Flexible Strip Type Patents (Class 352/27)
  • Patent number: 10750132
    Abstract: An automated security surveillance system determines a location of a possible disturbance and adjusts its cameras to record video footage of the disturbance. In one embodiment, a disturbance can be determined by recording audio of the nearby area. A system, coupled to a camera, may include an arrangement of four audio sensors recording audio of the nearby area to produce independent outputs. The system further may include a processing module configured to determine an angle and distance of an audio source relative to a location of the arrangement of the four audio sensors. The system can then adjust the camera by rotation along an azimuth or elevation angle and adjusting the zoom level to record video of the audio source. Through use of the system, a surveillance system can present an image of a source of possible disturbance to an operator more rapidly and precisely than through manual techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: PELCO, INC.
    Inventors: Chien-Min Huang, Wei Su, Farzin Aghdasi, James G. Millar, Greg M. Millar
  • Patent number: 10215333
    Abstract: An events capturing apparatus for assisting a user to capture events comprising a support arm that includes a proximal end configured to removably receive a sound capturing device and a distal end configured to removably receive an image capturing device, and a handle coupled to the proximal end of the support arm and shaped to be held by the user. In some embodiments, the image capturing device is a smart-phone camera and the sound capturing device is a microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Solocam Forever Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Zion Yitzchak Goldstein
  • Patent number: 9299352
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for generating a side information bitstream of a multi-object audio signal. The apparatus for generating a side information bitstream of a multi-object audio signal includes a spatial cue information input unit configured to receive spatial cue information generated in an encoder of the multi-object audio signal, a preset information input unit configured to receive preset information for the multi-object audio signal, and a side information bitstream generator configured to generate the side information bitstream based on the spatial cue information and the preset information. The side information bitstream includes a header region and a frame region, and the preset information is included in the frame region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jeong-Il Seo, Seung-Kwon Beack, Tae-Jin Lee, Yong-Ju Lee, Dae-Young Jang, Kyeongok Kang, Jin-Woo Hong, Jin-Woong Kim, Chieteuk Ahn
  • Publication number: 20130135587
    Abstract: A motion picture film includes a plurality of frames, with each frame formed of a first and second sub-frames. Each of the first and second sub-frames encompasses an image of a separate one of first and second sequences of successive images independent of each other. The first and second sequences of images typically undergo display one prior to the other, by projecting the film twice in succession, the first time to display the images in the first sequence, the second time to display the images in the second sequence. The film also carries two separate sets of sound tracks, each corresponding to separate one of the first and second sequences of successive images for separate playback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventors: Antonio D'Arienzo, Pietro Pacitto, Alessandro Adamo, Dario Marzeglia
  • 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: 7394519
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for encoding an identifiable code into the audio content of a motion picture. The audio content is altered in at least one specific pre-selected location in the audio soundtrack of the motion picture so as to be essentially unnoticeable to the listener. The audio content is altered to form an audio code which represents a unique number applied to that copy of the motion picture, whereupon any audio recording of such audio content would capture the audio code. The unique number is stored together with an identification of the location, entity or person who receives the copy when it is distributed, so as to enable suspected counterfeit copies of the motion picture to be analyzed to read the code number and identify the recipient of the copy and thereby track down the source of the counterfeit copies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Deluxe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin F. Mossman, Joseph C. Wary
  • 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: 6819459
    Abstract: A scanning device optically scans picture information and further information provided on an original film and makes the information available as digitized data, the scanned information not being converted into the original information contents. A storage device stores the data obtained from the film scanner as digital data, and a display device separates data reproduced by the storage device in accordance with their original location on the original film and makes them available as separate data signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventor: Dieter Poetsch
