Abstract: A method for motion estimation and for motion compensated interpolation. By taking a source of video data into account, a size of update vectors to be employed for determining spatial prediction vectors is set in accordance with a detected source mode. By selecting an appropriate update vector size, accuracy of predicted motion and consequently, a picture quality of motion compensated interpolated images can be increased considerably.

Abstract: A film holder is provided. During scanning of a to-be-scanned object, the film holder is inserted into a scanning device. The film holder includes an input portion, a guiding portion and a leveling portion. The input portion has an entrance, a channel and an exit, the channel disposed between the entrance and the exit. During scanning of the to-be-scanned object, the to-be-scanned object passes through the channel. The guiding portion connects to the input portion for guiding the to-be-scanned object. The leveling portion is disposed on one side of the channel. During scanning of the to-be-scanned object, the leveling portion leans against the to-be-scanned object. The sensing unit stably senses the to-be-scanned object. The to-be-scanned object inside the film holder is kept from being scratched and the to-be-scanned object is in smooth move during scanning.

Abstract: A film holder is provided. During scanning of a to-be-scanned object, the film holder is inserted into a scanning device. The film holder includes an input portion, a guiding portion and an information window. The input portion has an entrance, a channel and an exit, the channel disposed between the entrance and the exit. During scanning of the to-be-scanned object, the to-be-scanned object passes through the channel. The guiding portion connects to the input portion for guiding the to-be-scanned object. The information window is formed at and through the guiding portion. During scanning of the to-be-scanned object, the side regions of the to-be-scanned object pass through the information window. Functions of the scanning device are effectively augmented; the film is kept from being scratched; the quality of image scanning is kept from being deteriorated; and it is convenient to use the scanning device.

Abstract: Disclosed are an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium and a program, by which an image can be fetched in a size appropriate to a user. An image of a subject picked up by a camera is displayed in a predetermined first range corresponding to a size designated in advance within a predetermined display region of an LCD unit which corresponds to an image pickup range of the camera, but the image of the subject picked up by the camera is not displayed in a surrounding range of the predetermined display region around the first range. If a shutter button is depressed in this state, then the image displayed in the first range is stored in the designated size into a memory. The present invention can be applied typically to a PDA, a mobile terminal, a portable telephone set, a desk-top personal computer or the like which has a function as a digital camera.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a body, a first image capturing element, a cover and a arm. The body comprises a first surface and a second surface, with the first surface opposite to the second surface. The first image capturing element is disposed on the first surface. The cover is connected to the body, movable between a first cover position and a second cover position, wherein the cover covers the first image capturing element when the cover is in the first cover position, and the first image capturing element is actuated when the cover is in the second cover position. The arm is connected to the cover, pivoting between a first position and a second position, wherein when the arm is in the second position, a recording medium is received on a first end of the arm, and the first image capturing element captures an image data therefrom.

Abstract: A method for editing spliced-together video comprising a cut-out sequence followed by a cut-in sequence, both being in 3:2 pull-down format. A bad edit is detected, and either a number of contiguous frames at the end of the cut-out sequence and/or a number of contiguous frames at the beginning of the cut-in sequence are deleted in order that the 3:2 pull-down sequence is preserved in the spliced-together video. Alternatively, a first number of frames at the end of the cut-out sequence and/or a second number of frames at the beginning of the cut-in sequence are copied/renamed and inserted from other fields in order that the pull-down format is preserved in the spliced-together video.

Abstract: An image scanning system comprises: an image-capturing device that captures an image of a scan original and outputs image signals; an image processing circuit that executes image processing on the image signals; an image signal output device that outputs the image signals having undergone the image processing; a calculation device that calculates an estimated length of required time to complete image signal output after a scan instruction with regard to the scan original is issued; and a calculation result output device that outputs calculation results obtained at the calculation device.

