Common Picture And Sound Record Carrier Systems Patents (Class 352/26)
  • Patent number: 7907249
    Abstract: A film exposer has a modulator which modulates light from a light source and projects it onto a light-sensitive film guided continuously past the modulator. The modulator comprises a two-dimensional arrangement of elements which each project a specific quantity of light onto the film. A pixel entering the projection area of the modulator of the film on one side integrates the light which is projected onto the pixel by elements arranged in a row in the transport direction of the film. The quantity of light integrated by the pixel depends on how many elements are switched on, that is to say project light onto the film, while the film passes through the projection area of the modulator. The total quantity of the light to be integrated can be adjusted for each pixel by appropriate control of the elements respectively lying in a row in the transport direction of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: GBVV Holdings S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Klaus Anderle
  • Patent number: 7852455
    Abstract: The invention regards a device for recording full picture frames onto a photosensitive material, comprising at least one light source, at least two full frame devices for modulating light from the light source, imaging optics for combining the modulated light from the light modulation devices and/or combining optics, and recording the modulated light onto the photosensitive material, thus exposing the photosensitive material frame by frame, a film transportation device adapted for exposing, section for section, sections of the photosensitive material to the modulated light. The invention also regards a device for simultaneous and synchronised recording of full picture frames and sound tracks onto a photosensitive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Rune Bjerkestrand
  • Patent number: 7403258
    Abstract: An apparatus for playback of an analog optical sound track on a film includes a transport for transporting the film past a scanner that generates a digital image signal representative of the analog optical sound track. The digital signal represents the optical signal as gray scale values with a range of greater than one bit. A processor processes the digital image signal for displaying and assessing a result while adjusting a threshold that determines the representation of gray scale values with one bit of resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Technicolor Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Arturo Valenzuela, Vincent Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 7400821
    Abstract: For a reproduction of optical sound information in a double variable-area track (DZ) an optoelectronic converter device scans the optical sound track of a film. The converter device generates a digital image signal for buffer storage in the memory of a program-controlled data processing device. The data processing device derives the profile of the two edges of the double variable-area track from data values of the buffer-stored image signal. Audio data for a sound reproduction are generated using data about the edge profile determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Dieter Poetsch, Detlef Richter, Jochen Huegel
  • Patent number: 7146501
    Abstract: In encoder side, an electronic watermark generating device generates an electronic watermark which contains a encryption key. An electronic watermark inserting device inserts the electronic watermark containing the encryption key into a first portion of data. An encrypting device encrypts a second portion of the data with the encryption key. The first portion into which the watermark containing the encryption key has been inserted and the second portion which has been encrypted with the encryption key are combined by a switch and thereafter recorded on a record medium or transmitted to a network. In decoder side, the watermark containing the encryption key is extracted from the first portion and the encryption key is extracted from the watermark. The second portion is decrypted with the extracted encryption key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Nec Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7126663
    Abstract: A method for reducing sound track sibilance distortion during playback of an analog optical sound track. The method comprises the steps of forming and storing an image of the analog optical sound track. Representing part of the stored image as a spatial image and applying an erosion filter to the spatial image. Converting the filtered spatial image to a signal representative of the sound track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Technicolor Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Arturo Valenzuela, Vincent Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 7123339
    Abstract: A method for playback of film with an analog optical sound track the method comprises the steps of forming an image of only said analog optical sound track. Storing the image and representing part of the stored image as a spatial image. Processing the spatial image to form a median value and converting the median value of the spatial image to a signal representative of an audio signal represented in said sound track. Repeating the representing and processing steps to form median values for all of the image of the analog optical sound track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Jaime Arturo Valenzuela, Vincent Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 7053978
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for analog optical sound track playback includes a transport device for transporting a film including an analog optical sound track and audio representative envelope. A scanner forms a display image signal representative of the analog optical sound track with the audio representative envelope. An alignment device aligns the scanner such that only half of the analog optical sound track with the audio representative envelope form the display image signal and substantially fill a width of the scanner. A processor processes the image signal representing only half of the analog optical sound track and the audio representative envelope and forms therefrom an audio output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Technicolor Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Arturo Valenzuela, Vincent Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 7050142
    Abstract: An apparatus for playback of an analog optical sound track includes a transport for transporting a film including an analog optical sound track. A scanner generates an image signal of only the analog optical sound track. An alignment device aligns the scanner such that the image signal of the analog optical sound track substantially fills a width of the scanner. A processor processes the image signal to form an audio output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Technicolor Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Arturo Valenzuela, Vincent Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 6853331
