Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
Still film sound photography method and apparatus
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for incorporating
electronic signals representative of at least audio information into still
film
photographs, such as slides and prints.
The present invention is directed at achieving this objective in a manner
which
preserves compatibility with current art photographic equipment and
processing. It
is further directed at providing an upgrade pathway from the existing art to
the
newly introduced art that ordinary persons, such as amateur photographers, can
implement on their own. It is still further directed at accomplishing the
above
identified objectives in a simple and economical fashion. Finally, a new
generation of photographic viewing and projecting devices is presented.
2. Description of Related Art
Known in the art are electronic still video cameras which capture images onto
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
video floppy discs. Some versions of these cameras are equipped to record
sound.
Still video cameras, as their name implies, are essentially "one frame at a
time"
variations of ordinary video cameras. Moreover, they do not make use
photographic film. Also known in the art are numerous techniques for
incorporating sound into motion picture film. The present invention, however,
relates primarily to still film photography.
It is an object of the present invention to provide optional, on-demand sound
capability in a still film camera while preserving, to the fullest extent
possible,
existing formats and practices used in the art of ordinary still film
photography.
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention enables still film photography to include sound.
Furthermore, the present invention accomplishes the addition of sound in a
manner that involves minimal modifications to existing apparatus; and enables
preservation of existing processing procedures. Ordinary film manufactured
using
prior art techniques may continue to be used. Likewise, film constructed
specifically for use with cameras designed for "Sound Photography" may also be
used by conventional cameras. Bi-directional compatibility is thus maintained.
In
addition to these benefits, the present invention preserves the "look and
feel" of
conventional photographic slides and prints.
There are a variety of methods which may be employed to store electronic
signals
representative of at least audio information in a fashion compatible with the
objectives of this invention. The ones discussed below are thus to be viewed
as
illustrative of the general principles involved, rather than as limiting.
In a preferred embodiment, a "Data Strip" is provided on a (developed) slide
or
print, and may be located at any convenient position on the slide or print.
Possible
positions for the Data Strip may be the cardboard (or plastic) slide mount of
a
slide; the back surface of a print; or, for a Polaroid print, either the rear
surface, or
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
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else the basal margin on the face of the Polaroid print. Whereas the term
"Strip" is
being used to refer to one form of a data storage means used by some
embodiments for storing electronic signals representative of at least audio
information, it is not a requirement for such storage means to appear in the
geometric form of a strip. It is possible for the data storage means to be
fashioned
into any of a multiplicity of shapes, including a rectangular patch. As would
be
appreciated by skilled artisans, the total surface area of (for instance) a
Data Strip
or Data Patch, along with the storage density of the Strip or Patch, may
affect the
amount of data that can be stored in it. While the Data Strip typically may be
used
to retain electronic data representative of audio information, it may also be
used to
store control codes, for instance, used to control exposure settings on a
camera, or
to control the operation of a projector. Data Strips may be comprised of any
of a
variety of types of storage media. They may be comprised of magnetic media
similar to the kind used in audio or video tape. They may be constructed of
optical
media similar to those employed in optical storage devices such as ones used
by
computers. Or, they may equally be comprised of a semiconductor memory such
as, for example, a WORM, PROM or ROM. Another technique, and certainly not
the final one, involves storing the electronic signals on the photographic
emulsion
using optically encoded variations in light intensity. With this option,
auxiliary
data retention means, such as data strips and patches, may not be required.
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
Cameras in accordance with the present invention include means for inputting
audio information, such as a microphone. The cameras also include means for
storing or for otherwise retaining the audio information that they collect.
The
audio information may be transferred in a later step to a data strip, or, may
be
S saved in a data strip immediately following input by the microphone in a
continuous process step. In camera embodiments in which audio information is
first saved in a temporary memory for later transfer to a data strip, a memory
medium for the temporary memory is required. The temporary memory medium
may be any medium capable of providing storage for electronic signals. It may
also be the photographic emulsion itself. The temporary memory may comprise a
magnetic medium, an optical medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. In
embodiments where the temporary memory medium is included in the camera, the
memory may be of the erasable variety. In embodiments in which the audio
information is first saved in a temporary memory, a data strip recorder may
also
be required. The data strip recorder is used to transfer electronic
information
saved in the temporary memory of a camera onto the data strips which are
affixed
to slides and prints.
The "Talking Slides & Prints" described herein are "played" using Players that
include means for accessing the data storage media which contain the
electronic
signals representative of the audio information. The particular accessing
means
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involved may depend on the actual method implemented for data storage, but may
utilize components and means similar to those practiced in audio tape players,
computer disk drives, random access memory read circuits, etc. In some
embodiments such as those where the data strip comprises an optical memory,
the
5 slide players may be capable of multimedia presentations that include
computer
generated audio and video sequences, conventional audio/video passages, etc.
in
addition to the customary projected photographic images. The players may also
be
capable of giving automated slide presentations, wherein the presentations are
"directed" by control codes contained in the slides. Not only may the players
(and
10 projectors) themselves be controlled in this manner, but other devices to
which the
players are connected as well, such as computers, audio components, video
components, other A/V presentation devices, etc.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI-)E DRAWINGS
A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present
invention will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a still film photographic "Slide Player" and of the
slides they play which include audio information. 'The "Slide Player" shown is
also capable of playing conventional slides; and similarly the slides shown
are
capable of being viewed using conventional slide viewers.
FIG. 2 shows an example of data storage means which may be used to incorporate
data representative of at least audio information into still film photographic
slides.
