Abstract: A motion picture film includes a plurality of frames, with each frame formed of a first and second sub-frames. Each of the first and second sub-frames encompasses an image of a separate one of first and second sequences of successive images independent of each other. The first and second sequences of images typically undergo display one prior to the other, by projecting the film twice in succession, the first time to display the images in the first sequence, the second time to display the images in the second sequence. The film also carries two separate sets of sound tracks, each corresponding to separate one of the first and second sequences of successive images for separate playback.

Abstract: For a reproduction of optical sound information in a double variable-area track (DZ) an optoelectronic converter device scans the optical sound track of a film. The converter device generates a digital image signal for buffer storage in the memory of a program-controlled data processing device. The data processing device derives the profile of the two edges of the double variable-area track from data values of the buffer-stored image signal. Audio data for a sound reproduction are generated using data about the edge profile determined.

Abstract: More than two surround sound channels are provided within the format of a digital soundtrack system designed to provide only two surround sound channels by matrix encoding from three to five additional surround sound channels into two “discrete” surround sound channels. The digital audio stream of the digital soundtrack system designed to provide only two surround sound channels remains unaltered, thus providing compatibility with existing playback equipment. The format of the media carrying the digital soundtracks also is unaltered. The “discreteness” of the digital soundtrack system is not audibly diminished by employing matrix technology to surround sound channels, particularly if active matrix decoding is employed.

Abstract: The system eliminates the noise, rumble and hiss from any standard 35 mm analog optical sound track. By simply feeding the film through the projector sound head in a normal manner the system automatically converts the analog optical sound tracks to digital quality. No special storing of digital data on film is required and no special digital decoder equipment is needed. The system produces noise-free sound, increased frequency response, expanded dynamic range and clarity of the dialogue. Film studios will no longer need to carry a double inventory of films having digital and analog sound tracks or to process the sound tracks for noise reduction.

Abstract: A process for viewing a positive motion picture film scene image with an accompanying original audio soundtrack comprising: providing a motion picture origination negative film comprising a support bearing at least one light sensitive image recording layer and a transparent magnetic recording layer; optically recording a motion picture scene in the motion picture negative film by exposing the film in a motion picture camera, and simultaneously recording contemporaneous original audio information in the magnetic recording layer on a frame-by-frame basis in synchronization with the scene image; providing a motion picture print film comprising a support bearing at least one light sensitive image recording layer and a transparent magnetic recording layer; printing the negative film scene image onto the motion picture print film to form a positive scene image, and transferring the original audio information from the magnetic recording layer of the negative film to the magnetic recording layer of the print film in

Abstract: A storage medium carries symbols representing digital information encoded in two dimensions. A method and apparatus recovers the symbols using oversampling in two dimensions and derives the information represented by the symbols. In one embodiment, the symbols are carried on motion picture film between the sprocket holes.

Abstract: The movie film has two tracks of left and right digital audio data recording areas in addition to a frame image information recording area in the form of frames, an analog audio data recording area, and left and right perforations. In these audio data recording areas, the same encoded audio data is recorded. Preferably, the audio data is constituted, using the encoding system called the ATRAC system, by the encoding parameter data, the encoded audio data, and the same parameter as the encoding parameter doubly written. This doubly written parameter is recorded in a manner so that when for example the encoding parameter and the encoded audio data are recorded on the left side audio data recording area for a certain channel, the tracks are switched so that the recording is carried out on the opposite right side audio data recording area.

Abstract: A motion picture film having digital audio data recorded in at least one sound track thereof. Such digital audio data includes a plurality of bytes of data each having 8 bits of data. Each respective bit of each byte of audio data is recorded in a sound track of the film in the film running direction and each byte is arranged side-by-side in a direction normal to the film running direction to form a compression processing block. C1 parity data is added to each such compression processing block and C2 parity data is added after a predetermined interval of plural compression processing blocks. Error correction may be performed by utilizing the C1 and C2 parity data for each compression processing block and at the predetermined interval of plural compression blocks.

