Abstract: A virtually transparent magnetic layer is included as an additional layer in a color negative film. Information exchange between various users of the film--such as the camera user, the dealer, and the photofinishers film-to-video printer--is carried via plural longitudinal magnetic tracks on the film, each track being dedicated to the writing and reading of a predetermined set of related parameters. The photofinisher-dedicated track locations fill the exposed image area of each frame. The camera tracks lie along the edges of the film between the film perforations, the preforations being widely spaced for this purpose. All data, such as cropping, zooming, rotating or character superposition instructions, is recorded as individual pieces of information identified by virtual data identifiers to enable the film-to-video printer to quickly access and execute such instructions by altering the video signal produced from each frame of the developed film.

Abstract: A method of high speed recording of images and of information associated with the images by means of a motion picture camera (10) for high speed shooting, the camera being equipped with an image pulse generator, and the method comprising the following steps during shooting: acquiring and storing the information associated with the images in a large capacity fast access memory (32) at the image rate under the control of the image pulses generated by said camera image pulse generator; and electro-optically writing at least one reference signal on the motion picture film beside the image corresponding to the first stored information.

Abstract: On the marginal part of a perforated cinematographic film, are recorded coded information or "addresses" associated respectively with the various images of the film, in the form of dots disposed in a matrix of longitudinal rows and of transverse columns. Before each matrix of dots corresponding to a group of coded information or "address" of an image, a transverse framing pattern constituted by a single combination of dots, is recorded. Then, during the recording, in the different transverse columns, of the different successive characters constituting the same "address", a longitudinal framing pattern is recorded, along a longitudinal row bordering the matrix, this longitudinal framing pattern being constituted by an alternation, along said row, of dots and absences of dots aligned respectively with the various transverse columns of the matrix.

Abstract: A film cassette contains a film spool which is rotatable in an unwinding direction to propel a filmstrip including an integral film leader out of the cassette and is rotatable in a winding direction to wind the filmstrip including its film leader back into the cassette. The film leader has a magnetic area on which alterable data can be magnetically written and read to indicate whether the filmstrip is completely exposed or is only partially exposed. Thus, when the film leader is wound into the cassette the data will be protected and when the film leader is propelled from the cassette the data will be made accessible to read and alter it.

Abstract: For the evaluation of a film independent of its predetermined recording velocity, a film storage drum is provided on which a film take-up reel is mounted. The film storage drum and the film take-up reel are capable of rotating with respect to each other in both directions. The film is fed via the storage drum to the film take-up reel, whereat a film evaluating device is mounted on the storage drum with the film passing the evaluating device on its way from the storage drum to the film take-up reel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for display of subtitles in connection with a motion picture are disclosed. A film strip includes coded signals adjacent a frame to be projected. These signals are detected by a detector and a microprocessor is controlled by the detector. The microprocessor has a sequence of subtitles recorded in a memory, and a display is activated by the microprocessor to exhibit a subtitle which corresponds to a detected coded signal. The microprocessor can contain subtitles for a plurality of languages, and multiple displays may be employed.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking the edge of a film particularly for identifying head and tail sections of film strips joined by a splice comprising a holder with a channel-like film guide in which the film may be inserted for longitudinal movement and a hole for a pen-type applicator positioned so that as the film is moved lengthwise through the guide one edge of the film is wiped across the tip of the applicator so that a continuous ink or dye mark is applied to the film edge which appears as a ring on the side of the film when it is wound onto a reel.

Abstract: A system of inscription on the marginal part of a perforated cinematographic film, of coded information and for reading this information, comprises, for inscription, an assembly of a plurality of light sources adjacent one another, disposed transversely opposite the marginal part of the cinematographic film. A write-in device selectively controls at each instant, the lighting of certain light sources, from among all of them, for the inscription on the film, in coded form, of a plurality of dots aligned transversely in a column. The system also comprises, for reading the coded information inscribed on the film, an assembly of photo-sensitive elements, adjacent one another, extending transversely opposite the marginal part of the film bearing the coded information. Means and provided for recognizing and identifying the combinations of dots inscribed on the film and corresponding to the various characters of information.

