Abstract: Improvements in a phase responsive video parameter control system for correcting hue, saturation and luminance of a phase encoded composite video signal are disclosed. The system has a phase detector that detects which of a plurality of color intervals or hue bands the instantaneous signal falls in. Luminance, hue and saturation corrections for each band are applied to the uncorrected video. The improvements include correction signal selection circuit that select the correction signals twice per subcarrier cycle, a damping circuit that smooths the transition between two correction signals when the hue moves to a different color interval or band, and a phase shifter that allows the centers of the bands to be moved without changing the width of the band.

Abstract: A luminance selection apparatus for correcting the hue, saturation and luminance of an input color video signal as a function of the luminance of the signal. The system allows setting and storing luminance threshold levels which are used in conjunction with other color selection circuitry to select a region of interest in a video image being displayed. An operator selects a particular hue of interest with color selection circuitry, and then sets a luminance threshold level which discriminates between the same or similar hues in a video image which differ in luminance. In one embodiment, pre-stored digital correction values are retrieved from memory and converted into analog correction signals which modify the phase, amplitude and DC level of the composite video signal only when the input luminance exceeds the threshold level.

Abstract: A video parameter control system operative for selecting a spatial region in a video image for correction, particularly useful for a scene by scene color corrector. A track ball allows selection of a spatial region by drawing a "window" with a cursor around an object of interest in the picture. The operator then adjusts controls for the selected region or window. A first set of correction signals will be stored for the selected region; a separate second set of correction signals is stored for areas of the picture outside the selected regions, thereby allowing multiple sets of corrections for a given frame. A plurality of windows can be selected for each video frame. If an object within the window translates across the screen over a plurality of frames, or is dissolved, zoomed, or warped, the window tracks the movement of the object.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive potentiometer for an operator control panel. A linear strip having a polymeric resistor film is provided as an operator actuatable control. The stray capacitance of an operator's body, when the operator touches the strip along its length, unbalances a transformer bridge and provides a voltage proportional to the position of the operator's finger along the length of the polymeric resistor. The potentiometer is suitable for use in any operator control environment where it is desired to (1) rapidly and quickly approach a control range without multiple turns required by optical position encoder-type control devices, or (2) rapidly and quickly be reset to a null or zero state upon the completion of a control in preparation for a subsequent control.

Abstract: A luminance selection apparatus for correcting the hue, saturation and luminance of an input color video signal as a function of the luminance of the signal. The system allows setting and storing luminance threshold levels which are used in conjunction with other color selection circuitry to select a region of interest in a video image being displayed. An operator selects a particular hue of interest with color selection circuitry, and then sets a luminance threshold level which discriminates between the same or similar hues in a video image which differ in luminance. In one embodiment, pre-stored digital correction values are retrieved from memory and converted into analog correction signals which modify the phase, amplitude and DC level of the composite video signal only when the input luminance exceeds the threshold level.

Abstract: A phase responsive video parameter control system operative for correcting hue, saturation, and luminance of a phase encoded component of a composite video signal. A digital phase detector detects the instantaneous hue of the video image, and provides a signal which selects which one of a plurality of color intervals or bands the detected instantaneous hue falls in. Prestored digital correction values associated with the selected color interval are retrieved from memory and converted into analog correction signals which modify the phase, amplitude, and DC level of the composite video signal. New digital correction values, which reflect operator control panel adjustments, may be loaded into memory during the vertical retrace interval, thereby allowing frame-by-frame color correction.

Abstract: A multi-track tape player having at least one program or commercial message recorded on each of a plurality of the tracks thereof is connected to a source of background music by a control system which, periodically, in response to a control signal from a timing mechanism, activates successive ones of the tracks of the tape player. As the commercial message or program commences, the background material is caused to fade out until the completion of the program, whereupon the background returns. A separate volume control for the tape player and background material allows the commercial message to be played at a higher volume than the background material. Further the control system includes various special selection circuits and overrides which adapt the control system to skip tracks, cancel a program being played, or start a program regardless of the timing sequence of the timing means.