    Abstract: A method of compensating for atmospheric effects to detect the actual location of low elevation objects using near horizon radar to detect an object which utilizes a preexisting satellite structured to send a signal indicating the position and velocity of said satellite, wherein the location of the satellite is known. The method includes a step of providing a radar site, a first receiver structured to receive a signal from the satellite indicating an apparent location of the satellite, and a second receiver, located at a distance from the radar site, structured to receive the satellite signal and which indicates the observed location of the satellite. The first receiver is utilized to receive a signal from the satellite when the satellite is at a low elevation. This signal indicates the apparent location and velocity of the satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Inventors: Mikhail S. Belen'kii, Ernest Jefferson Holder, Susan Ferebee Dugas, Christian Rocken, Anthony Lowry
  • Publication number: 20040184003
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for analog optical sound track playback comprises a means for transporting a film including an analog optical sound track and audio representative envelope. A scanning means forms a display image signal representative of the analog optical sound track with the audio representative envelope. An alignment means aligns the scanning means such that only half of the analog optical sound track with the audio representative envelope form the display image signal and substantially fill a width of the scanning means. A processor processes the image signal representing only half of the analog optical sound track and the audio representative envelope and forms therefrom an audio output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Jamie Arturo Valenzuela, Vincent Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 6624873
    Abstract: More than two surround sound channels are provided within the format of a digital soundtrack system designed to provide only two surround sound channels by matrix encoding from three to five additional surround sound channels into two “discrete” surround sound channels. The digital audio stream of the digital soundtrack system designed to provide only two surround sound channels remains unaltered, thus providing compatibility with existing playback equipment. The format of the media carrying the digital soundtracks also is unaltered. The “discreteness” of the digital soundtrack system is not audibly diminished by employing matrix technology to surround sound channels, particularly if active matrix decoding is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond E. Callahan, Jr., Ioan R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6550922
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the audio-video recording of overhead projector based presentations. The apparatus (1) comprises an audio microphone (29), a logging element (20, 21, 27) for logging when a presenter changes a viewable object such as an overhead transparency (6) on an overhead projector, and a recording apparatus (25), wherein: the microphone (29) generates an audio signal from the audio portion of the presentation; the logging element (20, 21, 27) is activatable to generate a marker signal indicating the change of viewable object (6); and the recording apparatus (25) receives the audio signal from the microphone (29) and the marker signal from the logging element (20, 21, 27) to record the signals as audio data and marker data so that audio data is correlated with the marker data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Constantin Bogomolnyi
  • Patent number: 6429922
    Abstract: A reproduction film is made capable of obtaining stable reproduction characteristics constantly. A master negative film is used to transfer data onto a reproduction film upon exposing the master negative film on which the data is recorded at the prescribed gray value, when multiple exposed areas and unexposed areas having the predetermined shape are arranged alternatively, and at the same time, the readout pattern having a guard band between the exposed area and unexposed area on the master negative film to control readout timing of the data transferred to the reproduction film, the width of the guard band is controlled corresponding to the gray value. Thereby, the signal level to be obtained from the reproduction film is to keep the fixed relative value with respect to the signal level to be obtained from the data part transferred to the reproduction film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tadao Fujita
  • Patent number: 6351302
    Abstract: The system eliminates the noise, rumble and hiss from any standard 35 mm analog optical sound track. By simply feeding the film through the projector sound head in a normal manner the system automatically converts the analog optical sound tracks to digital quality. No special storing of digital data on film is required and no special digital decoder equipment is needed. The system produces noise-free sound, increased frequency response, expanded dynamic range and clarity of the dialogue. Film studios will no longer need to carry a double inventory of films having digital and analog sound tracks or to process the sound tracks for noise reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: George D. Carlsen, II, Ronald W Vale
  • Patent number: 6317191
    Abstract: A process for viewing a positive motion picture film scene image with an accompanying original audio soundtrack comprising: providing a motion picture origination negative film comprising a support bearing at least one light sensitive image recording layer and a transparent magnetic recording layer; optically recording a motion picture scene in the motion picture negative film by exposing the film in a motion picture camera, and simultaneously recording contemporaneous original audio information in the magnetic recording layer on a frame-by-frame basis in synchronization with the scene image; providing a motion picture print film comprising a support bearing at least one light sensitive image recording layer and a transparent magnetic recording layer; printing the negative film scene image onto the motion picture print film to form a positive scene image, and transferring the original audio information from the magnetic recording layer of the negative film to the magnetic recording layer of the print film in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert O. James, Charles C. Anderson, Ronald E. Uhlig, Keith A. Walker, David C. Markham
  • Patent number: 6028657
