Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for forming a personalized video game by combining personalized images that may be taken of the game player(s) with for example the head of a game character so as to provide a video game wherein the game player(s) can see themselves as the main character The image of the player(s) may be formed using an electronic camera which provides as an output a digital representation of the player(s). The digital image is then accessed by the game software whenever the character is to be displayed. A plurality of different poses may be accommodated along with a plurality of different characters, each optionally represented by a different person's image.

Abstract: A video tape editing technique in which video information recorded on a first magnetic tape is edited and recorded on a second magnetic tape in a selected order. The technique includes playing back video information recorded on a first magnetic tape and displaying the played back information on a video monitor. The start and end fields or frames of edited segments of video information on the first magnetic tape are designated. Upon designating the start field or frame of an edited segment, at least a portion of such field or frame is stored in reduced format in memory and simultaneously the location of such start field or frame is also stored in memory. Upon designating the end field or frame, its location is also stored in memory.

Abstract: An electronic recorder is disclosed which includes an image sensor having a linear array of photosites. Means are provided for reading out the photosite array such that a plurality of blocks of photosites are read out in parallel, each block being comprised of a plurality of adjacent photosites read out in serial format to produce a plurality of parallel signals for each one-dimensional image sample, each parallel signal containing serial format information. Means are provided for reformatting the signals of a plurality of one dimensional image samples taken sequentially over a time interval into line sequential format suitable for video display to produce a visual record of the event along a time axis.

Abstract: An antenna reflector is disclosed having a laminated reflector surface bonded to a rigid molded support structure. The reflector surface is thermoformable and has at least one metallized layer that is "sandwiched" between two plastic layers. The forming of the antenna reflector is accomplished in a single molding operation.

Abstract: Rotary scanner apparatus includes a headwheel having at least one magnetic head arranged for making successive operative sweeps across a magnetic tape. To achieve high data rate transfer, a unitary microwave transmission link includes a fixed cylindrical waveguide on a stationary side of the head scanner and a cooperating cylindrical waveguide rotatably mounted on the rotating side of the scanner. The waveguides are coaxially arranged along the rotational axis of the headwheel for directing a microwave signal, corresponding to a high data rate signal, to and from the headwheel during recording and playback operations. When the headwheel carries multiple magnetic heads, the unitary transmission link serves advantageously for the simultaneously coupling of a recording signal and a playback signal to and from the head scanner, for testing and certifying a recording system in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing automatic exposure/focus control in a solid state video camera by converting the image information from a solid state image sensor to a digital representation and using the least significant bits of the digital representation for focus detection and the most significant bits for exposure measurement.

Abstract: Video apparatus for selectively receiving composite color video signals and component color video signals and control circuitry for detecting whether a composite color or component color video signal has been received. The apparatus includes video signal processing circuitry which is selectively operable by said control circuitry in a first mode for processing composite color video signals and in a second mode for processing component color video signals in response to the particular color video signal detected. Preferably, the video apparatus includes a first input which selectively receives composite color video signals and the luminance component of component color video signals and a second input which receives the chrominance component of the component color video signal. The control circuitry includes a detector which detects the chrominance component received by the second input.

Abstract: A coronode for use in an electrophotographic apparatus has one end thereof coupled to a high electrical potential output of an electrical transformer for use in generating a corona discharge current. A tap from another terminal of the transformer is coupled to another end of the coronode to establish a small EMF between the ends of the wire that is used in resistance heating of the coronode.

Abstract: Discharge apparatus comprises a xenon-filled glass envelope with a common cathode that divides the envelope into two separate gas-containing chambers. Respective anodes are provided in each chamber to cooperate with the common cathode. By placement of the cathode a closer distance to one of the anodes, the impedance of the discharge path between the more closely spaced electrodes is made lower than the impedance of the discharge path in the other chamber. To make the impedance even lower, the pressure of the gas between the closely spaced electrodes is made lower than the gas pressure between the other pair of electrodes. The discharge apparatus is particularly useful in quenchable electronic flash apparatus employing both a flash tube and a low-impedance quench tube.