Abstract: A linear motor driven film gate for a motion picture telecine and methods for operation. A housing associated with a telecine optical block is operative to support and transport a single film frame in a precisely controlled linear motion past a telecine scanning aperture for scanning. An entry guide sprocket on the telecine receives the film from a feed spool, stabilizes the film, and directs the film across the aperture. A pin assembly carrying precision milled registration pins on a film transport carriage engages with the film sprocket holes in a path perpendicular to the film plane. After the registration pins are engaged with the sprocket perforations, a precision linear motor with integrated optical position encoder pulls a single frame across the scanning aperture. When a single frame has passed by the aperture, the linear motor stops, and the registration pins are removed from engagement with the film. The linear motor then returns to an initial position to engage a subsequent frame of film.

Abstract: An image reading method which can achieve highly accurate image reading with no color balance lost regardless of the type of recording media, that is, whether a film is a negative film or a reversal film, and thus is able to obtain in a stable manner a reproduced image of higher quality having excellent color balance and density balance. A reading light beam is irradiated on a transparent-type original, the transmitted light of the transparent-type original is separated into the three primary colors and is read by means of an photoelectric transducer device. If the transparent-type original is a negative film, then the adjustments of the transmitted light reading by the photoelectric transducer device are made respectively in the three primary colors independently of one another and, if the transparent-type original is a reversal film, then the adjustments of the transmitted light reading by the photoelectric transducer device are made uniformly in all of the three primary colors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film scanner with an adjustable light module whose chromaticity can be adjusted according to the positive or negative film to be scanned. The film scanner comprises a light module comprising a plurality of lamps of different colors, a scanning module for scanning the light transmitted through the film and generating image signals, an adjusting device for adjusting the on/off state or chromaticity of the lamps, and a control device for controlling the adjusting device according to the image signals received from the scanning module.

Abstract: A photographic film scanner for scanning a film strip containing a plurality of photographic images. The film strip is continuously advanced through the scanner and a digital image of the film strip is created. Individual images contained in the digital image of the film strip are located and displayed.

Abstract: A film transport and method for use with an image transfer system to sequentially register respective frames of motion picture film within the field of view of an image recorder. The transport includes a gate having a drive mechanism and a registration mechanism that immobilizes each frame and orients it into a precise stationary position for digital or analog image recording.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for manufacturing a high-resolution digital master for filing cinematographic films and their conversion into different TV and multimedia standards, in which the overall picture and sound information associated with the cinematographic film is high-resolution scanned, digitized and stored. For creating a high-quality electronic duplicate of a film master for the purpose of document-secure filing or for manufacturing different TV and multimedia versions, picture and sound data prescriptions derived from the film for processing steps and parameters associated with the corresponding film frames are additionally stored.

Abstract: An image input apparatus enables image reading at a number of different resolutions including higher and lower resolutions without incurring excessive costs. In the present invention, the image input apparatus includes two scanning states. A first scanning state is achieved by performing film take-up with a take-up spool driven by a DC motor and high-speed image reading during the scan. A second scanning state is achieved by performing film feeding with a scan roller driven by a step motor and lower speed image reading during this scan.

Abstract: An analysis method for cinematographic film uses a film scanner for converting the images of the film into video images, the film scanner having a calibration mode providing a standardized video reproduction of films and a manual mode allowing the operator to adjust the film scanner for improving the visual quality of the video images it produces.

Abstract: A device for scanning films (1) includes a converter (6) for forming an image data signal (11), and for improving the data transfer between the film scanner and a computer network coupled thereto. The image data signal (11) is supplied via a first data interface of the converter (6) in a data format for a single-channel transfer. To transfer the information about the contents of a scanned frame from the film scanner to a further processing stage, one transfer channel is sufficient so that further transfer channels, particularly for feedback information to the film scanner, can be dispensed with. This yields particularly a significantly higher transfer rate.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved parallel telecine for converting a plurality of recorded images or frames of film, defined by a first and a second set of frames of film, to a digital data stream. The improved telecine comprises a plurality of image transfer or digitizing systems for respectively digitizing each of the recorded images or frames of film or groupings of frames of film. Each image transfer and digitizing system comprises an illuminator system for illuminating the respective frames or groupings of frames, and a camera system for converting the image of the respective frame or groupings of frames into a digital data stream. Each camera sensor additionally comprises a position sensor for detecting a first and a second pair of edges on a coordinated positional tag at the edge of the film frame. Further, each camera system comprises an aligning mechanism for aligning each camera system in response to the set of edges of the respective coordinated position tag detected by the position sensor.

