound mixing unit for controlling the sound to be recorded on the video tape.

Abstract: A method is provided for assessing the effect of exposure conditions on the recording and reproduction of an optical sound track, comprising,a) providing the optical sound track with an image test pattern which is an image of a desired test pattern, the image test pattern being configured such that the image test pattern will induce a photosensor device to generate a test signal which repetitively alternates between two different states, the image test pattern being applied to the track under predetermined exposure conditions,b) optically scanning the optical sound track with the photosensor device to generate, in response thereto, the test signal which repetitively alternates between two different states,c) comparing the duration of one of the states with duration of the other state so as to obtain a time difference value, andd) comparing the so obtained time difference value with a predetermined time difference value associated with the desired test pattern, any departure from the predetermined time differe

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely controlling the movement of a panning/tilt head motor for a surveillance system is interconnected by a minimum number of conductors with the motor for bi-directional rotation of the panning/tilt head using first and second switching elements to establish manual or automatic control modes of operation and with a four-circuit, double-break switch connected between a remote active control circuit and the field coils of the motor to determine the sector rotation of said motor with engagement with stop elements manually positioned on the panning/tilt head between greater than zero degrees and 360 degrees.

Abstract: A sample cell with at least one movable lens is provided for spectrophotometric study.

Abstract: A light source, preferably within the camera, exposes film prior to exposure to the scene. The image is enhanced over normal exposure, particularly in photographing shadows and low light levels. Pre-exposure overcomes the reluctance of film chemicals to activation.

Abstract: A method of making copies of information sets of the type carried by microfiche elements having integral lenses on one surface thereof. The copy is made by embossing the top surface of a plastic, planar blank to form the integral lenses. The bottom surface of the blank is provided with a thin, opaque coating. The coating is ruptured by a stamping block, the ruptured portions forming optical apertures in the coating. These apertures function in a manner analogous to developed images in a photographic emulsion. Thus, microfiche copies may be made without the use of silver bromide. The selective rupture process may also be employed in the duplication of motion picture film.

Abstract: In a projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating an image display panel forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source, the projection optical system includes first and second optical systems arranged along an optical path defining an upstream-downstream direction in the order described from upstream to downstream on the downstream side of the image display panel. The first optical system includes at least one dioptric system and has positive power. The second optical system includes at least one reflecting surface having power and has positive power. The image formed by the image display panel is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.

Abstract: In a projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating an image display panel forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source, the projection optical system includes first and second optical systems arranged along an optical path defining an upstream-downstream direction in the order described from upstream to downstream on the downstream side of the image display panel. The first optical system includes at least one dioptric system and has positive power. The second optical system includes at least one reflecting surface having power and has positive power. The image formed by the image display panel is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.