Other

Ultra Stereo Labs Inc.

Terminal Data Corporation

Teknekron Corporation

Christie, Incorporated

Insurance Technology Company

Infoquest Corporation

Earl R Hibbard

James A Cashin

Mervin L Falk

Bevan Wright

Gordon Henry Jennings, Iii

Joseph P Denk

Steinar Larsen

Kingston Ganske

A system for providing closed-caption text in a movie theater wherein the caption information is only visible to those patrons wishing to view the text, comprising a projector projecting a plurality of light applications onto a predetermined strip of light in a viewing area, encoding the caption text so that it will only be viewed within the predetermined strip of light in the viewing area and decoding the encoded text so that it will be viewed only by those patrons wishing to view the text.

Captioning system and method

The present invention is a system and method to quickly and accurately measure the luminance and luminance distribution of a light on the surface of an object so that the position of the focusing reflectors in the projector can be adjusted to obtain the best luminance available for that object. In one method of the present invention a scanning light receiver, which produces an optical image of the object whose luminance is to be tested, is set up so that it may view a substantial portion of the surface of the object. The light receiver is connected to a analyzer and control unit ('ACU') to which it sends an electronic image representing the reflected luminance of the surface during each scan. The reflected light that is detected by the light receiver is then analyzed by the ACU to determine the luminance levels and distribution across a substantial portion of the surface. Once this analysis is complete, the ACU sends the results to a control interface unit which is connected to said focusing reflector which continuously adjusts the position of the focusing mirror until optimal luminance and luminance distribution is achieved across the viewing surface. In another method of the present invention, photo sensors are used to detect the luminance in different areas on a surface, Using either method and/or system of the present invention, the focusing mirror continually and automatically may be fine tuned until optimum luminance is achieved.

Focusing mirror control system and method for adjusting same

The present invention is a system and method to quickly and accurately measure the luminance and luminance distribution of a light on the surface of an object so that the position of the lamp can be adjusted relative to the projector optics to obtain the best luminance available for that object. A scanning light receiver, which produces an optical image of the object whose luminance is to be tested, is set up so that it may view a substantial portion of the surface of the object. The light receiver is connected to a analyzer and control unit ('ACU') to which it sends an electronic image representing the reflected luminance of the surface during each scan. The reflected light that is detected by the light receiver is then analyzed by the ACU to determine the luminance levels and distribution across a substantial portion of the surface by measuring the voltage of each pixel detected by the light receiver measured against the voltage produced by a black level. Once this analysis is complete, the ACU sends the results to a driver interface unit which is connected to a light source position controller in the projector which continuously adjusts the position of the light source relative to the projector optics until optimal luminance and luminance distribution is achieved across the viewing surface. For example, using the method and system of the present invention, the position of the lamp continually and automatically may be fine tuned until optimum luminance is achieved.

Lamp illumination control system and method

The present invention is a system and method to expeditiously and accurately measure the luminance, weave, jump and flicker of an object so that the best luminance available for that object may be achieved by making adjustments to the light source, the reflecting surface and the like. A scanning light receiver which produces a two dimensional optical image of the object whose luminance is to be tested, is set up so that it may view a substantial portion of the object. The light receiver is connected to a analyzer and interface unit ('AIU') to which it sends an electronic image representing the reflected luminance of the object during each scan. The reflected light that is detected by the light receiver is then analyzed by the AIU to determine the luminance levels, weave, jump and flicker of the luminance across a substantial portion of the object by measuring the voltage of each pixel detected by the light receiver measured against the voltage produced by a black level.

Projection system visual characteristics analyzer

Roll film document image storage and retrieval apparatus comprising a film transport having a supply reel and a takeup reel with a roll of film carried by the reels, the film having images thereon. A motor drive is provided for driving the film between the supply and takeup reels in forward and reverse directions. An optical image sensor is provided which is disposed adjacent the film between the supply and takeup reels. An image locater is provided for causing relative movement between the optical image sensing means and the film so that a specific image carrier by the film can be viewed. The image sensor senses a plurality of images simultaneously and provides an analog output. A processor is provided for processing the analog output to provide a digital output which can be utilized for providing a visual image.

Roll film document image storage and retrieval apparatus and system

An electronic camera for producing a video signal corresponding to a document or the like that is moved past a linear array of CCD sensors (1). The camera output is indicated as valid only when a document is being scanned with a predetermined number of lines determined by a counter (47-49). A time delay is invoked between documents to prevent fragmentary scanning. A pulse amplifier (20-24) having a wide frequency band and very low impedance drives the CCD sensors at a high rate.

Electronic camera

A system for scanning recorded information processes a video output of the scanner in a manner providing a digital representation of dark and light portions of the information scanned. A reference voltage derived from each pulse or slope of the video output provides a reference against which the original pulse or slope can be compared to indicate transition of the slope across the reference voltage to generate a digital output representative thereof.

Optical scanning system

An image registration system for a video camera is used in an optical information retrieval system in a manner to accurately register a pre-recorded image relative to the target of a T.V. camera. A light responsivearray defines the outline of an area corresponding in size and shape to that of the target and the image is simultaneously projected upon both the target and the light responsive array.In the event that the image is off-center with respect to the target, the light responsive elements serve to generate control signals for operating servo motors connected to mirrors for readjusting the light path along each of two predetermined axes. This movement causes the image (which is either transmitted to a monitor or which is later scanned from the target and recorded on a magnetic recording medium or the like) to be precisely centered or otherwise disposed at a predetermined position. According to a second embodiment the light responsive means has been disposed within the monitor whereby upon projection of the image at the monitor is sensed by the light responsive means. If the image is off-center or improperly oriented on the screen, control signals are generated for adjusting the light path transmitting the image into the camera so as to accurately register the image on the face of the monitor.

Image registration system for video camera

A recording apparatus of a type employing a thin pliant disc of recording material with a transducer disposed to advance and retreat across the disc in recording relation thereto employs a drive construction for rotating the disc and a base member having a generally smooth crowned surface underlying the disc. The crowned surface includes a radially extending crest defined by flanking portions sloping away from the crest region formed therebetween. The crest extends linearly across the surface (preferably on a radius or diameter) of the disc. Means for rotating the disc relative to the underlying base member in surface following relation causes the recording surface of the disc to be subjected to tensioning forces derived from the conjoint change in angular direction of the disc and the change in the plane of movement of the disc as it passes across the crest region thereby smoothing uneven or irregular portions of the recording surface passing beneath the transducer. In addition, a supplemental supply of suitable gas, such as air, is blown upwardly against the undersurface of the disc along a radius so as to space the disc uniformly from the base member to provide substantially uniform head-to-disc contact.

Growing community of inventors

Berkeley, CA, United States of America

Earl R Hibbard