Abstract: A process for the adjustment of signals obtained from an image, in which analogue signals representative of the image are pre-emphasized and converted to digital signals. The digital signals are then de-emphasized and simultaneously or subsequently adjusted.

Abstract: An image processor which provides a color space conversion characteristic suitable for an image includes a transfer unit which transfers digital color image data representing a desired image input by an image input unit and having a color space depending on the image input unit, and extraction unit which extracts a color space conversion characteristic used to convert the color space depending on the image input unit into another color space. The transfer unit transfers the digital color image data having the color space depending on the image input unit and the color space conversion characteristic.

Abstract: In a picture reading apparatus according to this invention, in the pre-scan, an approach is employed to control a CCD line sensor 5 and a film carrying roller 103 so that plural pictures recorded on an optical film 1 are read at a predetermined sampling rate in order from the latest frame to generate frame position data indicating position of left and right ends of frame, etc. Further, in the main scan, an approach is employed such that, in controlling the CCD line sensor 5 and a film carrier 100 so that plural pictures recorded on the optical film are read at a sampling rate higher than the predetermined sampling rate in order from the oldest frame, the reading start and end timings of the CCD line sensor 5 are controlled on the basis of frame position data obtained by the pre-scan. As a result, in this picture reading apparatus, it is possible to precisely obtain picture data of picture of frame in the state where no positional shift takes place.

Abstract: A film scanner enabling TV display includes a line sensor for converting a one-dimensional optical image into a line image signal. An A/D converter converts the line image signal into a digital signal. An image memory stores the digital signal in units of a line image. A D/A converter converts a line image signal read from the image memory into an analog signal. A sync signal generator generates a sync signal used to produce a video signal. An encoder outputs a given video signal on the basis of an analog signal output from the D/A converter and the sync signal. A control unit controls at least accumulation of the line sensor in response to the given timing of the sync signal, to control reading or writing of the image memory.

Abstract: A method of correcting picture steadiness errors (or film weave correction) in telecine scanning is proposed, in which, in a first step, at least one sample area of the picture contents of the video signal obtained by film scanning is determined by way of structure recognition, this sample area corresponding to a curvature in the picture contents. In a second step, it is checked, by way of comparison, whether the determined sample areas are recognizable in a search area of the sequential frame. In a third step, motion vector signals are generated when the sample areas are recognized again in the sequential frame, these motion vector signals defining the direction of motion and the extent of deviation of the position of the determined sample area from the position of the recognized sample area. In a fourth step, parameters of a transform function are determined by the motion vector signals.

Abstract: A film image input system is disclosed which provides an increased degree of feedom of design thereof, can be reduce the size and costs thereof, and can execute a trimming operation with ease. The film image input system forms an image of a developed still photo film 134 on a light receiving surface of an image pickup element 140 through a zoomable taking lens 138 and outputs to a monitor TV an image signal photo-electrically converted by the image pickup element 140 to thereby reproduce the film image on the screen of the monitor TV. The film image input system comprises at least one mirror 137 interposed between the photo film 134 and taking lens 138 for bending the optical axis of the taking lens 138, a mirror drive mechanism 168 for inclining the mirror 137 in all directions, and an operation part 170 for driving the mirror drive mechanism 168 in order to execute a desired scanning. This allows the system to be made compact and increases the freedom of design of the system.