  • Publication number: 20040189946
    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: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Jamie Arturo Valenzuela, Vincent Richard Williams
  • Publication number: 20040189945
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Jaime Arturo Valenzuela, Vincent Richard Williams
  • Publication number: 20040184004
    Abstract: An apparatus for playback of an analog optical sound track comprises a transport means for transporting a film including an analog optical sound track. A scanning means generates an image signal of only the analog optical sound track. An alignment means aligns the scanning means such that the image signal of the analog optical sound track substantially fills a width of the scanning means. A processor processes the image signal to form an audio output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Jamie Arturo Valenzuela, Vincent Richard Williams
  • Publication number: 20040066491
    Abstract: A method of making motion picture release-print film, such as 35 mm film. The film has an enlarged frame that occupies substantially the entire width of the film that is available for the exposure of images, and the spacing between frames is minimized. Film having these enlarged frames provides an enhanced image with a minimum of film waste. Aspect ratios of 1.85:1 and 2.01:1 in the enlarged frame size are contemplated in three and four perforation formats. A digital soundtrack or other appropriate soundtrack replaces the analog soundtrack that occupies a portion of the available width. The soundtrack may provide for redundancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Dean K. Goodhill, Don P. Behrns
  • Publication number: 20040057015
    Abstract: A system and method for registering the frames of film with respect to an aperture in a motion picture projector. A registration reference mark is applied to each frame corresponding to the location of the frame on the film. When the film is intermittently stopped in the projector's film gate, the registration reference mark is read to determine the location of that frame relative to the immediately preceding frame. If the frame in the gate is misregistered, the gate is moved to correctly register the frame prior to projection. By properly registering the frames, the “jitter” and “weave” associated with conventional projectors is eliminated and resolution of the projected film image is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Dean K. Goodhill, Ty Safreno, Don P. Behrns
  • Patent number: 6684130
    Abstract: A robot apparatus is provided with a photographing device for photographing subjects and a notifying device for making an advance notice of photographing with the photographing device. In addition, in a control method for the robot apparatus, an advance notice of photographing subjects is made and then photographs of the subjects are taken. As a result, a picture can be prevented from being taken by stealth, regardless of user's intention, and thus the user's privacy can be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoko Ogure, Hideki Noma
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030043344
    Abstract: A method of making motion picture release-print film, such as 35 mm film. The film has an enlarged frame that occupies substantially the entire width of the film that is available for the exposure of images, and the spacing between frames is minimized. Film having these enlarged frames provides an enhanced image with a minimum of film waste. Aspect ratios of 1.85:1 and 2.01:1 in the enlarged frame size are contemplated in three and four perforation formats. A digital soundtrack or other appropriate soundtrack replaces the analog soundtrack that occupies a portion of the available width. The soundtrack may provide for redundancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Dean K. Goodhill, Don P. Behrns
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020021412
    Abstract: A method of making motion picture release-print film, such as 35 mm film. The film has an enlarged frame that occupies substantially the entire width of the film that is available for the exposure of images, and the spacing between frames is minimized. Film having these enlarged frames provides an enhanced image with a minimum of film waste. Aspect ratios of 1.85:1 and 2.01:1 in the enlarged frame size are contemplated in three and four perforation formats. A digital soundtrack or other appropriate soundtrack replaces the analog soundtrack that occupies a portion of the available width. The soundtrack may provide for redundancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Dean K. Goodhill, Don P. Behrns
  • 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: 6211940
    Abstract: A storage medium carries symbols representing digital information encoded in two dimensions. A method and apparatus recovers the symbols using oversampling in two dimensions and derives the information represented by the symbols. In one embodiment, the symbols are carried on motion picture film between the sprocket holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Gordon Seagrave, Martin John Richards, Douglas Evan Mandell, Mark Leighton Atherton
