Patent ID: 12192646

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIG.1, a schematic diagram is presented of an apparatus100for illuminating and recording a scene102using three lighting setups108,110,112. In this embodiment100, each lighting setup108,110,112has two light sources that are capable of providing strobed light. The apparatus100includes a controller104in communication with a camera106configured to record the scene102.

The controller104is also in communication with lighting equipment consisting of: a light source114, a light source116, a light source118, a light source120, a light source122, and a light source124. The light sources are grouped into three lighting setups: a first lighting setup108consisting of light source114and light source116, a second lighting setup110consisting of light source118and light source120, and a third lighting setup112consisting of light source122and light source124.

Each light source that is capable of providing strobed light can be one or more LEDs, or a Xenon strobe light, or other light source that can be switched on and off relatively rapidly, i.e., any light source that can exhibit strobe light behavior.

Flash duration of a light source is commonly described by two numbers that are expressed in fractions of a second:t.1 is the length of time the light intensity is above 0.1 (10%) of the peak intensityt.5 is the length of time the light intensity is above 0.5 (50%) of the peak intensity

For example, a single flash event might have a t.5 value of 1/1200 and a t.1 value of 1/450. These values determine the ability of a flash to “freeze” moving subjects in applications such as sports photography.

Individual strobe flashes typically last approximately 200 microseconds, i.e., 0.2 milliseconds, i.e., ⅕ of a millisecond, but can be sustained for greater or lesser periods of time, depending on the strobe's intended use.

Here are some time durations for comparison:

0.2 milliseconds—duration of a typical strobe flash1 millisecond (1 ms)—duration of a typical photo flash.2 milliseconds to 5 milliseconds—typical response time in LCD computer monitors, especially high-end displays8 milliseconds— 1/125 of a second, a standard still camera shutter speed (125)16.68 milliseconds (1/59.94 second)—the amount of time one field lasts in 29.97 fps interlaced video (commonly but erroneously referred to as 30 fps)33.367 milliseconds—the amount of time one frame lasts in 29.97 fps video (most common for NTSC-legacy formats)41.667 milliseconds—the amount of time one frame lasts in 24 fps video (most common cinematic frame rate)41.708 milliseconds—the amount of time one frame lasts in 23.976 fps video (cinematic frame rate for NTSC-legacy formats)134 milliseconds—the time taken by light to travel around the Earth's equator200 milliseconds—the time it takes the human brain to recognize emotion in facial expressions300 to 400 milliseconds—the time for the human eye to blink1000 milliseconds—the time for one second to pass.

The camera106records the action in scene102as a sequence of macro frames126. Each macro frame132of the sequence126can be a cinematic frame with a duration of 41.6667 milliseconds, or 1/24thof a second. However, each macro frame132may be of a longer or shorter duration, depending on the desired cinematic film rate.

In some embodiments, the camera can be a high-speed variable frame rate camera. The high-speed variable frame rate camera can be configured to record during only a portion128of each macro frame132, the portion128corresponding to the duration of the sequence of micro frames A, B, C relative to the total duration128and130of the macro frame. The high-speed variable frame rate camera can also be configured to not record during the remainder130of the duration132of each macro frame. Alternatively, the high-speed variable frame rate camera can be programmed to define at least one long frame as a “throw away” frame, to define a time period during the macro frame where the image data is not needed for post-processing. The long frame can also be used to capture continuous light from a continuous light source, as will be explained with reference toFIG.3below.

The high-speed variable frame rate camera can be programmed to precisely change the frame rate within the duration of each macro frame. For example, a high-speed variable frame rate camera can be programmed to record a 400 microsecond micro frame duration, followed by a much longer 40,000 microsecond long frame duration within the same macro frame, as shown inFIG.3, for example.

Some examples of high-speed variable frame rate cameras are in the Vision Research Phantom V® series of cameras, featuring Burst Mode Acquisition, which are capable of capturing a sequence of micro frames in a short duration burst, each burst being triggered within each much longer duration macro frame.

In some embodiments, the camera can also be a high-speed constant frame rate camera, if the high-speed constant frame rate camera can be configured to record during only a portion of each macro frame, the portion corresponding to the duration of the sequence of micro frames relative to the total duration of the macro frame. The high-speed constant frame rate camera can be configured to not record during the remainder of the duration of each macro frame after the burst of micro frames.