    Abstract: A motion picture film reproducing device for reading out a tracking pattern recorded on the motion picture film and reading out audio data, after tracking control, for reproducing RF signals. The signal level of a tracking pattern portion of RF signals outputted by a voltage-controlled variable gain amplifier (VCA) 11 adapted fro adjusting the RF signal level is sample-held by a first sample-and-hold (S/H) circuit 13. The average signal level of the audio data portion of the RF signals is sample-held by a second sample-and-hold (S/H) circuit 16 via a low-pass filter made up of a resister 14 and a capacitor 15. A difference detection circuit 18, supplied via a changeover switch 17 with the sample-held output of the first sample-and-hold circuit 13 or the second S/H circuit 16, detects the difference between the signal level of the sample-held output and a pre-set signal level for controlling the VCA for decreasing the detected difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Inatome, Yoshiyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5991003
    Abstract: A synchronous control device having a memory 101 for storing block data blocked in terms of a pre-set data amount, a clock generating circuit 102 for generating input side clocks which are based on a data rate to be synchronized, and a memory control unit 103 for generating output side clocks C.sub.out responsive to input side clocks C.sub.in from the clock generating circuit 102. The memory 101 stores the block data on the block basis, based on the input side clocks C.sub.in from the clock generating circuit 103, and outputs the stored block data based on the output side clocks C.sub.out from the memory control circuit 103. The memory control circuit 103 detects a difference between the input data volume and the output side data volume in the memory 101 for varying the speed of the output side clocks responsive to the amount of the detected difference so that the output side clocks will be synchronized with the input side clocks C.sub.in from the clock generating circuit 103.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyasu Imahashi, Katsuichi Tachi, Norihiko Noguchi
  • Patent number: 5856057
    Abstract: A motion picture sound recording chromogenic photographic film element for forming non-neutral images is disclosed comprising a film support bearing at least one silver halide emulsion layer comprising at least one dye-forming coupler which forms a dye which absorbs primarily in the green or red light region of the electromagnetic spectrum upon processing with color negative developer, wherein the element does not comprise a neutral-balanced combination of cyan, magenta, and yellow dye-forming couplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Vicky Sinn, Richard C. Sehlin, Mitchell J. Bogdanowicz, Patricia R. Greco, Gary N. Barber
  • Patent number: 5600206
    Abstract: The present invention is a sound light assembly for reading encoded information on a film utilizing cyan, magenta and yellow color dyes rather than silver emulsion, that may be used with existing projection equipment. The invention comprises at least one narrow spectrum LED array of a plurality of LED die that produce high intensity illumination with very little infrared energy, a current regulating device, compensation resistors for correcting any variations between the individual LED die intensity and an immersion lens for redirecting the wide LED output pattern into a small cone of light. Each LED array has a peak energy that coincides with the maximum density of a corresponding color dye layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: James A. Cashin
  • Patent number: 5526075
    Abstract: An analog-digitizer sound system for motion pictures that automatically converts both old and new analog stereo film-sound tracks to digital quality sound. The system eliminates the noise, rumble and hiss from any standard 35 mm analog optical sound track. By simply playing the film through the projector sound head in the normal manner the system automatically converts the analog optical sound tracks to digital format. No special storing of digital data on film is required and no special digital decoder equipment is needed. The system produces noise-free sound, increased frequency response, expanded dynamic range and clarity of dialogue. Film studios will no longer need to maintain a double inventory of digital and analog sound or process sound tracks for noise reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Digital Technology Systems of California, Inc.
    Inventor: George D. Carlsen, II
  • Patent number: 5508761
    Abstract: A motion picture film is provided on which a digital sound track for audio data is formed along the film running direction. Data tracks are disposed in the digital sound track along a direction normal to the film running direction and extend in the film running direction. A data pattern having a block of audio data is recorded in the data tracks, along with tracking patterns representing each data track. Each of the tracking patterns is recorded at one side of the data track along the film running direction with an offset in the film running direction of one half the width of a data track from the center of that data track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Etsuro Saito, Katsuichi Tachi, Kiyoshi Inatome, Hideki Ando, Tetsuro Makise, Yoshiyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5485232
    Abstract: A digital audio signal recording device which, in conjunction with a film magazine loaded with a motion picture film and an analog audio recording device recording analog audio signals on the motion picture film, constitutes an audio signal recording system for the motion picture film capable of recording both analog audio signals and digital audio signals on the motion picture film delivered from the film magazine. The digital audio signal recording device transports the motion picture film, delivered from the inside of the film magazine via the film reel-out section, into the digital audio signal recording device via a first film feed-in section, and then transports the film to the analog audio signal recording device via a first feed-out section and a film lead-in section. The motion picture film introduced into the analog audio signal recording device is returned into the digital audio signal recording device via a film lead-out section and a second film feed-in section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Etsuro Saito, Yoshio Ozaki, Toshiyuki Shirasu, Koichi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 4942566
    Abstract: A laser diode (4) emits a beam which is reflected by a plane mirror (12) and by a spherical focusing mirror (2) in order to form a beam (40) which is focused on a read window which is a segment of a read line (6). Said line extends transversely relative to a film (16) running over a drum (20) which rotates about an axis (22). The window occupies the width of the soundtrack on the film. The light passing through said soundtrack is received by a photo cell (34) which provides the sound signal. The invention is particularly applicable to sound motion pictures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Societe anonyme dite: Compagnie Generale d'Electricite
