Abstract: A film scanner includes: a film carrier having, an aperture for image reading, a film conveyor for conveying a film on which image information in each frame has been recorded, to the aperture one frame by one frame of the film, and a communication device for receiving a control signal to control the film conveyor; an image reader for optically reading the recorded image information on the film; a controller for generating the control signal; and a first outputting device connected with the communication device for outputting the control signal to the film carrier.

Abstract: An image input system having an image input device and an original holder that can read images from different configurations of original documents. An image input device includes a light emitting assembly that irradiates light onto an original document, a reading assembly that reads and composes the reading light passing the original document into an image and an assembly for moving the reading assembly and the original document relative to each other to scan the reading light over the original document. The original holder includes a cartridge housing component for housing a film cartridge. The original holder can be removed from the image input device, making possible the reading of images from different kinds of original documents.

Abstract: A photographic and video image system for transforming an image on a frame of a photographic film includes a structure in the overall form of a photographic printer having an image transformation element that transforms an optical image from the film into a video signal. A frame position indicator, which can be a hole or an optical or magnetic signal, is recorded on the film along with aspect information relating to the size of the frame exposed on the film. The frame position indicator and aspect information are detected and used to control a film feeding operation in the optical image to video signal transformation operation. The user of the system can record order information on the film that is used to specify the aspect of the resultant photographic print, as well as the quantity of prints to be made. Such order information can be superimposed as a menu on a displayed video signal at the time the video signal is reviewed prior to producing a photographic print.

Abstract: A film image reproduction signal output apparatus is provided which picks up an image on a developed film by a CCD, and produces an image reproduction signal by an image pickup circuit so that the image is displayed on a monitor. The present output apparatus detects whether the film contained in a cartridge loaded in the apparatus is a negative film or a positive film. If the negative film is detected, the image pickup circuit produces the image reproduction signal by reversing an image signal received from the CCD, for display on the monitor.

Abstract: A luminance signal obtained by negative-positive inverting and gamma-correcting a signal indicating an image on a negative film and a contour correction signal Y.sub.ap generated from the luminance signal Y are input, and a signal Y.sub.ap1 and a signal Y.sub.ap2 are obtained by an adder, a subtractor and an adder in accordance with following equations :Y.sub.ap1 =Y.sub.ap -kY, Y.sub.ap2 =Y.sub.ap +kY,where K is a damping coefficient.Next, a slice circuit picks out signals having a higher level than the maximum level of the noise element, from the signal Y.sub.ap1 generated as mentioned above and another slice circuit picks out signals having a lower level than the minimum level of the noise element, from the signal Y.sub.ap2. An adder adds up these picked-out signals to be used as the noise free contour correction signal.

Abstract: An image read-out and processing apparatus comprises an image read-out section, which carries out a preliminary readout and a final readout, and an image processing section. In the final readout, the amount of light irradiated to an image storage sheet, on which an image has been recorded, and/or the light accumulation time of a photoelectric conversion device is adjusted appropriately in accordance with preliminary read-out image information obtained from the preliminary readout. The image processing section is provided with a color and density correcting device for correcting the final read-out image information such that the color and the density of the image may become appropriate, and for determining the degree of correction, which is carried out on the final read-out image information, in accordance with a parameter, which is set in accordance with the preliminary read-out image information. A parameter correcting device corrects the parameter in accordance with the final read-out image information.

Abstract: A film image reproducing apparatus for reproducing a film image of each frame of a film, includes: an image pick up device which picks up a film image; a reproducer which is operable to reproduce specified areas of the picked up film image; an information reader which reads information recorded on the film concerning the orientation of the film image; a reproducing direction designator which designates a reproducing direction of images in the areas; and a controller which controls the reproducer based on the read information and the designated reproducing direction so as to reproduce the image areas in the designated reproducing direction while keeping an image in each image area in a specified reference orientation irrespective of the direction of the film image on the film. This apparatus can constantly move an image in a designated direction regardless of the orientation of the film image.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing images recorded on successive frames of a film recorded with information, the apparatus includes a film feeder which feeds the film in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; an information reader which reads the recorded information; a density detector which detects a density of each image; and a controller which controls the film feeder, information reader, and density detector. The information reader is worked when the film is fed in the first direction, the density detector is worked when the film is fed in the second direction. A detected image density is adapted for determining an exposure value at which each image is picked up to reproduce the image.

