Abstract: Systems and methods to automatically edit a video to generate a video summary are described. In one aspect, sub-shots are extracted from the video. Importance measures are calculated for at least a portion of the extracted sub-shots. Respective relative distributions for sub-shots having relatively higher importance measures as compared to importance measures of other sub-shots are determined. Based on the determined relative distributions, sub-shots that do not exhibit a uniform distribution with respect to other sub-shots in the particular ones are dropped. The remaining sub-shots are connected with respective transitions to generate the video summary.

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 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: 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: 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: 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 method for a 3:2 pull-down film source detection. First, a source is received. Then, field differences of two fields of the same type in the source and an average field difference according to the field difference corresponding to at least one prior field in the source are calculated. The source is established as a 3:2 pull-down film source by checking whether a 3:2 pull-down signature is in the source according to the field difference and the average field difference, and a bad editing point is detected according to an interlaced frame information of the source.

Abstract: A system for scanning cinematographic film so as to produce digital images corresponding to the images on frames of the film is provided. The system includes means for scanning the film, means for displaying the digital images obtained by scanning the film, and image processing means. The image processing means includes means for adjusting the appearance attributes of the digital images obtained and further includes (a) means for displaying the output signal level versus time in graphical form for the images obtained, and/or (b) means for displaying the luminance, chrominance and saturation of the images obtained in graphical form on polar axes.

Abstract: In a film scanner with an automatic focusing device in which the film images are shown line by line by means of an objective on at least one line sensor, with a still film the adjusting range of the objective is passed through according to a predefined program. The then developing video signals are evaluated for their high frequency component. The objective is adjusted to the maximum of the high frequency component.

Abstract: The method uses three pictures, A, B and C, two of which are substantially similar pictures having images, A, B, and one that is dissimilar, usually a solid color, C. Continuous movement is created by repetitively viewing the series A, B, C. Additionally, each picture can be blended or superimposed to create a blended A/B, C/A and B/C and then the blend put together with the others, in a series, C/A, A, A/B, B, B/C, C. This series is then repeated a plurality of times to create an illusion of sustained, ongoing motion with a degree of three-dimensionality, with synchronous Pulfrich light-filtering available to enhance the effect.

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: Scanner density values of a digitized image of an original film are processed so that a projection of the digitized image closely matches that image which a film projector would produce when projecting the original film. A method comprises the steps of transforming the scanner density values to printing density values; digital color balancing by writing the printing density values and a LAD patch onto film; printing the film is printed to LAD; transforming the images from device dependent color space values into device independent color space values; carrying out a relationship between the device independent color space and a display device output to obtain RGB code values; adjusting any non-linearity between the RGB code values and the display device output; and scaling the adjusted RGB code values to an appropriate bit depth.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus and method in which no complicated control is carried out and suitable adjustment of the color balance can be carried out in accordance with the type of a photographic material. First, the type of a photographic film to be read is acquired. When the photographic film is a negative film or a sepia-tone film, a filter for negative film is set on an optical axis of illumination light. When the photographic film is a positive film or a black-and-white film, a filter for positive film is set on the optical axis of illumination light. In either state, a film image on the photographic film is read.

Abstract: A telecine conversion method detecting apparatus which determines that an input video signal is a telecine converted video signal generated from a movie film in accordance with a 2-3 pull-down method when detecting that an inter-frame difference accumulated value of a current field of the input video signal is equal to or less than a threshold value for still field determination, that each inter-frame difference accumulated value of four fields preceding the current field is equal to or greater than a threshold value for motion field determination, and that the inter-frame difference accumulated value of the current field is less than each corrected value calculated by multiplying each of the inter-frame difference accumulated values of the four preceding fields by a predetermined coefficient.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a picture repetition mode of film material with a series of consecutive fields, the arrangement having a processor and a memory (M), the processor identifying a plurality of different objects within the consecutive fields using a segmentation method, an object being defined as an image portion of the consecutive fields that can be described with a single motion model; and carrying out the following steps for each one of the plurality of objects, i.e., establishing a motion parameter pattern for each one of the objects within the consecutive fields; comparing the motion parameter pattern with a number of predetermined motion parameter patterns; and determining the picture repetition mode for each one of the objects using the result of the preceding step.

