Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a surveillance system with intelligently interchangeable cameras. The system includes multiple bases, each with a respective base identifier, and multiple cameras configured to learn the respective base identifiers while in proximity with a respective base. The cameras in the system are configured to employ a camera configuration corresponding with the respective learned base identifier. Each camera in the system employs the appropriate camera configuration for its placement in the system because each camera employs the camera configuration associated with the base identifier learned by the camera. This allows the cameras to be easily replaced, swapped, and moved throughout the surveillance system.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for determining the position of a tape-like medium are proposed. The method provides for counting pulses which are supplied to the arrangement for determining the position to be counted, blocked or cancelled depending on the respective transport state. To this end, it is established whether the transport direction has been constant for a defined amount of time or over a defined distance. The transport direction determines whether the counter is incremented or decremented. In addition, counting pulses which rapidly follow one another are blocked in order to avoid undesirable double triggering. In order to avoid losing blocked counting pulses in an undesirable manner, the latter are stored and are applied to the counter, or discarded, depending on the transport state before and after blocking.

Abstract: A double speed intermittent film pull down for a movie projector (100) comprises a sprocket (122), which advances the film (114) a frame at a time. A star wheel (140) is mounted on a common shaft (132) with the sprocket (122). A cam (134) turns the sprocket (122) every other rotation of the cam (134). A shutter (106) is mounted on a common shaft (132) with the cam (134) and interrupts light to the frame of the film (114). The common shaft (132) for the cam (134) and shutter (106) turns at approximately twice the speed of the common shaft (132) for the star wheel (140) and sprocket (122).

Abstract: A shoot command entering switch for a video camera or similar movie camera is implemented by a single action switch and provided with a locking mechanism. The switch is allowed to enter a shoot start command and a shoot end command in the camera by a single manipulation. When the locking mechanism is actuated, the switch is held in a position for continuous shooting and therefore operable in the same manner as a double action switch. Such a construction facilitates the manipulations for ordinary or short-time shooting and those for long-time shooting which may be performed as desired.

Abstract: A motion picture camera is described which minimizes waste of film during the start up of the camera, when the supply and takeup reels are rapidly accelerated until film is moving at the proper speed, at which time the camera begins to take pictures. A reel motor is energized to apply a high torque that rapidly accelerates the takeup reel at an acceleration limited by the amount of film on the takeup reel, while the camera motor which moves film through the film gate region is controlled to move film towards the takeup reel at a speed that maintains a moderate level of film tension between the film gate region and the takeup reel.

Abstract: A system for controlling the winding and exposure of film in a camera and the changing of slides in a slide projector to enable the camera to photograph the transparencies in the projector. The system includes two control units, one for responding to audio signals for controlling the operation of the camera, and the other for likewise responding to audio signals for controlling the operation of the projector. The audio signals for controlling the camera are recorded on one track of a stereo cassette tape and the signals for controlling the projector are stored on the other track and interleaved in time. A cassette tape player is coupled to the control units to alternately supply signals to one control unit and then to the other. The control units include speakers so that the audio signals may be broadcast to provide an indication to the user of the status of the photographing procedure.

Abstract: A motion picture camera has a rotary shutter driven by a DC motor which is supplied from a battery. The camera also has an arrangement for making light markings for identification purposes on the film in the camera. This arrangement includes a light-emitting diode and a capacitor which is charged by the battery and discharges across the diode. The electrical circuitry is such that the capacitor is connected to the battery only when the motor is disconnected therefrom; inversely, when the motor is to be connected to the battery in order to operate the shutter (and also to advance the film), the capacitor is first disconnected from the battery before the motor is connected to it and then discharges across the diode. The circuit also suppresses afterglowing of the diode.

