Abstract: A method for processing a moving picture in which input digital moving picture signals of a pre-set picture rate are processed in accordance with pre-set picture processing and the processed digital picture signal are transmitted. The input digital moving picture signal has plural field pictures.

Abstract: A first pixel of a given field is compared with second and third vertically aligned pixels of corresponding horizontal position of an adjacent field to produce, for each first pixel, a pixel difference signal having a value of zero if the value of the first pixel is intermediate the values of the second and third pixels, the difference signal otherwise having a value equal to the absolute value of a difference between the value of the first pixel and the value of one of the second and third pixels having a value closest to that of first pixel. The pixel difference signals are accumulated over a predetermined portion of one field period of the video signal to provide a field difference signal which is analyzed by a group of five correlators for patterns characteristic of 2-2 pull-down or 3-2 pull-down film mode sources. Flags are produced for identifying film mode operation and for identifying which of the adjacent fields to use in subsequent video processing such as de-interlacing or flicker reduction.

Abstract: Digital signals are generated and stored for each pixel of a frame of a video originated material. A computer reads the digital signals and converts them to binary image data by employing a program to reassign color and black component values for each pixel. The component value reassignments performed by the computer are a primary component modification step. The primary component modification step, in one embodiment, comprises component modifications by selected image zones of the video originated images, based on color data within actual filmed images originated simultaneously as the video images. The film origination and video origination are preferably provided by the same camera, with image data delivered for both through the same lens by way of a "beam-splitter" device. The primary component modified digital data is assembled and a secondary modification may also be performed. Film stock emulsion grain patterns are introduced to the images in the second modification step.

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 new and useful method is disclosed for transferring information from cinema film at a first speed to broadcast quality video signals at a second and different, predetermined speed which may be greater or less than the first speed, in a telecine with an internal frame store using a beam of optical information signals.

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 portable and economical telecine machine for rapidly converting images recorded on motion picture film to electronically available and manipulable video signals with extremely high frame accuracy and temporal correspondence. On a commercially-available flatbed editing table, motion picture film passes through a light-tight enclosure surrounding a strobe, the film, a mirror, and a video camera. When the film is centered between the strobe and the camera, the strobe flashes to optically transmit the film image to the video camera. The film is then advanced exactly one single film frame to record the next image. In this way, film images are recorded frame by frame by a video camera, converting the film images into video signals. Passage of the film is monitored by a film sprocket coupled to a bi-phase encoder. When the image is optically transmitted to the camera, it is recorded in the two next available video fields by the video camera.

Abstract: A telecine uses a flying-spot scanner to derive video images from a film. A scan control circuit is used to control the scan of the flying-spot to introduce special effects. Pairs of successive images may be misaligned and a motion vector estimator is used to detect the amount of misalignment. This produces a shift vector for an image stabilizer to shift one of the images of a pair. The motion vector estimator also receives data from the scan control circuit relating to any special effect in the images and corrects the shift vector in dependence on this.

Abstract: In a film scanner for optically scanning a film for obtaining a picture signal, which film is moved at a constant speed, an image position correction which is as motion-independent as possible, is ensured in that the film scanner at least doubly scans at least parts of each film image and determines image position errors by comparing the two scanning signals of the same nominal image content, and corrects the picture signal in dependence upon the determined image position error.

Abstract: A binary number is generated representative of net motion during a field interval of an interlaced video signal from which a field to field difference signal is derived having a sign bit and a group of magnitude bits. The magnitude bits are compared with a first threshold to provide a first threshold indicating signal which, with the sign bit, are applied via respective bus lines to each correlator of a group of five correlators. The correlators are addressed using variable modulo addressing to detect patterns representative of 2--2 pull down and 3-2 pull down film originated frames. Logic is provided for detecting when one and only one of the five correlators indicates film detection to verify film mode operation. Error reduction is further enhanced by comparing the field difference signal with a second threshold, higher than the first, to provide a second thresold indicating signal to each correlator via a second bus.