Abstract: A system for managing information on a carrier, and an image reading apparatus, which enable easy resetting of correction data. When a film carrier is mounted in an image reading apparatus main body, a control section reads the identification number of the film carrier from an EEPROM, and determines whether the identification number corresponds to any of the identification numbers stored in a RAM. When correspondence is not found, it determines that the film carrier is mounted in the main body for the first time, and correction data is read from the EEPROM and stored in the RAM with the identification number. Instead of losing the correction data if the substrate is replaced, the correction data stored in the RAM is read from the control section and written into a new EEPROM, thereby enabling easy resetting of the correction data.

Abstract: The present invention is in the technical field of image digitizers or scanners. It relates to a method and device that enables the automatic calibration of digitizing equipment. The method and device of the invention enable the auto-calibration of a digitizing device by taking into account sensitometric data specific to a film strip to be digitized, to automatically adjust the digitizing parameters of the digitizing device, according to these sensitometric data and without operator intervention. The application field of the invention more especially relates to the users of digitizing equipment dedicated to motion picture films.

Abstract: In an arrangement in which an image captured by photography is recorded on new-type photographic film having an information recording zone for magnetically recording information relating to the film or frames on the film, information concerning the aspect ratio of the image is exploited in an effective manner and the aspect ratio is capable of being altered at will. The image recorded on the new-type photographic film and the aspect ratio information in the information recording zone are read by a film scanner. Original digital image data obtained by the reading operation, length X and width Y of the image and effective image size data (length A and width B) generated from the aspect ratio information are recorded on a floppy disk or optical disk by a disk device. When an original image represented by the original digital image data obtained from the floppy or optical disk is displayed, the size thereof is made that stipulated by the effective image size.

Abstract: An illumination subsystem, a film guide subsystem, and an imaging subsystem are combined to form an optical system for a film conversion device which projects an image recorded on film onto the at least one optical sensor. The illumination subsystem comprises a lamp. The film guide subsystem comprises a film guide wide enough to support film moving thereover and having an aperture that permits passage of light from the lamp through the film. The imaging subsystem comprises an imaging lens and an optical sensor situated so as to receive the light passing through the aperture and the film. The three subsystems together have an optical path that is folded substantially into the shape of a “U”. This folded arrangement is achieved by placing optical beam bending elements in the optical path of the film conversion device between the illumination subsystem and the film guide subsystem, and between the film guide subsystem and the imaging subsystem.

Abstract: An electronically originated image is converted into a modified electronic image simulating an image originated from a film system and converted into an electronically displayed image. The technique employed is based on a set of electronic camera system spectral product curves that are substantially approximated by a linear combination of a set of spectral product curves characteristic of the film system. An image is captured having red, green and blue exposure signals resulting from these electronic camera system spectral product curves, and the red, green and blue exposure signals are then converted into a modified electronic image simulating an image originated from a film system and converted into an electronically displayed image. Because of the linear approximation between the spectral product curves, the conversion step can be performed by a matrixing operation.

Abstract: A reconfigurable digital processor to improve efficiency and flexibility in film conversion applications is described. Analog signals corresponding to film images are digitized and provided to the reconfigurable digital processor. The reconfigurable digital processor uses programmable circuit elements, such as field programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors, to perform film conversion functions. The number of programmable circuit elements can be scaled in proportion to cost or desired throughput rates, thereby offering a variety of cost-efficient film conversion devices for varying needs. The reconfigurable digital processor provides one or more outputs which are formatted to produce one or more digital motion picture files in parallel. The reconfigurable digital processor can be altered using software codes at any time to perform different film conversion functions and adapt to changes in format of digital motion picture files.

Abstract: A scanning device optically scans picture information and further information provided on an original film and makes the information available as digitized data, the scanned information not being converted into the original information contents. A storage device stores the data obtained from the film scanner as digital data, and a display device separates data reproduced by the storage device in accordance with their original location on the original film and makes them available as separate data signals.

Abstract: A digital image processing system for the manufacture of copies of originals on photographic print material includes an input device for the registration of digital image data from an input medium which represent the prints to be produced, especially from a developed photographic film, as well as the accompanying data associated with the image data, a data storage for the temporary storage of the registered and possibly processed image data and the accompanying data, an output device for output of the image data onto an output medium, especially a photographic print material, and a control device, which controls and connects the input device, the data storage and the output device, and administers and controls the data flow between these devices according to the accompanying data associated with the image data.