As shown inFIG.1, the camera106can be a high-speed camera with a variable frame rate that is configured to record a sequence of three micro frames128, each of short duration, followed by at least one long frame130of long duration, to form one macro frame132. (The one long frame130is shown with a broken boundary, indicating that this long frame130is much longer in duration than the sequence of three micro frames128.) Because the sequence of three micro frames128is of short duration, there is minimal motion offset within the sequence of three micro frames128.

In this embodiment, every macro frame132of the sequence of macro frames126includes a sequence of three micro frames128and one long frame130.

In other embodiments, the number and/or position of the micro frames can be different. For example, in another embodiment, each macro frame can include one long frame followed by a sequence of six micro frames that are of short duration (not shown).

Under control of the controller104, the scene102is sequentially illuminated by the first lighting setup108, then the second lighting setup110, and then the third lighting setup112. The first micro frames A134record the scene102illuminated by the first lighting setup108, the second micro frames B136record the scene102illuminated by the second lighting setup110, and the third micro frames C138record the scene102illuminated by the third lighting setup112.

Lighting intervals A, B, and C are shown indicating the duration of the three micro frame time intervals within the sequence128of three micro frames, lighting intervals A, B, and C corresponding to: the first micro frames134, the second micro frames136, and the third micro frames138, respectively.

The controller104controls the timing of the lighting intervals A, B, and C within the sequence of the three micro frames128, and the timing of the long frame130(1, 2, 3, . . . n). The lighting intervals A, B, and C are chosen to be in sequence, and short in duration, such that the illumination from the first lighting setup108, the illumination from second lighting setup110, and the illumination from the third lighting setup112provide minimal motion offset between micro frames corresponding to the three lighting setups.

Each macro frame132of the macro frame sequence126includes three micro frames128corresponding to each of the three lighting setups. The first micro frames134(corresponding to the A's) correspond to the first lighting setup108, the second micro frames136(corresponding to the B's) correspond to the second lighting setup110, and the third micro frames138(corresponding to the C's) correspond to the third lighting setup112.

In some embodiments, the controller104is configured to enable the user to include at least one camera parameter that can change for each micro frame, and sequentially actuate the at least one camera parameter for each of the micro frames in accordance with timing signals derived from a micro frame rate of the camera106. For example, the at least one camera parameter can include at least one of: sensitivity (ISO); aperture; ND (neutral density filter); and shutter angle.

One of average skill in the art will know that it is also possible to replace the controller104with a plurality of dedicated controllers, each controller dedicated to controlling a single light, or a single lighting set up. Alternatively, a controller could be built into each light. In these embodiments, each dedicated controller can execute software to control a specific light or lighting set up, and the camera could provide control signals to actuate each dedicated controller.

With reference toFIG.2, a schematic diagram of a top view of a scene lit with one continuous light source214and three strobe light sources208,210,212is shown of an apparatus200for recording a scene102using multiple lighting setups. The lighting is divided into three lighting setups202,204,206, each of the lighting setups having one light source: the first lighting setup202having the light source208, the second lighting setup204having the light source210, and the third lighting setup206having the light source212.

Also included is the controller104in communication with the camera106, which is configured to record the scene102. The controller104synchronizes operation of the camera106with activation of the lighting setups202,204, and206, each lighting setup providing short duration illumination for the scene102.

In this embodiment, a continuous light source214provides constant illumination for the scene102.

With reference toFIG.3, a timing diagram of macro frame306having a burst sequence of five micro frames A, B, C, D, E302, followed by two long frames F, G304, within a macro frame306is shown. The sequence of five micro frames A, B, C, D, E302begins with a first micro frame A310, and ends with a last micro frame E312. The macro frame306is one of a series of macro frames (1,2,3)322, where the macro frame (2) is shown enlarged above the series of macro frames (1,2,3)322.

In this embodiment, the signal voltage alternates between the two binary states of 5.0 volts and 0.0 volts, for example, to provide low trigger signals316,318, and320. In this embodiment, the low trigger signals316,318,320come from the camera in accordance with a micro frame rate of the camera, and are provided to the controller104to activate in sequence seven different lighting setups, for example.

In some embodiments, an external timing source sends a timing signal to the camera.

In other embodiments, an external timing source sends a timing signal to both the camera and to a light controller, or directly to a plurality of lighting setups.

A low-going transition of 5V to 0V represents a trigger signal. Examples of these are the micro frame low trigger signals316that start each of the five micro frames A, B, C, D, E, and the long frame low trigger signals318and320. In other embodiments, a high-going transition from 0V to 5V represents a trigger signal.