  • Patent number: 6188806
    Abstract: A motion picture film having digital audio data recorded in at least one sound track thereof. Such digital audio data includes a plurality of bytes of data each having 8 bits of data. Each respective bit of each byte of audio data is recorded in a sound track of the film in the film running direction and each byte is arranged side-by-side in a direction normal to the film running direction to form a compression processing block. C1 parity data is added to each such compression processing block and C2 parity data is added after a predetermined interval of plural compression processing blocks. Error correction may be performed by utilizing the C1 and C2 parity data for each compression processing block and at the predetermined interval of plural compression blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Inatome, Etsuro Saito, Katsuichi Tachi
  • Patent number: 6157434
    Abstract: The movie film has two tracks of left and right digital audio data recording areas in addition to a frame image information recording area in the form of frames, an analog audio data recording area, and left and right perforations. In these audio data recording areas, the same encoded audio data is recorded. Preferably, the audio data is constituted, using the encoding system called the ATRAC system, by the encoding parameter data, the encoded audio data, and the same parameter as the encoding parameter doubly written. This doubly written parameter is recorded in a manner so that when for example the encoding parameter and the encoded audio data are recorded on the left side audio data recording area for a certain channel, the tracks are switched so that the recording is carried out on the opposite right side audio data recording area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ueno, Shinji Miyamori
  • Patent number: 6038010
    Abstract: A digital sound signal reproducing device 10 includes a reduced number of guide rolls and so forth by changing the mounting position of a sound drum 13. The digital sound signal reproducing device 10 is made up of a guide sprocket 11, a guide roll 14 and a sound drum 13, about which runs an image film 1. The sound drum 13 carries a optical readout device 20 for reading out and reproducing digital sound signals recorded on a digital sound signal recording portion 5 of the image film 1. The guide sprocket 11 is arranged in the vicinity of an image film supply port 10A supplied with the image film 1. The guide roll 14 is arranged in the vicinity of an image film output port 10B from which the image film 1 is led out. The guide sprocket 11 includes an image film running adjustment device 30 adapted for applying a running load on the image film 1 supplied to the optical readout device 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventor: Etsuro Saito
  • Patent number: 6028972
    Abstract: A motion picture film having digital audio data recorded in at least one sound track thereof. Such digital audio data includes a plurality of bytes of data each having 8 bits of data. Each respective bit of each byte of audio data is recorded in a sound track of the film in the film running direction and each byte is arranged side-by-side in a direction normal to the film running direction to form a compression processing block. C1 parity data is added to each such compression processing block and C2 parity data is added after a predetermined interval of plural compression processing blocks. Error correction may be performed by utilizing the C1 and C2 parity data for each compression processing block and at the predetermined interval of plural compression blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Inatome, Etsuro Saito, Katsuichi Tachi
  • Patent number: 6016182
    Abstract: A motion picture film having digital audio data recorded in at least one sound track thereof. Such digital audio data includes a plurality of bytes of data each having 8 bits of data. Each respective bit of each byte of audio data is recorded in a sound track of the film in the film running direction and each byte is arranged side-by-side in a direction normal to the film running direction to form a compression processing block. C1 parity data is added to each such compression processing block and C2 parity data is added after a predetermined interval of plural compression processing blocks. Error correction may be performed by utilizing the C1 and C2 parity data for each compression processing block and at the predetermined interval of plural compression blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Masakazu Ohashi, Kozo Kaminaga, Kenji Takanashi, Toshiaki Setogawa, Teruyuki Yoshida, Katsuichi Tachi
  • Patent number: 6011610