FIG. 3 shows an example of data being stored on a photographic emulsion in the
same frame with a photographic image.
FIG. 4 shows an example of data storage means included in a camera and a film
canister.
FIG. 5 shows an example of a recording apparatus which may be used with a
camera, film canister, slide, or Data Strip.
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FIG. 6 shows an example of an adapter for enabling an otherwise conventional
still film photographic camera to incorporate sound into otherwise
conventional
still film photographs.
FIG. 7 shows an example of a photographic print that includes a data patch for
retaining at least audio information.
FIG. 8 shows an example of a Polaroid print that includes data storage means
for
retaining electronic signals representative of at least audio information.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a Polaroid print "Player".
FIG. 10 shows an example of a carousel slide projector constructed to give
"Multimedia-Slide" presentations.
FIG. 11 shows an example of a "Multimedia-Slide" presentation enabled by the
projector of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 shows an example of an abbreviated schematic of a camera constructed
for still film Sound Photography.
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FIG. 13 shows an example of a still film sound photography system.
FIG. 14 shows an example of a camera that includes a Magnetic Write Head and
an Optical Write Head for Sound Photography.
FIG. 15 shows an example of a process for reading optical data included in the
film of a photographic slide.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode
of
carrying out the present invention. This description is not to be taken in a
limiting
sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of
the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended
claims.
FIG. I illustrates how an embodiment of the present invention enables
otherwise
conventional photographic slides to include audio information. FIG. 1
illustrates a
10 slide "Player" 4 and two slides 1A and 1B which may be "played" by the
slide
"Player" 4. The slides 1A and 1B have slide numbers 3 associated therewith, as
is
customary in the art. The slides 1A and 1B also have mounts 11 which may
typically be constructed of cardboard or plastic. The mounts 11 furnish
mechanical support for the photographic emulsions 2A and 2B. The
aforementioned components are typical elements of still film photographic
slides.
The example of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 utilizes a data
strip 5
comprised of an electronic data storage medium. The data Strip 5 is used to
retain
electronic signals representative of at least audio information. The Data
Strip 5
may be comprised of a magnetic recording medium similar to magnetic recording
tape. It may also be comprised of a magnetic recording medium such as those
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used in magnetic diskettes. Alternatively, the Data Strip may employ an
optical
recording medium or semiconductor memory. Indeed a wide margin of variation
is possible with regard to electronic data storage media applicable to the
objectives of the present invention. It is preferable, however, that the "look
and
feel" of conventional photographic slides (and prints) be substantially
preserved.
The strip is provided on the mounting frame 11 of the slide 1, and may be
manufactured onto the frame or applied to the frame by, for example, the
person
taking the photograph. In the latter case the data strip may be furnished with
an
adhesive backing to facilitate application to the slide. Slide Player 4
possesses a
slide insertion slot 47 into which slides to be played may be inserted. A
loudspeaker 45 is also provided for aurally reproducing the audio information
read
from the data strip 5 of the slide. Slide Player 4 is also furnished with
display
means 40 onto which images may be displayed--for instance, projected. In FIG.
1
the image 2A of slide IA is projected onto display means 40 of slide player 4
as
image 20. The audio information 444 is demonstrated being played by
loudspeaker 45 of player 4. In the illustration the audio information 444
comprises
the message: "Hi mom, it's me . . . Tara!" The slide player 4 may also be used
to
display conventional slides. In embodiments where slides having data storage
means are substantially the same, with respect to physical dimensions, as
conventional photographic slides, slides such as 1 may be viewed using
ordinary
slide viewers and projectors. In this latter instance, however, the novel
features
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
12
afforded by the present invention would not be available to conventional
viewing
or projecting equipment.
Although FIG. 1 depicts the role of the data strip 5 in storing electronic
signals
representative of audio information, the data strip is by no means limited to
storing just audio information. Indeed, any type of information which may be
retained in an electronic data storage medium may be placed into the data
strip 5.
For example, control codes used to control slide projector operation may be
placed into a data strip to permit preprogrammed, automated slide shows to be
given by the projector. Such automated slide shows can include audio
information, video information, and even computer generated animations and AN
sequences. Moreover the projector may be capable of controlling other devices
to
which it may be connected. Because the data strip is physically associated
with the
slide, any information contained in a data strip will accompany the slide
wherever
it may go. Automated slide shows may thus be integrally constituted with the
slides themselves.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the electronic
signals
representative of at least audio information are stored on the photographic
film
itself, such as optically in the emulsion. In the figure, 60 represents a roll
of
photographic film such as a roll of conventional 35mm film. 200 denotes the
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actual film itself. Three exposed frames may be seen on the film 200. Frame
2Na
corresponds to image 2a of slide la in FIG. 2. Frame 2Na is the negative of
image
2a. Similarly frame 2N6 is the negative of the image 2b seen mounted in slide
1 b
in the figure. Frame 22 illustrates a "Data Frame" that contains optically
encoded
electronic information representative of, for instance, audio signals. Frame
22 is
shown to be comprised of a plurality of parallel tracks 25 of varying optical
density. The variations in optical density in the tracks 25 are used to encode
for
information stored in the Data Frame 22. Techniques of optical encoding and
for
storing information in optical media are well known in the art, and would be
within the purview of skilled artisans. The tracks 25 may be written by a
semiconductor laser onto the emulsion of film 200, in frame 22. The
serniconductor laser may be included in the camera. This is illustrated in
FIG. 14
wherein the Optical Write Head of a semiconductor laser assembly is shown as
element 817. The information contained in the Data Frame 22 may be read, for
instance, after the roll 60 has been developed. It may then transferred to a
Data
Strip 5. As described above, the Data Strip 5 may be comprised of a variety of
electronic data storage media, including a magnetic or optical recording
medium.
