EP1497693A2 - Flat panel digital film recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

A digital film recorder includes a film recording device (102), such as a camera, a display device (104), and a track (112). The film recording device (102) has a recording input. The display device (104) includes a flat panel display. The track (112) is coupled to the film recording device (102) and to the display device (104). The track (112) aligns the flat panel display (104) with the recording input such that the film recording device (102) can record images displayed on the flat panel display (104) onto a recording medium.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION:

FLAT PANEL DIGITAL FILM RECORDER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from United States provisional application entitled "Flat Panel LCD Film Recorder", Serial No. 60/375,005, filed April 25, 2002, which is a utility patent application, Serial No. 10/392,399 filed March 20, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Field of the Invention:

[0002] This invention relates to film recording and video transfer devices. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for recording digital images onto film from a flat panel display .

Description of the Related Art:

[0003] Advances have been made in the field of computer animation over the last quarter-century. Because of the quality and realism achievable with computer animation, the popularity and wide-spread use of computer animation in film making has gradually increased over the last decade. Computer animation tools have been used to achieve special effects for decades. Some films are digitally mastered and recorded onto film later. Some films originate in digital video and are transferred to film.

[0004] Systems and methods for transferring digital images to film are well known. Conventionally, laser film recording devices use a laser combined with moving mirrors in order to "expose" each pixel of a digital image onto a frame of film. While such devices can record extremely high-definition images onto film with great accuracy, they are often very expensive to manufacture and maintain. Furthermore, laser recording devices take relatively long periods of time to record a single frame of film. Feature length films may be several hours in length and may include hundreds of thousands of frames. As a result, it could take weeks to finish recording a single feature length onto film using a laser film recording device. [0005] Also, electron beam recorders are used, but these devices are equally as slow and expensive as the laser recorders and are restricted to black and white film. [0006] Accordingly, there is a need for new and improved systems and methods for recording digital images onto film.

[0007] Such new and improved systems and methods should preferably be inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, and should improve the rate at which digital images may be recorded onto film without reducing the quality of the recorded image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a digital film recorder is provided. The digital film recorder includes a film recording device, a flat panel display, and a track. The film recording device has a recording input. The track is coupled to the film recording device and to the flat panel display, and aligns the flat panel display with the recording input such that the film recording device can record images displayed onto a recording medium.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, provided is a method for recording images onto film. The method includes steps of providing a flat panel display and a film recording device; aligning a display area of the flat panel display with a recording input of the film recording device; displaying an image on the flat panel display for a predetermined time period; and exposing a frame of film of the film recording device to the image for a specified period of time. [0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a digital film recorder is provided. The digital film recorder includes a film recording device, a plurality of display devices, a beam splitter, and a track. The film recording device has a recording input. The plurality of display devices each has a flat panel display. The track is coupled to the film recording device, to the plurality of display devices, and to the beam splitter. The track aligns each of the plurality of flat panel displays with the beam splitter to merge images displayed on each of the plurality of flat panel displays into a single image to be recorded onto a recording medium by the film recording device in full color.

[0011] Enhancements may include implementing each flat panel display with internal color separation filters (e.g., red-green-blue or "RGB") such as broadband filters, filters mounted inside the lens, or filters external to the lens. One will understand that the filters may be used separately or simultaneous to achieve color recordation.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of recording images onto film is provided. The method includes a step of providing three flat panel displays, a beam splitter and a film recording device. The display area of each flat panel display is aligned with the beam splitter. The output of the beam splitter having the combined images of each the flat panel display is aligned with a recording input of the film recording device. An image is displayed on each flat panel display for a predetermined time period. A frame of film is exposed to a combined image output of the beam splitter for the time period. [0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each flat panel display may be backlit with a number of different arrangements: traditional backlighting, modified lamphouses, LED backlighting, stroboscopic backlighting, etc. Such backlighting may also be provided to the display panel via light guides or fiber optic arrangements.

[0014] Each image may be derived from video data, such as streaming video or stored video data. The controller may be configured to stop or parcel video data into still images for recording, and then advance the data in order to achieve the desired recording rate.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the film recording device may include a mini-display device disposed on or within the camera. The mini-display device may be in contact with or nearly in contract with the film. Therefore, the display device may be disposed directly onto the camera aperture and no external display is necessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0016] The objects and features of the invention will be more readily understood with reference to the following description and the attached drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 A is an illustration of a digital film recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 1 B is a block diagram of a digital film recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is an illustration of a digital film recorder having three flat-panel displays and a beam-splitter according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0020] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for recording digital images onto film according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0021] Figure 4 is an illustration of a digital film recorder in a down-shooter configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0022] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional illustration of a digital film recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figures 6A and 6B depict illustrations of digital film recorder with one black and white display panel and a three color internal or external filter wheel; [0024] Figs. 7A -7E show various embodiments and features of an LCD display configured with stroboscopic backlighting elements for application in film recording, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Fig. 8 is an illustration of a film recorder configuration that utilizes direct printing from a mini-display device to the film, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] Fig. 9 shows another configuration for lighting an LCD panel utilizing an LED lamp house and fiber optic cables, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS: [0027] A digital film recorder system is shown in Figs. 1A and 1B. Referring to Fig. 1A, system 100 may include a film recording device 102, a flat panel display 104, a track 112, and a central processing unit (CPU) 106. The track 112 may run in a Z-direction and may include support members such as rails, rods, or the like for attaching the film recording device 102 and display device 104 thereto. Devices 102 and 104 may be attached to the track in a slidable fashion such as via a movable platform, for example, or may be permanently secured to the track by any known device or method. Preferably, the devices 102 and 104 will be adjustably attached. [0028] Film recording device 102 may be any conventional camera, such as 16- millimeter, 35-millimeter, or 70-millimeter movie cameras, and may be mounted on a movable platform 122, which may be motorized and secured to track 112, such as by wheels 122a. The movable platform may be motorized and controlled by a control unit or other device, such as CPU 106. Accordingly, the distance D and picture aspect ration from a display region of the display 104 to the lens of the device 102 may be adjusted by sliding the movable platform 122 along the track in either direction.

[0029] Cameras used as the film recording device 102 may be auto focus or manual focus cameras, and also may include an adjustment unit (not shown) for adjusting the focal length, aperture size, and other characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the adjustment unit of the film recording device 102 may be coupled to CPU 106, which may adjust any of the characteristics of the camera remotely and may control the camera motor to advance film.

