A unique high-precision, numerically controlled stop-motion camera positioning device that allows for movement on three axes across a painting and its associated plates with perfect repeatability.
The Matte SCAN System is a high precision numerically controlled stop-motion camera positioning device that can operate other associated units in synchronism. Completed this year its perfect repeatability allows for movement on three axes across a painting and its associated action plates. Since Disney uses rear projection and separation masters, a minimum of four exposures for each matte shot are required. Therefore, any move introduced by the “taking" camera must be repeated those four times. Some shots with additional plates and “burn-ins" have been done with over twenty exposures. In every case, Matte SCAN has repeated the move exactly without any deviation. This system has given matte shots a realism heretofore unattainable.
The Matte SCAN System embodies a specially designed, numerically controlled camera crane and auxiliary devices. All six channels of the microprocessor based controller can be individually programmed to coordinate repeated camera and auxiliary devices movements to .001” resolution, thus making truly repeatable sequences possible.
Input to the Control System is via front panel pushbuttons, teletype keyboard or punched paper tape. Positioning requirements once defined can be re-entered a multiplicity of times via the punched tape mode very easily. Editing a take is accomplished by re-entering the modified data points required and can be done at any time.
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