Inexpensive, Low-Rate High-Speed Videography
C. E. Miller · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 1989
High-speed videography (HSV) at 60 frames-per-second (FPS) has since the earliest systems been an attractive goal. Vast numbers of information gathering and motion analysis problems lend themselves to solution at this rate. Seemingly suitable equipment to implement inexpensive systems has been available off-the-shelf. However, technical problems, complexity and economic factors have pushed development toward higher frame rate systems. The application of new technology recently has combined with a shift of the perceived needs of mass (security and consumer) markets to make available the components for truly inexpensive, high-performance 60 FPS HSV systems. Cameras employing solid-state sensors having electronic shuttering built into the chip architecture are widely available. They provide a simple solution to the temporal resolution problem which formerly required synched/phased mechanical shutters, or synchronized strobe illumination. More recently, the crucial need for standard-format (such as VHS) videocorders capable of field sequential playback in stopped- or in slow-motion has been satisfied. The low cost of effective 60 FPS systems will likely be an incentive for a dramatic increase in the general awareness of the power of HSV as a problem-solving tool. A "trickle-up" effect will be to substantially increase the demand for higher performance systems where their characteristics are appropriate.