Abstract: A camera and a video filing system practicable therewith are disclosed. The camera has a body and a plurality of component parts removably mounted on the body and including a lens and a stroboscope. The body and component parts each has a respective condition data output section for outputting shooting conditions, and a respective ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a type and other inherent data beforehand. A processor reads the data from such condition data output sections and ROMs at the time of shooting and records them in a magnetic recording area formed in a silver halide sensitive type of film. As a result, images are recorded in the film together with shot data associated therewith. The video filing system automatically reads the image data and shot data out of the film and records the image data in an optical disk or similar recording medium by using the shot data as keywords, thereby constructing a video data base.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively generating video signals representing photographic images previously recorded in a film 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 window generating device which generates a window having a range of video signal values in response to a user input, a processor which suppresses the produced video signals having values outside the generated window, and an enhancer which enhances the produced video signals having values within the generated window.

Abstract: In an illumination system for a film telecine scanner of the type adapted to provide a line of illumination on the image frames of a film which is supported for movement in a film gate of the scanner, an improved light control system for adjusting the amount of light that is delivered from a light source to an integrating cylinder to take into account fluctuations in intensity of the light source and desired intensity changes in the line of illumination upon a change of scene in the image frames of the film as the film is being scanned.

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: A method for estimation of global error motion vectors, which represent unwanted global picture instabilities in a picture sequence in digital video signals. The method uses a motion vector estimator with an adaptively variable measuring time distance, as well as spatial processing and temporal processing, in order to estimate a sequence of global motion vectors, from which a sequence of global error motion vectors is separated in order to allow stabilization of a picture sequence in digital video signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for deriving from a motion picture film for transfer to a video recording medium a video signal having increased vertical resolution for display using progressive scanning. In the apparatus, a deriving system derives the video signal from the motion picture film; a flag signal generating circuit generates a flag signal indicating that the video signal is for display using progressive scanning; and a recording system records the video signal and the flag signal in the recording medium. In a method of deriving from an interlaced high-definition video signal an interlaced standard-definition video signal having increased vertical resolution, the interlaced high-definition video signal is converted into a progressive high-definition video signal. The number of pixels in the progressive high-definition video signal is reduced to provide a progressive standard-definition video signal, which is converted into the interlaced standard-definition video signal.

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: In a film scanner for optically scanning a film for obtaining a picture signal, which film is moved at a constant speed, an image position correction which is as motion-independent as possible, is ensured in that the film scanner at least doubly scans at least parts of each film image and determines image position errors by comparing the two scanning signals of the same nominal image content, and corrects the picture signal in dependence upon the determined image position error.

Abstract: A film-to-tape transfer apparatus transfers and records images of movie film, slide film and photographs onto videotape mounted in the video camera with synchronous sound recording by providing a control panel on the body of the apparatus to control both audio and video signals to be transferred. Different sizes of photographs can be mounted on the photo mount. Recording can be made either in black and white or in color.

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: An operator input subsystem and an image signal processing subsystem are provided to a digital image processing system. The operator input subsystem comprises a CPU, a display device and an input device, whereas the image signal processing subsystem comprises a digital signal processor having a number of digitized signal correctors. For cases where the output results are expressible as smoothly differentiable continuous functions of the digitized input signal values and the processing parameters, the CPU receives the specified output results from the input device and the digitized input signal values and the current processing parameters from the digitized signal correctors. In response, the CPU determines the most optimal processing parameters for the digitized signal correctors to achieve the specified output results. The CPU provides the determined optimal processing parameters to the digitized signal correctors, which in turn use the parameters to correct the digitized signals.

Abstract: A system for processing information in an image originated on a first medium into data representative of a modified image simulating an image originated on a selected second medium.

Abstract: A method for determining which of similar video fields may be excised to enhance video signal compression evaluates parameters of four successive fields denoted 0, 1, 2, and 3. Accumulated differences d(0, 2) and d(1,3) of corresponding pixels in successive frames are generated. In addition a determination is made whether fields 1 and 2 exhibit interlace characteristics. If they do not exhibit interlaced characteristics, a comparison is made of d(0, 2) and d(1, 3). If d(0, 2) is less than d(1, 3) by a predetermined amount, field 2 is excised from the signal stream and a code is generated to condition a receiver to display two of the remaining four fields in a three field interval. Subsequently the latter two fields of the set of 0, 1, 2 and 3 fields, and the next two occurring fields are similarly analyzed.