It may also comprise a semiconductor memory, such as a ROM, WORM, PROM,
or other variety of nonvolatile semiconductor memory. In fact, any suitable
form
of electronic data storage medium capable of retaining electronic signals
representative of, for example, at least audio information, may be applicable.
The
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14
objective is plainly to enable an otherwise conventional still film
photographic
slide or print to retain electronic information. In the case of FIG. 2, Data
Frame 22
contains the optically encoded signals for the audio passage: "Hi mom, it's me
. . .
Tara." Similarly, Data Strip 5 of slide la contains this information. Thus,
when
slide la is inserted into slide player 4 of FIG. 1, loudspeaker 45 of player 4
will
aurally reproduce the message 444: "Hi mom, it's me . . . Tara." The visual
portion
of the slide 1 a is displayed on display means 40 as image 20. In the event
that
video information is also present in Data Strip 5, display means 40 may also
display this video information, whether concurrently with the display of the
photographic image 2a as two superimposed (e.g. projected) images, or apart
from
it.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which electronic signals
representative of audio information have been optically encoded and recorded
on
the same frame as the photographic images with which they are associated. A
roll
of photographic film is depicted as 60 in the figure. On the film 200 can be
seen
two frames 2Nx and 2Ny, which are the negatives of the images 2a and 2b of
slides la and 1b, depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Data tracks 25 of optically
encoded
information are shown at the bottom of frames 2Nx and 2Ny. The data tracks
illustrated are similar to those present in Data Frame 22 of FIG. 2, except
that in
this embodiment they are written on the same frame as the photographic images
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1$
with which they are associated. While storing data in the same frame as the
images they are connected with has the advantage of conserving film, it is
preferable for separate Data Frames be employed when data is to be written
directly onto film.
FIG. 4 illustrates embodiments of the invention in which the electronic
signals
representative of audio information are not written as optically encoded data
onto
film. One technique, shown in FIG. 4b, involves the use of an electronic data
storage medium provided on the photographic film canister. In FIG. 4b 60 is a
canister of film 200. Provided on canister 60 is an electronic data storage
medium
55 used for storing electronic information. The electronic data storage medium
55
may be manufactured onto the canister 60. It may equally be affixed to the
canister 60 by, for example, an ordinary person who intends to use the roll of
film.
The present invention thereby permits unskilled individuals untrained in the
I S photographic sciences to modify a conventional, prior art roll of film
such that it
may be used by a camera equipped, in accordance with the present invention,
for
Sound Photography. Moreover, the techniques of the present invention permit a
seamless transition from current art photographic equipment and processing to
the
novel apparatus and methods described herein. Cameras constructed for Sound
Photography in accordance with the present disclosure may use film either
fabricated similarly in accordance with this disclosure, or with equal
facility, film
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16
that has not been so constructed. In reciprocal fashion, prior art cameras not
manufactured with the present invention in mind may nonetheless employ film
that has been manufactured (or modified) based on the present invention. In
the
latter example, however, the advantages afforded by the instant invention
would
be lost.
The electronic data storage medium 55 in FIG. 4b may comprise a magnetic
recording medium similar to magnetic tape or to the magnetic media of computer
diskettes. It may also comprise an optical data storage medium of either the
rewritable or write-once variety. The choice of data storage medium will
affect the
information storage density and hence the amount of information that may be
retained by it. These considerations are appreciated by skilled artisans.
Electronic
information contained in 55 may be used to control a camera, a special purpose
photographic apparatus, or a device to which the apparatus containing the film
is
connected. In embodiments where the data storage medium SS are to be affixed
to
the film canister 60 by an end-user, the medium may be provided with an
adhesive
back-coating. In some embodiments of data media SS, additional layers or
coatings may be included to reduce static electricity, to impede the flow of
electrical current, or to retard the transfer of heat, etc. in order to
protect the film
from any adverse effects which may arise during media-write operations. The
precise duty of these supplemental layers would depend on the specific
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photographic environment involved, because media such as 55 may equally be
used with "unconventional" forms of photographic film such as X-ray or
infrared
film. Indeed storage media as well as any supplemental (e.g. protective)
layers
may be fabricated directly into the film.
FIG. 4a illustrates one embodiment of a camera that has been constructed in
accordance with the present invention to facilitate the incorporation of sound
into
film-based, still photography. The camera 7 includes the usual components
found
in cameras such as a lens 17, viewfinder 18, shutter release button 19, and
flash
lamp 13. The camera 7 also includes a microphone 14 to provide means for
inputting audio information. As will be discussed below in greater detail in
connection with FIG. 13, the microphone 14 may play a number of different
roles
in the operation of the camera 7. For example, depression of the shutter
release
button 19 may simultaneously trigger an exposure sequence and an audio
recording sequence, causing a photograph to be captured on film 200 and
concurrently, acoustic data to be gathered by microphone 14 and recorded. In
another mode of operation it is also possible for the photographic exposure
sequence to be initiated by an acoustic input that satisfies a preprogrammed
condition. For instance, an audio input above a preset volume level may serve
to
trigger the exposure sequence. In yet another mode of operation an audio input
that matches a preset acoustic pattern may serve as the trigger. For example,
the
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trigger may comprise an acoustical pattern match for the preset acoustic
pattern
"Ready", as spoken by a photographer. The microphone 14 may thus substitute
for
the shutter release button 19 as the trigger for exposure initiation.