Abstract: A method for recording video images onto film media includes orienting a flat panel display relative to a film recording device, receiving a first frame of video data and a second frame of video data, displaying a first display image on the flat panel data, wherein the first display image is determined in response to the first frame of video data, and while displaying the fist display image on the flat panel display, exposing a portion of the film media with the film recording device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and correcting motion artifacts in interlaced video signal converted for progressive video display. A correction is applied where interlaced video material is determined to originate from film source, thereby having been converted to video using a process known as 3-2 pulldown. Where the video material is not a result of the 3-2 pulldown process, a check is made for the presence of “pixel motion” so that corrections may be applied to smooth out the pixel motion. To determine 3-2 pulldown or field motion, a video field is compared to the field prior to the previous field to generate field error. Field errors are generated for five consecutive fields and a local minimum error repeated every five fields indicate the origination of the video material from film source using the 3-2 pulldown process.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates a look-up table which can be used to preview digital motion picture content. During operation, the system receives an analytical model for a digital motion picture workflow. Next, the system selects a set of input pixel values. The system then determines a set of output pixel values using the set of input pixel values and the analytical model. Finally, the system generates the look-up table by associating the set of input pixel values with the set of output pixel values. The analytical model comprises a number of models that capture the various stages in the digital motion picture workflow. These models can include a recorder model, a negative film model, a printer model, a positive film model, and a projector model.

Abstract: A film scanner is disclosed. The film scanner can provide a preview, scanning and storage functions without connecting to a computer. It is characterized in that a PCBA module includes a main board, a function key board and a screen display panel, an image sensor with a lens and an image processing and storage module. A backlight mechanism is set near the bottom of the film scanner. In addition, a memory card inserting may be provided. The film scanner operates independently and allows a user to preview a digitalized image captured from a film.

Abstract: A kind of device to transfer film image into digital data includes a body, a frame, a bottom brace and a bottom cover wherein the frame body is assembled to the upper portion of the bottom brace and the while the body is housed in the body then the bottom cover is assembled and sealed below. A camera lens is set above the frame. A back light mechanism is set inside the bottom brace. One long groove each is set to two sides of the body and a film plate clamp is inserted from one side. This film plate clamp can fix the film plate inside and position to the top of the back light mechanism. The camera lens is utilized to access the images of the film and transfer the images into digital data to be sent to another computer for storage. The objects of rapid transfer the images on the film into the digital data for easy modification and permanent storage are thus achieved.

Abstract: A film conversion device that includes a body, a frame, a bottom brace and a bottom cover wherein the frame body is assembled to the upper portion of the bottom brace and then housed within the combination of the body and the bottom cover. A camera lens and image sensor is set above the frame and the combination of the camera lens and digital sensor is utilized to capture the images on the film and covert the images into digital data capable of being stored by a general purpose computing device or memory device.

Abstract: A film conversion device that includes a body, a frame, a bottom brace and a bottom cover wherein the frame body is assembled to the upper portion of the bottom brace and then housed within the combination of the body and the bottom cover. A camera lens and image sensor is set above the frame and the combination of the camera lens and digital sensor is utilized to capture the images on the film and covert the images into digital data capable of being stored by a general purpose computing device or memory device. A display and memory may also be included to allow users to view, edit and capture images and to allow the film conversion device to operate on a stand-alone basis.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a detector for detecting optical density levels recorded on a film, each optical density level representing a symbol from a constellation of symbols, wherein each symbol is associated with a plurality of bits of data; and a demapper, for receiving data responsive to the detected optical density levels, and for providing data associated therewith. A method for recovering data stored on film by detecting optical density levels recorded on the film; and recovering the data from the detected optical density levels by receiving data responsive to the detected optical density levels; and demapping said received data for providing the recovered data associated therewith; wherein each detected optical density level is associated with a symbol from a constellation of symbols for use in demapping the data, and wherein each symbol is associated with a plurality of bits of data.

Abstract: A transparency conveying apparatus is provided with: a first rail for guiding one end of a transparency; a second rail for guiding the other end portion, which is provided parallel to the first rail with the transparency reading region placed between the first and second rails; a first belt for conveying the transparency along the first rail, which faces the first rail in a position where the one end is inserted between the first belt and the first rail; a second belt for conveying the transparency along the second rail, which faces the second rail in a position where the other end is inserted between the second belt and the second rail; a first engagement member for engaging the one end with the first belt; a second engagement member for engaging the other end with the second belt; and a drive unit for rotating the first and second belts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for shooting an entire scene on a single large format film camera and recomposing the filmed scene into a video stream suitable for transfer to conventional formats.