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 real-time telecine system for converting motion picture film to high definition video contains a control unit comprising a database which provides complete control over all parameters associated with the film to high definition video conversion. The telecine system comprises a film transport sub-system, camera sub-system, rotating shutter and lamphouse. To convert a motion picture film to high definition video, the motion picture film is advanced, by the film transport sub-system, a single frame at a time during a pulldown period, and the film is held steady during a register period. The lamphouse emanates a single diffused light source to illuminate the film frame to generate an optical film image. The rotating shutter permits exposure of the optical film image to the camera sub-system in a 3-2 pulldown arrangement. Values for controlling the lamphouse light intensity are stored in the database and are subsequently retrieved for film to video conversion.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an image sensing circuit, an inverting circuit for inverting a polarity of an output of the image sensing circuit, and a correcting circuit for correcting a black reference level of the output of the image sensing circuit in accordance with an operation of the inversion circuit.

Abstract: In an illumination system for a film telecine scanner of the type adapted to provide a line of illumination on the image frames of a film which is supported for rapid movement in a film gate of the scanner, an improved light control system for adjusting the amount of light that is delivered from a light source to an integrating cylinder to take into account fluctuations in intensity of the light source and desired intensity changes in the line of illumination upon a change of scene in the image frames of the film as the film is being scanned. The light control system includes aperture defining apparatus for selectively adjusting the amount of light entering said integrating cylinder in response to the commanded light intensity signal within the time span of scanning a single image frame of the film.

Abstract: A computerized interactive menu-driven video signal processing apparatus and method for selectively converting and processing color video signals from a color film scanner includes and provides a method for using a film scanner, a video color signal processor, a video signal storage device (e.g. high definition video tape recorder) and a computer with an interactive menu-driven operator control interface. The operator interface includes an alphanumeric keypad, a computer "mouse," a graphics display and a video monitor. While viewing analytical data (e.g. film masking coefficients, model film dye characteristic curves) on the graphics display and video images on the video monitor, the operator enters data and commands into the computer via the alphanumeric keypad or mouse to control the film scanner, the video color signal processor and the video signal storage device.

Abstract: A film recorder includes a digital image generator and a central processing unit operatively associated with the digital image generator for controlling the generation of images output from the image generator for recording. A film transport is provided to carry a photographic film. An image output from the image generator is projected onto a film plane of the film transport. An interface provides a data path between the central processing unit and a user accessible receptacle provided in the film recorder. A user replaceable memory element is inserted into the receptacle for communication with the central processing unit via the data path. The user replaceable memory element can provide various features. It can contain color look up tables for new photographic film types. Credit balance information can be provided in the user replaceable memory element to enable a user to make a predetermined number of exposures using the film recorder.

Abstract: Digital signals are generated and stored for each pixel of a frame of a preferably high definition video originated material. A computer reads the digital signals and converts them to binary image data by employing a selected look-up-table program to reassign color and black component values for each pixel. The programs applied in the component value reassignments are compiled from, and based on, comparative digital video component results of telecined film stocks' responses to selected color and grey scale gradients as charted against a selected video unit's response to the same charts under a selected number of identical lighting circumstances. A projector unit projects the high definition video frame through a macro lens onto a strip of exposed and processed motion picture or other photographic film of an optional grey scale gradient and thus grain pattern density.

Abstract: A technique for improving the tone and color reproduction of print and slide images which are photographed onto color negative film, scanned by a Photo CD negative scanner and transferred onto Photo CD discs is disclosed. The technique incorporates a calibration method for (1) producing color negatives (or slides) using normal scanner calibration targets, (2) producing controlled prints from the negatives, (3) re-photographing the prints (or slides) onto a second color negative film, and (4) performing the normal scanner calibration using this second "cascaded" film. The calibration step not only "compensates for" the second color negative film (as is the case when calibrating for "normal" film exposed from the original scenes) but also "compensates for" the first negative film "print through" (or slide) characteristics.