    Abstract: Dolby Digital and Sony SDDS digital signal carrying optical symbols on large-format motion picture film (e.g., film having any of the various 70 mm formats) are recorded in such a way as to permit existing 35 mm optical readers and signal decoders to recover the soundtracks with little or no modification. The conventional motion picture soundtrack in the form of a two-dimensional array of photographically recorded symbols representing digital information intended for application to 35 mm motion picture film is modified by magnifying the symbols in the direction in which the motion picture film is transported when played, the degree of magnification being proportional to the ratio of the film speed of the large-format motion picture film to the 35 mm film speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Ioan R. Allen
  • 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: 5959716
    Abstract: A data recording apparatus for a motion picture film for digitally recording data concerning an image of the motion picture film. The data recording apparatus includes a plurality of light emission units (LEDs) 4 lighted responsive to the data concerning an image, a light volume detection units 5 for detecting the light emission volume of each of the light emission unit, a reference value outputting unit 6 for outputting a reference output specifying a reference value of the light emission volume of the light emission unit and a control unit 8 for comparing the reference output value of the reference value outputting unit 6 to each detected output value from the light volume detection unit 5 for controlling the light emission of the LEDs 4 so that each detected output value will be equal to the reference output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Inomata
  • Patent number: 5841513
    Abstract: A device for recording/reproducing a digital pattern as a sound track of a cinefilm is disclosed. The device includes a cinefilm 1 having an image recording area 2 in which an image is recorded, a perforation section 3 for film feed and digital pattern data recording areas 5 and 6 provided in the vicinity of the perforation section 3. Plural channels of audio data are recorded as the digital patterns in the digital pattern data recording areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shunji Yoshimura, Yoshiyuki Akiyama, Kiyoshi Ohsato, Isao Ichimura, Toshio Watanabe, Shinji Katsuramoto
  • Patent number: 5761349
    Abstract: A motion picture film having digital audio data recorded in at least one sound track thereof. Such digital audio data includes a plurality of bytes of data each having 8 bits of data. Each respective bit of each byte of audio data is recorded in a sound track of the film in the film running direction and each byte is arranged side-by-side in a direction normal to the film running direction to form a compression processing block. C1 parity data is added to each such compression processing block and C2 parity data is added after a predetermined interval of plural compression processing blocks. Error correction may be performed by utilizing the C1 and C2 parity data for each compression processing block and at the predetermined interval of plural compression blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Inatome, Etsuro Saito, Katsuichi Tachi
  • Patent number: 5757465
    Abstract: A storage medium carries physically distinct blocks of symbols representing digital information. The symbols are arranged in the blocks such that the digital information represented by the symbols can be determined from only the two-dimensional position of the symbols relative to one another and any other differentiable characteristic intrinsic to the symbols. A method and apparatus recovers the symbols using oversampling in two dimensions and derives the information represented by the symbols. Blocks having two or more two-dimensional alignment patterns with good auto-correlation properties are used in some embodiments to facilitate recovery of the digital information. In one embodiment, motion picture film carries a conventional analog soundtrack and a digital soundtrack for a plurality of channels; the digital soundtrack is represented by symbols carried on the film in the areas between sprocket hole perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Gordon Seagrave, Martin John Richards, Douglas Evan Mandell, Mark Leighton Atherton
  • Patent number: 5753402
    Abstract: By processing color motion picture film to yield a dye-only, "silver-less" soundtrack, an antihalation layer containing silver may be incorporated into the film without interfering with the soundtrack signal in the resulting processed film. The process results in good antihalation protection of the print film during exposure, and a simplified processing procedure which does not require special processing of the exposed soundtrack relative to the image area frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Pettrone, Richard Carl Sehlin, Mary Lynn Schmoeger
  • Patent number: 5745213
    Abstract: A method of making motion picture release-print film, such as 35 mm film. The film has an enlarged frame that occupies substantially the entire width of the film that is available for the exposure of images, and the spacing between frames is minimized. Film having these enlarged frames provides an enhanced image with a minimum of film waste. An aspect ratio of 1.85:1 in the enlarged frame size is contemplated in a three perforation format. A digital soundtrack or other appropriate soundtrack replaces the analog soundtrack that occupies a portion of the available width. The soundtrack may provide for redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: Dean K. Goodhill, Don P. Behrns