Abstract: A player for a multi-aroma cartridge constituted by a planar array of like frame assemblies held within a multi-section framework, each assembly being formed by a pad of absorbent material sandwiched between a pair of frames whose margins are joined together to define a central zone exposing the pad. The pad of each assembly is impregnated with a liquid fragrance that differs from those of the others. When the cartridge is inserted in a slot in the player case, it lies over a complementary honeycomb, each of whose cells is then in registration with a respective assembly. The cells are provided with individual electric heaters such that when a selected cell heater is energized, it heats the air in the cell to produce a positive pressure therein that acts to force the heated air through the zone to volatilize the liquid fragrance, the resultant aromatic vapor being discharged into the atmosphere through vents in the case.

Abstract: Laser diode marker for high speed cinematography.It comprises a power laser diode operating in pulse-like manner, electronic control means of the laser diode enabling the latter to emit a light signal and means for transmitting the latter to a photosensitive circuit with which the camera used is provided.Application to the time marking of events.

Abstract: A movie changeover system (20,200,2004,400) capable of providing a real time decision tree movie presentation having a variable movie display content dependent on the viewing audience response to branching choices which occur during the course of the movie. A pair of movie projection devices (22, 24), each having an associated portion of a substantially continuous overall motion picture presentation therefrom, has stored thereon a projectable portion of the overall motion picture presentation content. A changeover shutter mechanism (26) is operatively associated with the pair of projectors (22, 24) for selectively projecting a movie display choice of one of the projectable portions from one of the pair of projectors (22, 24) in a real time continuous movie display presentation with the previous movie display portion in response to a changeover signal.

Abstract: An electronic camera having an electronic memo, which comprises a photographic lens, an image device for receiving the image information from the photographic lens and converting it to an electric signal, a mechanism for recording the image data output signal fed from the image pickup device on a magnetic recording medium, and a device for recording data other than the image data on the same recording medium on which the image data is recorded. The device for recording the data other than the image data has functions to encode the data and record it on the same recording medium. The data other than the image data encompass both data concerning the photographed image and data for image reproduction processing.

Abstract: A side printing apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting members arranged in a line perpendicular to the forward direction of a film so as to provide several kinds of dot patterns which are exposed on the film as latent images of characters, symbols and so on. A detector for detecting the film position is provided to produce position signals which operate to cause a control to drive selectively the light emitting members to emit light in accordance with the position signals. The light rays from the light emitting members are focussed on the film as light spots.

Abstract: A side printing apparatus for providing on a continuously moving film latent images of characters, numerals, symbols and the like which are later photographically developed. The light image forming arrangement is deenergized so as to prevent the provision of such light images at least during the movement of the film in a reverse direction for preventing double exposure of the film. The deenergization of the light image forming arrangement is caused by a direction discriminator for discriminating the movement of the film in the forward and reverse directions in conformity with two series of pulse signals with a phase difference of 90.degree. therebetween from a rotary encoder rotating in synchronism with the movement of the film.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing a colored mark in a colored dot pattern on a colored light sensitive material which is moving. A plurality of picture element display sections are aligned in a row perpendicular to the direction of movement of the colored light sensitive material, each of the plurality of picture element display sections emitting a single colored dot, and selectively emitting light to form a dot pattern. Each of the picture element display sections comprises a plurality of sources of lights of different colors, and a plurality of light guides for transmitting the respective colored lights. The outlet ends of the plurality of light guides are regularly arranged so that the light guides transmitting different colored lights are adjacent to each other, thereby mixing the different colors of lights. By changing the intensity of the light sources, a colored dot having the desired color and intensity is produced.