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: A scanner mechanism having a multi-position lens assembly for capturing images resident on an original includes an electronic camera for capturing the images and providing an image signal therefrom and a base assembly having a camera housing which supports the camera for movement relative to an optical axis in order to define plural fields of view. A lifting cam is mounted for pivotal movement from the base assembly, pivoting at one end thereof in spaced relation to the camera and engaging the camera at the other thereof for movement relative to the base assembly to define the plural fields of view, the lifting cam further having a contour cam surface on one side thereof. A slide is movable in relation to the base assembly and supports at least two lens assemblies in spaced relation relative to the optical axis of the camera.

Abstract: A system for controlling the integrity of an image recorded on a first recording medium, for example, film, and transferred to a second recording medium, for example, videotape. The system includes a control chart having a set of chart control information and a plurality of control strips each having a set of strip control information. The control chart, which is for use by a cinematographer on a set, is recordable on the film under substantially the same conditions under which the image is recorded onto the film. Each of the control strips, which are for use by a telecine colorist at a transfer machine, is formatted to correspond to a different type of commercially available film so that one of the control strips corresponds to the film on which the image is recorded. The set of strip control information on each of the control strips includes information substantially the same as information included in the set of chart control information.

Abstract: A film image signal generation apparatus, includes: a film displacement device which displaces a developed film which has a magnetic recording layer to an image area; an image signal conversion device which converts an image of a film frame which is opposed to the image area into a first image signal; a magnetic writing device which rewrites old data written in the magnetic recording layer of the film into new data; a data storage circuit which stores the old data and the new data; an image signal generation circuit which generates a second image signal which shows data change information, based upon the old data and the new data which are stored by the data storage circuit; and a control circuit which controls the magnetic writing device, the data storage circuit, and the film displacement device so as to rewrite the old data which is recorded upon the magnetic recording layer into the new data which is stored in the storage circuit, and controls the image signal conversion device and the image signal genera

Abstract: Classifying and detecting original images on a roll of film so that a photographer can describe and identify to the photofinisher the type of images of interest to the photographer and to identify which images by category on the roll of film are to receive certain customer requested procedures such as multiple prints, enlargements or no printing of that image at all.

Abstract: A system and methods for automated color correction. A computer-based workstation is coupled to an image source such as a telecine or other graphic image generating device, an image processing system such as a color corrector, and a utilization device such as a tape recorder or digital storage device. A target image from the image source is displayed on a display monitor associated with the workstation. An image and data storage device stores images and prestored reference image information for a plurality of selectable reference images. A capture device captures a source image from the image source. An image analyzer software process computes statistical parameters of the source image and compares these statistical parameters to prestored statistical parameters of a selected one of the reference images. The statistical parameters include a color distribution or frequency histogram for various color parameters, e.g. gain, gamma, and black level for video signals.

Abstract: Picture signals representing a stored image stored in an image storage medium are generated. A stimulation beam having a monotonic non-uniform intensity distribution and a sensor array including a rectangular array of pixels each generating an image signal are provided. Each pixel generates in response to light. An image of an object area of the stored image is formed on the sensor array to define in the object area a fixel corresponding to each pixel of the sensor array. The object area is a small fraction of the area of the stored image. The stored image is stimulated by forming a stimulation spot substantially centered in the object area of the stored image using the stimulation beam. The stored image is scanned with the object area and the stimulation spot. This defines fixels in the stored image and generates a picture signal for each fixel. The picture signal for each fixel represents the accumulation of light emitted by the fixel in response to the stimulation spot.

Abstract: A high resolution film scanner or telecine uses a microlithographic diffuser laminate (24) arranged adjacent the film. The diffuser diffuses a collimated light beam produced from a light source and the optics of a film scanner or telecine. This type of diffuser is inexpensive, yet produces a more uniformly distributed light intensity and aids in the reduction in visibility of surface imperfections such as scratches on the scanned film.

Abstract: The image reading device scans film images on photographic film by a CCD line sensor, and transfers image data, which are read out from the CCD line sensor, to an external image receiving device via a line buffer. If a data receiving side comes into a busy state and the data cannot be transferred for some time, the line buffer overflows. When an overflow detecting section detects the overflow, the writing of the image data in the line buffer is stopped, so that the film images can be scanned again. While the film images are scanned again, a communication controller detects image data corresponding to the image data when the overflow is detected, so that the writing of the image data in the line buffer can be resumed from a point when the correspondence is detected.