Abstract: A photographic or cinematographic camera, in particular with a pancratic (zoom) objective lens and a comparator for comparison of the desired setting e.g. of the near point (punctum proximum) and of the far point (punctum remotum) of a camera space and of the actual setting e.g. of the depth of focus, the desired setting being adjusted by means of presetters, the actual setting resulting from the actual setpoints of the objective lens, such as range, diaphragm and under circumstances focal length, the comparator being formed preferably by an electrical linkage device, whereby upon differences between the desired setting and the actual setting, a signal can be released, which signal can be fed to an indicator device, and respectively, or to a control device. A memory device is provided in which all setpoints (which are necessary for a plurality of settings) and/or limit values of objective lens settings are stored in several memory sections which are associated with different desired value ranges.

Abstract: A film flaw detection system has capacitive sensing members for sensing capacitance changes in correspondence with irregular film variations. The sensing members take two forms. One form senses variation in film thickness by using the film as a dielectric between two plates of the capacitor. Changes in film thickness result in changes in the dielectric and hence in the capacitance. The other form consists of feelers which ride along the surface of the film and which move transversely to the film movement in response to flaws in the film. Each feeler forms a plate of a capacitance, and movement of the feeler changes the distance between this plate and an associated fixed plate which results in a capacitance change. The detecting circuit comprises a phase detection system for measuring phase changes in a high frequency signal. These phase changes correspond to capacitance changes caused by flaws in the film and sensed by either of the two forms of sensing means.

Abstract: In the disclosed motion picture system a shutter drive control circuit renders it possible to operate a rotary shutter in various exposure control modes including a mode in which rotation of the shutter is stopped for each long exposure of motion picture frame, the system can defer release of the shutter to the exposure aperture closed position pending completion of a picture frame exposure in any of the modes. The system terminates the preceding manual actuation of a shutter trigger when the taking of the particular picture frame is in progress.

Abstract: In the camera disclosed, an error preventing circuit responds to a drop in the electrical power source or battery and deactivates the camera control elements in the same sequence as that used when the camera release operation ends. According to an embodiment, the error preventing circuit also prevents the start sequence from beginning in response to a low source voltage. This assures satisfactory control over initiation and termination of each camera operating cycle and assures proper stopping when the battery voltage falls below the satisfactory operating level.

Abstract: A camera having a zoom function includes a camera body, a lens system, a grip for supporting the camera by hand, a photo-operation button which is manually depressible, a photo-operation member which is displaceable by the photo-operation button in a linear direction for operating the camera and is further displaceable in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first displacement for zoom-up or zoom-down operation, and an additional operation member for varying the zooming speed in response to the amount of displacement of the photo-operation member.

Abstract: A control circuit for an electromagnetic shutter release mechanism for cinecamera controls a low level holding current at a predetermined constant level so that a shutter stopper which has been shifted in shutter operating position by an electromagnet energized by an initial high level actuating current is held in that position irrespective of a voltage variation of a D.C. power source.

Abstract: A trigger device for a sound motion picture camera actuates a capstan drive mechanism of the camera at an initial stage of advancing movement of a reciprocatable trigger member and claw and shutter drive mechanism of the camera simultaneously with resilient contact of a pinch roller holder with a capstan at a final stage of the advancing movement of the trigger member. A locking member releasably locking a pinch roller holder at its retracted position wherein the pinch roller is separated from the capstan, is disposed in the path of the advancing movement of the trigger member at a position wherein it is disabled by the trigger member at the final stage of the advancing movement of the trigger member.

Abstract: A motion picture camera provided with a device which ensures satisfactory film exposure by cutting off unnecessary electric power supply to an electrical circuit of an information indicating lamp or the like in response to a camera setting action made to allow the camera to operate even after the operator thereof moves away from the camera.

Abstract: A sound cine camera with a cassette-receiving compartment, in which a pinch roller is movable toward a continuously rotating capstan to drive a motion-picture film, is provided with a manually operable control member whose displacement into an off-normal position, against the force of a restoring spring, prepared or completes an energizing circuit for the film drive. The control member is linked with a pinch-roller support through a releasable coupling which remains effective only as long as the compartment cover or a latch thereof is in a closure position. Clamping pressure is exerted upon the pinch roller by a biasing spring engaging its support and acting upon the control member through a camming or toggle mechanism which reduces the holding force required to maintain that pressure when the control member is in its off-normal position.

