Abstract: A video composition apparatus and method select segments from image source material stored on at least one storage medium and denote serially connected sequences of the segments to thereby form a program sequence. The apparatus and method employ a control panel configuration which provides substantial tactile stimulation feedback to the operator of the equipment regarding the location of the control elements on the panel. The operator can then visually concentrate on displays available to him while operating the control panel manual elements with minimal visual feedback. The control panel includes, for example, first and second control wheels and first and second pluralities of switch elements adjacent each wheel.

Abstract: A video composition method and apparatus select segments from image source material stored on at least one storage medium and denote serially connected sequences of the segments to thereby form a program sequence. The apparatus and method employ pictorial labels associated with each segment for ease of manipulating the segments to form the program sequence. The labels are displayed in an ordered spatial array of display monitors to simulate the temporal relationship between the segments in what is typically a snapshot-style non-temporal display. The apparatus and method enable the images displayed on the monitors to be scrolled, in a visually pleasing fashion, across the monitors. The scrolling of labels across the monitors is implemented by an operator control circuitry.

Abstract: A video composition apparatus and method select segments from image source material stored on at least two storage media and denote serially connected sequences of the segments to thereby form a program sequence. The apparatus and method employ pictorial labels associated with each segment for ease of manipulating the segments to form the program sequence. The composition control function is highly user interactive and responds to user commands for selectively displaying segments from the source material on a pictorial display monitor. The control function allows the user to display two segments, a "from" segment and a "to" segment, and the transition therebetween. The segments can be displayed in a film-style presentation or a video-style presentation directed to the end frame of the "frame" segment and the beginning frame of the "to" segment. The apparatus can selectively alternate between the film-style and video-style presentations.

Abstract: A video composition apparatus and method select segments from image source material stored on at least one storage media and denote serially connected sequences of the segments to thereby form a composition sequence. The apparatus and method employ pictorial labels associated with each segment for ease of manipulating the segments to form the composition sequence. The labels are displayed on an ordered spatial array of display monitors to simulate the temporal relationship between the segments in what is typically a "snapshot" non-temporal display. The composition control function is highly user interactive and responds to user commands for selectively displaying segments from the source material on a pictorial display.

Abstract: A surface in relief is formed by scanning coherent radiation over a surface defined by a thin film supported upon a plastic substrate. The wave length of the coherent radiation is chosen so that it is absorbed by the film and hence removes portions of the film exposing the substrate. The coherent radiation for removing the film may be switched on and off or otherwise modified so as to write information on the surface. Thereafter, the surface is again scanned by coherent radiation of a wave length that is reflected by the film but absorbed by the plastic substrate thereby removing portions of the plastic exposed by the coherent radiation. The film may or may not then be completely removed leaving a pattern in relief upon the surface of the substrate.