Abstract: An image reading device which has a reduced size and which can read images at high quality. LEDs, which are respective pluralities of light emitting diode elements that emit red, green, blue and infrared light, are disposed at an area CCD scanner. A frame image of a photographic film is successively read with light of each wavelength by emitting light from the LED elements. Pixels that are affected by a scratch or dust at the photographic film are detected by the infrared light. Red, green and blue image data for such pixels is corrected by means of interpolation or the like. Thus, images can be read at high quality. Furthermore, because the LEDs are used as a light source instead of a halogen lamp, less heat is emitted, the device is more compact, and cut filters and the like are not needed.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for signal modulation adjustment. The method comprises illuminating a reference target and a region of film with a first light source for a first time interval. The method further comprises capturing image data from the film in response to a first amount of light reflected from the film with a first sensor for a first integration time. The method also comprises approximately simultaneously producing a first reference output in response to a first amount of light reflected from the reference target in a field of view of a reference sensor. More particularly, the method further comprises adjusting the data in response to the reference output. In a further embodiment, the method comprises adjusting an output illumination level of the first light source in response to the first reference output before a next time interval.

Abstract: A film mode detection method using a periodic pattern of a video sequence comprises the steps of: computing every absolute value of differences between every pair of corresponding pixels in two fields which are arranged within a predetermined distance on a time line; comparing a sum of the absolute value of differences between every corresponding pixels in two fields with the first predetermined threshold value M1 and limiting the sum to the first threshold value if the sum is greater than the first threshold value; filtering the video sequence and calculating a power of the filtered sum; and comparing the calculated power with the second predetermined threshold value M2 so as to determine the signal as a film mode if the power of the sum is greater than the second threshold value.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the foreground or background vector near a discontinuity in a vector field has a covering-uncovering detector (3)for determining whether covering or uncovering situation exists. The detector further has calculating means (1,2,4) for calculating at the position {right arrow over (x)}1 of the discontinuity: a first position {right arrow over (x)}a in the previous (covering) or next (uncovering) vector field by shifting {right arrow over (x)}1 over the first vector at one side of the discontinuity, a second position {right arrow over (x)}b in the previous (covering) or next (uncovering) vector field by shifting {right arrow over (x)}1 over the second vector at the other side of the discontinuity and a third intermediate position between {right arrow over (x)}a and {right arrow over (x)}b. Furthermore, the detector has means (5) for fetching the background vector with v{right arrow over (a)}v at the third position in the previous (covering) or next (uncovering) vector field.

Abstract: A film scanning device using the same CCD light sensor for pictures of strip film and for a slide mount also comprises a body having a strip film transport path disposed there through. The transport path has a first opening in the body for inserting a developed strip film, a second opening in the body through which the developed strip film exits the body, and a third opening for inserting and pulling out a slide mount juxtaposed vertically relative to the strip film transport path.

Abstract: A motion picture encoding apparatus for encoding a motion picture signal includes a plurality of transform units for different transform schemes, and a transform scheme control unit for selecting, from the plurality of the transform units, the transform unit for the transform scheme adapted to the motion picture signal.

Abstract: A dual mode laser projection system having a film mode and an electronic mode that can be used to project an image onto a screen. In the film mode an image is projected by illuminating film with lasers, and in the electronic mode an image is created by modulation of with lasers with data to project an electronic image. The laser source may comprise a plurality of lasers each providing a different color, such as red, green, and blue. Laser-CRTs may be used. In some embodiments the laser source is synchronized with the film aperture so that the laser source is modulated to illuminate the film aperture only while a frame of the film is stopped. In some embodiments the color temperature of the light illuminating the film can be selected by increasing and/or decreasing the relative light intensity contribution of each of the lasers.

