Apparatus for reading optical data from a motion picture film and a light source therefor

An apparatus for reading optical data recorded as digital data from a motion picture film including at least one digital sound track extending along a film running direction having a recording area with stripes extending in a direction normal to the film running direction and columns extending in the film running direction, comprising:

• an optical fiber for guiding a readout light incident from plural light emissions on plural branched light input sections for radiating a readout light on the motion picture film at a light output thereof;
• light emission controlling means for driving said plural light emissions by pulsed lighting at a pre-set timing in a controlled manner;
• a CCD line sensor for receiving the readout light radiated to said motion picture film, said CCD line sensor reproducing the readout light to digital data by photo-electric conversion and outputting the reproduced digital data;
• wherein, said plural light emissions comprise at least one first light emitting diode for emitting a readout light radiated on said motion picture film and at least one second light emitting diode for emitting a readout light radiated on said motion picture film;
• and
• wherein, said pulsed lighting of said light emission controlling means operates as a shutter such that said CCD line sensor does not require an electronic shutter to discharge the CCD sensor.

A light source of an apparatus for reading optical data from a motion picture film including at least one digital sound track extending along a film running direction having a recording area with stripes extending in a direction normal to the film running direction and columns extending in the film running direction, comprising:

• an optical fiber bundle having plural groups of a multiplicity of optical fibers, each group of optical fibers having a light input section, said optical fiber bundle guiding a readout light incident on said light input sections and radiating the guided readout light on the motion picture film at a light output portion thereof;
• at least one first light emitting diode for radiating the readout light at said light input sections from a direction along the optical axis of said optical fiber bundle;
• and
• at least one second light emitting diode for radiating the readout light at said light input sections from an oblique direction intersecting the optical axis of said optical fiber bundle;
• wherein said first and second light emitting diodes are arranged such that said readout light guided through said optical fiber bundle is emitted on said motion picture film with sufficient light volume and spreading extent such that said digital sound track of said motion picture film is read with reduced adverse effects resulting from scratches or contaminations on said motion picture film;
• and
• wherein said optical fiber groups are interchanged in a random manner between said input sections and said light output portion to thereby improve uniformity of light volume and spreading extent of the guided readout light radiated from said optical fiber bundle.