Abstract: A film scanner operable according to dual line standards includes red, green, and blue linear array sensors separated by a line spacing that constitutes substantially integral first and second multiples of the line spacings of the respective line standards. More particularly, in 1125 and 1250 line television standards, the linear arrays are spaced such that the distance is substantially equivalent to 9 lines of the 1125 line standard and 10 lines of the 1250 line standard. The output signal from each linear array is registered to the same line for each standard by inserting separable sets of line delays into the signal paths from two of the linear arrays. The separable delays correspond to the first and second multiples of the respective standards. By switching between the respective sets of delays, an output signal is developed for a selected line standard.

Abstract: In a method of converting an optical signal into an electronic video signal by means of cathode ray tube (`CRT`) scanning means, each image is scanned in a plurality of scanning operations with each scanning operation using a different area of the screen of the CRT scanning means and the signals resulting from the plurality of scanning operations are combined to provide the electronic video signal. Light from the CRT scanning means is passed through deflection means operable to deflect light from respective ones of the plurality of different areas of the screen of the CRT scanning means along the same path into an objective lens so that the same area of a film gate positioned in the optical path beyond the objective lens is scanned in each scanning operation. The output of the CRT scanning means is monitored by means of a photoelectric device operable to provide an output signal when a blemish is detected on the screen of the CRT scanning means.

Abstract: In a flying spot telecine used to generate video signals by scanning a film, the scanning raster is adjustable angularly relative to the film being scanned. The output video signal hence represents the image on the film but angularly displaced relative to the orientation of the film itself. Using this method angular and rotational picture effects can be generated without the need for expensive computer memory or complex processing of picture information. The method can be applied to produce similar angular and rotational effects in a film writer. In such a system, unexposed film is repeatedly scanned by the flying spot scanner, the beam of which is modulated in turn by R, G and B video signals.

Abstract: A CCD sensor for use in telecine equipment has at least one transport register into which at least some of the sensor photosites discharge. A plurality of detectors are coupled to the transport register. Successive charge packets from the register are passed selectively to respective ones of the plurality of detectors in turn.

Abstract: In a flying spot telecine used to generate video signals by scanning a film, the scanning raster is adjustable angularly relative to the film being scanned. The output video signal hence represents the image on the film but angularly displaced relative to the orientation of the film itself. Using this method angular and rotational picture effects can be generated without the need for expensive computer memory or complex processing of picture information.

Abstract: Several effects are described which are programmable in telecines. Variable aperture correction is described which allows appropriate correction to be applied to different types of film stock. Soft focus and distortion effects are also described. The effects can be selected for whole scenes or for frames or frame portions, to give a range of effects which can be used to improve picture quality or for artistic effect.

Abstract: The sensor 12 of a telecine projector is a charge coupled device and comprises a line of photo-sensitive elements 42 and a line of associated storge elements 44. An image form cinematographic film generates packets of charge in the elements 42 when focussed on the sensor. The charge packets may be transferred to the storage elements 44. The packets may then be shifted along the line of storage elements for reading (in serial form) by control circuitry 24. Reading takes place through an output port 26 at the end of the line.A switch 28 enables the two halves of the line to be disconnected, so that signals from only the lower half of the array can be read through the port 26, the signals from the upper half being discarded into a current sink. This reduces the clock frequency necessary to read out the signals in a set time, and enables the array to cope with normal, wide angle or anamorphic film stock.