Also illustrated in FIG. 4a is a memory 5050 included in camera 7. The memory
unit 5050 may comprise any kind of storage element capable of being
incorporated into, or else included with, the camera 7 that may serve to
store, or to
otherwise retain, electronic information. Memory unit 5050 may be a
semiconductor memory (505). It may also comprise an electronic data storage
device (50) such as a micro disk drive or tape recorder. Indeed, it may
include any
of a sizable variety of storage device types capable of furnishing storage
means
for electronic signals representative of at least audio information.
FIG. 5 illustrates a Data Strip Recorder 140 that may be used to create Data
Strips
5 for application to slides 1. In FIG. 5 a camera 7 is shown connected to the
Data
Strip Recorder 140 by an electrical connector 119. In embodiments of the
invention in which the audio information is stored in a memory 5050 included
in
the camera 7, the audio data may be transferred to Data Strips 5 by way of
downloading the information into the strip recording apparatus 140. The
recording
apparatus 140 then generates the strips 5. In embodiments where the data strip
5 is
comprised of a magnetic recording medium similar to magnetic audio tape, the
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recording apparatus 140 may include components similar to ones included in
audio tape recorders, for instance, a magnetic Read/Write Head. The strips 5
thus
produced by the strip recorder 140 may subsequently be applied to slides and
prints by ordinary persons, such as amateur photographers. The data strips 5
may
incorporate a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a
semiconductor memory, etc. Indeed they may comprise any kind of storage
medium or element that may be affixed to, or provided in association with, a
photographic slide or print in such manner as to substantially preserve the
"look
and feel" of the otherwise conventional slide or print, while furnishing data
storage means. The choice of storage medium employed would affect the
information storage density and capacity of the strip, as well as the hardware
required to store and to retrieve data from the strip. These considerations
are,
however, well known in the mature art of storage device design and
implementation. For example, where the data strip is comprised of a magnetic
recording medium, a read/write head similar to those found in current art tape
recording equipment might be employed.
The strip recorder 140 also includes a loudspeaker 145 and a microphone 141.
These enable audio information to be aurally reproduced as well as input by
the
unit 140. Loudspeaker 145 permits audio data stored in memory 5050 of camera 7
to be played, once the camera 7 has been connected to the Data Strip Recorder
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
140 by connector 119. The microphone 141 enables audio information to be
newly introduced by the recording unit 140 into a data strip 5, in instances
where
an audio passage was not recorded by the camera 7. It also facilitates
modifications to audio passages recorded earlier. As examples, an erroneous
5 memo is dictated into the camera 7 at the time a photograph is taken, such
as "The
Louvre", when the structure photographed was actually the Versailles Palace.
Later, when the Data strip is being generated using data strip recorder 140 a
new
Data Strip may be recorded with the identifying memo "The Versailles Palace".
Or, when a photograph is taken an audio passage is recorded by the camera
10 saying: "Mary Yvonne Daniel". The passage may be altered afterwards using
the
recorder 140 to: "Mary Yvonne Daniel JoAnne". The preceding are but two
examples.
In embodiments where the Data Strip is permanently affixed onto a slide (i.e.
by
15 the developer), the audio information associated with such a slide may be
modified or re-recorded by insertion of the slide into the slide receiving
means
147 of the strip recorder 140. Using microphone 141 and controls 144 included
with strip recorder unit 140, new audio data may be created and written onto a
data strip already present on the slide. Similarly, existing audio information
may
20 be edited or modified.
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Also illustrated in FIG. 5 is a receiving member 600 for receiving entire
rolls of
film 60, and which includes means for reading and writing electronic
information
contained in data patches 55 provided on the film canisters. As illustrated in
connection with FIG. 4b, audio passages associated with photographic images
may be saved on film canisters 60, where they may be retained in data patches
like
55. When audio information is thus stored in data patches provided on, or user-
affixed to, film canisters, the audio data may be recovered and transferred to
data
strips 5 using the data strip recorder 140. When a canister of film 60 is
placed into
the receiving member 600 of the recorder 140, the information contained in the
data patch 55 may be read by a Read Head included in the receiving member 600
and written onto data strips 5. The audio information, whether contained in
data
patches 55 on canisters of film, or written onto the film emulsion as
optically
encoded signals, may be transferred to data storage means provided on
developed
slides or prints by the photographic developer. It is not a requirement of the
present invention for the audio information be placed onto developed slides
and
prints by the end-user. Also, whereas data patches 55 are presented herein as
a
potential means for the storage of electronic signals representative of, for
example, audio information, they are not a requirement in the restrictive
sense.
Film canisters and the film itself, to mention but two possibilities, may be
manufactured to include data storage means. It is also possible for data strip
cassettes to be loaded into a camera along with rolls of film, such that the
camera
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may generate the data strips containing audio information in situ. These
additional
configurations exhibit but a few of the possible system permutations embraced
by
the present invention.
The strips 5 produced by any of the above-suggested methods may then be
affixed
to the slide mounts 11 of slides 1. Similarly, they may be affixed to the
backs of
photographic prints, or of Polaroid prints. The locations mentioned herein are
for
illustrative purposes only. By all means any suitable and convenient position
on a
slide or print may be selected for application of data strips or patches. In
FIG. 5
the roll of film 60 is depicted as being a new, or as yet unexposed, roll of
film. A
"leader" segment of film 200 is thus depicted as being present in the diagram.