Abstract: A film image reproducing apparatus comprises a chamber which receives a film cartridge holding a film with a magnetic recording section. A frame position detector detects a position of a frame of the film with the magnetic recording section in which an image formation is finished. The film with the magnetic recording section is transferred from the cartridge, which cartridge is in the chamber, and film transfer is stopped based on an output of the frame position detector. A reader reads recording data from the magnetic recording section while the film is being transferred. A projector projects light on the film while the film is stopped. A photoelectric converter converts a projection image of the film projected by the projector into an electrical signal. A synthesized image is reproduced from an output of the reader and from an output of the photoelectric converter.

Abstract: The present invention is a film image input method, wherein a line sensor is used as an image sensor to reduce the cost, and the image data can be corrected in accordance with the taking environment, which occurs in a case of using the line sensor, for every frame. A line sensor is provided in which photoelectric transfer elements are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of a long roll of developed film for a still camera, the film is fed at the first speed continuously to take the rough image data of all frames through the line sensor, and the taking environment for every frame is detected based on the taken rough image data. Thereafter, when reproducing one frame, the film is fed at the second speed which is lower than the first speed, whereby the fine image data of the desired frame are adjusted in accordance with the detected taking environment of the frame and stored in the CCD buffer, and then the image signals are output to the TV monitor based on the stored fine image data.

Abstract: A light source illuminates a developed silver salt photographing film having a magnetic recording portion on which magnetic data is recorded. A light source drive section drives the light source. An image read section reads image data from the film illuminated by the light source. A reproduction section reproduces magnetic data recorded on the magnetic recording portion of the film. A power feeding control section prohibits a power feeding to the light source drive section or reduces an amount of power feeding when the magnetic data is reproduced by the reproduction section.

Abstract: Film transport apparatus for a cine-video system in which video signals are produced from film that is driven between supply and take-up reels. The film, which may be wound in A or B configuration on each reel, is threaded automatically about a film drive mechanism which transports the film from the supply reel, through a film gate to the take-up reel. Tensioning apparatus imparts tension to the film at the entry and exit of the film gate which, during the threading operation, causes the respective reels to rotate before film actually is transported therebetween. The direction in which each reel rotates to unwind film therefrom when tension is imparted serves to identify whether the film is wound in A or B configuration. Advantageously, a programmable processor controls the film transport speed in response to a user-actuated knob; and this same processor serves to detect when the film approaches its end on the supply or take-up reel.

Abstract: A telecine scanner having a capstan roll (3) continuously advancing the film through a picture scanning station, includes a capstan motor (2) controlled by a phase signal derived from a tachodisc (7) of a sprocket (8) driven by the film (1). To improve vertical picture steadiness, this phase signal is derived from a higher-frequency pulse signal after the capstan roll (3) has run up to speed.

Abstract: A dual purpose camera comprising has an optical exposure system for exposing a scene to unexposed film loaded in the camera, thereby producing a latent image in the film, and has an electronic image capture system for producing an electronic image from a developed image on processed film loaded in the camera.

Abstract: A cam cylinder is extended from a base member of a holder and is inserted into a guide cylinder secured to a main body. A lens mount including an optical system and a CCD is inserted into the cam cylinder. A guide pin is screwed on the lens mount through a guide groove of the guide cylinder and a cam groove of the cam cylinder. When the holder is rotated around the optical axis, the lens mount can move along the optical axis, so that a distance between the CCD and a film held by the holder is changed. As a result, by only rotating the holder, the magnification for displaying the image can be changed.