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 real-time telecine system for converting motion picture film to high definition video contains a control unit comprising a database which provides complete control over all parameters associated with the film to high definition video conversion. The telecine system comprises a lamphouse which generates three monochromatic light sources wherein the light intensity for each light source is controlled independently by the control unit. Each light source contains a lamp, a variable power supply, a lens configuration and a light valve. Each lamp comprises a non-incandescent lamp such as xenon, and generates a collimated light beam. Each lens configuration contains a heat mirror, dichroic filters and a focusing lens. The dichroic filters for each light source generate a monochromatic light source by filtering the light beam. The focusing lens focuses the monochromatic light beam from each light source for input to an integrating sphere.

Abstract: A subject image being electronically transferred from a first medium to a second medium is accomplished through tone scale tracking. Three monochromatic channels representing the subject image are generated from the first medium. In a preferred embodiment, an image processing system provides color correction for each channel by compensating for film and video characteristics that cause a degradation of color from the original subject image. Calibration of the system is provided by means for an operator to specify tone densities for the second medium that correlate to signal levels derived from the first medium for each channel. The image processing system tracks the tone densities calibrated to provide enhanced film masking. The image processing system also performs characteristic curve processing in accordance with a Hurter-Driffield (HD) curve.

Abstract: A telecine system for converting motion picture film to video contains a pulldown mechanism and a rotating shutter. The telecine system creates a 3-2 film frame to video frame conversion. The pulldown mechanism transports the film and the rotating shutter exposes the film to a video camera. The pulldown mechanism contains a film aperture and a pin registration system. The film is transported over the film aperture during a pulldown period, and the pin registration system provides precise placement of the film frame over the film aperture. The pulldown periods occur during constant intervals. During a register period of the telecine system, the single film frame is held steady over the film aperture. A rotating shutter contains five apertures wherein each aperture is used to expose a film frame to the camera.

Abstract: A film-to-tape transfer apparatus suitable for transferring images from movie film, slide film, photograph and the like which includes a case body having a bottom plate therein, a rotary shaft rotatably installed on the bottom plate and having a manipulating knob mounted on the top portion thereof, a supporting member secured to the rotary shaft, a reflecting mirror attached to the supporting member, a glass screen unit provided on the rear side of the case body, a macro-lens provided on the left side of the case body, a fluorescent lamp installed at the right portion inside the case body, a transparent and pushing plate provided on the right side of the case body and slightly spaced with each other for receiving a photograph to be recorded, and a sound mixing unit for controlling the sound to be recorded on the video tape.

Abstract: Digital signals are generated and stored for each pixel of a frame of a preferably high definition video originated material. A computer reads the digital signals and converts them to binary image data by employing a selected look-up-table program to reassign color and black component values for each pixel. The programs applied in the component value reassignments are compiled from, and based on, comparative digital video component results of telecined film stocks' responses to selected color and grey scale gradients as charted against a selected video unit's response to the same charts under a selected number of identical lighting circumstances. The revised digital data is assembled and converted to an analog signal for a secondary modification wherein: A projector unit projects the high definition video frame through a macro lens onto a strip of exposed and processed motion picture or other photographic film of an optional grey scale gradient and thus grain pattern density.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a picture signal processing mode, first and second motion vectors are determined (ME, D.sub.T) for first and second fields, and a picture signal processing mode control signal is obtained by comparing (D.sub.T, -, COMP-R) the first and second motion vectors. The control signal may be transmitted along with, for example, a HDTV signal to give an indication to a TV receiver whether the signal originated from movie-film or from non-movie-film or be generated within the receiver.

Abstract: In a telecine chain, means including a rotate coil located about the scanning tube to apply a magnetic field perpendicular to the axis of the electron beam to thereby effect rotation of the raster, the degree of rotation depending on the amount of current flow and the direction of the flow and means to compensate for the distortion introduced by the rotation. The types of distortion for which compensation can be provided include rotate, focus, size, height and rhombic distortions.

