Abstract: Previously-produced motion pictures are enhanced for theatrical exhibition, at double the frame rate at which they were originally produced. New, rendered images are interpolated between each of the images of the original motion picture. These new images are generated by computer software that analyzes the actual horizontal and vertical displacement of each pixel of every image of the original motion picture, so the interpolated images accurately depict the exact image that would have been captured, if the original motion picture had originally been produced at double the actual frame rate of production. This enhancement technique can be used for an entire motion picture, or selectively for certain scenes or sequences. For image components containing complex motion, those components are selected for treatment to correct for such complexity. The entire process can be executed automatically. In the preferred embodiment, the pictures are projected through digital means at 48 frames-per-second.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a video conversion device including a color characteristic memory, a color characteristic correction processor, a selector, and a controller.

Abstract: A film exposer has a modulator which modulates light from a light source and projects it onto a light-sensitive film guided continuously past the modulator. The modulator comprises a two-dimensional arrangement of elements which each project a specific quantity of light onto the film. A pixel entering the projection area of the modulator of the film on one side integrates the light which is projected onto the pixel by elements arranged in a row in the transport direction of the film. The quantity of light integrated by the pixel depends on how many elements are switched on, that is to say project light onto the film, while the film passes through the projection area of the modulator. The total quantity of the light to be integrated can be adjusted for each pixel by appropriate control of the elements respectively lying in a row in the transport direction of the film.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) forms a latent indicium onto a sensitized medium, using an area energy source (26) for applying a substantially uniform sensitizing energy over an area of the sensitized medium and a pixel exposure source (30) for applying radiant energy to expose a pattern of pixels (14) onto the area of the sensitized medium for forming the indicium.

Abstract: A photographic film with a row of sprocket holes formed on each side thereof includes a sensitometric step wedge of different light intensity values exposed along one side of the film, preferably located between the sprocket holes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby existing on future motion picture films are modified for exhibition at frame rates significantly higher than those used for general theatrical release. Films photographed at customary frame rates (such as 24 frames per second) are printed, with each frame printed twice, onto film for exhibition. The resulting film is shown at double the original frame rate (48 frames per second, for example). The method disclosed here allows more light to pass through the film than is possible with conventional projection methods. The method disclosed here is also compatible with any standard or nonstandard film size or aspect ratio. This method also allows light brightness to be varied for certain scenes or sequences, thereby allowing the viewers to perceive different amounts of visual impact for different scenes or sequences, a feature not available through conventional motion picture exhibition methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a matte process employing an improved backing screen having particular application for use in composite photography. In particular, the present invention relates to color difference composite photography, whether still, motion picture, video, solid state digital electronic or electrophotographic imaging, in which foreground and background scenes are separately recorded and subsequently combined using known “blue screen” or special color background techniques to form a single image. The present invention includes a biaxially stretchable fabric of synthetic fibers treated with a dye formulation, including fluorescence which is reactive to the visible spectrum, to achieve any of a variety of specific spectral loci and luminances, for the purpose of providing a precise chromatic actinic stimulus response for a silver halide photographic film, or similar response for electronic imaging devices.

Abstract: A floating segmented conglomerate backing screen for use in underwater composite photography. A plurality of buoyant pads of an essentially hexagonal shape have surfaces exhibiting specific chrominance and luminance properties as required for a traveling matte process. The individual segments are deployed onto a liquid surface of a finite area in a quantity sufficient to substantially cover the liquid surface in its entirety, in an edge-to-edge, floating, conglomerate relationship. The floating raft created by the segments permits egress and ingress for people and equipment directly through the raft and likewise permits the escape of air rising from below the surface. When appropriately illuminated from either below or above the surface, or both, the chrominance and luminance of the raft is such that an essentially monochromatic backing field is provided for traveling matte processes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby cinematic image components photographed at one frame rate are composited with other cinematic image components photographed at a higher frame rate, to produce images containing some components that deliver a more realistic impression to the audiences viewing such images than are delivered by the other image components. This method is applicable to any combination of frame rates, as long as one frame rate is greater than thirty frames per second, and the other is thirty frames per second or less. Scenes or sequences photographed at different frame rates and containing entire images can also be combined into a single motion picture by intercutting in accordance with this method. In addition, this method allows conversion of films photographed at nonstandard frame rates to be converted to a universal format for exhibition in conventional motion picture theaters, thus eliminating the restriction of films of this sort to special venues.