Abstract: Mounting of a solid state imaging sensor in a film scanner support body with an axis of the sensor in precision alignment with a scan axis of the scanner. The sensor is precision mounted on a support frame forming part of a sensor package with the sensor axis aligned with a line of sensor leads extending from the sensor support frame. The sensor package is then mounted on a scanner support body with the sensor leads abuting an insulator material reference datum surface that holds the sensor axis in precision alignment relative to a film scan axis.

Abstract: In still frame images from a film, the first frame of an image block is produced in a fade-in manner for gradually outputting a picture. If the end of a beginning part of a theme block is detected from information for a next frame, the process is advanced to a step to select a production method including relevantly large movement on the assumption that the scene is moved to an intermediate part of the theme block. If the intermediate part is ended, a different production method including relevantly small movement is selected on the assumption that the scene is moved to an end part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning an image using a moving lens scanning system is described. The present invention moves film through a pin registered film gate, creating a projected image. A light source exposes images on the film in the film gate. The projected image passes through a lens and exposes a sensor, for example, a CCD camera. The sensor converts the section of the projected image exposed to it into electronic signals, and transfers that data out of the sensor. In one embodiment, the position of the film gate relative to the lens and sensor is adjustable to accommodate different size film formats. A rectangular sensor is used having a width narrower than the projected image width, and a height corresponding to the height of the projected image.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus perform an inverse telecine procedure on a video sequence to eliminate redundant information introduced by the telecine process, so as to achieve more efficient data compression. The method and apparatus maintain synchronization between audio and video portions of the video sequence by ensuring that 20% of all frames, distributed substantially uniformly over the video sequence, are deleted. One embodiment of the present invention is provided in desktop computer system.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved parallel telecine for converting a plurality of recorded images or frames of film, defined by a first and a second set of frames of film, to a digital data stream. The improved telecine comprises a plurality of image transfer or digitizing systems for respectively digitizing each of the recorded images or frames of film or groupings of frames of film. Each image transfer and digitizing system comprises an illuminator system for illuminating the respective frames or groupings of frames, and a camera system for converting the image of the respective frame or groupings of frames into a digital data stream. Each camera sensor additionally comprises a position sensor for detecting a first and a second pair of edges on a coordinated positional tag at the edge of the film frame. Further, each camera system comprises an aligning mechanism for aligning each camera system in response to the set of edges of the respective coordinated position tag detected by the position sensor.

Abstract: In a telecine film scanner having an aperture area setting servo loop to establish output light intensity in response to commanded light intensity settings followed by operation of a lamp current intensity servo loop during film scanning at the established aperture area position, the affect of the aperture area setting on the lamp current intensity servo loop gain is compensated for by means of a gain compensation circuit in the current intensity servo loop that operates to make the current intensity servo loop gain reciprocally proportional to the commanded light intensity settings, at least for settings above a minimum threshold setting. Any input gain adjustments, such as for different film types, in the commanded light intensity signal applied to the lamp current intensity servo loop are additionally compensated for by a reciprocal gain adjustment in the servo loop.

Abstract: A film image input system is disclosed which provides an increased degree of freedom of design thereof, can be reduce the size and costs thereof, and can execute a trimming operation with ease. The film image input system forms an image of a developed still photo film 134 on a light receiving surface of an image pickup element 140 through a zoomable taking lens 138 and outputs to a monitor TV an image signal photo-electrically converted by the image pickup element 140 to thereby reproduce the film image on the screen of the monitor TV. The film image input system comprises at least one mirror 137 interposed between the photo film 134 and taking lens 138 for bending the optical axis of the taking lens 138, a mirror drive mechanism 168 for inclining the mirror 137 in all directions, and an operation part 170 for driving the mirror drive mechanism 168 in order to execute a desired scanning. This allows the system to be made compact and increases the freedom of design of the system.