  • Patent number: 5677752
    Abstract: A motion picture film capable of reproducing the sound field full of ambience in the reproducing system. The digital sound tracks 5L and 5R, on which digital audio data have been recorded, are recorded so that temporally same digital audio signals are recorded with a spatial shift by a preset distance along the film running direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyamori, Masatoshi Ueno, Matayasu Kubo, Kenji Takanashi, Toshiaki Setogawa, Michael J. Kohut, Jeffrey E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5677753
    Abstract: A motion picture film capable of reproducing the sound field full of ambience in the reproducing system. The digital sound tracks 5L and 5R, on which digital audio data have been recorded, are recorded so that temporally same digital audio signals are recorded with a spatial shift by a preset distance along the film running direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyamori, Masatoshi Ueno, Matayasu Kubo, Kenji Takanashi, Toshiaki Setogawa, Michael J. Kohut, Jeffrey E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5666185
    Abstract: Digital audio signals and a conventional audio track are recorded on a motion picture film by error correction encoding digital audio data to be recorded on the film, sequentially arranging the error encoded digital audio data in a direction perpendicular to the direction of advancement of the film by utilizing two areas or more of an area in the vicinity of one end of the film which is parallel with the other end of the film and which is laid between it and one end portion of an analog sound track or an area near the other end of the analog sound track, and recording the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Odaka
  • Patent number: 5652642
    Abstract: The present invention overcomes the wear and tear problems caused by prior art methods by placing the digital information in the space reserved for analog soundtrack information, which traditionally is not touched by transport rollers or pressure plates. This invention describes a method by which digital information is simultaneously recorded with the analog track in the same area occupied by the present analog track by utilizing the techniques of spectral processing and digital bit manipulation. Thus, maximum separation and minimal interference can be achieved between the digital and analog tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: James A. Cashin
  • Patent number: 5639585
    Abstract: A photosensitive medium, such as motion picture film, having digital data in multiple formats and analog audio signals photographically recorded thereon, and a system for photographically recording digital data (preferably including digital audio bits) in multiple formats and optionally also analog audio signals on a medium. Preferably, two digital soundtracks are recorded on the film, each in an array of bit areas arranged in row and column order, with the bit areas of one soundtrack between consecutive pairs of sprocket holes along one edge of the film, and the bit areas of the other soundtrack along the film edges outside the sprocket holes. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a camera assembly through which a motion picture film translates in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond E. Callahan, Jr., Howard J. Flemming, LeRoy H. Reese, Shawn F. Jones, Dana B. Wood
  • Patent number: 5621489
    Abstract: A photosensitive medium, such as motion picture film, having digital audio signals photographically recorded thereon. If the medium has multiple, spatially separated digital and analog audio soundtracks, a photosensitive detector array is employed for each of the digital audio soundtrack areas, and a separate analog soundtrack read head is employed. Preferably, digital error code is recorded in a digital soundtrack area of the medium (with digital audio bits), and error detection and correction are performed on the recorded digital audio bits read from the medium. Preferably, the apparatus includes switching circuitry for substituting a corresponding analog audio signal for one or more corrupted digital soundtrack channels, when such digital soundtrack channels have an error rate which exceeds a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kohut, Dana Wood, Paul Wood, Jeff Taylor, Leroy Reese, Aram Tanielian, Jaye M. Waas, Mark Waring, George Carlsen
  • Patent number: 5617158
    Abstract: A motion picture film capable of reproducing the sound field full of ambience in the reproducing system. The digital sound tracks 5L and 5R, on which digital audio data have been recorded, are recorded so that temporally same digital audio signals are recorded with a spatial shift by a preset distance along the film running direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Inc.