Abstract: A process for transferring images from a first frame system to a second frame system is described. A first sequence from the first frame system is determined so as to include a plurality of image frames, wherein each image frame includes a central timing factor. Likewise, a second sequence from the second frame system is selected so as to include a plurality of image frames, wherein each image frame includes a central timing factor. Each image frame for the newly constructed second frame system is built by combining at least two image frames from the first frame system in a proportion such that the central timing factors of the two image frames of the first frame system combine so as to correspond to the central timing factor for the image frame in the second frame system. In this manner, the images from the first frame system combine in a smooth fashion in the second frame system such that jitter, freezes and jumps are eliminated.

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 motion picture film composition method can be provided in which when a first motion picture film on which a first picture is imaged and a second motion picture on which a second picture is imaged are combined, the first motion picture film is converted into a video signal and processed in accordance with predetermined video signal processing to form an intermediate film and a mask film necessary for film composition, and a latent image obtained by superposing the intermediate film and the mask film and another latent image obtained by superposing the second picture film and the mask film are imaged for double exposure to combine the first motion picture film and the second motion picture film with high accuracy so that a combined motion picture film in which the second picture is superposed on the first picture can be made easily.

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: A process of producing animated films which permits greater rapidity in the filming, while at the same time reducing the cost. The process comprises the steps of: a) photographing a single time by a camera a black and white drawing of each of the components of each plane, without background; b) coloring the photographed images by an electronic brush and storing them on a hard disk; c) recovering the different drawings from the hard disk, mixing the different planes of the foreground, creating a movement of animation; d) transferring the resultant images to a videotape; e) directly recording the backgrounds or ambience which are stored on a separate videotape; and f) mixing the images of the two videotapes.

Abstract: Process for making an improved duplicate negative from an original color motion picture negative by using optical color filters with flying spot scanning of the original negative to generate tri-color separation analog video signals. These signals are transmitted through active and/or passive electronic filters, at which stage the signals may be optionally modified. The signals are used to create images on a black and white cathode ray tube. A lens projects these images through optical color filters to create a latent image in each of the three emulsion layers of a color sensitive motion picture film. This process is repeated for each frame of the original negative, after which the exposed film is developed in the conventional way, resulting in a duplicate negative, suitable for use for release printing.

Abstract: A process for producing a traveling matte by first converting a first picture including a foreground and a background image to an electronic form into computer memory. Then, converting a second background picture to electronic form and storing it into computer memory. The computer is then used to subtract one stored picture from the other to arrive at a difference image. The shade of the difference image is then changed to a uniform black color, thereby creating an electronic male matte having only black and white regions, which is stored in the computer memory. The computer is then used to change all black regions of the male matte to white regions and all white regions of the male matte to black regions, thereby creating a female matte, which is stored in computer memory. Finally, the stored male and female mattes are converted from electronic form to a photographic material, such as film.

Abstract: A method of recording an image of a scene onto cinematographic color film comprises forming a number of successive partial images through a single lens system onto each single frame of the film, the successive partial images being recorded in light of different characteristics, for example different colors. The film is projected using a conventional projector, and when viewed through appropriate filters, gives a stereo scopic effect. To get an optimum effect, the sequence in which the images are recorded should be appropriate to the predominant direction of horizontal movement in the scene. Accordingly in one form of the invention, each image is divided into a number of areas, each area in successive images being recorded in light of different characteristics, and each image having different areas recorded in light of different characteristics.