Abstract: In a sound recording portion of a sound motion picture camera, a film strip is continuously advanced by a capstan and a pinch roller. The pinch roller is movable between its retracted position where it is spaced apart from the capstan and its operative position where it is pressed against the capstan to pinch the film strip therebetween. The pinch roller is supported on a pivotable member which is capable of pivoting from a first position in which it holds the pinch roller in the retracted position to a second position in which it holds the pinch roller in the operative position. The pivotable member is moved between the two positions driven by a reciprocating plate member which is moved back and forth in translational movement by an electric motor through a cam mechanism. The electric motor is energized in response to depression of the shutter button of the camera and deenergized when the pivotable member is pivoted to its second position.

Abstract: The motion picture camera which is adjustable for taking individual pictures has a rotary shutter and means for locking this shutter in an open rest position thereof. This open rest position, at which the shutter passes the exposure light beam, is effected immediately upon the completion of the film advancement phase during one turn of the rotary shutter and can last for an arbitrarily long time period. This long time exposure is terminated by unlocking the rotary shutter simultaneously with the actuation of the release of the camera for taking the subsequent picture.

Abstract: A pinch roller actuating device for a sound motion picture camera including portion connected to a rotatable pinch roller to maintain the roller out of and in engagement with a capstan responsive to a movable camera actuating member having a limiting stop which defines the maximum displacement of the actuating member. A spring member is provided to move the pinch roller into engagement with the capstan after the actuating member is displaced beyond its mid-point. A bracket is arranged to prevent movement by the spring when the stopper engages the connecting portion, and instantly engages the pinch roller with the capstan by being suddenly moved by the spring member when the connection between the stopper and the connecting portion is released.

Abstract: The sound-recording unit of the camera includes a counterpressure roller and a pressure pad. When the sound-recording unit is to be used, the counterpressure roller is to be moved into an operative position in which it presses the motion-picture film against the capstan of the unit, and the pressure pad is to be moved into an operative position in which it presses the motion-picture film against the recording head of the unit. When the sound-recording unit is not to be used, the counterpressure roller and pressure pad are to be moved into inoperative positions, to prevent permanent deformation. The camera is provided with a plurality of independently activatable motion-transmitting mechanisms, each activatable from the exterior of the camera. Each of the motion-transmitting mechanisms can be used to move the counterpressure roller and the pressure pad from their inoperative to their operative positions.

Abstract: The camera includes a drive arrangement for effecting transport of sound motion-picture film through the camera along a predetermined path. A recording unit is operative for recording audio information onto the sound track of the motion-picture film. A suppressing device is automatically operative for preventing the recording of sound by the recording unit when the drive arrangement is being started up at the start of the filming of a scene and when the drive arrangement is being stopped at the end of the filming of a scene, to prevent the recording on the sound track of noise and interference signals generated by the drive arrangement.

Abstract: A motion picture camera with a release device capable of selective control of rotative movement of the shutter blade in the camera for a normal motion picture sequence and for a single frame slot depending upon the position of a selector therefor. The release device is provided with the single stop lever arranged between the shutter blade and a release member to be pivoted in either of two planes, perpendicular to each other. For a motion picture sequence, as the pivotal movement of the stop lever is limited to only one of the planes, it is retained in operative engagement with the release member so long as the latter is pressed, thus permitting a number of revolutions of the shutter blade in sequence.

Abstract: The camera has a picture image recording mechanism to record a picture image on a picture image recording part of the film, a sound recording mechanism to record sound information at the film having sound recording part, a constant speed film feeding mechanism having a capstan and a pinch roller to run the film at a constant speed at a sound recording head part of the sound recording mechanism, and a release member which controls initiation of a camera and is mechanically linked selectively with the sound recording mechanism and the constant speed film feeding mechanism, and which can simultaneously record a picture image and sound at the film within the cartridge when the film cartridge for simultaneous sound recording is loaded.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control system for controlling the diaphragm of a motion picture camera in accordance with the object brightness level photoelectrically determined from the amount of light passing through the diaphragm is provided with a manually switchable shutter control device having a number ofswitched positions including positions for selection of various speeds of rotation of the camera shutter and for selection of various shutter intervals each effected in one revolution of the shutter in combination with a corresponding number of branch circuits of the exposure metering device controlling operation of the camera diaphragm, whereby it is made possible to make exposures not only at normal light levels but also at low light levels outside the lower limit of the normal light level range.