In
practice, it will be typical in most cases for the roll of film 60 to be a
used, or
"exposed" roll. "Exposed" rolls of film may not have leader segments
protruding
from the film canister. An unexposed roll of film, however, may be used in
connection with recorder unit 140 in instances where camera control codes or
voice memos are to be recorded onto data patches 55. Camera control codes
allow
rolls of film to convey exposure control instructions, used to operate a
camera, to
the camera via the roll of film itself. This may be useful in certain
scientific
applications where synchronized exposure settings may be desired. Examples of
such applications may be astrophotography or photomicroscopy. Voice memos
may also be incorporated into rolls of film. Voice memos may be, but are not
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
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limited to, messages such as: "Don't forget to take pictures of the Vatican!"
It is
also possible for voice memos to be retained in memory units (such as 5050)
included with the camera, in camera embodiments where such memories are
present. However, the advantage of placing voice memos with the film is that
this
allows the messages to follow the film. Photographers often prepare a number
of
rolls of film in advance for their shooting purposes. Where more than one
camera
is being carried along with the film, it may sometimes be more convenient to
keep
the memos with the film.
FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an adapter which enables a camera not
designed to be audio capable to record audio information. The audio adapter
700
may be mounted to the camera 70 via attachment to the tripod socket 73 of the
camera. Screw 733 is used to fixedly secure the adapter 700 to the camera body
70. The audio adapter 700 may include a motor drive unit as well so as to
furnish
more than just one function, and may be in electrical communications with the
camera 70 via the motor drive connectors of the camera. The adapter includes
controls 744 used to set and to operate it in its various functional modes.
The
adapter also includes a microphone (not shown) for inputting acoustic
information. Audio information may be saved by the adapter using any of the
several methods already mentioned above: i.e. on magnetic tape, magnetic disk,
optical disc, optical tape, or semiconductor memory, etc. The audio data
retained
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
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by the adapter 700 may be output to a data strip recorder 140 via a cabled
connection to the recorder (as illustrated in FIG. 5). The adapter itself may
also be
capable of generating data strips 5 in some embodiments of adapters 700. When
this is the case a data strip recorder 140 may not be required. The audio
adapter
may also, in other embodiments, attach itself onto the flash hotshoe connector
75
of an ordinary camera. In still other embodiments, the audio adapter may even
take the form of a camera "DataBack". In the DataBack embodiment, the
electronic signals representative of audio data may even be written directly
onto
the photographic emulsion by, for example, a semiconductor laser included in
the
DataBack. As with cameras constructed intentionally for Sound Photography, the
Datal3ack adapter affords the widest set of options with respect to data
storage
possibilities. DataBack Adapters may also employ electronic data storage media
such as magnetic media, optical media, or semiconductor RAM for the temporary
storage of audio information.
FIG. 7 illustrates a photographic print that conforms with one embodiment of
the
present invention with respect to inclusion of audio information. In FIG. 7,
950f
denotes the front, or emulsion side of the print, and 950b denotes the back
side of
the print. 920 represents the photographic image. On the rear face of the
print,
950b, is a data patch 905. The data patch 905 is analogous to the data strip
5. It
may similarly include a magnetic recording material like that used in magnetic
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
storage tape; or be comprised of an optical recording medium, a semiconductor
memory, etc.
FIG. 8 illustrates a Polaroid photographic print that has been provided with a
data
5 strip in accordance with the present invention to enable incorporation of
sound
into the otherwise conventional Polaroid plate. The Polaroid print 900
includes the
image 902 of a lion. A data strip 5 contains the audio passage 944: "r . . .
rr . . .
Roar! " In this example, the image of the lion was captured by an acoustically
triggered exposure sequence; hence the origin of the audio passage. With
10 acoustically triggered exposures the input and recorded audio passage also
initiates the photographic exposure sequence. This results in a photograph
that is
in synchrony with its associated audio passage.
FIG. 9a illustrates a Polaroid print "Player" 2040 used for playing Polaroid
prints
15 900. The Audio Data Strip 5 located along the bottom margin on the face of
the
print 900 contains the electronic signals that represent audio information. In
the
illustration, 902 represents the photographic image. 2021 depicts a mechanical
support member provided on the player 2040 to serve as a stand for prints such
as
900. When a Polaroid print is inserted into a groove 2051 situated on the
right side
20 of the player 2040, a transport mechanism included in the groove causes the
print
to be loaded into the player in the direction of the arrow 2020. As the print
is
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
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being drawn into the player 2040, the data strip 5 travels beneath a Read Head
2060. This results in access of the electronic information contained in the
strip 5
by the playing apparatus 2040. A loudspeaker 2045 is supplied for aurally
reproducing the audio information retrieved from the strip 5. Control buttons
2014
are used for accessing the various functions associated with operation of the
Player, such as "Play", "Pause", "Repeat", etc. The controls are analogous to
some
of those included with ordinary audio equipment.
