Sony Corporation

Ampex Corporation

Joseph L Corkery

John O Ryan

James R Holzgrafe

Gerow D Brill

Edward P Sudyka

Anne M Reagan

An improved controller for a VTR is disclosed. The VTR has a time code reader and a tape time reader, each generating a signal representative of the time length of the material recorded on the tape. The time code reader generates a signal derived from the time code recorded on the tape. The tape time reader generates a signal derived from the signals generated by a tachometer, connected to the tape transport mechanism. An interpolated time code is generated by means which adds an offset value to this tachometer derived time data. The offset value is periodically calculated by means which determines the difference between the time code data and the tachometer time code data after first determining that the tape speed has exceeded a predetermined threshold speed for a predetermined period of time. If the tape speed has not exceeded this predetermined threshold speed, then the last calculated offset is added to the tachometer derived data.

Controller for a videotape recorder, and a method therefor

A videotape controller which, during a stunt learn mode activated by closing any one of a plurality of tape speed control switches, memorizes the tape speed switch settings at uniform intervals of time and then replays those tape speed control settings during an auto stunt mode. The current capacity of the memory storage during either mode is visually displayed.

Dynamic motion programmable sequencer

Data for providing spatial and shading error correction signals during the operating mode of a television camera, are taken from a two dimensional array of correction points distributed across a television image during the camera setup mode and are stored as 8 bit words. The error correction signals extend smoothly (linearly) between the correction points. The smoothing is performed by selectively interpolating selected reference points on each video line to provide values which vary smoothly from one row of correction points to the next. A vertical interpolation circuit performs a vertical interpolation on a line-by-line basis, by adding signals produced by a multiplying D/A converter when loaded with the two values to be interpolated and weighted by factors related to the distance from each correction point. The results of the vertical interpolation circuit are fed to a horizontal interpolation circuit which ramps linearly from one reference point to the next, to provide the spatial and shading error correction output signals.

Two dimensional interpolation circuit for spatial and shading error

Precise, point-by-point correction of spatial and shading errors in a camera television picture are performed manually. The errors to be corrected are determined by visually examining a picture on a video monitor, by selecting an area for error correction which area corresponds to the type and extent of the specific error selected for correction. A position command increments or decrements an address by preselected steps to locate a movable 'cursor' which, in turn, identifies the area being corrected. A correction command retrieves the data from the area identified, and which contains the error, selectively increments or decrements the data in preselected steps, and stores the new data back in memory. The process continues until the operator is satisfied with the correction results. Correction thus may be made point-by-point, along horizontal or vertical lines or areas, in selected corner areas, etc., of the picture.

Growing community of inventors

San Carlos, CA, United States of America

Joseph L Corkery