Method and apparatus for indexing and retrieval of a continuous visual image medium

A method of indexing a continuous visual image medium that is produced at a certain frame rate and contains a series of frames each encompassing an area for visual image, comprising the steps of:

• a. generating an index rate which is consistent with said frame rate;
• b. inputing identification information for each frame of said continuous visual image medium;
• c. encoding said identification information into an index code at said index rate;
• and
• d. while said continuous visual image medium is continued at said frame rate, recording said index code to said continuous visual image medium at respective locations adjacent to but outside of said visual image area of each frame of said continuous visual image medium, such that said index code can be retrieved at a later time for identifying each frame of said continuous visual image medium, but when said continuous visual image medium is played back to show the visual image on a display screen, said index code will remain invisible and not be shown on the display screen.

A motion picture index recorder integrated with a motion picture camera which has a gate, for indexing a motion picture film that is produced at a certain frame rate and contains a series of frames each having a periphery area surrounding a safe shooting area, comprising:

• p1 a. a camera tachometer for generating an index rate which is consistent with said frame rate;
• b. a keyboard for inputing identification information for each frame of said motion picture film;
• c. an encoder for encoding said identification information into an index code at said index rate;
• and
• d. a code writer mounted on said gate of said motion picture camera for imprinting said index code on said motion picture film at said periphery area of each frame of said motion picture film while said motion picture is continued at said frame rate, such that said index code can be retrieved at a later time for identifying each frame of said motion picture film, but when said motion picture film is projected to a movie screen, said index code will remain invisible and not be shown on the movie screen.

A motion picture index retriever for retrieving index code imprinted on each frame of a motion picture film, comprising:

• a. a motion picture projector for projecting said motion picture film;
• b. a frame reader mounted on a gate of said motion picture projector for detecting each frame of said motion picture film to trigger a code reader also mounted on the gate of said motion picture projector for retrieving said index code of each frame of said motion picture film;
• c. a keyboard for inputing a search code of a desired frame on said motion picture film;
• d. a code comparator for comparing said input search code and said retrieved index code until they match;
• e. a monitor for monitoring said index code retrieved from said motion picture film;
• and
• f. means for controlling said motion picture projector to retrieve said desired frame on said motion picture film upon a matching of said input search code and said retrieved index code.

An apparatus for indexing a continuous visual image medium that is produced at a certain frame rate and contains a series of frames each encompassing an area for visual image, comprising:

• a. a clock generator for generating an index rate which is consistent with said frame rate;
• b. a keyboard for inputing identification information for each frame of said continuous visual image medium;
• c. an encoder for encoding said identification information into an index code at said index rate;
• and
• d. a code writer for recording said index code to said continuous visual image medium at respective locations adjacent to but outside of said visual image area of each frame of said continuous visual image medium while said continuous visual image medium is continued at said frame rate, such that said index code can be retrieved at a later time for identifying each frame of said continuous visual image medium, but when said continuous visual image medium is played back to show the visual image on a display screen, said index code will remain invisible and not be shown on the display screen.

An apparatus for retrieving an index code for each frame of a continuous visual image medium, comprising:

• a. a visual image reproducer for playing back said continuous visual image medium;
• b. a code reader continuously retrieving said index code of each frame of said continuous visual image medium;
• c. a keyboard for inputing a search code of a desired frame on said continuous visual image medium;
• d. a code comparator for comparing said input search code and said retrieved index code until they match;
• e. a monitor for monitoring said index code retrieved from said continuous visual image medium;
• and
• f. means for controlling said visual image reproducer to retrieve said desired frame on said continuous visual image medium upon a matching of said input search code and said retrieved index code.