Abstract: A photo film, which is hard and has a little winding peculiarity and which is excellent in dynamic intensity, is used, whereby film feeding problems, which easily occur when a line sensor is used, are reduced. A long roll of a developed photo film for still photography, which is loaded between a feeding side and a winding side, is fed at a constant speed between the feeding side and the winding side, so that the image data are taken in through a line sensor. Before taking in the image data of the desired frame, first, a taking environment such as a brightness and a white balance of every frame is detected during the first feeding of the photo film. And, when one frame is reproduced, the image data of the desired frame are taken in through the line sensor during the second feeding of the photo film, and further, an exposure, a white balance and the like are adjusted in accordance with the detected taking environment of said frame when the image data are taken in.

Abstract: A film player includes an A-D conversion part for receiving a music signal from an external audio unit, a RAM write part for writing A-D converted music data in an integrated RAM, a RAM contained in a music card or a RAM contained in a film cartridge, and a RAM play part for playing music recorded in each RAM. The user externally inputs desired music and records the same in the RAM by an external switch through a control part, to play the music with reproduction of a picture.

Abstract: A camera of the kind using a film cartridge capable of setting various film usage conditions permits normal photographing actions when the camera is loaded with the film cartridge in an unused condition and inhibits photographing actions when the camera is loaded with the film cartridge in a completely used condition. The operating modes of the camera include a test mode in which photographing actions can be carried out for tests at a factory by loading the camera with the film cartridge in any of the film usage conditions.

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus for reproducing an image recorded on successive frames of a film having a storage medium which information for each frame is readable from and writable on, the reproducing apparatus includes a pick-up device for picking up the image from the film; a read and write device for reading and writing frame information from and on the storage medium in a specified relative movement to the film; a drive device for rendering the specified relative movement and such special relative movement as fast transporting, rewinding; a directing device for directing the special relative movement; and a controller for keeping the drive device from rendering the special relative movement when the information reading and writing is performed.

Abstract: A film scanner scans a frame of film three times by reciprocating a clapper gate assembly (160) holding the film (50) past a solid state line array sensor (210). Successive scans are in an opposite sense to the previous scan and R,G,B filter wheel (40) is placed in the optical path and advanced for each scan so that separate high resolution R,G and B scan are produced which can be combined to form a high resolution video signal.

Abstract: A digital image capture system for a photo identification card wherein a housing contains a video camera and a tray that selectively moves through a formed slot in the housing between a first fully inserted position within the housing and a second fully open position outside of the housing. The tray has a formed recess that receives an insert plate. The insert plate has a formed opening for holding a photo identification card of a person. Different insert plates could be utilized under the teachings of the present invention having different-sized formed openings for different-sized photo identification cards. The photo identification card is placed into the formed opening and then the tray is slid into the fully inserted position in the housing. A magnet in the housing firmly holds the tray in the fully inserted position and this fully inserted position is sensed by a micro-switch that becomes activated to turn on a pair of opposing lamps to fully illuminate the photo identification card in the tray.

Abstract: A film cartridge which can be looked up easily and a film image input system which can obtain a high quality image by using the film cartridge wherein the image signal of each frame image, of which the image quality is adjusted, is recorded in the EEPROM of the image record unit to be mounted on the film cartridge, in which the photo film is stored in a roll, so as to correspond to the frame number while the developed photo film is printed. And, the film image input system controls the adding circuit, the multiplying circuit and the gamma correction circuit based on the respective R, G, B color signals, which are respectively outputted to the black level controller, the white level controller and the gradation controller from the EEPROM, and outputs an image signal, which has the same gradation characteristics as that of the image signal which is recorded in the EEPROM, to the encoder.

Abstract: A photographed image reproducing apparatus is used to reproduce photographic images recorded on successive frames of a film having magnetic tracks on which information is writable for each frame. The apparatus includes a read/write device for reading or writing frame information on the magnetic track. The frame information is read or written in one transporting direction while the image is sensed in the other transporting direction. Also, an information reader is provided at an upstream portion while the information writer is provided at a downstream portion to enable the reading and writing to be executed at the same time. The apparatus considerably reduces the reproduction time.