[0030] Display device 104 may be a thin-film technology flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) and may be coupled with CPU 106, which can be configured to provide the display device 104 with digital images. For example, a 23-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) active matrix liquid crystal display, having a 4000 by 2500-pixel resolution, is manufactured by ID Tech Corp™, and may be coupled with a conventional personal computer system. Device 104 may also comprise an active- matrix organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, such as a 4000 X 2500 pixel OLED panel. [0031] It will be understood by one skilled in the art that many desired effects may be achieved by varying the size of the display, the resolution of the display, the brightness of the display, and the distance between the display area of the display and the lens of the recording device. The camera characteristics of the recording device may be varied to achieve any effect desired.

[0032] For example, dithering techniques can be used to enhance the color of the display recorded onto the film. Display devices have a limited number of colors that may be produced. Spatial dithering may be used to create a situation where two or more pixels cannot be spatially distinguished, but they can contribute equally to the color on film in order to record a better range of colors. To do this, a display device can be employed with a greater density of pixels than the film/camera can reproduce. Alternatively, the situation can also be created if the image is smaller than the display in terms of pixels, and is scaled up accordingly. If a color is desired that lies between two colors available to the display device (and thus would be impossible to produce normally), neighboring pixels of the display device are assigned each of the possible colors. In the preferred embodiment, determining which pixel is assigned which one of the two (or more) colors would be random and weighted with the color that is closest to the desired one. Film is used as the integrating device.

[0033] A second technique referred to as temporal dithering for film may be used. This method exposes the film numerous times in order to achieve a color which the device is otherwise incapable of displaying. Each exposure may have a different image, or portion of an image, on the display device. To achieve a color not available to the display device, the film can be exposed several times with available, colors both lesser and greater in value than the target color. Because film integrates all the exposures, the net result on film is a color that may not be duplicated by the display device.

[0034] Since even the highest quality TFT LCD may not be completely flat, a precision adjustment device 114 may be attached to the rear of the display to adjust the flatness thereof, and/or may be used to attach the display to the track 112. For example, an XYZ gimbal may be attached to the rear of a display and used to mount the display onto the track 112. Preferably, an XYZ gimbal with extremely fine adjustment capabilities should be used to orient the display area of the LCD with the lens of the recording device 102. The gimbal may be mounted on the rear of the display in such a way as to improve the flatness of the LCD. One having ordinary in the art will readily understand that other instruments may be used to measure panel flatness. Additionally, dithering may be used to achieve flawless effects on large display panels.

[0035] The focus of the display device 104 to the film plane of the recording device 102 may be achieved by projecting a test pattern on the viewing area of the LCD flat panel, and the focal distance of the lens may be adjusted accordingly. The size and resolution of the image may be adjusted by moving the display device 104 closer or farther away from the film recording device 102 along the track 112. The size of the display device 104 may be adjusted as well. [0036] An integrated controller (e.g., CPU 106) may be used to monitor and control the digital images being displayed on display 104, adjusting the distance between the display device 104 and the recording device 102, such as controlling an adjustment feature attached to the film recording device 102. For example, resolution of an image may be changed by changing the distance D between recording device 102 and display device 104, and/or by changing the display area size (image resolution) of the image being displayed on display device 104. Accordingly, the appropriate software may be executed or CPU 106 in order to accomplish the described features.

[0037] Fig. 1B is a block diagram of system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 may include a film recording device 102, a display device 104, a controller 106, a film recorder device adjustment unit 108, and a storage device 110 (e.g., data warehouse, disk farm, etc.). These devices may be constituted as already described above with reference to Fig. 1A. The display device 104 is coupled with the controller 106, as well as with film recorder adjustment unit 108. Controller 106 is coupled with the storage device 110. The film recorder adjustment unit 108 is coupled with the film recorder device 102 and is configured to adjust the distance D between the film recording device 102 and the display device 104 and the camera characteristics of the film recording device 102, such as focal length, focus, etc. The controller 106 may be a CPU and is configured to control the display of images stored on storage device 110 onto display 104 as well as to coordinate and control the film recording device 102 via the film recorder adjustment unit 108. Accordingly, the film recorder adjustment unit 108 may include actuators and motors which may or may not be part of the film recording device 102, and which may also control the advancement of the film, opening and closing of the shutter, etc.

[0038] To achieve the desired brightness and color gamut output, system 100 may be configured to record digital images to film in several formats. In a first format, images are displayed on the display device in color and recorded onto conventional color film. To achieve the desired color gamut output, the internal color filters of each LCD display device may be used in a traditional configuration. Alternatively, or in conjunction therewith, color backlighting may be added to each display, such as via LED backlighting or externally filtered backlighting. [0039] Controller 106 may be programmed to render images on LCD display 104 in RGB (red-green-blue) or CMY (cyan-magenta-yellow) format. Accordingly, controller 106 may be configured to project images on display 104 in separate specific color wavelengths. Alternatively, color filters may be utilized with a black and white display (please note that from here forward in the document, when referring to configurations that include color separation filters, it is to be assumed that a black and white display is being used in conjunction therewith). A filter wheel 120 may be incorporated between the display 104 (a black and white display) and the lens of the film recording device 102, between the lens and the film gate (see Figs. 6A and 6B), between a backlight and the display device (e.g., at the light guide). The filter may be controlled to adjust to the color of the image. Each color projected may require a different exposure time and therefore, when recording digital images onto film via an RGB or CMY format, controller 106 is configured to display the image in each color for the desired amount of time to record the digital image before advancing the film. Black and white displays may be used to achieve better contrast ratios and larger color gamuts. The ON-OFF state of the LCD display 104 can be configured to calculate exposures sequentially frame by frame. By filling each cell independently and using RGB or CMY separation filters, an exposure can be made from black and white data.

[0040] As mentioned above, backlighting of LCD display 104 may be adjusted to increase the gamut output of display 104. Many separate back lighting units are contemplated by the present invention and may be included with or coupled to each display 104, and to controller 106, and can be configured to adjust the brightness and frequency of the display.