Abstract: A method of recording an image of an object onto cinematographic color film comprises forming a number of successive images of the object through a single lens system onto each frame of the film, the successive images being recorded in light of different characteristics, for example different colors. In a preferred embodiment, each frame of the film is exposed successively to light of two or three different colors. The film is projected using a conventional projector, and when viewed through spectacles consisting of two appropriate filters gives a stereoscopic effect. The method can be used to produce a film which can also be viewed without spectacles, and is found to give enhanced sharpness and color saturation. The invention also includes a moving film camera having a mechanism for interposing a number of filters in the optical path successively during exposure of each frame so that successive images are overlaid on each frame.

Abstract: A method is described for converting a strip of film designed for showing at 60 fps (frames per second) to a film that can be shown at 24 fps. Instead of forming the 24 fps film so it alternately contains every second and every third frame of the 60 fps film, each frame of the 24 fps film includes two distinct overlapping successive images of the 60 fps film.

Abstract: The device includes a camera having first and second imaging mediums. Polarized illumination is directed toward the camera from a screen mounted behind the foreground object. The foreground object blocks some polarized light from reaching the camera. Unpolarized light illuminates the foreground object, and the light reflects from the foreground object to the camera. A prism in the camera reflects polarized light to the first imaging medium and transmits the orthogonal components from the foreground object to the second imaging medium. The image received by the first imaging medium is combined with a background scene, and the image received by the second imaging medium is added to the combined image of the first imaging medium and the background scene.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of using the fundamental property of semiconductors to combine two or more photographic images into a single photographic image, the method involving the use of ultraviolet light to cause areas of a transparent semiconductor to become reflective and opaque so that portions of a projected background image can't pass through those parts of the semiconductor while portions of an appropriate foreground image reflect from them, thereby creating a composite image.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the art of photography and provides a method of making the optical mattes that are used in making composite photographs. The method consists of transforming an image of an object photographed against an illuminated background into a luminous silhouette of the object on a dark background, diminishing the luminosity contrast within the said silhouette, and recording the result on black-and-white film. The invention includes apparatus necessary to carry out the method.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed herein for producing a pair of identical images on the same piece of film except for the appearance of the background which becomes black behind one of the images and clear behind the other. The apparatus includes a background screen reflecting polarized light and a motion picture camera having an image duplicating device carried before the lens thereof comprising a beam split element for optically conducting a pair of images simultaneously through filters via front surface mirrors and prisms to a recording film strip. One filter is of neutral density so that a half frame on the film strip records a black image on a clear background while the other filter is a polarizing filter producing a clear image on a black background on the other half of the film strip frame.

Abstract: A reverse blue screen process for travelling matte cinematography, which comprises the formation of travelling mattes by pre-coating models or other foreground subjects utilized in composite cinematography with one or more phosphor materials which are invisible upon exposure to visible light, but which emit light of predetermined wavelengths upon excitation by ultraviolet light, and exposing the models through appropriate filters to produce mattes of the predetermined portions of the models coated with the phosphorescing materials, by thus reversing the conventional blue screen process for travelling matte cinematography and exposing an illuminating foreground subject against an opaque background rather than an opaque foreground subject against an illuminated background, it is possible for the first time to successfully matte finely detailed models or other foreground subjects displaying specular reflectance in a single film process.

Abstract: An in-camera supplemental exposure correction system for achieving an evenly exposed final photographic image in a situation wherein the photographic scene is non-uniformly illuminated by an artificial light source by pre-exposing the film to supplemental illumination having a non-uniform pattern which is the inverse of the artificial scene illumination.