Abstract: Dolby Digital and Sony SDDS digital signal carrying optical symbols on large-format motion picture film (e.g., film having any of the various 70 mm formats) are recorded in such a way as to permit existing 35 mm optical readers and signal decoders to recover the soundtracks with little or no modification. The conventional motion picture soundtrack in the form of a two-dimensional array of photographically recorded symbols representing digital information intended for application to 35 mm motion picture film is modified by magnifying the symbols in the direction in which the motion picture film is transported when played, the degree of magnification being proportional to the ratio of the film speed of the large-format motion picture film to the 35 mm film speed.

Abstract: A device for recording/reproducing a digital pattern as a sound track of a cinefilm is disclosed. The device includes a cinefilm 1 having an image recording area 2 in which an image is recorded, a perforation section 3 for film feed and digital pattern data recording areas 5 and 6 provided in the vicinity of the perforation section 3. Plural channels of audio data are recorded as the digital patterns in the digital pattern data recording areas.

Abstract: An improved theater surround sound system incorporates a screen top speaker and an overhead speaker driven by corresponding upper surround channels to more accurately reproduce sounds produced from above the listener. These top surround channels are encoded along with the left and right surround channels. A pilot signal is used to direct the sound from the side surround channels to the upper surround channels when needed.

Abstract: A storage medium carries physically distinct blocks of symbols representing digital information. The symbols are arranged in the blocks such that the digital information represented by the symbols can be determined from only the two-dimensional position of the symbols relative to one another and any other differentiable characteristic intrinsic to the symbols. A method and apparatus recovers the symbols using oversampling in two dimensions and derives the information represented by the symbols. Blocks having two or more two-dimensional alignment patterns with good auto-correlation properties are used in some embodiments to facilitate recovery of the digital information. In one embodiment, motion picture film carries a conventional analog soundtrack and a digital soundtrack for a plurality of channels; the digital soundtrack is represented by symbols carried on the film in the areas between sprocket hole perforations.

Abstract: By processing color motion picture film to yield a dye-only, "silver-less" soundtrack, an antihalation layer containing silver may be incorporated into the film without interfering with the soundtrack signal in the resulting processed film. The process results in good antihalation protection of the print film during exposure, and a simplified processing procedure which does not require special processing of the exposed soundtrack relative to the image area frames.

Abstract: A digital time code is printed in an area of a motion picture film, between the normal analog optical sound track and the picture frames, that is exposed along with the sound track when a print is made. This area is partially redeveloped, and normally reserved to isolate the analog sound track from the picture frames. Digital audio for the motion picture is stored in a large capacity high integrity archival digital storage system. The time codes corresponding to known locations on the film are read as the film is played, and in an anticipatory pass the digital audio signals for these frames are transferred to a fast access data storage buffer which temporarily stores the data before it is converted to analog format for theater play. The time code is read with light that is absorbed by the film dyes produced when the film is developed.

Abstract: A motion picture film capable of reproducing the sound field full of ambience in the reproducing system. The digital sound tracks 5L and 5R, on which digital audio data have been recorded, are recorded so that temporally same digital audio signals are recorded with a spatial shift by a preset distance along the film running direction.

Abstract: A motion picture film capable of reproducing the sound field full of ambience in the reproducing system. The digital sound tracks 5L and 5R, on which digital audio data have been recorded, are recorded so that temporally same digital audio signals are recorded with a spatial shift by a preset distance along the film running direction.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the wear and tear problems caused by prior art methods by placing the digital information in the space reserved for analog soundtrack information, which traditionally is not touched by transport rollers or pressure plates. This invention describes a method by which digital information is simultaneously recorded with the analog track in the same area occupied by the present analog track by utilizing the techniques of spectral processing and digital bit manipulation. Thus, maximum separation and minimal interference can be achieved between the digital and analog tracks.