Abstract: A phototransistor is coupled to a relay coil and the base of a switching transistor. Light impinging on the phototransistor will cause it to conduct, switching on the transistor causing current flow in the relay coil. Fluctuating light intensity on the phototransistor will cause a corresponding fluctuation of current in the relay coil. A predetermined level of current in the coil will maintain the relay closed.

Abstract: A camera adapted for use with either a silent-film cartridge or a sound-film cartridge of larger size and having sound recording means including a capstan and a pressure roll movable into and out of engagement with the sound film against the capstan with a sensing means actuated by the sound-film cartridge inserted into the camera for permitting the actuation of a release mechanism for movement, through a mechanical linkage, of the pressure roll into engagement with the sound-film against the capstan and for deactivating the release mechanism upon insertion of a silent-film cartridge into the camera to permit disengagement of the pressure roll from the capstan.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cinecamera capable of synchronous recording wherein a swingable arm carrying a pinch roller at one end thereof is operatively coupled to a shutter release locking lever in such a manner that when the lever is placed in the shutter release locking position for preventing shooting, the pinch roller may be moved away from a capstan by a sufficient distance to permit the smooth loading and unloading of a film cartridge, but when the lever is switched to the release position for permitting the shooting the arm may be swung to displace the pinch roller to a position very closely spaced from the capstan. The construction of the cinecamera may be remarkably simplified as compared with the conventional cinecameras wherein the pinch roller arm is operatively coupled to the cover or lid of the camera.

Abstract: A submersible camera having a waterproof housing has a plurality of magnetically operated switches for controlling normal shutter operation, self-locking operation and zoom functions. The camera is electrically operated with the electrical operating mechanism interconnected with the magnetically controlled switches. The switches do not penetrate the housing and provide simple and reliable control of the camera.

Abstract: A pair of contacts of a relay energizes the driving circuit for the film drive motor when closed. The coil operating the contacts is connected in series with the emitter of a transistor whose base is connected to the battery upon closing of the camera activating button. Zener diode connected between the base of the transistor and the relay contacts. Closing of the contacts thus energizes the motor driving circuit and also connects the Zener diode into the base-emitter circuit of the transistor, thereby decreasing the base voltage and increasing the emitter-collector resistance so that current through the coil is decreased to the holding current.

Abstract: An electromagnet release device for a motion picture camera having a drive motor, a shutter control member actuated by the driving force of the motor, a blocking mechanism to selectively block the actuation of the shutter control member, an electromagnet member to control the actuation of the blocking mechanism and a release control switching member with a delay circuit having a charging circuit that delays, for a predetermined time, the timing of the actuation of the motor relative to the timing of the actuation of the electromagnet and a discharging circuit to keep the motor energized for a period after the electromagnet is released to assure the driving of the shutter to the proper stop position. Circuits are also shown for reducing magnet current during continuous operation and for timing the operated period of the electromagnet in single frame operation.