[0041] In one configuration, LED lamp houses may be used for controlling back lighting. For example, a plurality of LED lamp houses 902, each containing 1 Red, 2 Green, and 1 Blue LEDs or multiple white LEDs may be incorporated as shown in Fig. 9. An input from each LED house 902 may be fed to a display panel 910 via fiber optic cables 904 and light guides 906. In Fig. 9, a fiber optic cable 904 connects each lamp house 902 to a light guide 906, wherein two light guides 906 are disposed, one on top of the display panel 910 and one on the bottom the display panel 910. One skilled in the art will understand that two or four light guides may be used and can be disposed on any opposite sides of the display panel. Similarly, the guides 906 may be disposed on either side of a light guide 911 located near or abutting the display panel 910.

[0042] The display is preferably configured to produce a light having a wavelength of 650 nm for red, 550 nm for green, and 450 nm for blue. Alternatively, the display may be configured to produce light having a wavelength of 630 nm for red, 530 nm for green, and 445 nm for blue. The peak wavelengths are preferably the same for CMY, respectively.

[0043] To produce the desired light wavelengths, filters may be built into the panel, modifications may be made to the lamp house or light box at the rear of the panel, or band-pass filters may be added to the device to set the peak wavelengths (e.g., wideband or broadband notch filters may be incorporated on the front of the lens of the recording camera transport).

[0044] Furthermore, direct LED backlighting may be implemented. The wattage may be increased for added brightness in order to accomplish more efficient and higher quality image transfer, and a cooling system (air and/or fluid) may be added to compensate for the added heat from the backlighting. [0045] Alternatively, cold cathodes may be replaced with xenon stroboscopic elements. An exemplary stroboscopic device is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,771 ,109, (the '109 patent) entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIGITIZING FILMS USING A STROBOSCOPIC SCANNING SYSTEM, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The '109 patent describes a novel device configured for digitizing film, rather than recording. Therefore, the device must be reconfigured for application to the present invention.

[0046] TFT LCD lighting only provides a limited exposure range, therefore limiting overall frame recording times. Thus, the use of stroboscopic lamp houses may be incorporated to decrease exposure times and provide faster recording times. [0047] Figs. 7A and 7B show two variations of an LCD display configured with stroboscopic backlighting elements for application in film recording. A stroboscopic adaptation to an LCD display device is shown in one embodiment as cylinders 702a, 702b with approximately 95-99% reflective white or gold coating on the interior surfaces of cylinders 702a, 702b, which also have openings 705a, 705b sized to ends 701a, 701b of typical TFT LCD panels 700. At each end of the cylinders 702a, 702b are ultraviolet (UV) filtered 1-4 joule xenon strobe lamps 704, two per cylinder- two or four strobes per panel.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment, the illumination cylinders are placed at top and bottom (or left and right side) of the LCD panel 700, enabling lambertian distribution of the light over the surface of the active color LCD panel 700. The distance from the light pipe is preferably set to 3-6mm from the edge of the LCD Panel 700. Stroboscopic lamp houses produce more photonic power than fluorescent light, enabling decreased exposure times, thereby increasing film throughput of the system. Also shown in Fig. 7A is an example holder 710 for fixably holding the position of the cylinders 702a, 702b.

[0049] As described above, with each lighting arrangement for each display device, color may be provide in a variety of ways: via color filters which may be disposed between back lights and the display, in between the display and the lens of the film recorder, or between the film and the lens of the film recorder. Color may be provided by the LCD display itself and/or via control of the digital images. Color may be provide via LED backlighting. Color may be provided by any combination of the above to achieve a desired gamut output and brightness exposure. [0050] Fig. 7B shows a second embodiment of a stroboscopic application for an LCD display device. As shown in Fig. 7B, the components and arrangement are similar to those shown in Fig. 7A, but in this variation, the openings 705a, 705b of cylinders 702a, 702b, respectively, are sized to an existing light pipe/guide 720. [0051] Figs. 7C-7E show various views of two additional embodiments of an LCD display configured with stroboscopic backlighting elements for application in film recording. Fig. 7C presents a first embodiment of an integrating light box 710, which may be used with, for example, the LCD panel 700 of Figs. 7A and 7B, in lieu of the arrangement of cylinders 702a, 702b or cylinders 702a, 702b and light guide 720, respectively. In this embodiment, one or more probe apertures 711 are configured to receive strobe lamps, such as the strobe lamps 704 shown in Figs. 7A and 7B. [0052] Similarly, Figs. 7D and 7E show side and perspective views of a second embodiment of an integrating light box 715. In one variation of this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 7D and 7E, the LCD panel 700 is contained within a frame 716. A pre-pan 718 is the sandwichably located between the LCD panel 700 and a reflector pan 719, which includes one or more probe apertures 720 configured for receiving strobe lamps, such as the strobe lamps 704 shown in Figs. 7A and 7B. [0053] Fig. 7F is an end view of one embodiment of a light pipe/guide with prismatic ends 708, for use with the embodiment of Fig. 7B. [0054] Referring back to Fig. 1 B, controller 106 may also be configured to control the images displayed on LCD device 104 coordinated with the film advance such that multiple images may be displayed on a single frame of film in order to control various aspects of the effect of the exposed frame (e.g., overexposure, blurring, color, brightness, etc.). Controller 106 is also configured to control the resolution by adjusting the display and/or the film recorder. Exposure of the film may be performed by controlling the image display time (time modulated system) or by controlling the shutter (intensity controlled system).

[0055] Fig. 2 illustrates a digital film recorder utilizing a multiple flat panel display configuration. The components used in this embodiment may be similar to those described above with reference to Figs. 1A-1B. However, the images are recorded by utilizing three displays and a beam splitter. Thus, each of the display devices can be separated into an RGB or CMY configuration and/or each the same display configurations described above may be utilized. Accordingly, a beam splitter 202 is employed to combine the images to be recorded, and each display 104a - 104c are oriented so that the combined image is focused at the lens of the recording device 102.