Abstract: A photosensitive medium, such as motion picture film, having digital data in multiple formats and analog audio signals photographically recorded thereon, and a system for photographically recording digital data (preferably including digital audio bits) in multiple formats and optionally also analog audio signals on a medium. Preferably, two digital soundtracks are recorded on the film, each in an array of bit areas arranged in row and column order, with the bit areas of one soundtrack between consecutive pairs of sprocket holes along one edge of the film, and the bit areas of the other soundtrack along the film edges outside the sprocket holes. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a camera assembly through which a motion picture film translates in real time.

Abstract: A photosensitive medium, such as motion picture film, having digital audio signals photographically recorded thereon. If the medium has multiple, spatially separated digital and analog audio soundtracks, a photosensitive detector array is employed for each of the digital audio soundtrack areas, and a separate analog soundtrack read head is employed. Preferably, digital error code is recorded in a digital soundtrack area of the medium (with digital audio bits), and error detection and correction are performed on the recorded digital audio bits read from the medium. Preferably, the apparatus includes switching circuitry for substituting a corresponding analog audio signal for one or more corrupted digital soundtrack channels, when such digital soundtrack channels have an error rate which exceeds a selected threshold.

Abstract: A motion picture film capable of reproducing the sound field full of ambience in the reproducing system. The digital sound tracks 5L and 5R, on which digital audio data have been recorded, are recorded so that temporally same digital audio signals are recorded with a spatial shift by a preset distance along the film running direction.

Abstract: Analog sound tracks are recorded on a single one of the three dye layers present in a color motion picture film, one of the same dye layers that is used for the color picture information. The single dye layer, preferably the cyan dye layer, is read out using a narrow spectrum, substantially monochromatic light source, preferably a red light-emitting diode (LED), the spectrum of which is such as to be maximally absorbed by the dye layer and to remain well within the absorption range of the dye layer even when the dye layer color characteristics vary among film batches. The resulting lower-cost and environmentally-safer silverless analog-audio soundtracks have playback characteristics extremely close to conventional analog audio soundtracks prepared with silver.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically reproducing digital speech data recorded on a motion picture film is disclosed. The digital speech data recorded on an emulsifier surface of the motion picture film is illuminated with an illuminating light from the side of a base surface of the motion picture film, and the light transmitted through the emulsifier surface is collected as an incident light by a reproducing lens. With the present apparatus, it is possible to reduce the variations in the volume of the light of the reproduced digital signals otherwise caused by the scratch of dust present on the film base surface.

Abstract: In a motion picture film of the present invention, audio data digitized from right channel analog audio signals is held in a recording region provided in a left channel digital sound track having the left channel audio data recorded in it, while audio data digitized from left channel analog audio signals is held in a recording region provided in a right channel digital sound track having the right channel audio data recorded in it. With a reproducing system for reproducing the motion picture film of the present invention, unless the left and right channels are destroyed simultaneously, the audio data reproduced from the sound track is used in substitution for the audio data from the destroyed channel to compensate for playback sound interruption.

Abstract: An analog-digitizer sound system for motion pictures that automatically converts both old and new analog stereo film-sound tracks to digital quality sound. The system eliminates the noise, rumble and hiss from any standard 35 mm analog optical sound track. By simply playing the film through the projector sound head in the normal manner the system automatically converts the analog optical sound tracks to digital format. No special storing of digital data on film is required and no special digital decoder equipment is needed. The system produces noise-free sound, increased frequency response, expanded dynamic range and clarity of dialogue. Film studios will no longer need to maintain a double inventory of digital and analog sound or process sound tracks for noise reduction.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for recording digital audio information using light modulation of a laser beam on cinefilm. In the invention, a laser beam of low coherence and high output is radiated from a semiconductor laser having a wide radiating area, modulated within the depth of focus of the laser beam, and then illuminated on a sound track of a cinefilm. In one embodiment the laser beam is bifurcated into first and second beams using a diffraction lattice. The invention shortens the recording time for voice data, reduces speckle noise, and eliminates the need for polarizing plates, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing the production costs of the recording apparatus.