Abstract: A camera for taking a plurality of exposures upon a continuous length of film includes a film transport/registration sprocket mounted directly to the shaft of a first stepper motor for incremental rotation thereby. The film transport/registration sprocket engages sprocket holes along the edges of the film for transporting the film through the camera and registering the film relative to an aperture plate assembly. Guide rollers are provided to guide a portion of the film past the aperture plate assembly through which the film can be exposed. The aperture plate assembly includes an aperture frame which supports a removable aperture mask for selecting the area of film to be exposed. A shutter disk is mounted to a shaft for rotation by a second stepper motor in order to expose the film. A pressure plate controlled by the shutter disk shaft urges the film against registration pins within the aperture frame which engage the sprocket holes in the film during each exposure.

Abstract: An insert body is interposed between a film magazine and a motion picture camera, and is provided with a cavity containing a light source. An elongated opening in the body transmits light to preflash motion picture film passing from the film magazine into the motion picture camera. Controls on the quantity and quality of light are provided. In one form of control, a translucent cylindrical rod extends into the light source cavity and has an end face exposed to the light source. The translucent rod has an opaque lateral surface interrupted on one side by an axially extending light transmitting window. In another form of control, a window in the side of the translucent rod receives light from the light source. In a third form of control a cylindrical shell with opposed parallel windows takes the place of the translucent rod. In all cases, the translucent rod or shell has a head portion accessible exteriorly of the body for turning it to change the amount of light passing through the elongated opening.

Abstract: A composite photography system of a registered matte type having foreground and background camera optical systems is provided. The respective images from each camera optical system are maintained in registration whereby objects in the background scene can be viewed by one camera and objects in a foreground scene can be viewed by the other camera to produce a realistic composite image. The optical systems permit the maintenance of a substantially constant magnification ratio of image to object during a variable focussing of at least one of the foreground and background optical systems. Additionally, substantially stationary entrance pupil positions are maintained during the focussing mode of operation. The background lens system is, by itself particularly adapted for incorporation into optical scanning probes such as simulators to provide a minimum altitude and constant image magnification during focussing.

Abstract: A light source, preferably within the camera, exposes film prior to exposure to the scene. The image is enhanced over normal exposure, particularly in photographing shadows and low light levels. Pre-exposure overcomes the reluctance of film chemicals to activation.

Abstract: A motion picture camera having an in-camera supplemental exposure system in which a light source within the camera is energized in synchronization with the shutter opening to provide a low-level, non-image forming exposure of the film substantially simultaneously with the image-forming exposure. The supplemental exposure light is directed to the side of the film's emulsion layer opposite from the side exposed to the image-forming light. The camera also includes an arrangement permitting adjustment of the length of time that the supplemental light remains energized, and the intensity of the supplemental light. In one embodiment selection of the wavelength of the supplemental light is also provided.

Abstract: In a composite photography system of the type wherein a foreground camera photographs life-size actors and objects while a background camera photographs scenery on a life-size scale or a scale different from life-size so that when the outputs from both cameras are combined the actor or foreground objects will appear to be located in the scenery filmed by the background camera, it is crucial that the motion of the background camera be slaved to the motion of the foreground camera. The foreground camera is mounted on a yaw and pitch support mechanism which is in turn mounted on a boom that provides movement along the z axis. The boom is carried by a dolly that moves the entire assembly in the x-y plane. Sensors on the dolly detect movement along the five axes of x, y, z, yaw and pitch, and cause the background camera to move its corresponding amount.

Abstract: A method of recording images on a photosensitive medium by making successive exposures of an object on to the medium through an array of lens elements adjacent the medium, each exposure producing a plurality of recorded sub-images on the medium, and moving appropriate parts of the system relative to each other between successive exposures so as to produce separation of the sub-images of the successive exposures.

Abstract: A method production of a composite photograph containing at least two images, i.e. a mark image and a holder image, and a method for distinguishing images in said composite photograph, said photograph being composed of alternate strips containing elements of the holder identify photograph and strips containing elements of validity check mark photograph, all strips being disposed at equal intervals from one another, and said photograph of the holder being hidden by said check mark photograph when viewed normally, and to be discernible only when viewed through a lenticular lens.