Abstract: The image processor performs aberration correction processing for correcting aberration due to a photographic lens on input image data obtained from an image optically photographed through the photographic lens of a camera and predetermined image processing on the input image data so as to obtain output image data. The predetermined image processing is performed after the aberration correction processing. Alternatively, The predetermined image processing is performed prior to the aberration correction processing. As a result, the image processor is capable of correcting the aberration due to the lens which degrades the quality of a print without causing any inconvenience, thereby obtaining a high-quality image.

Abstract: Film may be scanned by routing a film from a reel through two or more scanning systems, scanning the film in parallel using the scanning systems, and creating a scanning operation dataset from the output of the scanning systems. A film scanner may include a multiple image scanning platform that creates a scanning operation dataset based on a single concurrent scanning operation of multiple images in a reel of film, and a scanning controller structured and arranged to control scanning operations, where each scanning operation involves at least one image and at least one multiple image scanning platform.

Abstract: A portable image capture and camera device is provided including a device body, and an upper panel displaceably engaged to the body, and having an image capture module disposed thereon. A lower panel is also displaceably engaged to the body, for receiving and supporting a subject when the lower panel is deployed to an open position. The upper panel is translatable to deploy from a stowed position to a first deployed position to image a subject disposed on the lower panel (card reader mode), and to a second deployed position to image objects remote from the device (camera mode).

Abstract: All electric charges accumulated in a line sensor are transferred via a first shift gate to a first analog shift register. By controlling the width of a shift pulse signal to be supplied to a second shift gate, the amount of an electric charge transfer when the electric charges on the first analog shift register are transferred to a second shift register is controlled. As a result, the amount of the electric charges on the first analog shift register is controlled to a desired value. Accordingly, the amplitude of an image signal outputted from the first analog shift register can be easily adjusted. Further, the sensitivity of a CCD line sensor and variation of light amount of a light source can be corrected.

Abstract: A method for converting a sequence of electronically captured images into a sequence of modified images for providing the appearance of images captured by a film reproduction system. The film reproduction system being includes motion picture negative film printed onto a motion picture print film that is displayed, or a reversal motion picture system in which the reversal film is displayed, or a motion picture film electro-optically scanned to standard format video by a telecine and further displayed, or a motion picture film electro-optically scanned by a scanner suitable for producing digital data intended for additional digital image manipulation. A digital master is prepared from the aforementioned film formats for electronic distribution or recording out to another film to be used as a printing master for producing distribution optical prints for theatrical projection.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus that can read a reflection original and transparent original, a film holder for holding the transparent original is provided to be pivotal to the left or right about a shaft as the center. After the transparent original is set such that its image can be seen correctly, when the film holder is brought down to the right, the film can be set correctly concerning its upper and lower sides. At this time, as the film holder is held by the reading apparatus, its positional shift can also be prevented.

Abstract: A bad editing detection device is provided to pre-detect a bad editing of image signal, so as to avoid zigzag effect in the television image. When the input image is from a film, instead of from a video source, the line doubler performs a de-interlace for the film signal to increase the vertical resolution of the television signal. The detection device detects a bad editing before the image signal is played and adjusts the de-interlace of the line doubler to avoid zigzag effect.

Abstract: A method for converting a sequence of scan-only film captured images into a sequence of modified images that provide the appearance of images captured by a photographic film reproduction system; the photographic film reproduction system being includes photographic motion picture negative film printed onto a motion picture print film that is displayed, or a reversal motion picture system in which the reversal film is displayed, or a photographic motion picture film electro-optically scanned to standard format video by a telecine and further displayed, or a photographic motion picture film electro-optically scanned by a scanner suitable for producing digital data intended for additional digital image manipulation and further preparation as a digital master for electronic distribution such as digital theatrical projection or various types of broadcast video; or recorded out to another photographic film to be used as a printing master for producing distribution optical prints for theatrical projection.

Abstract: A system to store and copy images downloaded from the memory unit for digital equipment and its relative apparatus. There is the transfer of the contents from the memory of the digital equipment to a data-storage, process and reproduction unit for the images and soundtrack, which is located inside a service center. The transfer is carried out by extracting the memory support unit in order to insert it in the image soundtrack storage, processing and copying unit, which downloads the content into the memory of the unit so that the memory support unit may be returned to the customer, that is, the contents of the memory transferred via air-waves to the main memory of the data-storage unit. The images and/or soundtrack are processed and copied on to a support in Video CD or Super Video CD form and/or on to a DVD in DVD format, and the images are sent to a receiver station.

