Film Scanner Perforation Edge Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing film scanning technologies face instability issues due to frame misregistration, which can result in unstable video playback, as the feedback mechanisms used to correct image instability are only partially effective and may vary from frame to frame.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for film scanning that involves illuminating the film, capturing digitized images including transport perforations, processing these images to detect edge locations, determining an image offset by comparing detected edges to datum locations, and generating a signal for alignment, which can also indicate fault conditions such as damage or degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feedback mechanisms are used to correct image instability, then some correction is achieved, but the correction is only partial and varies from frame to frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical feedback adjustment system with a digital image processing system. Instead of physically adjusting the scanning means based on feedback, the invention detects transport perforation edges in captured frames, calculates offset values, and applies digital correction to align successive frames. This substitution of mechanical feedback with computational correction enables more precise and consistent frame alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses transport perforations as reference markers that are copied across all frames. By detecting the positions of these perforation edges in each frame and comparing them to expected datum locations, the system creates a reference framework that enables accurate measurement and correction of frame misalignment, achieving consistent correction across all frames.
2Measurement precision
If edge detection is performed on transport perforations, then precise alignment is achieved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the transport perforation edges from the rest of the image content for specialized processing. By focusing edge detection algorithms specifically on the known locations and characteristics of transport perforations rather than processing the entire frame, the system achieves precise alignment measurements while minimizing overall processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport perforations serve as self-contained reference markers that automatically provide alignment information. Their regular spacing and distinctive edge characteristics enable the system to self-correct frame misalignment without requiring external reference materials or complex calibration procedures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise alignment and correction of successive frames during scanning, ensuring stable video playback by accurately determining image offsets and detecting potential faults in the scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
The scanning is performed by activating the light source and transmitting light through the film such that it is received by the receiver
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(f)
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to digitisation of film (200), and more particularly to film scanning. The method can include capturing light transmitted through the film so as to acquire a digitised image including by a captured frame comprising a digitised image of at least a portion (210) of at least one of said image frames (208a, 208b), and at least a portion of one or more transport perforations (206). The method can further include determining an image offset corresponding to at least the captured frame on the basis of a comparison between at least one detected edges in the captured image and a corresponding datum location. A signal representing the image offset can be generated to enable alignment of at least the captured frame.