    Inventors: Shinji Miyamori, Masatoshi Ueno, Matayasu Kubo, Kenji Takanashi, Toshiaki Setogawa, Michael J. Kohut, Jeffrey E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5608473
    Abstract: An audio data readout device for a motion picture film and a clock generating device in a changeover system for a motion picture film. First and second clock generating circuits generate first and second clocks of predetermined frequencies based upon a repetition frequency of perforations detected by first and second film readers and a repetition frequency of a track pitch of audio data, and route the resulting clocks to a changeover switch. At a changeover time, a changeover controller switchingly controls the changeover switch to select the second clock. A system clock generating circuit has loop characteristics of a longer time constant than the first or second clock generating circuits and smoothly locks the second clock to generate a system clock which is outputted. A stable and accurate system clock can be generated and outputted even when film running is unstable at the changeover time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuichi Tachi, Kozo Kaminaga, Jeffrey E. Taylor, Howard J. Flemming
  • Patent number: 5600617
    Abstract: A data recording device for a motion picture film is provided in which one ends of plural optical fibers are connected to light emitting devices and the other ends of the optical fibers are arrayed in accordance with a dot pattern of audio data to be recorded. The light emitting diodes are turned on responsive to the audio data to be recorded on the motion picture film. The audio data carrying light, produced by the turning on of the LEDs, is conducted via the optical fibers to a head unit so as to be radiated on the motion picture film via a radiating port of the head unit. By the above arrangement, the optical fibers may be arrayed optionally at the head unit without regard to the array of the LEDs. Consequently, the LEDs are affected to a lesser extent by heat evolved on turning on the LEDs. By linearly arraying the optical fibers at the head unit 1, a larger quantity of audio data may be recorded on the motion picture film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventor: Etsuro Saito
  • Patent number: 5600384
    Abstract: A ball carrier mounting assembly for limiting the angular movement of a film follower device having, a pair of upper ball cages, each upper ball cage further having a lug for engaging a notch, a tube extending through the thickness of the cage and protruding below the lower surface, and a plurality of ball pockets, an asymmetrically shaped, mounting plate located underneath the pair of upper ball cages having a body and first and second end tabs, for attaching the assembly to a fixed support, wherein each end tab of the mounting plate has a different configuration for orienting the apparatus, the body having in addition a pair of apertures spaced from the tab ends for accommodating the tubes, and a pair of lower ball cages located below the mounting plate, each lower ball cage further having a lug protruding downwards for engaging a notch, an aperture extending through the thickness of the lower cage for receiving the tube therein, and a plurality of ball pockets, is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Merle, David L. Rowden, Dale W. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5596380
    Abstract: A digital sound signal reading means 20 is provided in association with a sound drum 13 on which an image film 1 delivered from a cinema film supply unit 50 circumferentially travels to carry out reading and reproduction of digital sound signals recorded in a digital sound signal recording portion 5 of the image film 1. An image film traveling adjustment unit 30 is disposed at least at the position of the preceding stage of the image film traveling path. The image film traveling adjustment unit 30 applies traveling load in dependency upon traveling state of the image film 1 to allow the image film 1 to travel up to the digital sound signal reading means 2 in a stable state thus to allow it to carry out reading and reproduction of digital sound signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Ozaki, Toshiyuki Shirasu, Etsuro Saito
  • Patent number: 5587749
    Abstract: Analog sound tracks are recorded on a single one of the three dye layers present in a color motion picture film, one of the same dye layers that is used for the color picture information. The single dye layer, preferably the cyan dye layer, is read out using a narrow spectrum, substantially monochromatic light source, preferably a red light-emitting diode (LED), the spectrum of which is such as to be maximally absorbed by the dye layer and to remain well within the absorption range of the dye layer even when the dye layer color characteristics vary among film batches. The resulting lower-cost and environmentally-safer silverless analog-audio soundtracks have playback characteristics extremely close to conventional analog audio soundtracks prepared with silver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Goldberg, Martin J. Richards
  • Patent number: 5553049
    Abstract: An apparatus for optically reproducing digital speech data recorded on a motion picture film is disclosed. The digital speech data recorded on an emulsifier surface of the motion picture film is illuminated with an illuminating light from the side of a base surface of the motion picture film, and the light transmitted through the emulsifier surface is collected as an incident light by a reproducing lens. With the present apparatus, it is possible to reduce the variations in the volume of the light of the reproduced digital signals otherwise caused by the scratch of dust present on the film base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Nakao