Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit which images a subject, a detection unit which detects a state of the subject, and a control unit which, in a predetermined mode for acquiring an image by intermittently imaging a subject using the imaging unit, controls the intermittent imaging operation of the imaging unit for acquiring the image based on a detection result of the detection unit, in which the control unit determines whether a rate of a region in a frame related to the imaging unit is less than or equal to a predetermined rate, the region having a difference between a plurality of successive detection results obtained by the detection unit being larger than a predetermined value, and controls the intermittent imaging operation of the imaging unit in the predetermined mode according to a result of the determination.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for operating a camera. A lens or a sensor of the camera is rotated about an axis to a plurality of positions, and the rotation generates a rotation of a plane of sharp focus of the camera. At each of the plurality of positions, an image is captured. For each image, a substantially in-focus region is determined. The substantially in-focus regions are combined to generate a composite image.

Abstract: An optical instrument for producing an optical image to be viewed by an observer, the optical instrument comprising: an optical system for producing an optical image of an object which is viewable by an observer at an exit pupil; and a diffractive element located at an image plane of the optical system for producing an array of the exit pupils, which are perceivable as a single, enlarged exit pupil by the observer; wherein the diffractive element comprises a surface which has an array of diffractive units, each of which generates one of the exit pupils of the array of exit pupils, the diffractive units each comprising a lenticule, which is effective to produce diffractive interference of light and generate a plurality of exit pupils which are displaced relative to one another in the form of an array of exit pupils, the lenticules each comprising an irregular feature having a plurality of surfaces; wherein the diffractive units are disposed progressively radially outwardly from the optical axis of the diffract

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical projection system for a display, and more particularly to an optical projection system for a head-up display with improved light efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a foveated imaging system capable of capturing a wide field of view image and a foveated image, where the foveated image is a controllable region of interest of the wide field of view image.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and non-transitory computer medium are provided for encoding data of a media file for playback by a user equipment in a communications network. A request for a range of encoded data is received from the user equipment, the encoded data to be generated by encoding data from an original media file. The request for a range of encoded data is converted into a request for a range of original data from the original media file. The range of original data is retrieved and the range of original data is encoded to generate encoded data. The requested range of encoded data, from the generated encoded data, is provided to the user equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method for processing a digital picture, wherein the digital picture comprises a plurality of pixels. The method comprises dividing the digital picture into a plurality of blocks, each block comprising a plurality of pixels. The method further comprises determining a type of block for each block. The method further comprises associating each block with a filtering mode of a plurality of different filtering modes according to the type determined for the block. The method further comprises filtering each block using the associated filtering mode associated with the block.

Abstract: In a computerized film (digital camera action) production system, a virtual director module takes responsibility for creating sets, and enabling cinematography by creating a synthetic parallax matching of a “set” image to what would have existed before a camera in real motion about the physical location represented. This overcomes failures typical of “green screen” technology in dealing with such conditions as shallow depth of field and low light. Computer generated, synthetic sets from a 3D animator may be projected behind real actors during or after filming. Sythetic sets are seen through a virtual camera as photo-realistic because they are skinned with textures, and structured geometrically, to match reality represented by actual still photography of a physical environment, such as buildings, walls, streets, landscapes, props, and the like.

Abstract: Simultaneous movies of plural portions of a scene are acquired and shown, using one imager with electrooptical directing device to acquire, stepwise, an interleaved (e. g. alternating) sequence of subscene images. Apparatus is ideally in a vehicle: airborne or unmanned, or both. The invention records and transmits (via one data link, with no needed parallel path) the sequence as one image series; best sorts the received sequence into noninterleaved sequences, a separate sequence for each subscene; and shows these as movies. Alternatively, scene portions form a mosaic. Including gyro operation and pointing, the device best gets a new image roughly each 5 to 40 msec or less; or excluding gyros and pointing, 5 to 40 msec by FSM, 1 to 5 by MEMS, 1 to 5 (or 10) by LC, 1 by 2-axis nongimbal scanner and 0.1 to 0.2 by digigimbal. Subscene direction and focal changes best synchronize with frame reception. FSMs best have refractory bearings and electromagnetic pointing.

