Abstract: A charge coupled device image sensor in a film-to-video player senses light transmitted through a frame of film from a light box. The light box houses a tungsten halogen bulb at one end and a diffuser at the opposite end adjacent the film. An intermediate opaque pyramidal surface, or "flag", prevents direct light from the bulb reaching the diffuser. The apex of the pyramidal flag is centered with and aimed at the filament of the bulb, and has a hole through it the size of the filament, permitting a small beam of light directly from the filament to reach the center of the diffuser. All interior box surfaces (including the flag) are blue, to compensate for the chrominance response of the charge coupled device sensor. The pyramidal flag and the hole in the pyramidal apex provides a uniform light intensity across the surface of the diffuser.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for positioning film media (30, 50) in alignment with a video imager includes a frame having a window (28), a primary gate (12) mounted on the frame for holding film media in a first plane, a secondary gate (13) mounted on the frame for holding film media in a second plane, and a sensor (14) for detecting the presence or absence of film media whereby the video imager is caused to move with respect to the primary and secondary gates to focus on the film media. A carrier (61) comprising a base (80) and cover (81) is provided with a channel (83) for filmstrips (50). The base and cover snap together for the removal and insertion of filmstrips. A plurality of notches (78) are associated with each frame (76) for accurate positioning of the filmstrip.

Abstract: A film video player (10) has film gates (14, 15) for mounting photographic film (F, F') an imager has a lens (L) for projecting at least a portion of a film frame image from the film on to a sensor (S). The sensor converts an image to a video signal for video display. A zoom carriage (25) changes the magnification of the image with respect to the film frame image. A scan carriage (65) translates the sensor with respect to the film frame image in one axis, and a gear assembly (90) translates the sensor along a perpendicular axis as well as rotating it.

Abstract: Film video player apparatus (11) having an optical axis (A), a signal processing board (14) displaced from the optical axis, a video sensor (S) proximate to but spaced from the signal processing board and movable axially, translationally and rotationally relative to the optical axis and movable relative to the signal processing board, and a flexible cable (10) connected to the signal processing board and the video sensor and being coiled at least partially circumferentially about the video sensor for movement with the video sensor means without producing a failure by flexure thereof.

Abstract: Adjustable mount for positioning an image sensor in a device for generating video signals. All movement modes are controlled by five screws which are all accessible and operable from the same direction.

Abstract: In a photographic camera, a finger pressure sensitive member extends substantially around the optical path of a taking lens. The pressure sensitive member is supported for movement to a plurality of positions in response to finger pressure at respective locations around the optical path. If a finger is inadvertently placed over the taking lens at any angle, it will move the pressure sensitive member to a corresponding one of the positions. A sensing device extends around the optical path in a manner similar to that of the pressure sensitive member for sensing movement of the member to each of its positions. An indicator connected to the sensing device alerts the camera user before the user takes a picture that a finger may be blocking the taking lens, whenever the sensing device senses movement of the pressure sensitive member to any one of its positions.

Abstract: A data recording camera, which records information on unexposed film concomitant to taking a picture, uses a light source to record the information and for initiating a camera operation related to picture taking, such as firing an electronic flash. A photoelectric sensor in the camera, for example a phototransistor or a photodiode, responds to incident light from the light source and to the discontinuation of such light by undergoing respective electrical changes. A triggering element connected to the photoelectric sensor initiates the camera operation in response to the photoelectric sensor undergoing a particular one of its electrical changes. In the example of an electronic flash, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) is connected to the photoelectric sensor. The SCR renders the flash circuit conductive, to fire a flash tube in synchronization with opening of the camera shutter, in response to the photoelectric sensor undergoing an electrical change after the shutter uncovers the light source.