[0056] In order to achieve an RGB or CMY format, black and white displays may be employed with color filters as described above. Furthermore, as described above with reference to Figs. 1A-1B, a controller or CPU 106 may be coupled with the recording device 102 and the display devices 104a-104c, and the same effects may be achieved as already described, in order to expedite imaging, each display device is sequentially operated to shorten exposure time, using the backlight control or digitally (e.g., by controller 106). One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that by adjusting the distance D, the camera or video display characteristics including the backlighting of each LCD, many aspect ratios and exposure characteristics, as well as formats can be achieved. [0057] When color filters are placed between the lens and the film plane, a nano- motor controlled system may be implemented to move the filters into proper position. A close-up of an exemplary nano-device is shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, and an example of positioning of the nano-device relative to a camera lens is shown in Fig. 6C. As shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, a nano-filter ring 601 includes a number of nano- motors 602r, 602g, 602b, which control the position of RGB filters (or CMY) 604r, 604g, 604b, respectively. Each nano-motor 602r, 602g, 603b is a linear device that has a pivot and a spring to actuate an arm with the filter 604r, 604g, 604b mounted to the end of the arm, making a flag-like configuration. The pivot point is out from the motor arm and a small cable is attached. The cable is pulled or pushed by the linear motion of the nano-motor. A spring can provide the tension for the return mode of the filter 604r, 604g, 604b on the end of the arm. In a preferred embodiment, the filter 604r, 604g, 604b, is selectively pulled into the filter ON position. See Fig. 6B, which shows a filter 604b pulled over an aperture 102a. One having ordinary skill in the art of nano-science will readily understand that the dimensions and configuration of the nano-device may be varied to fit the device properly into a variety of camera lens interfaces.

[0058] Fig. 6C shows the positioning of the nano-filter ring 601 relative to a standard turret 600, lens 102b, and aperture 102a. [0059] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for recording digital images onto a film. The method includes a step S300. of providing a flat panel display and a film recording device. The flat panel display and the film recording device may be constituted as already described above with reference to Figs. 1A and 1B. Next, at step S302, the display area of the flat panel display is aligned with recording input (i.e., lens) of the film recording device. As described above, a configuration such as shown in Fig. 1 A may be used to assist aligning the display area of the flat panel display with the recording input of the film recording device. A test pattern may be displayed on the display area of the flat panel display while the recording input of the film recording device is adjusted to obtain the desired focus. [0060] Next, at step S304, desired digital images to be recorded are displayed on the flat panel display for a predetermined time period (i.e., the time period may be chosen to properly expose the film with the correct brightness). Next, at step S306, the frame of film is exposed to the image for the specified time period. A shutter may be used for exposing the film for the particular time period. Step S308, the images and the film are advanced as desired. As described above, either the display time or the shutter may be controlled to expose the film. Also, the exposure can be performed in black and white, CMY or RGB formats through the use of filters, display control, or backlighting adjustments. Three display configurations as shown in Fig. 2 may also be used in implementing the method of the invention. [0061] System 100 may also be configured in an up shooter or down shooter mode. An exemplary down shooter style digital film recording device is shown in Fig. 4. Down shooter 400 may include a recording device 102 vertically aligned over a flat panel display 104. The film recording device 102 may be adjustably aligned in order to obtain a proper focus of the display area of display 104. Display 104 may be coupled with or include a CPU for providing digital images to be displayed thereon. The CPU of the display 104 may also be coupled with the recording device 102 in order to provide the adjustments similar to those described with reference to Figs. 1A-1B. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the down shooter device 400 may also include controls and adjustments similar to other embodiments of the present invention. Cooling units may be used to cool LCD flat panels disposed in a horizontal position, such as within display 184. [0062] Fig. 5 is a three dimensional illustration of a digital film recorder according in an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in Fig. 5 are a track 112, movable platform 122, a recording device 102 mounted thereon, another movable platform 124 for mounting a single display or three displays for single shot format, and additionally shown is a shroud or alternatively a shutter mount 125 which may be used in conjunction with the recording device 102 in order to better control exposure.

[0063] The track 112 can includes one or more cross member supports and feet. In one embodiment, the platform 124 includes one or more tie down hand bolts 126 for fixably holding the platform 124 relative to the track 112, and one or more wheels 122a or other features to facilitate movement of platform 124 via track 112. [0064] The present invention may also be configured to transfer video to film. Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a video-to-film transfer device 800, which includes a flat panel film recorder 802 of any embodiment described above, coupled with a video capture unit 804 that receives a stream of video data from a video source 806, which may be any conventional video input (e.g., digital camera, disk or memory, etc.). [0065] The video capture unit 804 is configured to receive video data in a variety of standards, such as in NTSCDV, 720p, 1920X1080i, 1920X1080p, etc., and divide the data into still frames for display on the flat panel(s) of the flat panel film recorder 802 in a manner appropriate for recording. Accordingly, video capture unit 804 may include a processor and/or a camera, or may be implemented with CPU 106, and may be equipped with an appropriate video capture board / card for receiving a video stream. The video data is appropriately subdivided, stopped, and displayed for recording based on the desired effect, interrupting the video stream or buffering the data if necessary. Video capture unit 804 may be configured to perform effects, such as color correction and resizing for more efficient and effective recording. [0066] Thus, an effective device is provided for recording digital images onto film and for transferring video to film, in a quick, efficient and inexpensive manner. It will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described in this document are exemplary in nature, and many other configurations of the invention are possible.

[0067] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a direct printing arrangement may be provided which utilizes a mini-display device, such as LCD chip. Referring to Fig. 8, rather than using a display device as a camera, as described in the embodiments above, system 800 includes a camera configuration wherein a mini-display device or chip disposed within a camera housing or on the face of a camera, such as where a lens would traditionally be disposed. The display device 802 may receive display data similar to the embodiments described above. This recording device 800 may be configured such that the display device 802 directly contacts, or nearly contacts the film. Accordingly, the display device 802 may be placed directly over the aperture 804 of a camera. One skilled in the art will understand that the aperture 804 and exposure time may be adjusted to attain desired effects, such as high speed printing, and to incorporate such other variables as the brightness of the display device 802.

[0068] An exemplary mini-display device 802 may utilize the SONY Silicon Crystal [X-tal] Reflective Display (SXRD) Chip™ technology, which is a 1920X1080 pixel chip display that provides high contrast, high resolution picture quality. Currently, such chips can be made as small as 0.78 inches diagonal, in a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.

[0069] Thus, the present invention has been fully described with reference to the drawing figures. Although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A digital film recorder, comprising: a film recording device having a recording input; a display device having a flat panel display; and a track coupled to said film recording device and said display device, said track aligning said flat panel display with said recording input such that said film recording device can record images displayed on said flat panel display onto a recording medium.