FIG. 9b illustrates some of the components present in the groove 2051 of
player
2040. A portion of the "print stand", or supporting member 2051, is shown for
reference. FIG. 9c is an enlargement of the portion of the groove which
contains
the feed mechanism and Read Head. In FIG. 9c are shown a light emitting diode
2075, and a photodetector 2077 used for detecting the light emitted by the
diode
2075. When a print 900 is inserted into the groove 2051, the light path from
the
LED 2075 to the photodetector 2077 is interrupted. This causes a motor (not
shown) to be switched on which in turn causes the rollers 2041 to draw the
Polaroid print 900 into the playing apparatus 2040. As the print 900 is being
drawn leftward into the player 2040, the Data Strip 5 found on the bottom
margin
of the Polaroid print passes under the Read Head 2060. As the strip 5
traverses the
head 2060 the electronic information contained in the strip 5 is input into
the
playing apparatus 2040. This information may then be reproduced, for instance,
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
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using loudspeaker 2045. The Read Head 2060 may be an electromagnetic Read
Head similar to those found in audio tape recorders, in embodiments where the
data strip is composed of a magnetic medium similar to magnetic audio tape. In
embodiments where the data strip is comprised of an optical medium, the Read
Head may be an optical read head similar to those employed in, for example,
compact disc players.
FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a carousel-type slide projector
fashioned in
accordance with the present invention. Not only is the projector 1070 capable
of
"playing" slides furnished with the data strips typical of the present
invention, but
it also capable of projecting conventional slides and of giving slide-based
multimedia presentations as well. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10,
the
projector 1070 includes two projection lenses: 1075 and 1079. While mono-lens
embodiments are possible, a dual-lens construction will be used to illustrate
the
concepts involved. In the diagram, the lens 1075 represents a conventional
slide
projection lens. Lens 1075 is used to project the photographic images of
slides
1010 present in the slide carousel 1025. Lens 1079 comprises part of an
electronic
image forming assembly that includes, in the present embodiment, a liquid
crystal
image forming element. Although any of a variety of electronic image forming
techniques known in the art of image display and projection may be employed,
an
LCD light valve is used in this embodiment of projector 1070. The images that
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
28
emerge from lenses 1075 and 1079 may be caused to converge upon a screen onto
which the images may be projected, so that the two mutually independent sets
of
images may be superimposed. In this fashion, images of electronic origin,
arising
from instructions and data contained in, for example, a data strip 5 of a
slide, may
be superimposed onto images of the ordinary photographic variety. Audio
information may be additionally included with any electronic images present
and
may be aurally reproduced by loudspeaker 1045. The projector 1070 includes
controls 1043 for mechanically controlling and optically adjusting the
conventional photographic projection aspects of the apparatus. It also
includes
multimedia controls 1044 for operation of the electronic presentation portions
of
the device. An operator's display console 1035 is provided to furnish the user
interface with the projector 1070.
FIG. 11 illustrates a very elementary form of multimedia presentation afforded
by
IS the projector and slides of the present invention. In FIG. 11, 1215 is a
projection
screen onto which optical images may be projected. 1220 is the projected
photographic image of a slide located in the slide carousel 1025 of the
projector
1070 (shown in FIG. 10). Image 1220 being of photographic origin, emerges from
lens 1075 of the projector 1070. In contrast the arrow 1215, which is also
projected onto screen 1215, is of electronic origin. It emerges from lens 1079
of
the projector 1070 (of FIG. 10). Arrow 1225 is generated by an LCD image
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
29
forming element included in the projector 1070 (not shown) from electronic
signals that code for the graphical representation of an arrow. Whereas the
image
1220 is of a "static" nature, the arrow 1225 may be "dynamic". That is, the
arrow
may move about on the screen 1215 so as to point to different parts of its co-
y projected, photographic image. In the example in FIG. 11, the dynamic arrow
1225 is also accompanied by an audio component 1244. The audio component in
the illustration is narrating a slide show on Histology. In embodiments where
the
data strip 5 is comprised of an optical memory, more elaborate images and
audio
narratives than the one depicted in FIG. 11 may be afforded--including, for
instance, presentations that include superimposed video frames and computer
animations. Indeed the audio information may even be of a synthetic nature in
that
phonemes, symbols, or mere words may be stored in data strips and a computer
may be included to synthesize speech from these elements. It is also possible
for
automated slide shows and multimedia presentations to be given by the slides
I S themselves, the control instructions for these presentations being
contained in the
data storage media of the slides.
To increase the amount of electronic information that may be incorporated into
a
multimedia slide show, some embodiments may employ slide configurations
wherein "Data Slides" alternate with photographic slides in carousel slots.
For
example, slides one, three, five, seven, etc. may be "Data Slides"; and slides
two,
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
four, six, eight, etc. may be photographic slides. "Data Slides" may be
comprised
of electronic data storage media having physical dimensions substantially the
same as ordinary photographic slides. After the information contained in a
"Data
Slide" has been read into memory by the projector, the photographic image
5 associated with the subsequent slide in the carousel tray, which may be a
photographic slide, may be projected. Electronic images, pointers, audio
passages,
video pictures, AN sequences, computer animations, etc. may then be played,
displayed or projected in concert with ordinary photographic images. A
multimedia slide projector may also be capable of controlling other equipment,
10 such as audio components, video components, computers, etc. to which the
projector may be connected.
FIG. 12 is an abbreviated schematic that shows the relationship of a camera
constructed for Sound Photography to one of the conventional art. Both types
of
15 cameras include a shutter release button 19 and an exposure mechanism 80.
In
both cases depression of the shutter release button 19 causes the exposure
mechanism 80 to allow a photographic image to be formed on film 200. The
darkened boxes represent components which are additionally included in cameras
constructed in accordance with the present invention. Among these is 14, which
is
20 a microphone for inputting audio information. The audio information input
by the
microphone 14 goes to 555 where it is processed into a format amenable to
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
31
storage. The output from the Audio Processor Unit 555 comprises electronic
data
representative of audio information; which may be saved in a variety of
different
storage media. The precise set of components used to implement storage will
depend on the particular choice of medium actually selected to furnish the
storage.
