Abstract: A cost-efficient digital parallel processor to improve throughput and offer a variety of output formats in film conversion is described. Image pixels on film are translated into electrical signals by photosensitive detectors. The electrical signals are digitized by analog-to-digital converters and thereafter provided to a digital parallel processor for film conversion functions. The digital parallel processor includes two or more groups of circuit elements to facilitate parallel processing. Each group of circuit elements can process a different set of image pixels simultaneously. In addition, image pixels belonging to the same set can be processed in parallel. This two-dimensional parallel processing structure facilitates faster than real-time film conversion sessions. A supervisor control circuit monitors and controls the sequence of film conversion functions. The output of the digital parallel processor is provided to a formatter which manipulates the data to conform to one or more standard formats.

Abstract: A lamp, a film guide, and a photosensitive detector are combined into an optical system contained in a portable device that generates electrical signals representing images recorded on motion picture film. The film guide has a surface proximate to the motion picture with an aperture therein through which light from the lamp passes to image the film on the photosensitive detector. A digital processor, which is electrically connected to the photosensitive detector processes an electronic signal output by the photosensitive detector. To provide compactness, the optical system has a folded path comprising three segments each separately mounted on a different surface. The first segment includes the lamp, the second includes the film guide, and the third includes the photosensitive detector. An optical detector positioned so as to receive light from the lamp enables adjusting the device when the device is moved to a location where the temperature and other environmental conditions change.

Abstract: A digital processor to synchronize ancillary information with film images during a film conversion session is described. The ancillary information includes metadata information and audio information. The digital processor advantageously processes the ancillary information at a speed to support faster than real-time film conversion. The ancillary information can come from various sources and in various forms. Information from analog sources is digitized for processing using digital technology. A pitch adjuster frequency shifts digitized analog signals and digital input signals to achieve a selected data rate that matches the rate of film conversion. Digitally encoded input data can be decoded and re-encoded to achieve the selected data rate. A formatter manipulates the ancillary information at the selected data rate to conform to a standard format and combines the formatted ancillary information with film images conforming to a standard motion picture format.