Motion Picture Camera Control Device Tail Slate Recording

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cinematographic productions, there is a risk of accidentally terminating motion picture recordings prematurely, especially when using a tail slate, which can lead to the tail slate not being recorded within the same motion picture sequence, causing difficulties in post-processing.

Innovation Solution

A control device for a motion picture camera with a record button and a control circuit that distinguishes between normal recording mode and tail slate mode, requiring a third actuation of the record button to terminate the recording in tail slate mode, ensuring the tail slate is recorded within the same motion picture sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the record button is used in toggle mode to start and terminate motion picture recording, then the operation is simple and quick, but the risk of accidental termination increases and the tail slate may not be recorded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidrecording reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically changes the termination condition based on the operating mode. In normal recording mode, a second actuation terminates recording as before. In tail slate mode, the system requires a third actuation to terminate, preventing accidental termination while maintaining ease of operation through the same record button interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of actuation count required for termination. Normally 2 actuations are needed (start and stop), but in tail slate mode the system requires 3 actuations, adding an extra confirmation step that prevents accidental termination while preserving the simple toggle interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the recording is terminated after capturing the motion picture sequence, then the recording process is complete, but the tail slate is not recorded and must be manually assigned later

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecording efficiencyVSAvoidtail slate information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary action by setting the tail slate mode before recording the motion picture sequence. This preliminary configuration ensures that the recording will automatically continue to capture the tail slate afterward, preventing information loss and eliminating the need for manual assignment during post-production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the camera remains activated to record the tail slate, then the tail slate can be captured, but the risk of accidental termination before the tail slate is recorded increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetail slate capture reliabilityVSAvoidextended recording time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a protective mechanism that counteracts the risk of accidental termination. The third-actuation requirement creates a deliberate action barrier that prevents unintentional early termination, ensuring the tail slate is captured while managing the extended recording time through clear mode indication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS12126898B2Control device for a motion picture camera and control method
Publication Date: 2024.10.22 ARNOLD & RICHTER CINE TECHNIK GMBH & CO BETRIEBS KG
  • US12126898B2 patent drawing
  • US12126898B2 patent drawing
  • US12126898B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a control device for a motion picture camera that has a record button and a control circuit connected to the record button, the control circuit is configured to cause a start of a motion picture recording in response to a first actuation of the record button. In a normal recording mode, the control device causes a termination of the motion picture recording in response to a second actuation of the record button. In a tail slate mode, the control device, in contrast, only causes a termination of the motion picture recording when first a second actuation of the record button takes place and then a third actuation of the record button takes place.