Abstract: A system for integrating film material with a digital video signal employs a film scanner to produce a digital video signal from the source film, and a post production system for combining with that signal the input digital video signal. Motion interpolated temporal compensation is employed at stages of frame rate conversion.

Abstract: An input digital video signal representing a series of input frames is processed to produce an output digital video signal representing a series of output frames with an increased motion blur effect. For each output frame at least one intermediate field or frame is produced by motion compensated temporal interpolation between a pair of the input frames. Each output frame is then produced by combining the intermediate field or frame with at least one further intermediate field or frame and/or with one of the respective input frames so that the output frame has an increased motion blur characteristic compared with that of the input frames. Using motion compensated temporal interpolation, a change in frame rate can also be produced as between the input frames and the output frames.

Abstract: A system for integrating film material with a digital video signal employs a film scanner to produce a digital video signal from the source film, and a post production system for combining with that signal the input digital video signal. Motion interpolated temporal compensation is employed at stages of frame rate conversion.

Abstract: In an apparatus for reading a photographed image on a standard size negative film, wherein the photographed image includes a standard size image and a pseudo panoramic image, and wherein the pseudo panoramic image includes an exposed image region and an unexposed non-image region, the apparatus includes an image reader to photoelectrically read an image of a film and to ouput image signals, a circuit to process the image signals and to determine an image region and a non-image region on the image of the film, and the circuit eliminates image signals corresponding to the non-image region.

Abstract: Method of integrating 30 or 60 frame/s format material and 60 field/s 2:1 interlace scan format digital video signal to produce a 60 field/s 2:1 interlace scan format digital video signal by producing a progressive scan format digital video signal from the format material, converting the progressive scan format digital video signal to a 60 field/s 2:1 interlace scan format digital video signal and combining the converted signal with the 60 field/s interlace scan format digital video signal.

Abstract: A film scanning system and method for generating a digital signal representing digitized film images, and having a first (less than real-time) film frame rate, and performing digital correction (such as flare correction, color correction, or both) on the digital signal at a higher (but still less than real-time) frame rate. In a preferred embodiment, conventional video signals (having NTSC or PAL format, or SMPTE-240M or another high definition video format) are then generated from the corrected digital signal. In one embodiment, the system of the invention includes circuitry for scanning color film frames to generate and store a digital signal (representing digitized color film images) at a rate of 1.875 film frames per second, circuitry for color correcting the stored digital signal at an internal processing rate of 7.5 frames per second, and means for generating SMPTE-240M high definition video signals (having a frame rate of 30 frames per second) from the color corrected digital signal.

Abstract: A film/video detector includes circuitry for generating the differences between corresponding pixel values in successive frames of video signal. These differences are accumulated over respective frame intervals. Accumulated values for respective frames are applied to a signal averager and to a correlation circuit. Average values from the averager are subtracted from correlation values from the correlation circuit, and film mode signal is indicated if the latter differences are greater than a predetermined value.

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 device for maintaining the clearance between the head of a film exposing CRT and a plate supported film that includes a plate that supports the film to be exposed is movably mounted in front of the head for maintaining the desired clearance at a constant distance so that the film can be exposed to the light rays emitted by the CRT, and a driving device for positioning the device for maintaining the desired clearance between the head of the CRT and the plate supported film.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for electronically processing negative composite video signals, wherein the negative composite video signals correspond to a negative image as produced by the projection of negative photographic film. The negative composite video signals are converted to positive composite video signals. The entire portion of the negative composite video signal between adjacent horizontal blanking portions is electronically inverted. The horizontal blanking portions of the negative composite video, which include the color burst signal, are not inverted. The composite signal that results includes the blanking portions, having the color burst signal, in their original, unaltered state. The image portion of the resulting composite signal, i.e., the portions of the resulting composite signal between the horizontal blanking portions, is inverted, and the resulting composite video signal is thus converted from negative to positive state.