Method for transitioning between two different frame rates during a showing of a single motion picture film
First Claim
1. A method for preparing a finite length of motion picture film, during the projection of which the frame rate at which said film is projected increases or decreases as part of a series of events which accommodate a change from one projector frame rate to another during the showing of a single motion picture, comprising:
- the selection of a specific number of frames of said film for preparation, representing a specific time interval, over the course of which said frame rate change is fully accomplished;
underexposure of selected frames to be projected during the period of transition from one frame rate to another, with the effect that the illusion of flicker is maintained during the period of transition from one frame rate to another; and
recording the audio information to be reproduced during said transitional period, on a frame-by-frame basis, at frequencies commensurate with the speed at which each particular frame is projected, with the effect that audience members hearing such audio information will not notice said speed change.
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Abstract
A method is disclosed whereby a motion picture projector is equipped to operate at two or more different speeds, such as 24 and 30 frames per second. It is envisioned that different parts of a motion picture may be recorded at different frame rates, to variably impart a highly intense effect upon the audience, expanding the parameters of creative control for the producer of the film. In operation, the method described facilitates switching between these different frame rates, both during the presentation of a single motion picture and between pictures. Cue signals recorded onto the film actuate the change in speed. The projector is automatically set to switch operation into a different speed, and the frames of the film that will be shown during the transitional period are prepared to give the audience the impression of a smooth transition between speeds. Alternate frames to be shown during this transitional period are underexposed, the degree of underexposure increasing or decreasing linearly until the new speed is attained. The illusion of flicker is thus created during transition, so that the audience will perceive flicker as disappearing suddenly at the higher speed, or appearing suddenly as soon as deceleration begins. Audio information is digitally processed to be played back at the marginal speed of each specific frame as it is projected. The system described can be combined with other elements of a high-impact picture-dominance system, such as a high level of screen brightness and the expansion of a film image to provide a highly realistic experience.
34 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for preparing a finite length of motion picture film, during the projection of which the frame rate at which said film is projected increases or decreases as part of a series of events which accommodate a change from one projector frame rate to another during the showing of a single motion picture, comprising:
- the selection of a specific number of frames of said film for preparation, representing a specific time interval, over the course of which said frame rate change is fully accomplished;
underexposure of selected frames to be projected during the period of transition from one frame rate to another, with the effect that the illusion of flicker is maintained during the period of transition from one frame rate to another; and
recording the audio information to be reproduced during said transitional period, on a frame-by-frame basis, at frequencies commensurate with the speed at which each particular frame is projected, with the effect that audience members hearing such audio information will not notice said speed change. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
- the selection of a specific number of frames of said film for preparation, representing a specific time interval, over the course of which said frame rate change is fully accomplished;
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19. A method for achieving a transition from one projector frame rate to another during the showing of a motion picture, where the improvement consists of sequentially and variably altering the amount of underexposure of selected evenly-spaced frames of film to produce the illusion of flicker during said frame rate transition.
Specification