2. The digital film recorder recited in claim 1 , wherein said display device comprises a thin film transistor (TFT) flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD).

3. The digital film recorder recited in claim 1 , wherein said track comprises a distance adjustment unit configured to adjust a distance from said film recording device to said display device.

4. The digital film recorder recited in claim 1, further comprising an X-Y-Z gimbel coupling said display device with said track, said X-Y-Z gimbel configured to finely adjust an orientation of said flat panel display to said recording input.

5. The digital film recorder recited in claim 1, wherein said film recording device comprises a 16, 35, or 70 mm camera for each aspect ratio and format for all film base types.

6. The digital film recorder recited in claim 3, further comprising: a control unit coupled with said adjustment unit and with said film recording device, and configured to control said adjustment unit to adjust the distance from said film recording device to said display device in order to modify a resolution of said images being recorded onto said recording medium.

7. The digital film recorder recited in claim 6, wherein said film recording device comprises a 16, 35 or 70 mm camera, and said control unit is configured to adjust a focal length of a lens of said camera based upon said distance from said film recording device to said display device.

8. The digital film recorder recited in claim 1, wherein said film recording device is oriented with said display device in a Z-direction to produce an up-shooter or down-shooter style recorder.

9. The digital film recorder recited in claim 2, further comprising: a flatness adjustment means for adjusting a flatness of said flat panel LCD.

10. The digital film recorder recited in claim 2, wherein said flat panel LCD comprises: a LED backlight for adjusting a brightness of said images displayed on said flat panel LCD and for increasing overall gamut and exposure characteristic output of said flat panel LCD.

11. The digital film recorder recited in claim 2, further comprising: a filter wheel having an RGB or CMY format, wherein said filter wheel is placed in between a lens of said film recording device and said display device, and is rotatable so that said images displayed on said flat panel LCD may be recorded in separate colors in an RGB or CMY format.

12. The digital film recorder recited in claim 2, further comprising: a filter wheel having an RGB or CMY format, wherein said filter wheel is disposed between a lens of said film recording device and a film plane of said recording device, and is rotatable or linear so that said images displayed on said flat panel LCD may be recorded in separate colors in an RGB or CMY format.

13. The digital film recorder recited in claim 12, further comprising: a nano-motor coupled with said filter wheel that positions said filter wheel, and a controller that controls said nano-motor.

14. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 11 , further comprising: a filter wheel adjustment unit coupled with said filter wheel and configured to control said filter wheel by positioning said filter wheel; and a control unit coupled with said film recording device and said filter wheel adjustment unit, and configured to position said filter wheel such that an image being displayed on said display device is recorded in separate colors, and to control said film recording device to advance film only after said filter wheel has been completely positioned for a single image exposure.

15. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 6, wherein said control unit is further coupled with said display device and configured to control said images being displayed on said flat panel display.

16. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 15, wherein said control unit is configured to display said images in separate colors, in RGB or CMY format and configured to control an advance of film in said film recording device in order to complete an exposure for each image of said images in RGB or CMY format.

17. A method of recording images onto film, comprising steps of: providing a flat panel display and a film recording device; aligning a display area of said flat panel display with a recording input of said film recording device; displaying an image on said flat panel display for a predetermined time period; and exposing a frame of film of said film recording device to said image for said time periods for red, green and blue separately.

18. The method recited in claim 17, further comprising a step of: adjusting a focal length of a lens of said film recording device based upon a distance from said flat panel display to said film recording device and a size of said display area.

19. The method recited in claim 17, further comprising a step of: adjusting a resolution of a recording image by adjusting a focal length of a lens of said film recording device while adjusting a distance from said flat panel display to said film recording device.

20. The method recited in claim 17, further comprising a step of: adjusting an exposure of said image being displayed on said flat panel display.

21. The method recited in claim 17, further comprising a step of: adjusting the orientation of said flat panel display to said input of said film recording device in the X-Y-Z planes.

22. A digital film recorder, comprising: a film recording device having a recording input; a plurality of display devices each having a flat panel display; a beam splitter; and a track coupled to said film recording device, said plurality of display devices, and to said beam splitter, said track aligning each of said plurality of flat panel displays with said beam splitter to merge images displayed on each of said plurality of flat panel displays into a single image to be recorded onto a recording medium by said film recording device.

23. The digital film recorder recited in claim 22, wherein each of said display devices comprise a flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) and are configured to display images in a different color.

24. The digital film recorder recited in claim 23, wherein said plurality of display devices comprises three display devices, a first display device displaying images in a red color, a second display device displaying images in a green color, and a third display device displaying images in a blue color, such that pixels from each display that overlap are used as a single color for a color sequence being recorded.

25. The digital film recorder recited in claim 23, wherein said plurality of display devices comprises three display devices, a first display device displaying images in a cyan color, a second display device displaying images in a magenta color, and a third display device displaying images in a yellow color, such that pixels from each display that overlap are used as a single color for a color sequence being recorded.

26. The digital film recorder recited in claim 24, wherein said first display device is backlit with a LED backlight of a wavelength of 650 nm, said second display device is backlit with a LED backlight of a wavelength of 550 nm, and said third display device is backlit with a LED backlight of a wavelength of 450 nm.

27. The digital film recorder recited in claim 24, wherein said first display device is backlit with a cold cathode backlight with band pass filter of a wavelength of 633 nm, said second display device is backlit with a cold cathode backlight with band pass filter of a wavelength of 532 nm, and said third display device is backlit with a cold cathode backlight with band pass filer of a wavelength of 460 nm.

28. The digital film recorder recited in claim 23, wherein: said track comprises an distance adjusting unit configured to adjust a distance from said film recording device to said plurality of display devices.

29. The digital film recorder recited in claim 24, further comprising a plurality of X- Y-Z gimbals, each coupling one said display device with said track, each said X-Y-Z mount configured to finely adjust an orientation of each said flat panel display to said beam splitter.

30. The digital film recorder recited in claim 23, wherein said film recording device comprises a 16, 35, or 70 mm camera for each aspect ratio and format for all film base types.

31. The digital film recorder recited in claim 28, further comprising: a control unit coupled with said distance adjustment unit and said film recording device and configured to control said distance adjustment unit to adjust the distance from said film recording device to said plurality of display devices in order to modify a resolution of said images being recorded onto said recording medium.