In this embodiment, the first low trigger signal316starts the first micro frame A310, and the sixth low trigger signal318starts the first long frame F, followed by the seventh low trigger signal320that starts the second long frame G. The long frames F and G together form the long interval304. One or both long frames F and G can be used to capture light from a scene illuminated by a continuous light source, such as the continuous light source214ofFIG.2that provides constant illumination for the scene102.

Regarding F and G, after the short micro frames A, B, C, D, E316there are long micro frames F and G which occupy the remaining portion304of the macro frame306. These additional frames F and G can be recorded, or not. When recorded, the long frames F and/or G are typically used to record ambient exposure from the continuous light source(s)214, or any other continuous light source, including daylight, for example.

The duration of F or G304of the macro frame306is the product of the macro frame duration306and a shutter angle. In this context, the shutter angle is defined as the ratio of the duration of F or G of the macro frame304to the duration of the entire macro frame306. For example, if macro frame306is 1/24th of a second, and the shutter angle is 180 degrees (which is half of the overall frame306), F or G is 1/48th of a second.

Two possible cases with long frames F and G, for example:

Case 1:
Duration of micro frames302+Duration ofF=(Macro Frame Duration306)/2
Duration ofG=(Macro Frame Duration306)/2
Case 2:
Duration of micro frames302+Duration ofG=(Macro Frame Duration306)/2
Duration ofF=(Macro Frame Duration306)/2

One possible case with a single long frame F only, for example:
Duration of micro frames302+Duration ofF=Macro Frame Duration306

Thus, there can be a long frame F wherein ambient continuous light is captured, and there can be a long frame G wherein ambient continuous light is captured. It is also possible that there are no long frames F or G, and the camera does not record light during304, only during302. It is also possible for ambient continuous light to be captured during a long frame F, and there would be no long frame G.

This embodiment includes five micro frame low trigger signals A, B, C, D, E316that the camera106sends to the controller104(shown inFIG.1) at the beginning of each micro frame A, B, C, D, and E. In this embodiment, these five micro frame low trigger signals A, B, C, D, E316communicate to the controller104the timings to activate in sequence five different lighting setups.

Also shown are the long frame low trigger signals318and320, which mark the start of the optional frames F and G of the remaining portion304, during which continuous lighting can be recorded, such as the continuous lighting starting at the long frame low trigger signal318and ending at the long frame low trigger signal320.

The micro frame low trigger signals316and the long frame low trigger signals318and320can be short in duration, such as 1 microsecond, for example. Alternatively, each trigger signal can be the duration of the respective micro frame or of the respective long frame exposure duration.

In some embodiments a high-speed variable frame rate camera can be programmed to define the remaining portion304as a “throw away” frame, used to exclude from recording many frames during the macro frame306where that image data is not needed for post-processing. This partial frame recording greatly reduces image data storage requirements (versus storing high speed image data and continuous illumination data throughout the entire duration306of the macro frame).

Typically, a macro frame306includes one to ten micro frames302. The most useful range is from one to thirty micro frames per macro frame.FIG.3shows an example where each macro frame306includes a burst sequence302of five micro frames A, B, C, D, and E of short duration, and a remaining portion304that includes long frames F and G, which are of much longer duration than a micro frame.

In some embodiments, the length of each of the micro frames A, B, C, D, and E is 400 microseconds, and the length of the remaining portion304is substantially 39,667 microseconds, corresponding to a cinematic frame rate of 1/24thof a second, or a total macro frame duration of 41,666.67 microseconds. For duration examples, seeFIG.10.

The micro frames A, B, C, D, and E are chosen to be in sequence, and to be of short duration so as to provide minimal motion offset among the images captured within the sequence of five micro frames302.

Each macro frame306is recorded in sequence to form a sequence of macro frames322.

The camera106(shown inFIG.1) is configured to record a sequence of five micro frames302, for example, for each macro frame306. And then for the remainder304of the macro frame, possibly also record a long frame F, and further possibly a long frame G, during that macro frame306. The duration of the sequence of five micro frames302begins at the start of the first micro frame310and ends at the end of the last micro frame312.

In some embodiments, the duration of the sequence of five micro frames302is less than 5 milliseconds. In the case of a sequence of 1 to ten micro frames, the duration of such a sequence is typically 0.2 to 10 milliseconds. In the case of a sequence of thirty micro frames, the duration of such a sequence is typically less than 30 milliseconds.