Abstract: Apparatus for digitizing images (1) includes a reader device (3), such as a CCD array, having a photo-sensitive surface (4) that comprises a large number of pixels arrayed longitudinally and laterally. The reader device (3) is subjected to a ninety degree rotation and/or linear displacement by a distance of several pixels, as necessary, before and/or during the digitization process so as to provide optimum digital resolution for a variety of image formats.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to automated methods and systems for converting image streams having a first frame rate to a second frame rate without the need for user intervention. Embodiments of the present invention obviate the effects of processing of a telecine process. In one embodiment, where frames are encoded by a single video field, a statistical analysis of the differences between adjacent frames reveals a telecine pattern, thereby identifying which frames to remove. In another embodiment, where frames are encoded by even and odd video fields, which are interleaved to produce the frame, a statistical analysis of the differences between adjacent fields reveals the telecine pattern, identifies which frames to remove, and identifies frames that are candidates for re-interleaving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjustment of a line sensor in a film scanner. A glass disk is arranged between each emitting surface of a color separator and the respective line sensor. Said disk may be rotated in two directions, out of a plane lying perpendicular to the beam direction, such that the light emitted from the glass disc is displaced, depending on the angle of the rotation.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring the quality of distributed digital images coded by blocks of pixels in which a false contour phenomenon may be generated when the image is reproduced. An image average for pixels represented by at least one luminance respectively chrominance components is calculated and a false contour effect on the basis of a criterion for discriminating the luminance or chrominance component difference between adjacent pixels of adjacent groups of pixels is detected in at least one reference direction of each current image. A visibility coefficient of at least one current image is calculated from the value of the image average speed vector and psycho-visual criteria relating to the existence of the false contour effect in the reference direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of digitally processing a sequence of video frames, in which an object is selected in a first frame; digital object data corresponding to the shape of the object is stored on a digital data storage mechanism, together with digital modification data corresponding to a desired modification of at least one appearance attribute of the object; the object is identified in a second frame of the sequence by means of the object data; and the appearance attribute of the object in the second frame is modified in accordance with the stored modification data.

Abstract: An image forming film includes a substrate having a non-light-absorbing surface. At least two light-transmitting layers each comprising a pattern, are stacked over each other and formed on the non-light-absorbing surface. A light-transmitting surface sheet is attached to the stack of the layers. The surface sheet has an outer surface on which a plurality of raised, substantially parallel strips are formed, each strip having a side face for directing light from the patterns of the layers toward different angles.

Abstract: In a telecine converting method for converting a video in a movie film composed of 24 frames per second into a video signal composed of 60 frames per second, a telecine converting method is characterized in that in order that respective integration values of display time periods of frame videos in the movie film become equal after the telecine conversion, used as a video in the predetermined frame after the conversion is an interpolated video obtained by interpolating the frame videos ahead of and behind the video in the movie film.

Abstract: A signal-processing method for performing a coordinate transformation operation and a quantization operation on an input data to obtain quantization outputs, and a signal-processing device therefor. A search strategy based on the characteristic of the input data is established. By using the search strategy, the End of Block (EOB) is predicted and the calculation structure is determined by the predicted EOB.

Abstract: A method for determining labels for video fields by identifying the state of the field is disclosed. Some examples of a video field's state include the origin of the field as film or video, its relative location with respect to edit points, and in the case of film-originating material, the location within the standard sequential pattern which results from converting film to video. To determine the label of a video field, the conditional probability distribution for a particular sequence of states given the entire video sequence is calculated. This may be optimized by using dynamic programing to maximize the conditional probability function and thus the labels. To determine the conditional probability, first the joint probability distribution is determined for the observed video fields and the states. This joint probability is calculated by creating a data model and a structure model for the video sequence.

Abstract: A system for generating a digital representation of a video signal comprised of a sequence of video frames which each include two video fields of a duration such that the video plays at a first prespecified rate of frames per second. The sequence of video frames includes a prespecified number of redundant video fields. Redundant video fields in the video frame sequence are identified by a video processor, and the video frame sequence is digitized by an analog to digital convertor, excluding the identified redundant video fields. The digitized video frames are then compressed by a video compressor to generate a digital representation of the video signal which plays at a second prespecified rate of frames per second.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of communicating data between at least two units (1) on a serial bus (2) in a car, wherein the units 11) have independent clocks, the data being transmitted as a sequence (3) of frames (4), each frame including an identifier field (9) and a data field (10). In order to ensure an always reliable and synchronized communication of data on a serial bus with different types of units (clocks) where randomly distributed periods of idle time may occur on the bus it is suggested that prior to any sequence (3) of frames (4), a signal pattern (7) is transmitted on the bus (2), so as to set the bus to a definite state for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating video signals from a photographic image previously recorded on film (a cine-video system) which includes a film transport mechanism for advancing or rewinding the film in order to position a film frame at a film gate for projection, an image projector which detects when a film frame is positioned at the film gate and projects an illuminated image of that frame, a video pickup system which receives the image and generates a video signal which represents it, and an output circuit which produces a resultant output video signal. A window generating capability provides for optional enhancement of the video signal within a user-selectable range of video signal values. One or more cursors may be superimposed on the video image, and measurements to determine the distance between two such cursors may be performed.

