Abstract: An image animation system having a plurality of individual image projectors focused onto a single focal area on a projection surface or medium. Angled optics, or a prism, may be used to direct the projections onto the single focal area. Individual still images are projected in a sequence to create a projected motion animation.

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.

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.

Abstract: A theater sound processing system that provides preset configurations including parameters that can be modified by a user. Other setup parameters are modifiable by the manufacturer or a third party such as a sound technician who provides such parameters at installation time. The parameters allow control of equalization settings, gain, noise reduction processing, surround sound processing, and other audio characteristics. The designation of user modifiable parameters and non-user modifiable parameters insures that the user is given safe control over necessary parts of the system. User-modifiable parameters are changed via a user interface. Other parameters can be transferred to the sound processing system via a portable computer or by communications link. In a digital sound processing embodiment of the invention the entire sound processing ability of the system can be updated by downloading new signal processing software.

Abstract: A digital time code is printed in an area of a motion picture film, between the normal analog optical sound track and the picture frames, that is exposed along with the sound track when a print is made. This area is partially redeveloped, and normally reserved to isolate the analog sound track from the picture frames. Digital audio for the motion picture is stored in a large capacity high integrity archival digital storage system. The time codes corresponding to known locations on the film are read as the film is played, and in an anticipatory pass the digital audio signals for these frames are transferred to a fast access data storage buffer which temporarily stores the data before it is converted to analog format for theater play. The time code is read with light that is absorbed by the film dyes produced when the film is developed.

Abstract: In a motion picture film/audio recording system where a camera produces a motion picture film, a corresponding video signal, and associates with both the motion picture film and video signal a first time code signal providing a correspondence standard between the motion picture film and the video signal, and a camera status signal representative of whether the camera is on or off, and a sound recorder which produces an audio signal, a second time code signal having a known relationship to the first time code signal, and a recorder status signal representative of whether the sound recorder is on or off, a viewing system for the motion picture film includes an interface module that receives the camera status signal and the recorder status signal, and generates a save signal whenever the camera status or the recorder status signals indicate that the camera or the recorder is on.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying encoded data on the balance stripe of sound track, the data for providing information for editing an associated film without recording the data on the film. The present invention teaches an apparatus for applying code for synchronizing sound on a single strip of the sound track with an associated film. The apparatus includes a code box for generating the code, which relates the position of the film relative to the sound track. The code box is coupled to an editing flatbed for providing pulses related to the movement of the sound track. A sound module is coupled to the code box for applying the code to the balance stripe.

Abstract: Dynamic range and passband problems in cinema sound transmission are solved by using a laser disk (9) read by a laser disk player (10, 11, 12) synchronized (14) with the original sound track of the film. Problems relating to splices in the film are solved by reading the sound in advance, in storing it in a memory (13), in reading it back subsequently from the memory, and, where necessary, in causing the memory read back system to jump (24) in order to avoid reproducing sound that corresponds to images that have been removed from the film.

Abstract: A digital sound system for motion picture films employs a digital time code on the film to trigger the transfer of sound data from a digital audio store to a FIFO memory. The digital audio data is read out from the FIFO memory and played back in the theater at a constant rate, with any jumps in the digital time code handled by making a corresponding jump within the digital audio store but not in the FIFO memory. Readout from the FIFO memory and clocking of the digital-to-analog converters (DACs) used for theater playback is synchronized to the AC mains that powers the theater projector, and thus allows for an uninterrupted audio playback even if time code entries on the film are obliterated. The FIFO memory need only have enough capacity to accommodate the maximum audio store access time, and can be quite small.

Abstract: A digitized video system with an increased viewing angle having a light projector and a display screen. The light projector generating a plurality of narrow light beams to impinge on the display screen at a plurality of associated points. The display screen has a transducer generating surface acoustic waves which traverse the associated points. This results in reduced laser speckle.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring in synchronism, onto a common recording support, the images of an cinematographic film and the sound recorded during shooting on a separate support, comprises a telecine apparatus ensuring reading of the cine film. A microcomputer has an input connected to a reader of time codes borne by the cine film. A first output of the microcomputer is connected to a stage controlling the supply of an electric motor ensuring advance of the cine film in the telecine apparatus. A second output of the microcomputer is connected to a coder and a third output is connected to a first input of a comparator with two inputs of which the second input is connected to the head for reading the time codes on the magnetic tape, the output of the comparator is connected to a stage controlling supply of an electric motor of the servo-controlled magnetic tape recorder and the third output of the microcomputer is also connected to a device for recording time codes on the third track of the video tape.

Abstract: Audio-visual systems including a motion picture film projector and a tape player, the film having optical cues and program reference notches for stopping film advancement, and the tape having start cues for starting film advancement. The optical stop cues are detected dynamically and with cue length discrimination. A program select control causes the system to search for a program reference notch and to ignore optical stop cue until the notch is detected. Other features include a pause-run control, a variable frame rate control with a single-frame advance option, and remote controls. Optical stop cue detection systems include a light transmissive system, a light reflective system, a polarized light system, and a colored light system.

Abstract: A sound module for motion picture cameras of the type adapted to receive a multi-purpose cassette in which separate photographic film and audio tape strips are commonly wound on cassette-contained supply and takeup spools but directed through separate paths between the spools, such paths including distinct photographic and audio or sound stations. The module carries a complete complement of sound recording components including a transducing head, a capstan drive and motor for advancing a run or loop of the sound tape past the transducing head and an organization of fixed and movable sound tape guiding members by which the positional relationship of the tape and the transducing head is accurately controlled. All components of the module are ultimately supported by a single supporting plate secured to the internal camera chassis structure by vibration damping means.