Abstract: An index image which shows plural frames on a film strip within a film cartridge and/or a film image in one frame are displayed on a display. Information relating to automatic regeneration or automatic printing for regenerating plural film images on the film sequentially and automatically is entered by an user who is looking at the display. The entered automatic regeneration information or automatic printing information are recorded in a record medium which corresponds to the film cartridge. When the automatic regeneration or automatic printing is performed, the film player reads out the automatic regeneration information or the automatic printing information from the record medium, and automatically regenerates or prints the plural film images on the film strip in accordance with the readout automatic regeneration information or automatic printing information.

Abstract: A cinematographic camera is operated at three times normal frame rates and converted to digital video in a telecine operation. Motion estimation provides from the digital video motion vectors which are substantially free of temporal aliasing. These motion vectors are employed in film weave measurement and correction and in motion compensated noise reduction and scratch concealment to provide a high quality signal which can be displayed at the elevated frame rate or standards converted, using the high quality motion vectors, to any desired standard.

Abstract: In an apparatus having a clock and a movable stage, a method of synchronizing the occurrence of the stage reaching a target velocity or target location with the clock signal, comprising:a) determining the clock period;b) before beginning movement of the movable stage, for a first relative time in the clock cycle, determining a calculated relative time of the target velocity or target location;c) if the calculated relative time differs from a predetermined second relative time in the clock cycle, then adding a delay commencing at the first relative time before beginning movement of the movable stage which moves the actual occurrence of the target velocity or target location to another relative time.

Abstract: A process and system for forming a video image with a telecine transfer device is disclosed, the process comprising converting a photographic film image into video signals representative of the image with a telecine transfer device which uses a cathode ray tube flying spot scanner in combination with at least one dichroic beam splitting mirror to separate the light from the cathode ray tube into component spectral segments which are then detected by a light detector, wherein a filter is positioned between the dichroic mirror and the light detector to compensate for an inconsistent spectral distribution of light in at least one component spectral segment resulting from a varying angle of incidence of light originating from various positions of the cathode ray tube onto the dichroic mirrors, said filter reducing the magnitude of the range of spectral change due to the varying angle of incidence.

Abstract: A film holder holds a film original and an image reading device uses the film holder for the purpose of easily changing the frames of the film original. The film holder is provided with a holder main body and an adapter. The holder main body holds the film original and has a plurality of openings that face the images of each frame of the film original. The adapter holds the holder main body so that sliding is possible along a length of the film original and has windows that coincide with at least one of the plurality of openings of the holder main body.

Abstract: In a film scanner, noise caused by fluctuations in the intensity of a light source 100 are corrected by taking a sample 175 of the light source and correcting the image read from, or written to, the film with respect to the sample. Preferably, the sample is routed around a film gate 105 and has a similar optical path as the image sample 125. In this way, noise due to variations in the optical path and additional electronics 185 may also be corrected.

Abstract: The improved image inputting apparatus for reading the image recorded on a transmission original comprises: a light source; an image sensor for photoelectrically reading the light that has issued from the light source and which has been transmitted through the original; an imaging lens for permitting the transmitted light to be focused on the image sensor; a focusing device for automatically adjusting a focus of the imaging lens; and a control device for controlling the focusing device before starting the reading of a new image group such that only the first frame of the image group is subjected to one-step automatic focusing or two-step automatic focusing consisting of coarse and fine adjustments whereas the other frames are not subjected to focusing but image reading is performed adopting the focus state of the first frame or are subjected to automatic focusing comprising only fine adjustment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding moving picture signals. A plurality of encoding picture groups, each consisting of a pre-set number of encoding pictures freed of redundant pictures from a plurality of original pictures represented by the input moving picture signals, are formed, and the number of original pictures used for forming the encoding picture groups and the group-based target bit amount are calculated. The moving picture signals of the encoding pictures are encoded from one picture group to another based upon the target bit amount. Even if the encoding picture rate is changed from one picture group to another, the target bit amount can be adaptively controlled with these changes in the encoding picture rate. Consequently, there is no risk of the output bit rate significantly surpassing the target value.