Abstract: A portable video production system includes a stand, a prompter portion, a mirror, a piece of glass, and a measuring device. The stand includes a table and a plurality of legs, and is configured to adjust a height of the legs based on a height of a user. The prompter portion includes a plurality of legs and a plurality of supports, and the supports extend between the legs of the prompter portion. The mirror is connected between first and second supports of the plurality of supports, and is configured to reflect a display of a laptop. The piece of glass is connected between third and fourth supports of the plurality of supports, and reflects the reflection of the display from the mirror to provide a reflected image to the user and to enable a video to be filmed through the glass without the reflected image appearing in the video. The measuring component is connected to the table, and extends from the table and being of a first specific length to indicate a first distance for the user to stand from the table.

Abstract: A method for generating a series of time-lapse photographs exhibiting minimal flicker is presented. The preferred method is adaptable to capture a series of time-lapse photographs of a sunset from full daylight to darkest night or vice versa while minimizing flicker between the images. The method utilizes a software program designed to achieve an even transition of the time-lapse and to minimize flickering of an image sequence. The software program features a flicker minimizing function designed to control several factors affecting the time-lapse technology. The present method utilizes data regarding a time-of-day a time zone at a geographic location. Latitude and longitude coordinates are utilized to automatically adjust the rate of change of exposure in a period of twilight. The software program is executed with a time-lapse interval between a plurality of images.

Abstract: A motion picture printing system having a digital micromirror device for manipulating light used to expose a film negative is disclosed. A motion picture printing system having an organic light emitting diode for emitting light to expose a film negative is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for reproducing complex camera movements that are made during a recorded scene so that camera movements can be precisely reproduced. A camera is mounted onto a camera support system. The camera support system has multiple articulated joints that enable the camera support system to move the camera through a wide range. Sensors are provided at each of the articulated joints to sense any changes in orientation experienced during a scene. The sensors create corresponding data signals indicative of the movement. A scene is shot with the camera. During the scene, the camera has a shooting position that is altered using the camera support system. The sensors detect the movements and the data signals produced are saved in an electronic memory. The saved data signals are used at a later time to reproduce movements of the camera support system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for and method of frequency prefiltering comprising a camera shutter capable of continuously variable illumination during a single exposure of the sensor. The shutter comprises a continuously variable exposure effector which in disposed in an image path, either in front of a lens or between a lens and a sensor. The system for frequency prefiltering further comprises a synchronization cable that synchronizes a drive system with a sensor or with film. The shutter further comprises a postfilter. The postfilter comprises a digital finite impulse response convolutional filter.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subjected to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights. The lights may comprise one or more LEDs. A drop-off distance of the front lights may be less than a distance between the front lights and a backscreen.

Abstract: A film record comprises a film strip representing a plurality of frames. At least one of the frames includes at least one region wherein the optical density of the region is representative of a symbol from a constellation of symbols.

Abstract: A method for a film recorder includes displaying a plurality of images on a modified liquid crystal display movably coupled to the film recorder, wherein the modified liquid crystal display panel comprises a liquid crystal display panel with only a single polarizing media layer, disposing a linearly polarizing filter in an optical path of the film recorder, orienting the linearly polarizing filter in a first orientation relative to the modified liquid crystal display panel to thereby configure the film recorder to receive the plurality of images as positive images, and orienting the linearly polarizing filter in a second orientation relative to the modified liquid crystal display panel to thereby configure the film recorder to receive the plurality of images as negative images.

Abstract: A film record comprises a film strip representing a plurality of frames. At least one of the frames includes at least one region wherein the optical density of the region is representative of a symbol from a constellation of symbols.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a detector for detecting optical density levels recorded on a film, each optical density level representing a symbol from a constellation of symbols, wherein each symbol is associated with a plurality of bits of data; and a demapper, for receiving data responsive to the detected optical density levels, and for providing data associated therewith. A method for recovering data stored on film by detecting optical density levels recorded on the film; and recovering the data from the detected optical density levels by receiving data responsive to the detected optical density levels; and demapping said received data for providing the recovered data associated therewith; wherein each detected optical density level is associated with a symbol from a constellation of symbols for use in demapping the data, and wherein each symbol is associated with a plurality of bits of data.