Abstract: A side printing apparatus for providing latent images of characters, numerals, symbols and the like on a photographic film moving in continuous motion includes a film sensitivity responsive means for generating several kinds of pulse having different pulse lengths which are predetermined in accordance with sensitivity of film. The pulse operates to cause a light image forming device to be energized for a time defined corresponding to the pulse length thereof so as to provide a latent image of character, numeral, symbol or the like on a photographic film.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for recording a continuous digital time code on motion picture film as it is advanced intermittently by a motion picture camera. The apparatus controllably adjusts the time durations of the successive bits of the signal it records, to compensate for the variable velocity profile of the intermittently advancing film. As a result, the apparatus records the time code signal as a continuous signal with a uniform time base, even though the film is being moved in an intermittent and non-uniform fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording a digital signal such as a modified SMPTE time code on motion picture film as it is being intermittently advanced by a motion picture camera. The recorded time code includes a set of timing bits followed immediately by a set of synchronization bits. In one embodiment, the time code is recorded as a continuous signal with the last bit recorded for each frame having an extended length, to ensure that uncertainties in the specific times at which the camera begins and ends its advancement of the film don't result in the recording of a bit that is shorter than a nominal bit duration. In a second embodiment, an addition set of synchronization bits is recorded at the beginning of each frame, so that a time code reader assumes it corresponds to the previous frame and properly decodes the following sets of timing bits and synchronization bits as corresponding to the current frame.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of distinct devices in a theater displaying a projected motion picture or other visual program and having a multichannel sound signal contained on a moving film or other type strip, which system has a memory unit for storing groups of digital control signals for operating the distinct devices, each forming a channel, in a selected manner during a selected portion of the moving strip. This system has means for selecting one of the groups of the digital control signals for a selected portion of the visual program and means independent of the strip for causing the stored digital control signals of the selected group to be outputted in a time sequence corresponding to the selected portion of the visual program.

Abstract: A camera has a film transport device for gradually advancing a one-edge perforated light sensitive film over a picture gate with a support face, and a device for illuminating a mark on the film and including an opening which is formed in the support face at a side of a not perforated edge of the film and forms first edges on the support face and a second edge which faces toward a picture gate and lies deeper than the first edges.

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: 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: Flutter in an audio signal recorded on a magnetic tape is reduced by sampling the audio at a rate determined by the frequency of a reference signal also recorded on the tape, reading the samples into respective cells of a memory, and reading out respective cells of the memory at a substantially constant rate that is independent of rapidly changing short duration variations in tape speed. The read-out rate is isolated from tape speed by introducing a time delay between the read-in and read-out of the same sample, the amount of the delay changing in accordance with differences in speed between the tape and a fixed reference. Changes in the delay between read-in and read-out of the same sample generate an error signal that is used to control the speed of the capstan motor that drives the tape past a transducer.

Abstract: This invention utilizes a series of two-dimensional photographs of successive cross-sections of an object. The photographs are arranged on a film strip in the order in which the successive sections appear in the object. The film strip is transparent and is intermittently illuminated as the successive frames of the film strip move across an optical path. A projection screen in the optical path is moved with respect to the optical path so that as each successive photograph is illuminated, that photograph is projected onto the screen at a successive position and so that each photograph as projected on the screen appears more remote from an observer than the preceding one. Thus there is formed on the screen a series of images which appear to an observer having persistence of vision to be a composite three-dimensional imgage. The illuminating means may omit the illumination of certain photographs of the series, so that only selected photographs are reproduced on the screen.

Abstract: A synchronized audio visual system including an audio program source capable of producing a film advance signal at predetermined intervals and a projector interconnected therewith. The projector has a source of light for passing light through an aperture in the projector and film is directed along a pathway into and out of alignment with the aperture for projection of individual frames thereof in sequence. A motor is used for initiating advance of the film in response to advance signals from the audio source in a predetermined sequence. The motor directs an advance mechanism including a rotating member with a drive projection extending therefrom for rotating into and out of engagement with film support and drive structure for the film. The period of advance of the film is controlled by each stroke of the rotating member and is related to a film advance signal from the audio source.

Abstract: A scene containing one or more targets for simulated target practice is pographed in a special motion picture camera such that only one half of each frame is exposed. After reversal development, a transparent template having two sets of aligned, spaced-apart cross-hairs is positioned over the film such that the upper set of cross-hairs is aligned with one of the recorded targets. Then, using the lower pair of cross-hairs as a guide, a pin-hole is punched in the unexposed i.e. opaque portion of the frame. This action is repeated for every frame in the film, altering the size of the dot as need be, as the target moves towards or away from the camera.