    Inventor: Bruno Godard
  • Patent number: 4807039
    Abstract: Motion picture film transport of the kind used in a telecine apparatus uses a common film lacing path between a picture gate and a sound gate for films of different gauges. An audio delay circuit delays the audio signal generated at the sound gate for at least one of the film gauges to maintain synchronism between the audio and video output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: The Marconi Company Limited
    Inventor: Roger W. Fenton
  • Patent number: 4139382
    Abstract: A photographic sound recording and reproduction method is disclosed wherein a sound track is formed by silver diffusion transfer processing. Film units suitable for this application are described which comprise a support, a layer containing silver precipitating nuclei, and a layer containing photosensitive silver halide crystals.In one embodiment, a photographic sound track may be produced in a silver diffusion transfer color motion picture film unit, which further comprises an optical color screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Robert K. Stephens
  • Patent number: 4134649
    Abstract: A sound motion picture camera having a monitor circuit for applying to an earphone an audio signal which is being recorded on the film is capable of warning of the exhaustion of the film through the earphone. A switch responsive to a mechanism for detecting the exhaustion of the film applies a signal from an oscillator to the earphone or actuates an oscillator connected to the earphone, to provide the warning when the film has been nearly exhausted or has been completely exhausted. A switching device periodically interrupts the oscillating electric signal so that a warning sound can be heard intermittently through the earphone. A delay circuit interrupts the actuation of the oscillator to cease the oscillating electric signal when a predetermined time has passed after the detection of the exhaustion of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1979
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Suzuki, Hiroshi Hirata, Takashi Kondo
  • Patent number: 4038691
    Abstract: Means providing stationary images have associated therewith sound related to each of the images. A plural number of non-translatable magnetic heads are used in conjunction with a control circuit so as to extend the recording time by enabling the recording or reproducing of independent sound tracks, one sound track per head, and switching such heads in sequence at end of each record or reproduce period. The control circuit may be electronic or electromechanical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Inventor: Martin E. Gerry
  • Patent number: 4032224
    Abstract: A sound recording and reproducing system comprising a motion picture camera in which there is a synchronization system for recording segments of sound from a signal produced by a microphone associated with the camera as analog samples alternatively read into each of two analog shift registers in increments of samples corresponding to one frame time of the taking picture cycle. Means are provided for recording each such approximately timed sample sequence onto the film adjacent the frame being photographed during pulldown of the film in the camera. For playback, a projector is provided which comprises two analog shift registers each alternatively used for taking the samples recorded on the film for each frame for storage during pulldown, and then to transmit the stored samples through a filter to a loud-speaker for reproduction at a continuous rate during projection of the photographic images recorded on the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1977
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Wray
  • Patent number: 3967886
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion picture camera which includes an openable cover for loading a film magazine containing a film capable of recording sound information. A sound recording device for recording the sound information on the film and a movable device for moving either the sound recording device or the film to a position at which the sound can be recorded is also included. An operation device for operating the opening and the closing of the openable cover can be displaced to three positions, i.e. the first, the second and the third position. The operation is carried out stepwise so that, at the first position, the movable device operates while the openable cover is locked; at the second position, the movable device does not operate while the openable cover is locked; and at the third position, the movable device does not operate while the openable cover is freed. At least one of the three position being non-linear with respect to the other two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1974
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1976
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Komine, Kazuya Hosoe, Mamoru Shimazaki, Toshikazu Ichiyanagi, Kiyoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 3963331
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera capable of simultaneous film and sound recording and into which film magazine housing a film with a sound recording belt can be loaded. The camera has a sound recording device for recording sound on said sound recording belt of the film while photographing is made and also a driving device to continuously run the above mentioned film against said sound recording device. The camera can be shifted to the simultaneous sound recording state in response to the shutter release operation of the camera being in the preparation completion state for photographing with simultaneous sound recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1976
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Komine, Kazuya Hosoe, Mamoru Shimazaki, Toshikazu Ichiyanagi, Kiyoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 3932032
    Abstract: A system is described for digital, as opposed to the usual analog, recording of a sound track in synchronism with a visual image on a motion picture film and automatically reproducing the sound in synchronism with the visual image. In one embodiment of the invention, a camera employs a linear array of light-emitting diodes across the sound track to enter a digital representation of the sound on the same frame as the synchronous visual image. The digital, specifically binary, signals which excite the light-emitting diodes are produced by analog to digital conversion of samples of the sound waveform. The binary representations are entered into shift registers at a uniform rate, and read out to the light-emitting diodes in a burst during the film advance interval immediately following shutter closure, thereby entering on the film track an optical record of all the binary pulses derived from sound produced during the just concluded frame interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1976
    Inventor: Stephen B. Weinstein