Abstract: A method of providing a visual representation of a scene to a participant in a studio is provided, wherein the studio is arranged to be viewed by a camera to provide a camera image and has at least a portion of a background object arranged to be keyed out of the camera image by a keying process. The method includes obtaining an estimate of the viewpoint of the participant; rendering an image of the scene based on the viewpoint of the participant; and projecting at least a portion of the rendered image onto the background object to provide a projected image portion visible to the participant. The projected image portion is projected so as to be keyed out of the camera image by the keying process.

Abstract: An anamorphic imaging system is disclosed which maximizes the use of available image area to minimize display magnification and image degradation due to display magnification, reduces the amount of anamorphic squeeze during photography to lower image degradation due to anamorphosis, and in film applications, utilizes a film frame that is only three perforations in height to reduce the amount of original film needed. The frame for either film or digital applications has an aspect ratio of approximately 16:9, is contained within the total available frame area of a three-perforation frame or digital imager, and is sized to maximize image area. In preferred embodiments, the image capture area is approximately 0.900 inches wide by approximately 0.506 inches tall.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing a moving picture using key frames by which the overall scenario of moving picture contents can be ascertained during a trick-play mode, and a method thereof. The recording apparatus includes a recording medium and recording apparatus for marking a representative picture position detected when there is a scene change among coded moving picture data streams, and recording the moving picture data streams on the recording medium. The scene change is determined based on distribution characteristics of macro blocks of frame units for the input coded moving picture data streams. The moving picture reproducing apparatus includes a recording medium having coded moving picture streams and a representative picture position detected when there is a scene change recorded thereon, and reproducing apparatus for searching for the representative picture position recorded on the recording medium and then reproducing a representative picture.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating a camera motion include a frame picture memory unit for storing a plurality of moving picture frames, a buffer for sequentially extracting the frames and storing them, a block division unit for dividing each of the frames stored in the buffer into a plurality of blocks, a mean picture generation unit for generating horizontal and vertical mean pictures using the blocks, a horizontal and a vertical mean picture memory unit for storing the data of the horizontal and vertical mean pictures, a motion vector extraction unit for extracting motion vectors from the blocks using horizontal and vertical mean picture data, a motion vector memory unit for storing the data of the motion vectors, and a camera motion estimation unit for estimating a camera motion using the motion vector data.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating a camera motion include a frame picture memory unit for storing a plurality of moving picture frames, a buffer for sequentially extracting the frames and storing them, a block division unit for dividing each of the frames stored in the buffer into a plurality of blocks, a mean picture generation unit for generating horizontal and vertical mean pictures using the blocks, a horizontal and a vertical mean picture memory unit for storing the data of the horizontal and vertical mean pictures, a motion vector extraction unit for extracting motion vectors from the blocks using horizontal and vertical mean picture data, a motion vector memory unit for storing the data of the motion vectors, and a camera motion estimation unit for estimating a camera motion using the motion vector data.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing a moving picture using key frames by which the overall scenario of moving picture contents can be ascertained during a trick-play mode, and a method thereof. The recording apparatus includes a recording medium and recording apparatus for marking a representative picture position detected when there is a scene change among coded moving picture data streams, and recording the moving picture data streams on the recording medium. The scene change is determined based on distribution characteristics of macro blocks of frame units for the input coded moving picture data streams. The moving picture reproducing apparatus includes a recording medium having coded moving picture streams and a representative picture position detected when there is a scene change recorded thereon, and reproducing apparatus for searching for the representative picture position recorded on the recording medium and then reproducing a representative picture.

Abstract: A co-registered multi-aperture imaging system is provided, which comprises two or more camera apertures for exposing a light sensitive imaging film or electronic sensor, with each aperture sharing a common perspective; and means for co-registering in time and space light rays of a real image and for directing said light rays to said apertures. The imaging system advantageously can be used to provide extended exposure and creative effects in the visual arts.