Abstract: The present invention allows detection of an exposure time of an image that has already been captured. A motion detector 102 detects an amount of inter-frame movement of a foreground object in a designated frame based on the designated frame and a frame preceding or subsequent to the designated frame. A mixture-ratio calculator 104 detects a mixture ratio indicating the ratio of mixture of a foreground component and a background component in a mixed area of the designated frame. In accordance with the mixture ratio, the mixture-ratio calculator 104 detects the amount of movement of the foreground object within an exposure time in which pixel data is obtained. A shutter-time calculator 106 detects a ratio of a time interval between frames to the exposure time based on the amount of inter-frame movement and the amount of movement within the exposure time of the foreground object. The present invention is applicable to an image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A film scanner, such as a telecine, includes a light source, collection optics and one or more light sensors to reduce image signals representative of an image on film. In addition, a reflector arrangement is provided which has an internally reflective cavity, such as an integrating sphere, to captor light which may have been scattered from the usual light path and provided to an additional sensor. Compensations can thus be made for light scattered in any direction.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning a photographic film using a scanner automatedly identifies the film as either a positive or negative and controls the scanner settings to perform the scan accordingly. The method includes performing a pre-scan of the film, sampling a color density of at least one location of the film, comparing the color density to a standard range indicating an orange bias for the at least one location, and setting the scanner to treat the film as a negative if the color density is within the standard range and to otherwise treat the film as a positive.

Abstract: The image scanning system (52) of the present invention scans slides and film strips containing photographic images and creates a corresponding plurality of digital representations of the photographic images. The system (52) includes a touch screen monitor (96), a computer (54), a scanner (62), a high speed interface (112) and a printer (98). The scanner (62) includes a light source (172) for projecting light through the film strip. A light sensor (124) senses the light projected through the film strip and generates pixel data. A film drive advances the film strip between the light source (172) and the light sensor (124). A lens located between the light source and the light sensor directs the light projected through the film strip onto the light sensor (124). The pixel data is transmitted through the high speed interface (112) to the computer (54) for processing operations. After the pixel data has been processed, digital images are displayed on the monitor (96) and may also be printed out.

Abstract: A video apparatus is provided with automatic deinterlacing and inverse telecine pre-filtering capability to automatically analyze the frames of the video to determine at least whether the video is one of telecine, non-telecine progressive and non-telecine interlaced formatted, and to automatically reformat the video into a non-telecine progressive format if the video is determined to be one of telecine and non-telecine interlaced formatted.

Abstract: A dynamic range compression processing and a plurality of other predetermined image processings are separately carried out on an original image data. A dynamic-range-compressed image is displayed on the basis of image data obtained by carrying out the dynamic range compression processing on the original image data and a plurality of otherwise-processed images are displayed on the basis of a plurality of pieces of image data obtained by carrying out the other predetermined image processings on the original image data. An otherwise-processed image is displayed on the basis of image data which is obtained by carrying out the other predetermined image processing on the same original image data as the original image data of the dynamic-range-compressed image which is displayed upon switching action by the operating means.

Abstract: A method of recording audio enabling software and images on a removable storage medium including providing a plurality of digital files representing colored digital images, transferring such digital files onto the removable storage medium, and providing audio enabling software and transferring such software onto the removable storage medium.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus in which, in a case in which one of a recorded position of a leading image frame of a film or recorded positions of images successive from the leading image frame of the film, among a plurality of image frames recorded on the film, cannot be specified, the film is conveyed to detect images until the image frame whose recorded position can be specified is arrived, the recorded position of the image frame whose recorded position cannot be specified, is specified on the basis of a recorded position of the image frame whose recorded position can be specified, and the film is conveyed in a predetermined direction such that the leading image frame is positioned at an optical axis of an image reading section, and image reading is carried out from the leading image frame, is provided.