Abstract: An audio-visual cassette system is provided employing a photographic film strip and an audio tape interwound on a common supply spool and adapted to be advanced along different paths from the supply spool to a takeup spool. The cassette is of the type in which the film strip may be exposed, processed and projected for viewing without removal from the cassette. The film strip is provided with an aperture in the supply spool leader which cooperates with a processor actuating pull strip to initiate processing of the film upon film advancement. The audio tape is coupled to the film strip at the supply spool end at a location with respect to the aperture such that the film strip pulls the tape away from the aperture region of the film during engagement of the pull strip with the aperture.

Abstract: Two or more motor driven systems are maintained in synchronism by a recorded wave of sine form on a tape driven by one of said systems, a signal derived from said sine wave being used to drive a stepper motor or stepper motors included in the other system or systems. The invention is particularly applicable to the synchronization of a film passing through a camera or projector with a sound track recorded on a magnetic tape, or of a number of films passing through a plurality of projectors or cameras. By converting the sine wave to pulses and maintaining a count of the pulses, (a) derived from the control signal and (b) supplied to the stepper motor, synchronism is maintained despite inertia effects during repeated starting, stopping and reversal of the drive.

Abstract: An audio system having an audio tape drive system and transducer intercoupled in a single unit of concentrated mass with tape contact confined to a short length of one side of the magnetic tape. A magnetic transducer head is mounted within a drive capstan so that both head and capstan contact essentially the same short length of the magnetic tape and a vacuum system is employed to draw the tape against both to thereby concentrate the mass and eliminate spaced tape engaging components so as to reduce tape flutter. Preferably, a capstan drive motor, a capstan, and a vacuum pump are mounted together and operate on an axis passing through the center of the capstan so as to concentrate the mass of the system at this point.

Abstract: The sound support comprises an address track with coded words dividing the sound support into consecutive sections, each associated with a particular address. The positioning of the sound support is controlled in such a manner as to advance a section of the sound support bearing a predetermined address, to the level of a reading head. The video support comprises images, each associated with a particular address, and its positioning is controlled so as to advance in front of a projection gate an image having a predetermined address. The simultaneous running of the sound and video supports are then controlled, the speed of image projection being able to vary and being controlled according to pre-recorded instructions on a control data support, the access to which is neither related to the advance motion of the sound support nor to the image support.

Abstract: An audio-visual apparatus is disclosed which includes a projection screen having indicia thereon representative of a note play marker, means for successively projecting onto the screen adjacent the note play marker a plurality of visual images of a musical composition recorded on a film strip, means for providing a sound recording of the musical composition and control means for relating the projection of the visual images with the playing of the sound recording.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronization system of a cine-projector with a sound tape reproducer. It is characterized in that the phase of a signal corresponding to the film feeding speed of the film projector and that of a signal corresponding to the standard speed coming from the sound tape reproducer are compared with each other so as to control the film feeding speed of the cine-projector by means of the comparison output corresponding to the phase difference. In order to accomplish this, between the driving source for driving the internal mechanism of the cine-projector and the driving member for the internal mechanism, a transmission speed varying mechanism is provided in such a manner that the transmission speed varying mechanism is controlled by means of the film speed control driving source to be driven by the comparison output so as to maintain the synchronized state.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing projection of a movie film with playback of a sound recording made simultaneously with filming of the movie by simple and economical adapter means compatible with existing camera, projector and sound equipment without substantial modification. The invention utilizes "home movie" type camera and projector equipment, with a tape recorder-playback unit as the sound system. The camera is powered from a power supply having a switch operated by the "play" button of the tape recorder, thereby starting and stopping operation of the camera and tape unit simultaneously during filming and recording. The tape drive motor is powered from a selectively controllable voltage supply, and is not connected to the supply through the normal electrical system of the tape unit, as is conventional.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the resynchronization of the transport of movie film (image carrier) with the movement of another information-carrying medium such as sound tape film. Speed control and synchronization signals are produced by means of sensing the sound tape movement which provides control synchronization signal, monitoring the image frames for each sequence on the movie film by means of a counter, and comparing in a coincidence circuit the image frame count signal with the signal from the sound tape. Desynchronization of the movie film and tape is indicated by the absence of a predetermined relationship between the number of image frames in a given sequence and the signal from the sound tape, whereupon the coincidence circuit energizes an appropriate control means via a switching mechanism, such as a gate circuit, which produces a resynchronization of the film and the sound tape.

Abstract: An audio visual reproduction apparatus utilizing an improved tape and film cartridge which is completely enclosed to be tamper-proof and to be used by inexperienced personnel. The cartridge includes transparent apertures therein for projecting light therethrough to view slide films on an endless disc within the cartridge. A dual track magnetic tape on an endless spool provides audio messages corresponding to the slides to be viewed and control signals for switching the slides to correspond with messages. The reproduction apparatus includes a single drive unit which drives the endless tape and film disc through a slip friction type drive. A cooperating brake insures that the film will be held stationary as the message is being played and allows for change in film through the tape drive upon the presence of a control signal to indicate requirement for switching. The tape, drive and brake are accessable through an aperture in the case covered by a removable shutter.