Abstract: An encoding method and apparatus for audio signals for generating ten-channel audio signals from audio signals of a left channel, a left center channel, a center channel, a right center channel, a right channel, a surround left channel, a surround right channel and a sub-woofer channel, totalling at eight channels.

Abstract: A digital audio signal recording device which, in conjunction with a film magazine loaded with a motion picture film and an analog audio recording device recording analog audio signals on the motion picture film, constitutes an audio signal recording system for the motion picture film capable of recording both analog audio signals and digital audio signals on the motion picture film delivered from the film magazine. The digital audio signal recording device transports the motion picture film, delivered from the inside of the film magazine via the film reel-out section, into the digital audio signal recording device via a first film feed-in section, and then transports the film to the analog audio signal recording device via a first feed-out section and a film lead-in section. The motion picture film introduced into the analog audio signal recording device is returned into the digital audio signal recording device via a film lead-out section and a second film feed-in section.

Abstract: Digital audio signals and a conventional audio track are recorded on a motion picture film by error correction encoding digital audio data to be recorded on the film, sequentially arranging the error encoded digital audio data in a direction perpendicular to the direction of advancement of the film by utilizing two areas or more of an area in the vicinity of one end of the film which is parallel with the other end of the film and which is laid between it and one end portion of an analog sound track or an area near the other end of the analog sound track, and recording the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for photographically recording digital audio signals, and a medium having digital audio signals photographically recorded thereon. In a preferred embodiment, a motion picture film recorded in accordance with the invention has multiple digital audio soundtracks and an analog audio soundtrack photographically recorded thereon. Two or more channels of digital audio information can be recorded in each digital soundtrack, along with additional digital information for clocking, tracking, and error detection and correction. Each digital soundtrack is recorded in an array of bit areas arranged in row and column order. In a class of preferred embodiments, each row of digital audio bits is recorded simultaneously by exposing the film to radiation that has been modulated by a linear shutter array. The radiation transmitted by each shutter array is projected onto a row of spots. Each spot covers the full width of one of the bit areas in a row, but only part of the length of the bit area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading digital audio signals photographically recorded on a medium (such as motion picture film). If the medium has multiple, spatially separated digital and analog audio soundtracks, a photosensitive detector array is employed for each of the digital audio soundtrack areas, and a separate analog soundtrack read head is employed. Preferably, digital error code is recorded in a digital soundtrack area of the medium (with digital audio bits), and error detection and correction are performed on the recorded digital audio bits read from the medium. Preferably, the apparatus includes switching circuitry for substituting a corresponding analog audio signal for one or more corrupted digital soundtrack channels, when such digital soundtrack channels have an error rate which exceeds a selected threshold.

Abstract: A signal conditioner is provided for the output of a digital sound source in a dual digital/analog motion picture theater sound system so that the digitally derived audio signal emulates the analog sound track signal. This allows the digital source to be easily integrated into the overall sound system, without displacing the existing analog sound track system. The theater sound playback mechanism is provided with the conditioned audio signal when the digital sound source is actuated, and receives the analog sound track signal at other times. The conditioning circuit includes an adjustable impedance to match the current from the digital sound source to the current from the analog sound track reader, a high frequency variable signal adjuster that is complimentary to a high frequency emphasis built into the theater playback system, and an optional subwoof output.

Abstract: Photographic film is provided with a magnetic recording layer applied to at least one edge surface thereof in the longitudinal direction of the film and substantially over the entire thickness thereof. A magnetic head of a recording-reproducing system is positioned upon recording or reproduction so that a magnetic field is established in the direction of thickness of the film or the direction of width of the magnetic recording layer.