Abstract: A movie sound camera wherein the motor for the sound shaft of the sound recording unit is started by a self-arresting rotary programming device prior to completion of the circuit of a sound amplifier, and the circuit of the amplifier is completed prior to starting of the motor for the pull down in response to movement of camera release from the idle position. When the release is returned to the idle position, the programming device automatically arrests the motor for the pull-down prior and the motor for the sound shaft subsequent to opening of the amplifier circuit. The programming device further controls the sequence in which the film is pressed against the sound shaft and biased against the second recording head of the recording unit in response to movement of release from the idle position. The programming device forms part of a control unit and is rotated by a motor which is started in response to movement of release to or from the idle position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic trigger device for use with camera capable of automatic time exposure, comprises: a power supply; a motor; a trigger switch; shutter driving means driven by said motor for driving a shutter and movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, said shutter driving means fully opening the shutter when it is at the fully open position and fully closing the shutter when it is at the fully closing position; engaging means movable between a latching position and a non-latching position, said engaging means being adapted, when moved to said latching position, to latch said shutter driving means which occupies one of the fully open and closing positions; a motor switch which is closed for electrically connecting said motor to said power supply, when said engaging means is in said non-latching position; a starting coil for attracting said engaging means, when energized, to move said engaging means to said non-latching position; a switching circuit for connecting said starting coil

Abstract: A cinematographic apparatus having an electric motor coupled to a drive shutter, first means coupled to the shutter for sensing a predetermined position thereof, second means coupled to the motor for locking said motor and the shutter in a predetermined position, and a control circuit for providing driving power to the motor, and third means for removing forward driving power, and control means including a trigger switch for unlocking said second means before actuating the control circuit to provide forward driving power to the motor; said control circuit is adapted to continue to supply forward driving power to the motor after release of the trigger switch, said third means removing forward driving power in response to release of said trigger switch and detection by said first means of said predetermined motor position, and said control means adapted to control said second means to lock said drive motor in a predetermined position after removal of the driving power by said third means.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic trigger device in a camera capable of effecting time photography, and having a trigger switch, a power source and a motor for driving a shutter driving mechanism, there is provided a restraining lever movable between a restraining position and a non-restraining position. The lever, when in the restraining position, restrains the shutter driving mechanism in fully closed shutter position. A motor switch is adapted to be closed to energize the motor when the restraining lever is in the non-restraining position. A phase switch is parallel-connected to the motor switch and operatively associated with the shutter driving mechanism to be opened in the fully open and the fully closed position of the shutter. An actuating coil is responsive to closing of the trigger switch to be connected to the power source for a predetermined time and thereby energized to attract the restraining lever to the non-restraining position.

Abstract: A motion picture camera of the type having an electrically magnetically operated release. The electric circuit includes a drive circuit and a release circuit as well as a signal circuit connected between the drive circuit and the release circuit. The drive circuit includes an electric motor for driving the film and a normally open drive switch all connected in series with the current source. The release circuit includes a release magnet having an armature and an exciting coil. The armature operates a normally open release switch for closing it upon energization of the exciting coil. The release switch and exciter coil are connected in series with the source. Finally, the signal circuit includes an electro-optic indicator such as an incandescent lamp or light-emitting diode connected in parallel with the exciter coil of the magnet and in series with the motor. As a result, the indicator lights up upon closing of the release switch to produce a light mark on the film before the motor begins to drive the film.

Abstract: A mechanism which can be utilized to drive a rotating sector disc type light shutter with a high degree of precision, so as to control light exposures that are made through a stationary aperture. Unlike the prior art, this inventive mechanism can be used to extend the exposure duration range almost indefinitely. In essence, this is accomplished with the inventive mechanism by stopping the motion of the sector disc shutter, with the open portion of the sector disc aligned with the stationary aperture, and then, after a preset elapsed interval, restarting the disc to close the aperture and terminate the exposure. Also unlike the prior art, this inventive mechanism obviates the need for critical timing.

Abstract: Film tensioning and controlling transport mechanism for a cinematograph film projector. The film take-up mechanism has a torque motor drive separate from the projector mechanism drive motor. The torque motor is energised first to tension film before the projector drive motor is energised. The torque motor is first energised with a series temperature-sensitive resistor so that torque, and film-tension, increases before the projector mechanism starts up. Film between the projector mechanism and the take-up spool is formed into a loop over a movable roller, which is spring-tensioned in the loop-lenghtening direction but is restrained by a dashpot in the loop-shortening direction. Film-tension reduces the loop length, but the projector drive motor is energised before the whole loop is taken up.