32. The digital film recorder recited in claim 31 , wherein said film recording device comprises a 16, 35 or 70 mm camera, and said control unit is configured to adjust a focal length of a lens of said camera based upon said distance from said film recording device to said plurality of display devices.

33. The digital film recorder recited in claim 32, wherein said film recording device is oriented with said plurality of display devices in a Z-direction to produce an up-shooter or down-shooter style recorder.

34. The digital film recorder recited in claim 23, each of said plurality of display devices further comprising: a LED lighting unit for backlighting said flat panel LCD and adjusting a brightness of said images displayed on said flat panel LCD for increasing overall gamut output of said flat panel LCD.

35. The digital film recorder recited in claim 23, further comprising: a filter wheel having an RGB or CMY format, wherein said filter wheel is placed in between a lens of said film recording device and said plurality of display devices, and is positioned so that said images displayed on said flat panel LCD may be recorded in separate colors in an RGB or CMY format.

36. The digital film recorder recited in claim 23, further comprising: a filter wheel having an RGB or CMY format, wherein said filter wheel is disposed between a lens of said film recording device and a film plane of said recording device, and is rotatable so that said images displayed on said flat panel LCD may be recorded in separate colors in an RGB or CMY format.

37. The digital film recorder recited in claim 36, further comprising: a nano-motor coupled with said filter wheel that positions said filter wheel, and a controller that controls said nano-motor.

38. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 35, further comprising: a filter wheel adjustment unit coupled with said filter wheel and configured to control said filter wheel by positioning said filter wheel; and a control unit coupled with said film recording device and said filter wheel adjustment unit, and configured to rotate said filter wheel such that an image being displayed on said plurality of display devices is recorded in separate colors, and to control said film recording device to advance film only after said filter wheel has been completely rotated for a single image exposure.

39. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 31 , wherein said control unit is further coupled with said display device and configured to control said images being displayed on said plurality of display devices.

40. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 39, wherein said control unit is configured to display said images in separate colors, in RGB or CMY format, each separate colored image being displayed on a separate display of said plurality of display devices, and configured to control an advancement of film in said film recording device in order to complete an exposure for each image of said images in RGB or CMY format.

41. A method of recording images onto film, comprising steps of: providing three flat panel displays, a beam splitter and a film recording device; aligning a display area of each said flat panel display with said beam splitter; aligning an output of said beam splitter having the combined images of each said flat panel display with a recording input of said film recording device; displaying an image on each said flat panel display for a predetermined time period; exposing a frame of film of said film recording device to a combined image output of said beam splitter for said time period.

42. The method recited in claim 41, further comprising a step of: adjusting a focal length of a lens of said film recording device based upon a distance from said beam splitter to said film recording device and a size of a display area of each flat panel display.

43. The method recited in claim 41, further comprising a step of: adjusting a resolution of a recording image by adjusting a focal length of a lens of said film recording device while adjusting a distance from said beam splitter to said film recording device.

44. The method recited in claim 43, further comprising a step of: adjusting a brightness of said image being displayed on each said flat panel display.

45. The method recited in claim 41, further comprising a step of: adjusting a flatness of each said flat panel display.

46. The method recited in claim 45, further comprising a step of: finely adjusting the orientation of each said flat panel display to said beam splitter in the X-Y-Z planes.

47. The method recited in claim 41 , further comprising a step of: displaying a single image on each said flat panel display, said image being displayed in a separate color on each said flat panel display, a first display in a red color, a second display in a blue color, and a third display in a green color.

48. The method recited in claim 41 , further comprising a step of: displaying a single image on each said flat panel display, said image being displayed in a separate color on each said flat panel display, a first display in a cyan color, a second display in a magenta color, and a third display in a yellow color.

49. The digital film recorder recited in claim 47, further comprising steps of: backlighting said first display with a LED backlight producing a peak wavelength of 650 nm; backlighting said second display with a LED backlight producing a peak wavelength of 550 nm; and backlighting said third display with a LED backlight producing a peak wavelength of 450 nm.

50. The digital film recorder recited in claim 47, further comprising steps of: backlighting said first display with a LED backlight producing a peak wavelength of 630 nm; backlighting said second display with a LED backlight producing a peak wavelength of 530 nm; and backlighting said third display with a LED backlight producing a peak wavelength of 445 nm.

51. A digital film recorder, comprising: a film recording means for recording an image onto a film; a display means; a track means for aligning said display.

52. The digital film recorder recited in claim 51 , wherein: said display means comprises a (TFT) thin film transistor flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD).

53. The digital film recorder recited in claim 51 , wherein: said display means comprises a (TFT) thin film transistor flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) display with an LED backlight.

54. The digital film recorder recited in claim 51, wherein: said track means comprises an distance adjusting means for adjusting a distance from said film recording means to said display.

55. The digital film recorder recited in claim 51 , further comprising an X-Y-Z adjustment means for coupling said display means with said track means and finely adjusting an orientation of said display means with said film recording means.

56. The digital film recorder recited in claim 51 , wherein said film recording means comprises a 16, 35, or 70 mm camera for each aspect ratio and format for all film base types.

57. The digital film recorder recited in claim 51 , further comprising: a control means for controlling said distance adjustment means to adjust the distance from said film recording means to said display means in order to modify a resolution of images being recorded by said film recording means.

58. The digital film recorder recited in claim 52, further comprising: a flatness adjustment means for adjusting a flatness of said display means.

59. The digital film recorder recited in claim 52, further comprising: a lighting means for backlighting said display means and adjusting a brightness of images displayed on said display means for increasing overall gamut and intensity output thereof.

60. The digital film recorder recited in claim 52, further comprising: a color filter means having an RGB or CMY format, wherein said color filter means is placed in between a lens of said film recording means and said display means for coloring images displayed on said display to be recorded in separate colors in an RGB or CMY format.

61. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 60, further comprising: a color filter adjustment means for controlling said color filter means; and a control means for controlling said display means, said recording means and said color filter adjustment means to record an image being displayed on said display means in separate colors for an exposure.

62. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 57, wherein said control means is also for controlling images displayed on said display means to be displayed in separate colors, in RGB or CMY format, and for controlling said film recording to control an advancement of film of said film recording device in order to complete an exposure for each image of said images in RGB or CMY format.