Abstract: A width of a illumination light being transmitted through a film is restricted within a distance between frames of the film. The film is transported to a position where only an area between frames is illuminated after the image of one frame is picked up, and a film transport is stopped. Then, the light is diminished or turned off when any operation is not instructed within a first time. Next, the film is transported in such a manner that a middle part of the frame is positioned below or above a photo detector when any operation is not instructed within a second time after the first time has passed, and the film transport is stopped. Then, a magnetic head is pressed against the film and the film is released from being held between the capstan and the pinch roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing images recorded on successive frames of a film recorded with information, the apparatus includes a film feeder which feeds the film in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; an information reader which reads the recorded information; a density detector which detects a density of each image; and a controller which controls the film feeder, information reader, and density detector. The information reader is worked when the film is fed in the first direction, the density detector is worked when the film is fed in the second direction. A detected image density is adapted for determining an exposure value at which each image is picked up to reproduce the image.

Abstract: In a method and a circuit for detecting and concealing video signal errors caused by vertically extending film scratches during television film scanning, an error signal is derived at error locations generated by disturbed pixels and is used in the form of a control signal for concealing errors in the video signal. The error signal is generated only when an adjustable, locally bounded scratch width in the horizontal direction is not exceeded and when each scratch essentially extends vertically, and when the scratch length substantially corresponds to the film frame height. Finally, the disturbed locations in the video signal are replaced by the corresponding low-pass-filtered video signal with the aid of the error signal.

Abstract: A high resolution scanner apparatus has a disc upon which is mounted an original to be scanned. The disc may include a track for providing high accuracy tracing of the original. If the original is transparent, such as a photographic film, the disc may include a transparent first disc upon which the original is mounted and a second disc upon which a spiral track is provided, the first and second discs being mounted coaxially to rotate together. The discs may be compact or laser discs. A slide structure has at least a first arm for reading the original. The slide structure may include a second arm for tracing the track when included. The second arm may also include a light source for illuminating the original through the transparent first disc. The slide structure moves radially with respect to the discs, either using a precision controller or according to the tracing of the track by the second arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying automatically from an interlaced video recording the frames of an original cine-film sequence from which the video recording has been derived. The apparatus includes an evaluation for evaluating, for each successive pair of fields, a function measuring correlation between adjacent odd and even picture lines taken from the first and second fields of the pair, respectively; a comparator for comparing the correlation function of each field pair with that of at least one neighboring pair in the sequence; and a selector for identifying pairs with greater correlation than their neighbors as being derived from the same original film frame. The original frames are reconstructed and fed to an MPEG motion picture encoder to obtain high quality compressed video, Also provided is automatic scene cut detection which allows adaptive operation of the MPEG encoder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the positioning of a filmstrip in a film scanning gate using signal states derived from a pair of spaced film sprocket holes or perforation ("perf") sensors on either side of the film scanning gate in conjunction with line scan counts and filmstrip drive, stepper motor half-step counts. The filmstrip is advanced by the stepper motor in a pre-scan operation through the film scanning gate for line scanning the image frames at a low resolution and advanced in the reverse direction back into the film scanning gate for high resolution scanning in a main-scan operation. A line scan array of line scan counts and half-step counts as well as first and second perf arrays of half-step counts and perf sensor states are generated in the pre-scan operation. Image frame borders are located in the pre-scan operation as border line scan counts and correlated in the line scan array to the half step counts to go to in the main-scan.

Abstract: This is a film image input system wherein an image of the developed still photo film is made to focus on an image sensing plane of a charge coupled device through a taking lens to be converted into electric signals and the electric signals are input in a video monitor. The film image input system comprises: a zoom driving part for changing the image magnification of the taking lens; a scan mechanism for moving an image taking position on the film by the taking lens; and a control part for controlling the scan mechanism in such a manner that the moving speed of the scan mechanism is decreased with the increase in the image magnification of the taking lens and making the moving speed of a screen on the video monitor constant during scan.