Abstract: A head of a spliced film is transported to downstream side along a path by feed roller pairs, nip roller pairs and transport roller pairs; while the head of the spliced film is detected by a sensor located before a transport merging portion, the nip roller pairs are stop to rotate; a joint of the spliced film is detected based on a signal from a splice sensor; the spliced film is cut by a film cutter at the joint; and the head photographic film is separated from the spliced film and images are read.

Abstract: A method for producing electronic signals representative of images on a source film includes the following steps: illuminating the film with a light source to obtain an illuminated frame; providing an electronic image sensor; providing a lens array for projecting the illuminated frame on the electronic image sensor, and providing an aperture in conjunction with the lens array for high spatial frequency cutoff in the image; and reading out image representative electronic signals from the electronic image sensor.

Abstract: An automatic exposure system is arranged to dynamically adjust the exposure time and gain of a pixel array in an imaging system. A selected group of pixels from the pixel array are evaluated while the pixel array is exposed to light that is reflected from a scene. The signal levels associated with the selected pixels are compared to a dynamically adjusted exposure threshold level, while the current exposure time is compared to a dynamic adjusted exposure time limit. The exposure threshold level and exposure time limit are selected using a method that is optimized for lower noise and less blur in the resulting image. The optimization method includes an optimal exposure method, an extrapolative method, an iterative method, and an alternative iterative method. The optimization methods are arranged to find an optimum balance between exposure time and gain such that noise and motion blur are minimized in the resulting image.

Abstract: The invention realtes to a film scanner comprising a frame sensor (4) for picking up film frames, and a scanning device (13) at least for scanning a sprocket hole associated with a film frame. To determine the position of a sprocket hole, the film scanner comprises an evaluation device (25) which is provided to determine, in given areas, edge positions in a measuring frame supplied by the scanning device (13), form lines from the determined edge positions and determine the deviation of the center of the sprocket hole from a reference center.

Abstract: When an image, which is an object of reading and which is recorded on a photographic film, is to be registered at a reading position of a film scanner by an operator, following processes are repeated: results of a CCD sensor picking-up the reading position and periphery thereof are fetched; a moving speed V of the photographic film is computed; if the moving speed V is greater than or equal to a reference value, results of pick-up are displayed on a CRT as a high-speed, monochromatic dynamic image; and if the moving speed is less than the reference value, the results of pick-up are displayed on the CRT as a highly-detailed, color dynamic image. In this way, a dynamic image display mode is automatically switched in accordance with changes in the moving speed v during a registration operation, and registration of the image can be carried out quickly and accurately.

Abstract: Separations or images relating to film or other fields may be registered using a variety of features, such as, for example: (1) correcting one or more film distortions; (2) automatically determining a transformation to reduce a film distortion; (3) applying multiple criteria of merit to a set of features to determine a set of features to use in determining a transformation; (4) determining transformations for areas in an image or a separation in a radial order; (5) comparing areas in images or separations by weighting feature pixels differently than non-feature pixels; (6) determining distortion values for transformations by applying a partial distortion measure and/or using a spiral search configuration; (7) determining transformations by using different sets of features to determine corresponding transformation parameters in an iterative manner; and (8) applying a feathering technique to neighboring areas within an image or separation.

Abstract: A negative density range control system uses color hue contrast to provide a print of a picture, by comparing the relationship between negative hue density and print emulsion density requirement and providing an appropriate density for a printing process, whether converting a positive digital image to negative digital image with a specific hue density color or making a print by contact printing a hue density negative rendered from a digital image file.

Abstract: A television/cinema scheme identification apparatus comprising a signal common processing section which acquires a field correlation pattern, a first pull-down identifying section which acquires an identification output of a first type pull-down scheme, and a second pull-down identifying section which acquires an identification output of a second type pull-down scheme, wherein the field correlation pattern is set identical in data length to the first and second comparison patterns with which the field correlation pattern is compared, and the first and second comparison patterns have a data length such that a mutually exclusive pattern relationship between the first and second comparison patterns is established.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting color parameters during a film-to-digital transfer. An operator uses standard telecine equipment to preview scenes in order to determine a natural clustering of fields or scenes. Each cluster is processed separately. All the fields in a cluster are treated as one unit in the sense that color adjustments for the cluster are based on the cluster color histogram, which is computed by aggregating the colors from all pixels in the cluster. Constraints are specified for the cluster. Variables of a constraint may be automatically specified or determined by an operator based on observing sample frames from the cluster. In addition, the operator can nullify a constraint if desired. Within each cluster, the system adjusts red, green and blue intensities of the digitizing device, gains for each of these color channels, and other parameters. The system first determines which settings respect the constraints and then optimizes the solution.