63. A digital film recorder, comprising: a film recording means for recording an image onto film; a plurality of display means for displaying digital images; a beam splitter means for combining images displayed on said plurality of display means into a single image; and a track means for aligning each of said plurality display means with said beam splitter means, and with said film recording means.

64. The digital film recorder recited in claim 63, wherein each of said display means comprise a flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) display for displaying images in a different color.

65. The digital film recorder recited in claim 64, wherein said plurality of display means comprises three display devices, a first display means for displaying images in a red color, a second display means for displaying images in a blue color, and a third display means for displaying images in a green color.

66. The digital film recorder recited in claim 64, wherein said plurality of display means comprises three display devices, a first display means for displaying images in a cyan color, a second display means for displaying images in a magenta color, and a third display means for displaying images in a yellow color.

67. The digital film recorder recited in claim 64, wherein said first display means includes a backlight means for producing a red color of a peak wavelength of 650 nm, said second display means includes a backlight means for producing a color blue of a peak wavelength of 550 nm, and said third display means includes a backlight means for producing a green color of a peak wavelength of 450 nm.

68. The digital film recorder recited in claim 64, wherein said first display means includes a backlight means for producing a red color of a peak wavelength of 630 nm, said second display means includes a backlight means for producing a color blue of a peak wavelength of 530 nm, and said third display means includes a backlight means for producing a green color of a peak wavelength of 445 nm.

69. The digital film recorder recited in claim 64, wherein: said track means comprises a distance adjusting means for adjusting a distance from said film recording means to said plurality of display means.

70. The digital film recorder recited in claim 69, further comprising a plurality of X-Y-Z adjustment means each for finely adjusting an orientation of each said display means to said beam splitter means.

71. The digital film recorder recited in claim 56, further comprising: a control means for controlling said distance adjustment means and said film recording means to adjust the distance from said film recording means to said plurality of display means in order to control a resolution of images being recorded by said recording means.

72. The digital film recorder recited in claim 66, further comprising: a plurality of flatness adjustment means each for adjusting a flatness of one of said plurality of display means.

73. The digital film recorder recited in claim 66, further comprising: a plurality of LED backlighting means for backlighting each of said plurality of display means and for increasing overall gamut output of each of said plurality of display means.

74. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 71 , wherein said control means if also for controlling images being displayed on said plurality of display means.

75. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 74, wherein said control controls said plurality of display means to display said images in separate colors, in RGB or CMY format, each separate colored image being displayed on a separate display of said plurality of display devices, and controls an advancement of film is said film recording means in order to complete an exposure for each image of said images in RGB or CMY format.

76. A method of recording video onto film, comprising steps of: providing a flat panel display and a film recording device; aligning a display area of said flat panel display with a recording input of said film recording device; receiving a stream of video data; displaying an still image from said stream onto said flat panel display for a predetermined time period; and exposing a frame of film of said film recording device to said image for said time period.

77. The method recited in claim 76, further comprising a step of: adjusting a focal length of a lens of said film recording device based upon a distance from said flat panel display to said film recording device and a size of said display area.

78. The method recited in claim 76, further comprising a step of: adjusting a resolution of a recording image by adjusting a focal length of a lens of said film recording device while adjusting a distance from said flat panel display to said film recording device.

79. The method recited in claim 76, further comprising a step of: adjusting an exposure of said image being displayed on said flat panel display.

80. The method recited in claim 76, further comprising a step of: adjusting the orientation of said flat panel display to said input of said film recording device in the X-Y-Z planes.

81. The method recited in claim 76, wherein said step of displaying said still image includes stopping said stream at a predetermined point, extracting a still image from said stream to be displayed.

82. The method recited in claim 81 , wherein said video stream is repeatedly started and stopped to extract a series of still images to be displayed on said flat panel display to be recorded onto film, such that said video stream is completely transferred to film.

83. The method recited in claim 82, wherein said video stream is in a format selected from the group consisting of NTSCDV, 720p, 1920X1080i, 1920X1080p.

84. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein said control unit is further configured to receive a stream of video data, and to stop and start said stream to create still images to be displayed on said flat panel display.

85. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein said control unit is further configured to receive a digital data representing a frame and to display said frame on said flat panel display.

86. A method for transferring video to film, comprising steps of: creating a video recording using a digital video recorder; transferring said video recording to a film recorder according to claim 85; and recording said video recording onto film by control said film recorder.

87. A method of recording images onto film, comprising steps of: providing a flat panel display and a film recording device; aligning a display area of said flat panel display with a recording input of said film recording device; displaying an image on said flat panel display; and controlling a shutter of said film recording device to expose a frame of film of said film recording device to said image for a predetermined time period.

88. The method recited in claim 87, further comprising a step of: adjusting a focal length of a lens of said film recording device based upon a distance from said flat panel display to said film recording device and a size of said display area.

89. The method recited in claim 87, further comprising a step of: adjusting a resolution of a recording image by adjusting a focal length of a lens of said film recording device while adjusting a distance from said flat panel display to said film recording device.

90. The method recited in claim 87, further comprising a step of: adjusting an exposure of said image being displayed on said flat panel display.

91. The method recited in claim 87, further comprising a step of: adjusting the orientation of said flat panel display to said input of said film recording device in the X-Y-Z planes.

92. The digital film recorder recited in claim 16, wherein said image is displayed in RGB format, and said display device is configured to produce a peak wavelength of 650 nm for red, a LED backlight of a peak wavelength of 550 nm for green, and a LED backlight of a peak wavelength of 450 nm for blue.

93. The digital film recorder recited in claim 16, wherein said image is displayed in RGB format, and said display device is configured to produce a peak wavelength of 630 nm for red, a LED backlight of a peak wavelength of 530 nm for blue, and a LED backlight of a peak wavelength of 445 nm for blue.

94. The digital film recorder recited in claim 27, wherein each said display device further comprising a cooling unit for cooling each of said backlights.

95. The digital film recorder recited in claim 94, wherein each cooling unit comprises an air and liquid cooling means.

96. The digital film recorder recited in claim 92, wherein said display device further comprising a cooling unit for cooling said backlight.

97. The digital film recorder recited in claim 96, wherein said cooling unit comprises an air and liquid cooling means.

98. The digital film recorder recited in claim 51 , wherein: said display means comprises a (TFT) thin film transistor flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) display with an LED backlight.