Abstract: A system that determines the integration time periods for the channels of a color scanner. The slowest channel or longest time period is used to set a line scan clock period or transfer clock period of the scanner. The exposure start times for the other channels, which are charged faster than the slowest channel, are set relative to the transfer clock. The transfer clock and exposure start time of all channels is adjusted if necessary for the density of the film being scanned.

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus for reproducing an image recorded on successive frames of a film having a storage medium which information for each frame is readable from and writable on, the reproducing apparatus includes a pick-up device for picking up the image from the film; a read and write device for reading and writing frame information from and on the storage medium in a specified relative movement to the film; a drive device for rendering the specified relative movement and such special relative movement as fast transporting, rewinding; a directing device for directing the special relative movement; and a controller for keeping the drive device from rendering the special relative movement when the information reading and writing is performed.

Abstract: In a digital film scanner, invalid image pixel data is identified by a logic circuit which responds jointly to an over range signal from the scanner analog to digital converter and the most significant bit of the pixel data. The logic circuit discriminates between input pixel analog voltages representing valid maximum or minimum pixel data values and values which are outside the conversion range of the A/D converter which correspond to invalid pixel data. An image processing computer selectively responds to these indications to substitute nearby valid pixel data for calculation and to provide appropriate operator warnings or even system shutdown depending on the number of successive invalid pixel data occurrences.

Abstract: The white peak level and black peak level of each of three types of color signals R, G and B obtained by picking up a negative image are detected. The amplitudes and levels of the signals are adjusted in such a manner that the white peak levels of the color signals R, G and B coincide as well as the black peak levels of these color signals. Signals representing the detected white peak and black peak levels are superimposed in first-half and second-half portions of a blanking interval of each of the color signals R, G and B. The signals that result can be utilized in subsequent signal processing. Also, the input/output characteristics of a gamma correction circuit are represented by an exponential function, which is for a gamma correction, up to a fixed input range, and by a KNEE curve, whose slope is smaller than that of the exponential curve, in a range beyond the fixed input range.

Abstract: Film transport apparatus for a cine-video system in which video signals are produced from film that is driven between supply and take-up reels. The film, which may be wound in A or B configuration on each reel, is threaded automatically about a film drive mechanism which transports the film from the supply reel, through a film gate to the take-up reel. Tensioning apparatus imparts tension to the film at the entry and exit of the film gate which, during the threading operation, causes the respective reels to rotate before film actually is transported therebetween. The direction in which each reel rotates to unwind film therefrom when tension is imparted serves to identify whether the film is wound in A or B configuration. Advantageously, a programmable processor controls the film transport speed in response to a user-actuated knob; and this same processor serves to detect when the film approaches its end on the supply or take-up reel.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating video signals representing photographic images previously recorded in a frame on a photographic film-type medium includes an image pickup device which produces video signals in response to a light image of the projected photographic image, a digitizer which digitizes the produced video signals, a memory which stores a video frame interval of the digitized video signals, an enhancer which enhances digitized video signals read from the memory, and a digital signal processor which controls the image pickup device, the memory and the enhancer.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval mechanism for a digital image processing system employs a reduced capacity frame store in the playback device. A plurality of photographic images captured on a photographic recording medium are digitized for processing and subsequent display. Digitized images are stored on a compact disc. When the disc is inserted into a playback device for driving a color TV monitor, the playback device decodes header information representative of image orientation, so that the image will be read from the disc and stored in the reduced capacity frame store for subsequent read out and display in an upright orientation. A memory control mechanism employs a decimation/interpolation operator to interface the imagery data from the disc to the frame store.