The shortness of the duration of the sequence of five micro frames302is chosen to reduce motion artifacts, determined by the motion characteristics of the subject being filmed. The more micro frames in the sequence, the more likely motion blur and motion offset will be introduced.

In some embodiments, the controller104is configured to actuate the plurality of lighting setups (e.g.,108,110,112) in sequence in accordance with the timing signals provided by the camera106, such that a first lighting setup108of the plurality of lighting setups is actuated by a timing signal after a beginning of a macro frame, and a last lighting setup112of the plurality of lighting setups is actuated by a timing signal such that the last lighting setup will go dark before an end of the macro frame.

In some embodiments, the timing signals for the micro frames and the long frames are derived from the camera106, where the timing signals for the short and long micro frames are set in the camera, and provided by the camera106to the controller104, which in turn controls the lighting setups108,110,112, for example.

With reference toFIG.4A, a frame sequence diagram is shown of a sequence of macro frames132, starting with the sequence126of three macro frames132. The sequence126of macro frames132is recorded at a standard cinematic frame rate. Each macro frame132includes a burst sequence of micro frames128, each micro frame128being capable of capturing strobed lighting of a duration that is suitable for slow-speed cinematic motion of the filmed scene102(shown inFIG.1). In some embodiments, a standard cinematic frame rate of 24 FPS (frames per second) can be used.

Each macro frame132includes a sequence of three micro frames A B C128and one long frame (1,2,3), the micro frames A B C128corresponding to short duration lighting intervals that substantially minimize visual artifacts (such as motion offset between the micro frames A, B, and C corresponding to the three lighting setups) when post processing the sequence of macro frames126, if slow-speed motion is present in the scene102.

With reference toFIG.4B, a schematic diagram is shown of a sequence402of macro frames410, recorded at a standard cinematic frame rate, and with a short duration sequence of micro frames A B C408that is suitable for standard-speed cinematic motion of the filmed scene102(shown inFIG.1).

Each macro frame410includes a sequence of three micro frames A B C408and one long frame (1,2,3), the micro frames A B C corresponding to short duration lighting intervals that substantially minimize visual artifacts (such as motion offset between the micro frames A, B, and C corresponding to the three lighting setups) when post processing the sequence of macro frames402, if standard-speed motion is present in the scene102.

With reference toFIG.4C, a schematic diagram is shown of the sequence404of macro frames414, recorded at a rapid cinematic frame rate, and with a short duration sequence of micro frames A B C412that is suitable for slow-speed cinematic motion of the filmed scene102(shown inFIG.1). In some embodiments, the rapid cinematic frame rate can be 30 FPS, 48 FPS, or 60 FPS.

Each macro frame414includes a sequence of three micro frames A B C412and one long frame (1,2,3), the micro frames A B C corresponding to short duration lighting intervals that substantially minimize visual artifacts (such as motion offset between the micro frames A, B, and C corresponding to the three lighting setups) when post processing the sequence of macro frames404, if slow-speed motion is present in the scene102.

With reference toFIG.4D, a schematic diagram is shown of a sequence406of macro frames418, recorded at a rapid cinematic frame rate, and with a short duration sequence of micro frames A B C416that is suitable for standard-speed cinematic motion of the filmed scene102(shown inFIG.1).

Each macro frame418includes a sequence of three micro frames A B C416and one long frame (1,2,3), the micro frames A B C corresponding to short duration lighting intervals that substantially minimize visual artifacts (such as motion offset between the micro frames A, B, and C corresponding to the three lighting setups) when post processing the sequence of macro frames406, if standard-speed motion is present in the scene102.

With reference toFIG.5, a schematic diagram showing how to process footage of a scene illuminated sequentially by three lighting setups into three individual clips is shown. Each macro frame132includes the sequence of micro frames A B C128having a short-duration, and one long frame (1,2,3), and each macro frame132including the micro frames A, B, and C corresponding to the three lighting setups. The sequence of macro frames126includes individual macro frames132numbered 1 through n, where n is the number of macro frames132, and n is also equal to the number of frames in the processed film clips.

The sequence of macro frames126produce three respective pieces of footage of the scene102(shown inFIG.1), each piece of footage showing the scene illuminated by one of the three lighting setups: the first lighting setup108, the second lighting setup110, and the third lighting setup112(each shown inFIG.1). The “A” micro frames producing the “A” frames in a first frame clip502, the “B” micro frames producing the “B” frames in a second frame clip504, and the “C” micro frames producing the “C” frames in a third frame clip506.