99. The digital film recorder recited in claim 1 , wherein said display device comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel.

100. The digital film recorder recited in claim 22, wherein each said display device comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel.

101. The digital film recorder recited in claim 51, wherein said display means comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel.

102. The digital film recorder recited in claim 63, wherein each said display means comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel.

103. The digital film recorder recited in claim 10, wherein said flat panel LCD is configured to display said images in black and white format and color is provide to said images by said LED backlight.

104. The digital film recorder recited in claim 10, wherein said LED backlight comprised red, green and blue LED's.

105. The digital film recorder recited in claim 10, wherein said flat panel LCD display further comprises light guides coupled with said LED backlight via fiber optic cables, said light guides evenly delivering light from said LED backlight to an LCD display section of said flat panel LCD.

106. The digital film recorder recited in claim 2, further comprising: a color filter having an RGB or CMY format, wherein said color filter is disposed between a backlight of said flat panel LCD and a display section of said flat panel LCD, such that said images displayed on said flat panel LCD may be recorded in separate colors in an RGB or CMY format.

107. The digital film recorder recited in claim 23, wherein each flat panel LCD further comprises a color filter having an RGB or CMY format, wherein said color filter is disposed between a backlight of each said flat panel LCD and a display section of said flat panel LCD, such that said images displayed on said flat panel LCD may be recorded in separate colors in an RGB or CMY format.

108. The method recited in claim 44, wherein the step of adjusting a brightness of said image being displayed on each said flat panel display includes a step of providing an LED backlight for each said flat panel display.

109. The method recited in claim 41, wherein the step of displaying said image on each said display includes displaying each image in RGB format, each of said displays displaying said image in a different color respectively.

110. The method recited in claim 109, further comprising a step of providing a color filter in each said display between a back light of each said display and a display section of each said display, in order to display each image in RGB format.

111. The method recited in either of claim 48 or 49, further comprising a step of providing a color filter in each said display between a back light of each said display and a display section of each said display.

112. The method recited in claim 41 , further comprising a steps of: providing a color filter wheel between said beam splitter and said film recording device, each said image is displayed in black and white format, and adjusting said color filter wheel to record each said image in RGB or CMY format.

113. The method recited in either of claim 112, wherein said color filter wheel is provide between a lens of said film recording device and film in said film recording device.

114. The method recited in either of claim 111 , wherein said color filter wheel is provide between a light guide of each said display device and each said display section, respectively.

115. The digital film recorder recited in claim 52 or 53, further comprising: a color filter having an RGB or CMY format, wherein said color filter is disposed between a backlight of said flat panel LCD and a display section of said flat panel LCD, such that images displayed on said flat panel LCD may be recorded in separate colors in an RGB or CMY format.

116. The digital film recorder recited in claim 52, wherein said LED backlight comprised red, green and blue LED's.

117. The digital film recorder recited in claim 52 or 116, wherein said flat panel LCD display further comprises light guides coupled with said LED backlight via fiber optic cables, said light guides evenly delivering light from said LED backlight to an LCD display section of said flat panel LCD.

118. The method recited in claim 87, further comprising: a step of providing an LED backlight for said flat panel display; and a step of adjusting a brightness of said image being displayed on said flat panel display.

119. The method recited in claim 87, wherein the step of displaying said image on said display includes displaying said image in RGB format.

120. The method recited in claim 118 or 119, further comprising a step of providing a color filter in said display between a back light of said display and a display section of said display, in order to display said image in RGB format.

121. The method recited in claim 87, further comprising a steps of: providing a color filter wheel between said display and film of said film recording device, said image is displayed in black and white format, and adjusting said color filter wheel to record said image in RGB or CMY format.

122. The method recited in either of claim 121, wherein said color filter wheel is provide between a lens of said film recording device and film in said film recording device.

123. The method recited in either of claim 120, wherein said color filter wheel is provide between a light guide of each said display device and each said display section, respectively.

124. A digital film recorder, comprising: a camera; a display device coupled with said camera, said display device being disposed directly on an aperture of said camera such that images displayed on said display device can be recorded directly onto film of said camera.

125. The digital film recorder recited in claim 124, wherein said display device comprises a silicon crystal reflective display.

126. The digital film recorder recited in claim 124 or 125, wherein said display device has dimensions of less than .78 inches diagonal for a 16 by 9 widescreen aspect ratio.

127. The digital film recorder recited in claim 124, wherein said camera is a 16, 35 or 70 mm camera.

128. The digital film recorder recited in claim 124 or 125, further comprising: a filter wheel having an RGB or CMY format, wherein said filter wheel is placed in between said display device and said film, and is rotatable so that said images displayed on said display device may be recorded in separate colors in an RGB or CMY format.

129. The digital film recorder recited in claim 128, further comprising: a nano-motor coupled with said filter wheel that positions said filter wheel, and a controller that controls said nano-motor.

130. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 128, further comprising: a filter wheel adjustment unit coupled with said filter wheel and configured to control said filter wheel by positioning said filter wheel; and a control unit coupled with said film recording device and said filter wheel adjustment unit, and configured to position said filter wheel such that an image being displayed on said display device is recorded in separate colors, and to control said film recording device to advance film only after said filter wheel has been completely positioned for a single image for an exposure.

131. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 124 or 125, wherein said control unit is further coupled with said display device and configured to control said images being displayed on said flat panel display.

132. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 131, wherein said control unit is configured to display said images in separate colors, in RGB or CMY format and configured to control an advance of film in said film recording device in order to complete an exposure for each image of said images in RGB or CMY format.

133. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 131, further comprising a video source coupled with said control unit, said video source providing video images from stored video data or from a video stream, and said control unit being configured to pause said video images into still images to be recorded by said digital film recorder.

133. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 15, further comprising a video source coupled with said control unit, said video source providing video images from stored video data or from a video stream, and said control unit being configured to pause said video images into still images to be displayed on said flat panel LCD.

134. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 39, further comprising a video source coupled with said control unit, said video source providing video images from stored video data or from a video stream, and said control unit being configured to pause said video images into still images to be displayed on each said display device.

135. The digital film recorder as recited in claim 79, further comprising a video source coupled with said control means, said video source providing video images from stored video data or from a video stream, and said control means is also for pausing said video images into still images to be displayed on each said display means.