Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for automatically identifying frames of information in video format consisting of fields taken from the same frame or substantially similar frames of information in film format, and distinguishing such video frames from video frames consisting of fields taken from adjacent film frames. The sequential scan lines of successive video frame fields are filtered to remove high frequency fine detail, and are then compared pixel by pixel to corresponding pixels in the adjacent field. If the two fields within a video frame are substantially identical, the frame is identified as one containing fields from the same film frame or substantially similar frames and suitable for freeze-frame viewing.

Abstract: An optical storage disk has a body made of PMMA bulk material with a surface of PMMA. Aluminum or an aluminum alloy, light reflecting layer coats the PMMA surface and is applied using a sputtering apparatus in a sealed gas atmosphere containing argon and carbon containing gas. Application of the coating using sputtering takes place immediately after the PMMA body is inserted into the sealed gas atmosphere and without any pretreatment to the PMMA surface.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette that includes a substantially rectangular housing and a pair of tape reels carried for rotation within the housing with a length of magnetic tape extending between the reels for recording and/or playback of information. An aperture in a sidewall of the housing affords external access to the tape by recording/playback apparatus, and posts within the housing guide the magnetic tape between the reels adjacent to the sidewall aperture. The guideposts are mounted with the housing so as to be disposed entirely internally of the tape between the reels such that the information surface of the tape is free of contact with the guideposts or any other portion of the cassette as the tape is wound between the reels past the sidewall aperture.

Abstract: A wrap around package for a video cassette or the like having a box-like portion to contain the video cassette and a covering flap to wrap around the box-like portion. At least one wall of the box-like portion has perforated edges thereon and an opening or tab to grasp the one wall to facilitate opening of the one wall while maintaining the integrity of the box-like portion to permit automatic and easy insertion of the cassette therein. Access to the one wall, and the contents of the package, is prevented until the covering flap is unfolded from over the one wall. Space is provided on the surfaces of the covering flap and on the walls of the box-like portion for printing of advertising thereon. The package requires unwrapping of the covering flap to remove the contents of the package. Preferably, the package is formed from a single piece of material. An individualized addressed written message may be inserted in the package in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A method of making an optical memory disc replica that includes the steps of injection molding a PMMA substrate having a surface with information recorded thereon as a series of surface undulations, and depositing a film of optically reflective metallic construction over the information surface such that the information recorded on the surface may be optically read through the substrate as a function of reflectivity from the film. The reflective film is sputter-deposited onto the information surface in the presence of carbon at said surface in excess of that in the polymer molecular structure by subjecting the surface to a plasma that includes carbon-rich ions to prepare the surface for chemical bonding with the metal of the film and the underlying substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting information recorded on film to video signal data in which the film is transported in the direction of its length between light source and scanner optics in which each film frame is scanned by lines and scan data is stored in a frame buffer. The storage operation is synchronized by frame through an electro-optical assembly which is positioned to detect passage of film sprocket apertures toward the scanning station, which apertures possess a predefined relationship to the frame edges in accordance with industry standards. A shift register delay is responsive to pulses from a film transport tachometer for selectively delaying the synchronization signal to the buffer, and thereby accommodating both separation of the synchronization optics from the scanning station and variations in film transport velocity. The frame buffer is clocked to store data by scan line through a second tachometer, which thus likewise automatically compensates for variations in film transport speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixturing an optical recording disc in a DRAW recording machine comprising a hub having a conical shoulder for receiving and locating the disc center opening, and an axially facing shoulder for nesting support of the recording disc. A retaining ring encircles the disc periphery and has an inwardly oriented lip for capturing the disc periphery. A resilient snubber of elastomeric construction extends from the hub to the ring and has a roughened axially facing surface spaced from the opposing surface of the disc. A knob, including a torque-isolating thrust bearing, clamps the hub to the drive spindle of a recording apparatus. In operation, the snubber and air space between the snubber and disc cooperate to dampen vibration of the recording disc for enhanced accuracy and reliability of the recording process.