Three respective clips502,504,506of footage of the scene are produced, each clip of footage showing the scene illuminated by one of the three lighting setups.

With reference toFIG.6, a schematic diagram of a top view of a scene102lit with three lighting setups602,604,606is shown of an apparatus600for recording a scene using multiple lighting setups. Included is the controller104in communication with the camera106configured to record the scene102. In this embodiment, a light source608and a light source610are included in a first lighting setup602to provide light for the scene102at the same time. A light source612and a light source614are included in a second lighting setup604to provide light for the scene102at the same time. In addition, a light source616and a light source618are included in a third lighting setup606to provide light for the scene102at the same time.

The controller104activates the first lighting setup602at a time within the “A” micro frames of the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1), and the controller104activates the second lighting setup604within the “B” micro frames of the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1). In addition, the controller104activates the third lighting setup606within the “C” micro frames of the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

The first lighting setup602includes the light source608and the light source610, both synchronized by the controller104to provide short duration illumination to the scene102at the same time, corresponding to the “A” micro frames in the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

The second lighting setup604includes the light source612and the light source614, both synchronized by the controller104to provide short duration illumination to the scene102at the same time, corresponding to the “B” micro frames in the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

The third lighting setup606includes the light source616and the light source618, both synchronized by the controller104to provide short duration illumination to the scene102at the same time, corresponding to the “C” micro frames in the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

Each light source is controlled by the controller104that receives timing signals from the camera106recording the scene so as to provide sequential activations to the first lighting setup602, the second lighting setup604, and the third lighting setup606.

With reference toFIG.7, a schematic diagram of a top view of a scene102lit with three lighting setups702,704,706is shown of an apparatus700for recording a scene using multiple lighting setups. Included is the controller104in communication with the camera106configured to record the scene102. In this embodiment, a single light source708is included in a first lighting setup702to provide light for the scene102. Three light sources710,712, and714are included in a second lighting setup704to provide light for the scene102. In addition, two light sources716and718are included in a third lighting setup706to provide light for the scene102.

The controller104activates the first lighting setup702at a time within the “A” micro frames of the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1), and the controller104activates the second lighting setup704within the “B” micro frames of the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1). In addition, the controller104activates the third lighting setup706within the “C” micro frames of the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

The first lighting setup702includes the light source708, synchronized by the controller104to provide short duration illumination to the scene102, corresponding to the “A” micro frames in the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

The second lighting setup704includes the light source710, the light source712and the light source714, all three synchronized by the controller104to provide short duration illumination to the scene102at the same time, corresponding to the “B” micro frames in the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

The third lighting setup706includes the light source716and the light source718, both synchronized by the controller104to provide short duration illumination to the scene102at the same time, corresponding to the “C” micro frames in the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

Each light source is controlled by the controller104that receives timing signals from the camera106recording the scene so as to provide sequential activations to the first lighting setup702, the second lighting setup704, and the third lighting setup706.

With reference toFIG.8, a schematic diagram of a top view of a scene102lit with three lighting setups802,804,806is shown of an apparatus800for recording a scene using multiple lighting setups. Included is the controller104in communication with the camera106configured to record the scene102. In this embodiment, light sources808and810are included in a first lighting setup802to provide light for the scene102. Light sources812,814, and816are included in a second lighting setup804to provide light for the scene102. In addition, a single light source818is included in a third lighting setup806to provide light for the scene102.

The controller104activates the first lighting setup802at a time within the “A” micro frames of the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1), and the controller104activates the second lighting setup804within the “B” micro frames of the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1). In addition, the controller104activates the third lighting setup806within the “C” micro frames of the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

The first lighting setup802includes the light source808and the light source810, both synchronized by the controller104to provide short duration illumination to the scene102at the same time, corresponding to the “A” micro frames in the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

The second lighting setup804includes the light source812, the light source814and the light source816, all three synchronized by the controller104to together provide short duration illumination to the scene102at the same time, corresponding to the “B” micro frames in the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

The third lighting setup806includes the light source818, synchronized by the controller104to provide short duration illumination to the scene102, corresponding to the “C” micro frames in the sequence of frames126(shown inFIG.1).

Each light source is controlled by the controller104that receives timing signals from the camera106recording the scene so as to provide sequential activations to the first lighting setup802, the second lighting setup804, and the third lighting setup806.

With reference toFIG.9, a flow chart is shown for a method900for recording a scene using a plurality of lighting setups so as to concurrently produce motion picture footage of the scene for each lighting setup of the scene, the motion picture clips having minimized time offset with respect to each other.