Abstract: A method and system of blending the effective audio sensation in a theater having a plurality of audio speakers driven by a single program signal recorded on a motion picture film strip as the film strip is being projected in the theater, which method and system includes the driving of each of the speakers in the theater with a common program signal through an amplifier having a gain controlled by an analog electrical signal whereby the level of the analog signal determines the volume of the program signal at each of the speakers and creating a digital gain control signal for each of the speakers in response to a control signal recorded periodically on the film strip at locations on the film strip determined by the desired volume of a given speaker at a given time which digital gain control signal is converted to an analog signal and is used for controlling the driving amplifiers of each of the speakers in the theater in which the film is being projected.

Abstract: A motion picture film which includes a row of sprocket holes along one marginal edge portion and a longitudinally extending area carrying a photo-sensitive layer for photographing a selected scene, or series of scenes in a succession of stationary frames, the film being characterized in that one of its marginal edge portions carries a latent-image numerical identification of each of the successive frames in binary code form adjacent each said frame. A post-production film-making system is also described with means for transferring the binary numbers from the film to a magnetic medium and means for reading and visually displaying in arabic form the numbers on the film and the magnetic medium.

Abstract: The reproducing apparatus, such as a motion-picture film projector, stops recording medium transport in response to interrupt-transport frame markings on the recording medium and reproduces the thusly marked image frames as still images. Interrupt-transport frame markings are provided at the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene on the recording medium, or at each still-shot image frame on the recording medium, or both. The user of the reproducing apparatus can select automatic reproduction of motion-picture scenes interspersed with automatic still reproduction of still shots, and can additionally select automatic still reproduction of the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene.

Abstract: The user of a motion-picture camera selects between motion-picture and single-exposure operation, and presses a release member to initiate shooting, letting go of it to terminate motion-picture shooting. Each time the user lets go of the release member, an internal device provides an interrupt-transport marking alongside the just exposed film frame, or phase shifted relative thereto. Alternatively, the interrupt-transport marking is provided the next time the user presses the release member. In this way, the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene, and each and every one of the interspersed single-exposure shots, is provided with an interrupt-transport frame marking. Thus, if the film is run through a reproducing apparatus provided with a marking detector, detection of each interrupt-transport marking during motion-picture reproduction causes the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene, and also each one of the still shots, to be persistently reproduced as a still image.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a locator, e.g. a notch, perforation or mark, associated with each frame of an elongated film strip that is advanced through the apparatus. The apparatus includes guide members that are supported adjacent opposite longitudinal edges of the strip and a detector, such as a photoelectric cell and a light source, for sensing the locators. The guide members and the detector are coupled for movement in a direction transverse to the general direction of advancement of the strip and move in response to transverse wavering movement of the strip to ensure proper positioning of the detector relative to the locators as the locators approach the detector.

Abstract: A film strip carried in a multipurpose film cassette is provided with a conformation thereon which cooperates with structure carried by a processor disabling valve which may be slidably advanced, when engaged by the conformation, upon film advancement. The conformation comprises an aperture provided in the central region of the film strip which is adapted to engage a film strip engaging finger provided on the slide valve. The film strip engaging finger is disposed in a region between a pair of spaced film guiding fingers which engage only the outermost edges of the film strip. The spaced film guiding fingers and other structure in the cassette cooperate to guide the film strip in a curved S-shaped path during normal film advancement thereby. The film strip is further provided with a pair of elongated longitudinally extending slots on opposing sides of the centrally disposed slide valve engaging aperture.

Abstract: Stereo pairs which have been printed on a single film strip are directed and focused upon a screen by an attachment for a standard motion picture projector. The images are overlapped and polarized at right angles to the other upon the screen by an optical device having abutting elements. The stereo pairs on the film are separated by an opaque band to define the edges of the projected image and mask element abutment. Indicia marks may be provided on the film to enable the positioning of the right and left images on the film in the gate to avoid pseudo stereo projection. A film format for stereo pairs uses a dark bar centered at the aperture on the film or gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a variable pulse width code of at lt three binary coded decimal digits at a rate sufficiently greater than the film speed of a movie camera to cause a single light source in the camera to record in a continuous sequence all the bits of the three digits on the edge of a film in the camera adjacent each frame.

