Abstract: A system for use in a photofinishing station wherein photographic prints from photographic film frame images are generated. The system enables the station to process a filmstrip including a magnetic strip, and includes a digital scanner for generating scanned film frame image signals, a magnetic reader module for generating read magnetic strip information signals, and a processing device in communication with the digital scanner and magnetic reader module for adapting the image and information signals for use in the photofinishing station. The system also enables existing photofinishers to read magnetics on film, create in-depth prints, and automatically classify negatives by augmenting their existing equipment.

Abstract: An electronic camera is provided as a module that attaches to the signal bus of a PC-compatible computer. The camera includes a minimum of components, particularly an image sensor and an A/D converter, and a PC-compatible interface connector for mating with a bus extension connector on the computer. By directly presenting digitized data from the camera to the signal bus of the computer through the bus connector, the camera can be kept relatively simple and the computer can be relied upon to perform image processing, storage, and display.

Abstract: A portable, electronic camera is connectable to a computer for capturing an image and providing the captured image to the computer for storage therewith. The camera ergonomically acts like an independent, self-functioning peripheral device while in actuality depending on instructions from the computer. The camera is remotely linked to the computer, e.g., by a cable, thereby allowing mobility of the camera independent of the computer. The camera includes an electronic image sensor, and circuit for driving the sensor to generate an image signal that is applied to the computer through the remote link. The readiness of the computer to accept an image signal is manifested by operative device in the camera, which condition the camera for image capture in response to a status signal from the computer transmitted through the remote link.

Abstract: A video player, specially adapted to accommodate "mixed field and frame" recordings, incorporates a frame store for playing back still pictures recorded on a magnetic disk as either single field or dual field (full frame) video signals. A repetitive, interlaced output signal is taken from the frame store either directly or through an interpolation circuit. While interpolation benefits single field playback, it is particularly useful for incrementally achieving full frame playback: An interpolated frame is provided for displaying a single field recording and for displaying a still picture before--and until--the second frame of a full frame recording is fully available from the frame store. Once both fields of the picture are stored in the frame store, then and only then is the disk drive motor turned off, albeit that an interpolated frame is displayed before this occurs.

Abstract: A video player includes a playback head that repeatedly passes in contact with a circular track on a flexible magnetic disk in order to reproduce a still picture on a video display. By cycling the player into a special quiescent state after a certain interval elapses without user instructions, excessive disk wear is avoided. While in the quiescent state, the disk drive motor is stopped--immobilizing the disk-to-head interface--and the video display is blanked. If user instructions are received while in this state, the disk drive motor is reenergized and the video display is resumed, showing the still picture displayed prior to interruption. If no user instructions are received during a further interval, the player is shut off.

Abstract: A video disk player, arranged to reproduce a video signal from a single recorded field, operates with fewer components by "sharing" a one-line delay element with a dropout compensator and a luminance averager. In the absence of a dropout, the output video signal is taken from the one-line delay element. When a dropout is detected, the delayed video signal is recirculated to the input of the delay element. Since the video signals at both the input and the output of the delay element are free of dropouts, they are provided to the line averager for generating an interpolated signal for an interlaced (second) field.