Abstract: A film image input method and device uses a line sensor 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. The line sensor includes photoelectric transfer elements 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 a 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, 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: 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: An apparatus achieves an exposure control for getting an image with the best SN without a mechanical iris and an image processing which is good at the color-reappearance and the gradation property with a simple digital processing circuit. When the film image is read by the line sensor 14 which has an electric shutter function, the electric shutter, the film feeding speed and the analog amplifier 16 are controlled totally so as to obtain images with the best SN from high to low transmittance negatives.

Abstract: A film mode video sequence detector for detecting video sequences converted from movie films in 30 Hz frame rate video resources comprises a video signal detecting means provided a mean of absolute difference (MAD) value of input video signal and a film mode condition generation signal considering a user threshold and still picture, making a decision whether the input signal is film mode, and transmitting the film mode condition generation signal, film mode departure signal, the threshold pass signal, and a clock which is generated on film mode condition; a condition generating means provided the MAD value and the condition generating signal from the video mode detecting means, making a decision whether the MAD value shows a pattern off film mode considering still picture, transmitting the film mode condition generating signal to the video signal detecting means; a mode converting means provided an input field decision signal, a screen transition generating signal, departure signal from video mode decision me

Abstract: A method and device for performing source transitions in a video system which performs entropy encoding such that a transition occurs only after the fields which define a frame picture have been received by the encoder. The method and device also provides arrangement for ensuring that initially after the switch to the second program source consecutive fields of information from the second program source which will be encoded as a frame picture are provided.

Abstract: A video encoder control system and method are disclosed for controlling a video encoder using a processor having a multiple field delay circuit for delaying input video data by a predetermined number of frames, and a statistics generator for generating statistics from the video data to control the encoder. The statistics generator calculates a sum of absolute values of field differences between pixels, with the sum used for detecting a redundant field, for generating a film flag, and for controlling the encoder using the film flag. The statistics generator calculates averages of blocks of pixels, and a fade detector uses the averages for detecting fades between successive frames to generate a fade flag to control the encoding. The rate controller responds to the statistics to change the resolution of the encoding of successive frames. The processor outputs the film flags, scene change flags, and fade flags to the rate controller to control the encoding of the delayed video data.

Abstract: A telecine scanner includes a device for determining and automatically correcting vertical and horizontal picture steadiness errors (film weave correction) during continuous-motion film drive scanning. To perform an optimum film weave correction, correction signals are derived from photosensors (11 and 13) arranged in the area of the film gate and scanning the sprocket holes during the entire scanning period of each film frame. The photosensor (11) provided for vertical correction includes a plurality of photoelements arranged transversely to the film drive direction and substantially corresponding to the number of television lines per film frame. The photosensor (13) provided for horizontal correction includes a plurality of photoelement sectors (14 to 21) arranged along the film edge, the photoelement sectors being smaller than a sprocket hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning and digitizing image objects includes a conventional scanning unit for processing individual image objects with the aid of a first electro-optical scanning unit. Furthermore, an optional roll-film unit is provided for processing roll-film objects. The roll-film unit is optionally usable in combination with the conventional scanning unit. The roll-film unit too utilizes at least the first electro-optical scanning unit of the conventional scanner to digitize the roll-film object. The apparatus is especially suited for use for digitizing aerial images in individual image form or in roll-film form in the area of photogrammetry.

Abstract: In a film image input method, a line sensor is used as an image sensor to reduce the cost. 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. 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. Then, the image signals are output to the TV monitor based on the stored fine image data.

Abstract: A video signal encoder encodes an interlaced video signal having a field frequency of 60 Hz obtained by overlapping a portion of first fields and second fields, in which the first field and the second field are produced from one frame of a non-interlaced video signal having a frame frequency of 24 Hz. This encoder has a field identification signal generating unit for externally receiving the interlaced video signal to thereby generate a field identification signal indicative of switching of the respective fields of the interlaced video signal; and an encoding unit for externally receiving a top field signal which becomes active with respect to a top field among the plural fields of the interlaced video signal corresponding to the respective frames of the non-interlaced video signal, and for encoding the interlaced video signal based on the top field signal and the field identification signal by skipping the portion of the overlapped fields.