Abstract: Sound is recorded on a motion picture filmstrip (20) by taking periodic samples (15) of an analog signal (13), digitizing each sample in the form of a sixteen-bit binary word (40), (41), (43), and representing each binary word on the filmstrip in the form of a group of bits (8) composed of black dots (26) and transparent spaces (28). Each dot represents a binary ZERO and each space a binary ONE. The groups of binary bits are disposed in a digitized soundtrack (8) on the filmstrip, between the visual frames (50) and the sprocket holes (54), either in lieu of or in addition to the regular analog "variable area" soundtrack (48). On the digitized soundtrack, the groups of bits are arranged in parallel rows (42) which are oriented orthogonally to the direction of elongation of the filmstrip. Each row consists of a group of starting bits (44), followed by three groups of binary bits, for the left (40), right (41) and center ( 43) audio tracks, respectively.

Abstract: A film unit comprises a hub and a film disk carried by the hub having photosensitive areas for receiving a plurality of images. The hub includes a region of dispersed magnetic particulates for recording data pertaining to the film unit. Since the hub supports the film disk, the data will remain oriented relative to the disk, and to specific images on the disk, during processing steps incident to the finishing of the film unit, e.g. during developing and printing.

Abstract: A multi-purpose sound/data system which is capable of recording and reproducing a multitude of disparate and dissimilar information being digital and/or analog in nature in such a way so that there is no interference between the different information channels. This system is principally intended to be applied to motion picture film, but it is equally applicable to television and other devices by which sound, data and pictures may be electrically, mechanically or optically recorded and reproduced. It is an important feature that a film recorded with this system can be reproduced by any standard photographic soundhead without alteration, in the same way as a normal photographic soundtrack. This invention confines itself to the layout of the tracks to present a compatible format and does not deal with the methods of recording and reproduction.

Abstract: A recording tape applicator has a card with an edge forming an abutment surface, a release sheet secured to the card and extending outward beyond the abutment surface, and a strip of magnetic recording tape adhesively supported by the release sheet on the side opposite the card. The recording tape is spaced from and accurately parallel with the abutment surface of the card, and the release sheet has a slit extending longitudinally along the middle of the recording tape so that an outer portion of the release sheet can be removed to expose about half of the tape. The card is then abutted against an object, and the tape is pressed against a face surface of the object to align the tape accurately with the edge of the object. Then the card and the remaining release sheet is pulled away from the tape, and the whole tape is pressed against the object and trimmed if necessary.

Abstract: Means for providing stationary images from slides and sound related to these images include a retainer for insertion of a slide, an endless taut magnetic tape mounted within the retainer, and stationary magnetic heads that impose sound tracks on the tape and reproduce such sound tracks. Control circuitry connected to the heads provide a group of sound tracks for each image of a slide in predetermined sequential order.

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: A self-tracking recording tape is disclosed. The invention is primarily directed to thin base magnetic recording tape. However, the concepts of this invention are equally applicable to other recording tapes or film. Instead of a flat base tape, the tape of this invention is corrugated to form a plurality of V-shaped tracks across the width of the tape. The tape reels, the transport mechanisms, and the playback-reproduce heads utilized with the tape of this invention are all designed to accommodate the V-shaped grooves in the tape. In this manner, the tape becomes essentially self-tracking. That is, no auxiliary or additional guide means such as the edge guides normally used with magnetic tape recorders, are required to properly guide the tape across the head. In addition to the self-tracking feature, tapes designed in accordance with this invention can accommodate a large number of tracks across a given width of tape.

Abstract: A wound roll of filmstrip of the type having a photographic emulsion layer on one strip face and a raised stripe disposed along one edge of the opposite strip face is so formed as to produce temporary adhesion between the stripe of one convolution and the emulsion layer of an adjacent convolution. Such adhesion or tacking, restricts relative movement of the convolutions, thereby avoiding effective axial expansion of the roll and the resultant generation of undue frictional forces during advancement of the strip through a cartridge in which is is housed.Such tacking may be achieved by forming the strip into a roll and by so applying energy to a flat end face of the roll as to cause localized melting of the emulsion layer of one convolution at its interface with the raised stripe of an adjacent convolution, whereupon subsequent cooling and rehardening of the emulsion produces adhesion of the convolutions at such interface.