Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining a plurality of subcategories of the information content of the input to a reproduction system and generating a set of signals corresponding to each such subcategory for the system output and an idealized output. The sets of signals are analyzed to derive a third set of signals which are used to improve a selected aspect or characteristic of rendition fidelity of the reproduction system output. While the invention is described in the context of video systems the principles disclosed are equally applicable to photography, optical scanners and audio systems as well as other multi-channel reproducing systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus useful in both the recording and playback of audio recordings for correcting the effects of acoustic distortion introduced by the room in which the recording is made and/or played. An acoustic test impulse is generated and the response observed to establish the acoustic properties of the room. The response is sampled and used to generate an equalizing function which may be stored and convoluted with the audio signals being recorded or played to substantially eliminate the distortion. In an alternative embodiment the corrected signals may be further convoluted with a function representing the acoustic properties of a different room environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for correcting the distortion in the output of a playback device introduced by wow and flutter by sampling a constant frequency as reproduced and comparing it with the signal as originally recorded to produce a correction signal for modulating a delay device coupled to the output of the playback device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for developing and recording information relating to the color present in a scene under certain illumination conditions. The developed information may be analyzed and compared against certain standards and adjustments made either before or after the scene is recorded on color film to maximize fidelity of the color reproduction during the processing of negatives and prints from said film. An optimized exposure correction is provided for any given set of specific primary spectra of each film layer sensitivity and print dye component for a preferred set of test colors.

Abstract: An improvement on conventional internal combustion ignition systems, which improvement comprises a capacitor connected parallel to the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, and a bypass circuit through which energy stored in the primary circuit is conveyed around the high impedance secondary winding of the circuit transformer to the spark plug after the high voltage at the secondary winding has fired an auxiliary gap to complete the by-pass circuit. The energy originally stored in the primary circuit is discharged at the plug to produce a plasma jet ignition plume.

Abstract: A method for fractionating red blood cells by velocity sedimentation to remove those cells approaching lysis while at the same time maintaining the transfusability of the remaining cells.