Abstract: An image signal conversion apparatus converts an image signal outputted from an image signal generation means into a film record signal in an image signal conversion means, and forms an image on a predetermined film on the basis of the film record signal. A first reference signal for controlling the image signal conversion means is generated on the basis of time information of the image signal generation means, and then a second reference signal for controlling a film recording means is generated on the basis of the first reference signal. Thereby the image signal conversion means and the film recording means can accurately synchronize with the image signal generation means.

Abstract: A device for moving and guiding a motion-picture film through the film gate of a telecine scanner is proposed, which serves for exactly positioning a film frame. It comprises a carriage which is rectilinearly reciprocated in a guide perpendicular to the optical path of the film gate, on which carriage each film frame is immobilised during the uniform forward movement. The drive means for the carriage comprises a motor-driven cam having a sawtooth-shape with sinusoidal transitions and two latching positions.

Abstract: A method for identifying the film type of a color input medium having picture and film border areas and which is scanned to produce an input image having a multiplicity of color separations having portions corresponding to the picture and border areas, the method including the steps of creating picture histograms of the picture area of the input image, defining a dark level and a bright level for each of the picture histograms and identifying a film type by comparing the dark and bright levels to predetermined thresholds defining predetermined characteristics of a given film type.

Abstract: A film instability compensating system compensates for the effects of film instability in a film gate. The film instability compensation system includes a positional transducer for measuring the position of the film edge relative to a sprocket hole which is maintained in contact with a sprocket tooth by a pressure roller. The positional transducer measures the distance between the film edge and a sprocket hole and then measures deviations from the distance for subsequent sprocket holes to determine a compensation signal. The output of the positional transducer is coupled to a delay unit which delays the signal corresponding to the error at a particular sprocket hole until that sprocket hole reaches the film gate. Signals representative of the cyclic errors caused by the relative lateral displacement of the sprocket holes, are stored in a memory and are applied to a subtractor circuit.

Abstract: A film flattening apparatus and method of operation for flattening a filmstrip image frame against an aperture in a base operable by applying normal compressing force through longitudinally extending clamping elements to compress the longitudinal edges of said filmstrip image frame against said base surface, applying transversely directed tensioning force through the longitudinally extending clamping elements away from the image frame to press the longitudinal edges of said filmstrip image frame apart, and applying normal compressing force through laterally extending clamping elements to compress the lateral edges of said filmstrip image frame against the base surface, whereby the filmstrip image frame is flattened by pressing contact along with the longitudinal and transverse edges of the filmstrip image frame and tensioned flat by the laterally applied force as the clamping elements are advanced fully into their respective contact positions.

Abstract: A photovideo camera takes visual images formed on negative films and/or positive films to obtain video signals corresponding to the visual images. The camera unit of the photovideo camera can be focused after determining a desired angle of view by zooming, without changing the desired angle of view. In focusing the lens unit, only the master lens of the focusing lens system of the lens unit is moved.

Abstract: A color video camera having an automatic white balance adjusting function and operating with selection of modes including a negative-to-positive reversal mode of shooting the color negative film to obtain the positive picture, wherein in the negative-to-positive reversal mode, the color signals output from the image sensor are amplified by the amplifiers whose gains have been changed from the values for an ordinary object shooting mode to values suited for shooting the negative film.

Abstract: A photographing device includes a camera mounting unit on which a camera is detachably mounted, a light source unit arranged at a predetermined distance from the camera mounting unit, and a table which is arranged between the light source unit and the camera mounting unit, and on which an object is placed. The object placed on the table is illuminated by the light source unit, and can be photographed by the camera.

Abstract: A monument information storage and output device for outputting monument information consisting of registered picture and sound data which comprises a monument data intake system including a video imaging device or photographing device for inputting video information and/or a microphone or other sound pickup device for inputting sound information and a registration code input device for entering a registration code, a monument data storage system for storing the monument data transmitted from the monument data intake system by registration code, a data processing system for controlling the input and output of the monument data stored by registration code in the monument data storage system, and an output system for referring to the registration code and outputting the monument data corresponding to the particular code. The device is particularly suited for recording and outputting of information relating to beauty spots and other places for souvenir's sake.