S Three candidate storage media are presented for illustrative purposes in
FIG. 12.
One method uses a film recorder 591 to save the electronic signals in the form
of
optically encoded variations in light on the photographic emulsion 200.
Methods
for accomplishing this are well known in the art. They include techniques
wherein
a laser, such as a semiconductor laser, may be used to "expose" substantially
minute portions of the film surface with spots or stripes of varying
intensity. The
variations in optical density in the film may serve to encode information.
Another
applicable technique involves recording the signals representative of at least
audio
information in a data storage medium such as 50, which may be a tape, disk,
memory card, etc. of either the magnetic, optical, or another variety. The
data
storage media mentioned above may serve to provide a temporary place for
keeping the audio information, until such time that the information may be
transferred to Data Strips 5. The specific type of storage device 593 used to
place
the data into the data storage medium 50 would depend on the particular
storage
medium involved. For instance, if the storage medium comprises a magnetic
tape,
the storage device may include a tape recording mechanism comparable to ones
employed by ordinary audio tape recording apparatus. If the storage medium
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
32
utilizes a magnetic disc, the storage device may include a disk drive such as,
for
example, a micro-drive perhaps conforming to the 1.3-inch form factor
currently
emerging in many sub-notebook computers. The electronic data representative of
at least audio information may also be stored in a semiconductor memory such
as
a RAM. If the storage medium comprises a semiconductor RAM, then Write
Logic 59S may be included in order to permit the data to be written into the
semiconductor memory 505. There are numerous storage technologies available in
the art which may be applicable to the information storage needs of the
present
invention. The choice as to which particular technology would best serve the
requirements of any particular embodiment of the invention would be recognized
by skilled artisans.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment the still film sound
photography
system of the present invention. The illustration shown is for an
implementation in
which the signals are stored in digital format. While the electronic signals
representing audio information may be saved with comparable facility in analog
format, whether on film 200 or in a data storage medium 50, the digital format
permits storage in a semiconductor memory such as 505. Because the cost of
semiconductor memory is decreasing steadily, while its storage capacity is
continuing to rise, implementations involving such memories are quite
attractive.
FIG. 13 thus uses as an example a camera capable of employing a semiconductor
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
33
memory for the retention of electronic signals.
Cameras of the present invention permit a large number of different "shooting"
modes, some of which will now be discussed in connection with FIG. 13.
One mode of taking a still photograph that includes sound involves initiating
sound recording simultaneously with the initiation of an exposure sequence.
This
begins with the depression of Shutter Release button 19. This event signals (
1500)
the Camera Control Unit 100 to activate (1511) the metering system 101 so that
light measurements may commence. The metering system 101 sends light
measurement and focusing information (1512) to the camera control unit 100
which may be used for calculating focus, aperture opening, shutter speed, etc.
In
embodiments of cameras that employ "Through-The-Lens" metering, the data
stream (1512) may comprise a continuous stream. Using the information (1512)
supplied by the metering system 101, the control unit 100 controls (1514) the
exposure mechanism 80 to allow an optical image to be captured (1501) onto the
film 200. Concurrent with the just-described steps which produce a
photographic
image, depression of the shutter release button 19 also causes the control
unit 100
to activate (1551) the microphone 14. The switched-on microphone 14 sends a
time-continuous data stream comprised of analog electrical signals
representative
of audio data <1560> to the Audio Processor Unit 555. The analog electrical
audio
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
34
signals are amplified by Line Amplifier 515. The amplified signal passes to a
Dither Generator 517 to improve resolution and to lower distortion. Dither is
an
analog noise signal that is intentionally added prior to sampling to randomize
the
effects of quantization error. There are many kinds of Dither signals which
may be
employed. For example, they may be signals with: rectangular, triangular,
Gaussian, etc. probability density functions. Dither Generator 517 may even be
excluded from some embodiments since the analog noise inherent in amplifier
515
as well as in the Low Pass Filter 519 may provide an adequate dither signal
for the
present purposes. The preceding concepts are appreciable to audio engineers.
The
dithered analog signal <1562> is presented to a Low Pass Filter 519 to band-
limit
the signal to frequencies below half the sampling frequency. Filter 519 should
have a very sharp cutoff, whose actual frequency would depend on the
particular
sampling frequency employed by the system. Most embodiments will employ
input filters 519 with a cutoff set at, or below, 22 kHz. The frequency
response
within the passband and cutoff band should be flat. The Sample and Hold
circuit
521 is a standard device element preceding the A/D Converter 523. It serves
the
role of sampling the analog waveform <1553> at a periodic rate, and of holding
the analog value of the sample <1564> until A/D Converter 523 has output a
digital word <1565> that represents the value of the sample. The science of
Analog-to-Digital Conversion is a mature technical art that is well known in
the
field of electrical engineering. Error correction, a requirement common to
digital
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
recording and familiar to all computer engineers, takes place at 527. A
familiar
example of error correction would be the addition of parity bits. After error
correction has been applied to the stream of digital data <1565>, the
processed
digital data <1566> is stored in a memory buffer unit 535.
5
The digital data representative of audio information may be saved in any of a
variety of storage media. As discussed above these may include: film 200, an
electronic data or audio/video signal storage medium 50, a semiconductor
memory 505, etc. The steps of formatting, record modulation, and recording may
10 be supplied by the storage device interface hardware of the particular
storage
device involved.