Abstract: A movie projector for narrow film with sound track is adapted to different operating conditions corresponding, for example, to different sound film types, by means of control inititated by the film itself upon insertion. The leader of the film is provided with markings being disposed outside of the sound track and characterizing the type of film that is appended to the leader. The markings are optically and/or magnetically readable by a pickup device that may be shared with the sound reproduction. The markings as read are counted or assembled and decoded for controlling the operating conditions of the projector concerning, for example, the picture frame rate, the type of sound track, and similar projector conditions. Such markings can also be used on the film proper to change the operating state of the projector automatically during projection.

Abstract: A programmable viewing system for processing and viewing cassette contained photographic film strips, in which the film is driven through forward and rewind advancement for film development operations and then automatically projected and again rewound, includes an electronic switching arrangement for de-energizing the system drive motor at the termination of the development rewind to prevent cinching or stressing of the film strip on the spool while developing fluid reacts with the exposed emulsion. Then the motor is automatically turned on again after completion of the fluid reaction period.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the processing of a data medium, in which an additional sound sequence is recorded or mixed in gaps between sections occupied by an original recording which is to remain on the data medium.

Abstract: A film rewinding device for a camera using a motor for rewinding film. Upon completion of film rewinding, the device automatically stops the film rewinding operation with detecting means disposed in the device to detect the completion of film rewinding. This is done by utilizing the difference between the load on the motor during the rewinding operation and the load at the completion of the rewinding operation.

Abstract: A special effects system for simulating physical sensations in an audience during the presentation of a motion picture. Relatively high intensity, very low frequency random noise is acoustically coupled to a theater space to produce psychological and physiological sensations, much as earthquake movements, in the audience. The special effects are controlled by a control sub-channel which is either frequency multiplexed onto a conventional optical audio track or, in a magnetic stripe film format, the control sub-channel is placed on an accompanying optical track. The presence and amplitude of two control frequencies in the sub-channel are detected and logically combined, providing four separate digital function control signals and two analog control signals which are variable in amplitude.

Abstract: A pair of signals optically different in consistency is placed on an image information recording film to be projected. A projector is provided with at least a pair of light detection elements in a position where signals may be detected. The difference between outputs from the elements is utilized as a detection signal. The above-described signals are detected by way of an ordinary speed of the film so as to automatically switch the projection mode thereof to other projection modes, such as a still projection mode, a slow motion projection mode, a fading projection mode, and still projection mode for the search and after the search. For this purpose there are provided with a control circuit for processing the output of the detection element and a drive mechanism for providing the respective projection mode in response to the output signal from the control circuit.

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 roll microfilm having a plurality of consecutive frames. Each frame has a border therearound with a plurality of small sized marks located within the border and being unequally spaced apart with respect to each other for detection by a plurality of corresponding detecting elements having the same spacing.

Abstract: A switch adapted to cooperate with the pull-down claw of a silent movie camera for transmitting an electrical signal each time a frame of movie film is advanced past the shutter of the camera includes an insulating base adapted to be positioned within the film receiving compartment of a movie camera so as to fit around the film gate, the base having a grounding contact arm engaging the gate so as to be grounded through the camera and a contact finger insulated from the gate and disposed for intermittent engagement with the reciprocating pull-down claw which serves to close the switch each time a frame of film is advanced past the shutter.

Abstract: If a cine film is to be projected to the accompaniment of a sound track on a separate tape it is necessary to cheek that the film and the sound track are correctly coordinated. This is ensured by reading a code mark from the sound track and using it to slow or stop the motion of the film. The point at which the film motion is slowed or stopped is used to evaluate the relative position of the film with respect to the sound track and thus check that correct coordination is present. This evaluation may take place visually or automatically. In the latter case the prolonged presence of a correlation marking on the film in a sensing position can be used to signal the existence of correlation whereas the absence of such marking may energize a warning lamp or deactivate the film drive.

Abstract: A special effects system for simulating physical sensations in an audience during the presentation of a motion picture. Relatively high intensity, very low frequency random noise is acoustically coupled to a theater space to produce psychological and physiological sensations, much as earthquake movements, in the audience. The special effects are controlled by a control sub-channel which is either frequency multiplexed onto a conventional optical audio track or, in a magnetic stripe film format, the control sub-channel is placed on an accompanying optical track. The presence and amplitude of two control frequencies in the sub-channel are detected and logically combined, providing four separate digital function control signals and two analog control signals which are variable in amplitude.