Abstract: A method of making motion picture release-print film, such as 35 mm film. The film has an enlarged frame that occupies substantially the entire width of the film that is available for the exposure of images, and the spacing between frames is minimized. Film having these enlarged frames provides an enhanced image with a minimum of film waste. Aspect ratios of 1.85:1 and 2.01:1 in the enlarged frame size are contemplated in three and four perforation formats. A digital soundtrack or other appropriate soundtrack replaces the analog soundtrack that occupies a portion of the available width. The soundtrack may provide for redundancy.

Abstract: A lamp, a film guide wide enough to support film moving thereover, and at least one optical sensor are combined to form an optical system for a film conversion device, which projects an image recorded on film onto the optical sensor. The film guide has an aperture that permits passage of light from the lamp through the film. The optical sensor is situated so as to receive the light passing through the aperture and the film. The film conversion device additionally comprises a heating element near to the lamp but not in its optical path. The power dissipated in the heating element is reduced when the lamp is turned on and is increased when the lamp is turned off so as to maintain substantially constant total power dissipation in both situations.

Abstract: A 70 mm motion picture film (80 in FIG. 3) is provided which can be projected by a standard 70 mm motion picture projector onto widely available theater projection screens, where the film results in a projected image (90) having a width-to-height (E/F) aspect ratio of 2.4 to 1, instead of the previous 2.2 to 1 aspect ratio, with the projected image having the same height as previously. The new 70 mm film has film frames (82) that each occupies over 95% of the horizontal distance (M) between the two rows of perforations (60, 62), and preferably 99% of the distance between the rows of perforations. Sound is produced by a disk controlled by a timing track (96) that lies between one row of perforations (60) and an edge (106) of the film strip.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby film images designed to produce a high-impact effect upon the members of an audience viewing a motion picture film are composited with other images designed to provide the conventional cinematic effect upon such audience members. "High-impact" film images photographed at forty-eight frames per second are composited with "conventional" images photographed at the traditional motion picture rate of twenty-four frames per second, with such images superimposed onto the same film frame. Certain portions of the motion picture image seen by the audience deliver a greater illusion of reality than other portions of the same motion picture image. In addition, the method described can accommodate the intercutting of discrete scenes presenting either high-impact or conventional cinema experience. The method disclosed here also allows easy conversion of films to the conventional twenty-four frames per second rate associated with conventional motion picture release and distribution.

Abstract: A method is described for producing Cinemascope-type motion picture images that have a large aspect ratio (e.g. 2.35 to 1), which enables their high quality projection using moderately priced projection lenses, which produces a steadier projected image, and which increases the life of the release print while reducing its cost. A scene is photographed in the prior art manner, using an anamorphic lens to produce 50% horizontally compressed anamorphic camera film frame images (aspect ratio of about 1.175 to 1). During processing to produce a release print, another anamorphic lens is used to produce 36.5% vertically compressed anamorphic release print film frame images (aspect ratio of 1.85 to 1) of the camera film images. An anamorphic projection lens is used in a motion picture theater to horizontally expand the projected images by about 27% (to an aspect ratio of 2.35 to 1).

Abstract: Systems are described for precisely positioning motion picture film frames at a camera film gate by the use of registration pins that project into film perforations, where the film frames are spaced by 2.5 perforation spacings, or perf spacings instead of the standard 4 perforations. In one system, the film is advanced a first time in steps of 5 perf spacings each to photograph alternate perf spacings film frames, (that are spaced by 2.5 perf spacings) perf spacings with the film gate mask being offset by 0.5 during a second pass when the film is advanced in steps of 5 perf. spacings each. In another system, the registration mechanism includes two sets of registration pins which are alternately projected into alternate film frames as the film is advanced in steps of 2.5 perf spacings. In another system, additional holes are punched into the standard film stock, so there are holes or perforations located at 2.5 perf. spacings along the length of the film.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimization of a simulated three-dimensional effect for film or video when constancy of the effect is desired. The apparatus comprises at least one arcuate support rail. A trolley is affixed movably to the support rail. A remotely controlled variable speed motor is affixed to the trolley for moving the trolley along the support rail. A camera mounting is affixed to the trolley and movable horizontally and vertically with respect to the trolley so that a camera is moved at a constant angular velocity relative to a scene to be filmed or recorded. The angular velocity is defined as linear circumferential speed at a specific and constant radius from the scene, the angular velocity being between 25 degrees per second and 65 degrees per second.