One embodiment of a camera "shooting" mode was described above wherein
sound recording commenced with initiation of a photographic exposure sequence,
15 following depression of the shutter release button 19. In another mode of
operation, sound may serve as the "trigger" mechanism for the initiation of
the
exposure sequence. Sound may thus substitute for the shutter release button
19. In
this category of exposure initiation, data representative of acoustic
information is
relayed <1567> to an Audio Signal Analyzer 575. The Signal Analyzer 575 may
20 include its own microprocessor, RAM, ROM and Digital Signal Processing
hardware, depending on the complexity of the embodiment. In simple
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
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embodiments the signal analyzer may merely comprise a register for holding a
digital reference word representative of an amplitude level, another register
for
holding the data word corresponding to the current position in the incoming
audio
waveform, and (for example) subtraction circuitry for comparing the values
contained in the two registers. When the sound level exceeds a preset level,
the
Signal Analyzer 575 may signal (1580) the Camera Control Unit 100 to initiate
the exposure sequence. The control unit 100 may simultaneously initiate
storage
of the audio information input by microphone 14 in, for instance, medium: 200,
50, or 505.
In another embodiment of a camera "shooting" mode the Audio Analyzer 575 may
be capable of detecting pre-programmed acoustic patterns. For example, an
acoustic pattern match may be used to initiate an exposure and sound recording
sequence. Commands such as "Go" or "Ready" may comprise possible acoustic
patterns to be matched. Acoustic pattern matching protects against erroneous
pictures being taken due to unexpected loud background sounds. A specific
photographer's voice signature or speech pattern may also comprise the pattern
to
be matched. Voice signatures may be stored in, for example, a nonvolatile
memory block within the analyzer unit 575. A wide range of remotely activated
functions may be aflrorded based upon spoken commands. Some examples might
be: "Zoom-in" or "Wide Angle", "Fill Flash", or "No-Red-Eye". The Audio
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
37
Analyzer Unit 575 may include DSP (Digital Signal Processing) circuitry in
embodiments capable of performing acoustic pattern matching.
Another embodiment of a camera "shooting" mode makes use of a Record Button
514 shown in FIG. 13. The record button 514 may be used to record audio
passages out of synchrony with photographic exposures. Whether before or after
an exposure has been made, although typically after, a photographer may
dictate
into microphone 19 of camera 7 an audio message. As an example, a photographer
might dictate the names of the people contained in a photograph, a8er the
photograph has just been taken. The record button 514 may also be used to
enter
audio information, such as a memo, into RAM 505. An example might be:
"Remember to shoot picture of Eiffel Tower." The record button 514 is
comparable to the record start button of an ordinary audio tape recorder.
FIG. 14 shows a camera with the film back removed to reveal a number of
internal
components. A canister of film 60 is present with a segment of photographic
film
200 emerging from the canister. In the normal operation of the camera, film
200
will be threaded onto take-up reel 87; and, with each successive "shot" film
200
Will advance in the direction of the arrow 89 towards and onto take-up reel
87.
The optical write head of a semiconductor laser assembly is depicted in FIG.
14 as
817. 817 is used to place the parallel tracks of optically encoded data 25
onto film
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
38
200 as the film traverses assembly 817 on its way to the take-up reel 87.
Modulations in spot intensity within each of the parallel tracks may be
employed
in writing information to the photographic emulsion. A data frame such as 22
of
FIG. 2a may be formed in this manner. Also illustrated in FIG. 14 is a
magnetic
recording head 851 used to write data onto a data patch 55 provided in
association
with a film canister 60. The recording head 861 is included with the camera
back,
which was removed in the figure for purposes of illustration. Magnetic
recording
head 861 may be similar to recording heads used by many audio devices for
storing signals onto magnetic tape. It may also be similar to recording heads
employed by devices such as micro magnetic disc drives. Whereas the data patch
depicted in FIG. 14 is of the magnetic variety, as discussed earlier, it may
also be
of the optical variety, etc. Similarly, the data patch may comprise a
semiconductor
memory. The actual type of write head employed, though shown here as 961, may
depend on the selection of storage medium to be used by the data patch 55. The
examples provided are therefore to be regarded as illustrative of the concepts
involved, rather than limiting. In FIG. 14, the data patch 55 also includes a
"markup" region 56 so that identifying information or comments may be hand
written onto the patch. Arrows 863x and 863y denote the tracking directions in
which the recording head 861 may take.
FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a process for reading data contained
CA 02544690 1993-12-23
39
optically in a slide. The slide 1 may be the developed result of a negative
such as
2Nx or any of FIG. 2a. A light source such as a laser 343 may be employed to
access the data in tracks 25 which are present in the photographic emulsion.
The
beam 344 emanating from its source 343 is modulated by the variations in
optical
S conductivity of the track 25 where the beam traverses the film. A
photodetector
345 detects the light of the beam emergent from the slide. The variations in
light
intensity seen by photodetector 345 may be used to modulate an electrical
signal.
The technique involved is known in the art and would be appreciated by skilled
artisans. The information thus obtained from the slide may then be used in any
of
the ways previously described in this disclosure. For instance, it may be
transferred to a data strip (though this is not a requirement). The procedure
illustrated in FIG. 15 may be practiced by the photographic developer, in
order to
generate a data strip for an amateur photographer's slide; or, it may be
practiced
through incorporation into an apparatus such as the recording unit 140 of FIG.
5.
It may also be practiced by a slide player or projector.
The presently disclosed embodiment is therefore to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and
all
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims
are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
