Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method is described for ultrasonically splicing together overlapping ends of first and second lengths of photographic film strips of common film strip width with a film splicer employing a stationary elongated ultrasonic horn positioned on one side of the overlapping film strip ends in the width direction and a relatively movable anvil positioned on the opposite side of the overlapping film strip ends which traverses across the overlapping film ends by sliding or rolling in the length direction of the horn while the horn is ultrasonically vibrated and which provides pressure to the overlapping film ends while traversing across the overlapping film ends such that ultrasonic energy from the horn is transferred to the overlapping film ends effecting an ultrasonic weld between such film ends, wherein one of the first and second lengths of photographic film strips comprises an acetate based film strip and the other of the first and second lengths of photographi

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the positioning of a filmstrip in a film scanning gate using signal states derived from a pair of spaced film sprocket holes or perforation ("perf") sensors on either side of the film scanning gate in conjunction with line scan counts and filmstrip drive, stepper motor half-step counts. The filmstrip is advanced by the stepper motor in a pre-scan operation through the film scanning gate for line scanning the image frames at a low resolution and advanced in the reverse direction back into the film scanning gate for high resolution scanning in a main-scan operation. A line scan array of line scan counts and half-step counts as well as first and second perf arrays of half-step counts and perf sensor states are generated in the pre-scan operation. Image frame borders are located in the pre-scan operation as border line scan counts and correlated in the line scan array to the half step counts to go to in the main-scan.

Abstract: A latent image bar code (LIBC) reader located in relation to a filmstrip transport path for reading bar code data imprinted on the edge of a filmstrip. The LIBC reader comprises at least one illumination source and linear array of CCD elements extending transversely from one side wall of the film transport path. When suitably clocked out, each CCD element provides a signal dependent on the intensity of the illumination received. The output signals from the CCD array are processed to detect an edge of the filmstrip by the contrast in signal amplitude due to attenuation of the transmitted light intensity by the filmstrip substrate at the junction of the filmstrip with a gap separating the filmstrip edge and the side wall of the transport path. Once the edge of the filmstrip is identified, the output signals of segments of the CCD array aligned with the clock and data tracks of the bar code are sampled, digitized and compared to reference signals to discern the bar code pattern in the clock and data tracks.

Abstract: An encoder system and method wherein an encoder element driven by a motor has a series of segments arranged along a path with adjacent segments having different properties meeting at an edge or transition, two adjacent segments of different properties comprising a cycle and the encoder element having a number of cycles equally spaced along the path and defining a relatively coarse pitch relationship. A coupling medium, preferably optical, images the encoder segments onto a number of individual sensor elements of an array, such as a charge-coupled device sensor, wherein the sensor elements are spaced at a relatively fine pitch along the array.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the brightness of an optical image which is translated into digital signal samples corresponding to the pixels constituting the image includes a variable area aperture through which the image is transmitted for digitization into the samples, a device for varying the area of the aperture, a device for detecting peak values of the samples, and a device for operating the aperture area varying device until the percentage of the peak values which are above a certain peak value is a certain percentage.

Abstract: A slide changing apparatus is disclosed for use in a projection apparatus wherein photographic slides can be projected onto a screen or viewed on a video monitor. The slide changing mechanism includes a lever having a displaceable part which engages a slide and transfers the photographic slide from a projection position to a slide tray wherein slides are accommodated. A microprocessor controls the operation of a driving apparatus which is connected to the lever and actuates the lever. If a slide becomes jammed during movement between the projection position and the slide tray the displaceable part of the lever becomes displaced from its original position. The displacement of the displaceable part is detected by an optical switch and the optical switch outputs a signal to the microprocessor to stop the motor before damage to the jammed slide can occur.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a light bulb includes a soft start-up circuit as well as a DC-to-AC converter in order to prolong bulb life. In addition, the mounting assembly includes a removable socket to facilitate changing the bulb. When the socket is rotated from an "engaged" position for removal, an interlock causes power to be interrupted at a remote location from the mounting assembly. In addition, conducting portions of the mounting assembly are remotely located to reduce the possibility of accidental contact during socket installation and removal.

Abstract: A device (10) controls the focus in a film video player (11) for projection of at least a portion of a film image (F) onto a sensor (16) that generates a corresponding video signal from the sensor image. The film video player (11) has a fixed focal length lens (15) and includes a zoom motor (25) and related elements for changing the magnification of the sensor image with respect to the film image, sensor motor (34) and related elements for adjusting the focus of the sensor image, and a microprocessor (40) and related elements for determining the necessary adjustment to and for controlling the sensor motor to maintain the focus of the sensor image at any selected magnification without cam surfaces. Device (10) determines actual lens focal length upon power-up, eliminating focus variances due to manufacturing and installation, and maintains apparent zoom rate constant throughout the selected range of magnifications.

Abstract: The translation of an optical image into video signals by a video sensor illuminated by the optical image is adjusted by illuminating the sensor at a first level of light intensity sufficient to provide the video signals at maximum amplitude while adjusting the amplitude of the video signals to a first level, and then illuminating the sensor at a second reduced level of light intensity while adjusting the black level of the video signals so that the black level is at least equal to the amplitude of the signals produced by the sensor in the absence of illumination.

Abstract: In a film video system, a repositionable imaging solid state sensor is used to generate electric signals in reponse to a photographic image for display on a video monitor. The repositionable sensor is aligned with the photographic image by locating a fixed mask between a source for illuminating the image and the sensor. Corner pixels of the sensor are identified, and the sensor is moved relative to the mask. When at least one of these corner pixels transition between a light and dark state during movement of the sensor, it is indicative of the presence of an edge of the mask. By moving the sensor and calculating the distance between edges of the mask, the sensor may be aligned with the mask. Since the mask is aligned with the photographic image, the sensor is aligned with the photographic image.

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.