Abstract: A method for scanning and autocropping the valid scope of a frame or consecutive frames of negative film comprises several steps, including step (A) through step (G). Step (A) is to build a database of negative film. Step (B) is to preview a negative film frame for obtaining a plurality of vertex coordinates. Step (C) is to calculate coordinates of the center of the frame according to the vertex coordinates obtained. Step (D) is to input the brand name of the negative film through an input interface of the scanner driver. Step (E) is to search the database for a valid frame scope of the negative film according to the brand name thereof. Step (F) is to calculate the plurality of vertex coordinates in the valid frame scope according to the coordinates of center and the valid frame scope of the negative film. And, step (G) is to display a cropped scope, that is the valid frame scope of the negative film, according to the plurality of the vertex coordinates in the valid frame scope of the negative film.

Abstract: A method of transferring an image recorded on a photographic film to a digital signal, using a film scanning device that generates scan data representative of the digital signal, comprises the steps of calibrating the film scanning device in relation to printing densities and scanning the photographic film with the film scanning device to produce scan data that represents printing densities. Inasmuch as the digital signal is used to drive a film recorder that exposes an output film that is subsequently printed onto a target print material, the scan data represents printing densities which when written out to the film recorder will produce printing densities of the output film onto the target print material that are identical to the printing densities of the same photographic film optically transferred onto the target print material.

Abstract: In calibrating a motion picture film scanner, a calibration element is provided that is composed of a multi-step neutral gray series comprised of a plurality of known density patches, each corresponding to one or more prescribed aim voltages, that substantially represent the full density vs. exposure range of a photographic element. The calibration element is scanned with the motion picture film scanner and one or more signal voltages are generated for each density patch. The motion picture film scanner is then adjusted to bring the signal voltages toward the prescribed aim voltages, thereby generating one or more adjustments that compensate for errors from the prescribed aim voltages and capture substantially the full range of the motion picture film. Since each motion picture film that is scanned by the film scanner is a particular film stock, i.e.

Abstract: A method of scanning cinematographic film to produce digital images corresponding to images on frames of the film is provided, comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A film scanner illuminant system with a light integrator module for creating an homogenous light illuminant from a light source. Temporal variations in light beam profiles from the light source which introduce low level temporal variations in the spatial homogeneity of light from the integrator are reduced below level of perceptibility by use of a light shaping diffuser to diffuse the beam of input light at the light input port of the light integrator. Preferably asymmetric light diffusers are used although some additional advantage is obtainable by use of spherical diffusers. The diffuser may be used with a variety of known light integrator configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an inverse telecine process is provided. For the method of the present invention, a computer system reads a series of frames in an input video sequence. The pixels in each frame are analyzed to determine if the frame is a composite frame produced by a prior telecine process. Frames that are determined to be composite frames are reconstructed, when practical, using their immediately preceding frames. Composite frames that cannot be reconstructed are transformed into interpolated frames. The computer system adds the reconstructed frames, along with the frames that did not need to be reconstructed, to an output video sequence.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of processing digital image data, wherein cinematographic film is scanned to produce digital image data corresponding to the image(s) stored on the film; the digital image data is stored in data storage means; adjustments are made to the digital image data by a processor at the request of an operator; when an adjustment is requested by an operator the adjustment is compared to predetermined criteria; and a signal is generated if the adjustment requires the digital image data to be re-scanned from the film. There is also disclosed a method of processing digital image data, produced by scanning a plurality of frames of cinematographic film, wherein a region of a frame of digital image data is selected and that region is replaced with a computer generated image data.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a diffusion box unit comprising a plurality of diffusion boxes, which each correspond to different sizes of photographic films, and controls the unit in such a manner that the diffusion box, which corresponds to the size of a film whose image is to be read, is positioned on an optical axis of a light source. Accordingly, the responsibility imposed upon an operator can be reduced and the error of choosing a wrong diffusion box can be prevented.