Abstract: Apparatus for optimization of a simulated three-dimensional effect for film or video includes at least one arcuate support rail and a trolley carrying a remotely controlled variable speed motor for moving the trolley along the rail. A camera mounting attached to the trolley is moveable horizontally and vertically with respect to the trolley and permits camera movement at a desired constant angular velocity at a specific and constant radius from the scene being recorded.

Abstract: A method of creating motion picture film reduces strobing effect and increases resolution and density. Images are recorded on a first frame of the film from two frames viewed by the camera. These will be superimposed at equal exposure rates. Each frame of the processed film will have double exposures. The procedure may to be performed with photographic film and also with video tape.

Abstract: An image processing system provides the capability of extracting three dimensional motion information from two dimensional images. The image processing system achieves such extraction by analyzing selected image points. The selected image points correspond to the projection of points on a three dimensional object. The object is moving over time (i.e. translating and rotating with respect to the imaging device). The selected image points are processed in parallel by a plurality of processors to first determine the translational velocity. Next, the rotational velocity of the patch is determined. Lastly, the relative depth of each image point is determined in light of the previously determined translational and rotational velocity. The image processing system accomplishes this task by using an imager and a processing means. The system has potential applications in filming and in robotics.

Abstract: A method for recording laser written information on motion picture film includes creating a visual image on the film photographically. A laser records sound information on a direct-read-after-write optical storage strip on an edge of the film. In one embodiment, the strip is made of reflective silver particles in a gelatin matrix. Different tracks may have different sound information such as foreign languages or stereophonic sound. Editing information is also writable on the strip.

Abstract: A method is described for producing and projecting a theater quality entertainment motion picture, by photographing and then projecting the motion picture on a screen, which creates an unusually vivid impression of realism. The film frames have a resolution of over 40 line pairs per milimeter, and each frame has an area of at least 0.36 square inch, which creates more than 10 million pixels per frame on the film and on the screen. The illumination level on the screen is at least 15 foot lamberts. The film frames are photographed and projected at a predetermined constant rate of more than 50 frames per second, such as 60 fps. The high resolution and light level, combined with the unusually high frame rate, has been found to produce an unusually vivid impression of realism.

Abstract: A photographic method and apparatus for producing a motion picture including moving a film unit in one direction and the optics system along an arcuate path generally laterally thereto so as to produce a plurality of images on the film unit. The camera utilizes means for intermittently moving the film unit, such as a film card, in a first direction with the image produced in sequence in a plurality of parallel, arcuate rows generally laterally of the first direction. Alternate rows of images are produced along a first lateral direction while intervening rows thereof are produced along a second lateral direction opposite to the first one.

Abstract: A method is described for producing and projecting a theater quality entertainment motion picture, by photographing and then projecting the motion picture on a screen, which creates an unusually vivid impression of realism. The film frames have a resolution of over 40 line pairs per milimeter, and each frame has an area of at least 0.36 square inch, which creates more then 10 million pixels per frame on the film and on the screen. The illumination level on the screen is at least 15 foot lamberts. The film frames are photographed and projected at a predetermined constant rate of more than 50 frames per second, such as 60 fps. The high resolution and light level, combined with the unusually high frame rate, has been found to produce an unusually vivid impression of realism.

Abstract: The method presented may be utilized in manufacturing CMOS integrated circuits either in an isoplanar or in a LOCOS process. The method entails the simultaneous formation of the well region with the oxide isolation regions by a drive-in diffusion which is conducted in a dry oxygen ambient. The utilization of the process insures that compounds of silicon, nitrogen and oxygen will not be present in the bulk silicon where they can effect the quality of gate oxides which are subsequently formed.