Abstract: A digital mastering system for processing digital image signals originating from scanned motion picture film includes a film scanner for scanning motion picture film and generating a stream of digital image signals corresponding to motion picture images, a color grading channel that pre-visualizes a certain “look” that can be applied to the digital image signals and a digital rendering channel that renders the digital image signals pre-visualized for a certain “look” into a digital master. The “look” includes the appearances produced by either a standard motion picture print film and/or adjustments applied to a standard appearance to obtain a creative effect. The color grading channel includes a parameter generator for storing parameters for a plurality of “looks”, a digital color grading processor for applying one or more selected parameters to impart a pre-visualized “look” to the digital image signals and a display device capable of reproducing the color graded signals.

Abstract: A sequence of electronically captured images are converted into modified images providing the appearance of images captured by a film reproduction system, where the film reproduction system is of the type that includes a motion picture negative film printed onto a motion picture print film that is displayed, or a reversal motion picture system in which a reversal film is displayed. After electronically capturing the images, the electronically captured image data is transformed into linearized exposure data, which is subsequently transformed with a linear function that emulates a film exposure of the film reproduction system. The exposure-corrected images are then transformed with a non-linear function that renders the exposure-corrected images with a tone scale of the film reproduction system, and the tonescale-corrected images are transformed with a linear function that emulates a film color look provided by the film reproduction system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a telecine system (300) for media conversion of an original format video signal to a new format video signal. The new format video signal is displayed on at least two monitors (303, 307) having different color gamuts so that a colorist (302) can adjust the telecine process in order to produce the new format video signal such that it has acceptable image quality on both of the monitors (303, 307).

Abstract: A method of scanning frames of cinematographic film to generate digital values of pixels constituting images on the film frames is provided in which pixels corresponding to defects on the film are identified and the values of such pixels are adjusted to compensate for the defects, the identification of the pixels corresponding to defects on the film being carried out by identifying pixels whose value is beyond a predetermined threshold. A method of correcting for flicker in digital images obtained by scanning cinematographic film is also provided. This method comprises the steps of identifying frames in which flicker is present; identifying relatively bright regions in those frames whose brightness is above a predetermined level, and correcting digital pixels in those relatively bright regions so as to compensate for the effect of flicker.

Abstract: A method, system, and software are disclosed for improving the quality of a signal. A signal is converted to a digital representation and then segregated into separate data sets based on one or more properties of the data sets. Data sets exhibiting relatively more information associated with a selected property are designated as shepherd artifacts, and data sets exhibiting relatively less information associated with a selected property are designated as sheep artifacts. A representative shepherd artifact is then used to guide a representative sheep artifact, resulting in a guided artifact with enhanced signal properties. This process may be repeated for other categories of signal properties. The resulting guided artifacts may then be combined to form a processed signal with one or more enhanced properties having increased quality. The present invention finds particular application in photography and digital film processing, whereby the illustrated method may be used to improve image quality.

Abstract: An image recorded on a photo film is projected through an imaging lens onto an image sensor. In accordance with a selected mode, set values are read out from a data ROM and are applied to a band pass filter having programmable digital filters. Pixel signals from the image sensor are converted into evaluation signals that are correlative with spatial frequencies of the image, and are filtered through the band pass filter with the frequency band determined by the set values. The evaluation signals are integrated, and a peak value of integration values obtained at different focusing positions is determined to be an in-focus position.

Abstract: A film scanner has a transport table for transporting the film held by a film holder in a sub-scan direction, a transport mechanism for moving the transport table in the sub-scan direction, a line sensor and a line sensor drive circuit for obtaining an image of the film. The transport mechanism is provided with a scan motor driven in predetermined steps. The line sensor and the line sensor drive circuit are configured to read the signal at a first timing corresponding to a rotational position of the step of the scan motor and read the signal at both of the first timing and a second timing where the motor temporarily stops, due to overshoot, at an angular position between first timings.