The method includes selecting902a plurality of light sources, with each light source configured to illuminate the scene102(shown inFIG.1).

Next, the method900includes selecting904a plurality of lighting setups from the plurality of light sources, and then actuating906the plurality of lighting setups in sequence from the plurality of light sources. Each lighting setup can be selected so as to be different from the other lighting setups, or two lighting setups can share one or more light sources in common.

The method900next includes capturing908a sequence of macro frames, each macro frame including a sequence of micro frames, in accordance with timing signals, including actuating each lighting setup corresponding to each micro frame, in the sequence of micro frames within each macro frame.

Optionally, the method900may also include processing910the sequence of macro frames to generate a plurality of motion picture clips corresponding to the plurality of lighting setups.1/60thof a second is a common threshold whereby a number of everyday types of motions appear frozen at this recording speed or faster. At a frame rate of 60 FPS, each frame has a duration of 1/60thof a second, equal to 16.6667 milliseconds.

Referring toFIG.10, a timing diagram is presented showing some exemplary timing values. For example, the micro frame A can be 400 microseconds. The pulse1016can be 1 microsecond, and the long frame F can be 39, 666.67 microseconds.

With reference toFIG.11, a scene102is illuminated sequentially by the three lighting setups1102,1104,1106, further including an external controller1120that provides timing signals to both the camera106and the controller104.

Instead of using the internal settings of the camera106, an external controller1120can serve as a signal generator to provide a signal to the camera106which determines the timings of the macro and micro frames. One example of this is a waveform generator (such as the Keysight™ 33511B) which, when attached with a BNC cable, to the F-Sync connector on a high speed camera such as the Vision Research™ v2460, can supply the necessary signal. In the example of the Keysight™ 33511B, the signal is a 5V signal which drops to 0V for at least one microsecond to close out the previous frame and to cause a new frame to start. The signal then returns to 5V.

For example,FIG.10shows one cycle of the signal from the waveform generator as it is provided to the camera so as to fire five micro frames, each micro frame being of a duration of 400 microseconds, and one longer frame lasting 39,666.67 microseconds. These frames give a combined macro frame with a duration of 1/24th of a second. This signal is sent through repeatedly for the number of iterations to run the camera for the desired shot length.

For example, to run the camera for a 10 second shot, the signal inFIG.10would be repeated 240 times (as each repetition is 1/24th of a second). In this example, as shown inFIG.11, the waveform generator serves as an external controller1120that is connected to the camera106, and provides a stream of timing signals to the camera106.

In other embodiments, the external controller1120can be a ‘custom controller’ or other device generating timing signals, including the F-sync type outlined above, and others commonly used in the industry such as Genlock™ (Tri Level, BiLevel), FrameSync™, Strobe Signal, or IRIG. In addition to sending signals directly to the camera,1120can also be connected directly to the main system controller104(shown as a dashed line between1120and104inFIG.11). In this way, the external controller1120can send signals to the camera106and to the main system controller104. Alternatively, the external controller1120and the main system controller104can operate in tandem, exchanging signals with the camera106and sending signals to the lights to fire.

Thus, in some embodiments, the timing signals are derived from the external controller1120that controls the camera106, and the camera106controls the lighting setups108,110,112.

This can be done in a variety of ways which involve the system controller104and/or the external controller1120:

An external controller1120generates signals for the micro frames and the long frames which are sent to the camera106, which sends them on to the system controller104.

An external controller1120generates signals for the micro frames and the long frames which are sent both to the camera106and to the system controller104.

An external controller1120generates signals for the micro frames and the long frames which are sent to the camera106, and in unison with these timing signals it also signals the lights to fire. Thus, there is only one controller (external controller1120) which sends signals directly to the camera and to the lights.

An external controller1120generates signals for the micro frames and the long frames which are sent to the camera106. The camera106sends a signal back to the external controller1120, which then uses that signal as the basis for sending signals to the lights to fire. Thus, there is only one controller (external controller1120) which sends signals directly to the camera and to the lights.

In some embodiments, the lights receive signals from the external controller1120or the controller104to trigger at a FPS (frame rate) that is a multiple of the FPS (frame rate) at which the camera106is recording. Thus, the lights can operate at a firing rate which is a multiple of the camera frame rate. For example the camera106can run at 24 FPS, while the lights are still synced as explained above, but run at a rate of 96 FPS.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.