US2350727A

US2350727A - Rehearsal system for sound motion pictures

Info

Publication number: US2350727A
Application number: US412577A
Authority: US
Inventors: Milford E Collins
Original assignee: RCA Corp
Current assignee: RCA Corp
Priority date: 1941-09-27
Filing date: 1941-09-27
Publication date: 1944-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 1961-06-06

Description

June 6, 1944. M. E. coLLlNs REHEARSAL SYSTEM FOR SOUND MOTION PICTURES Filed Sept. 2'7, 1941 ,QA/EY.

QQWSYU WNSL UQ BY W/fww Afro Patented June 6, 1944v REHEARSAL SYSTEM FOR SOUND MOTIQN PICTURES Milford E. Collins, Los

Radio Corporation o Delaware Angeles, Calif., assigner to f America, a corporation of Application September 27, 1941, Serial No. 412,577

(Cl. Sli-16.2)

8 Claims.

This invention relates to sound motion picture apparatus and particularly to systems used during the production of the various sequences which constitute a completed sound picture.

It is well known that in the production of motion pictures, each sequence is rehearsed be- -fore the nal take is made. The purpose of a rehearsal is to obtain the proper action for recording on the picture lm and, since the advent of sound, the proper dialogue or other sound eifects which are to accompany the picture.

The actors of any particular vscene generally.

move about the scene during the speaking of their lines, while the source of the sound shifts from actor to actor. In the recording of this dialogue, it is necessary for the microphone operator to follow the sound source with the microphone in order to satisfactorily record the sound. In addition to this and other technical problems involved, there is the dramatic side of recording which relates to the wording and enunciation of the dialogue. Also, extraneousvsounds may become recorded which are not noticed during the taking of the scene. To check on these various factors, it is frequently desirable to have a sound recording system which will permitthe immediate `reproduction of the recorded sound after a rehearsal or after a nal take to determine whether or not the pickup was satisfactory for the scene.

The present invention is directed to such a system wherein the sound may be immediately reproduced for checking the manipulations of the microphone, the speaking voices of the actors, and the quality of the sound system. The invention thus avoids the making of many retakes days later and after the particular set has been disturbed. Such a recording cannot be made on photographie lm, which requires time to develop. The invention utilizes disc recording apparatus which is synchronized with the picture cameras, the records being reproduced separately from the operation of the recording apparatus.

The principal object of the invention, therefore, is to facilitate the production of sound motion pictures.

Another object of the invention is to record scund in synchronism with a motion picture sequence, the sound record being adaptable for immediate reproduction.

A further object of the invention is to record a sound sequence for a motion picture scene which may be independently reproduced.

A further object of the invention is to provide a, combined sound recording and picture system wherein the sound may be immediately reproduced independently of the recording and picture-taking apparatus or later reproduced in synchronism with the projection of the picture.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be rpointed out with particularity in the appended claims, the manner of its organization and the mode of its operation will be better understood by referring to the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing forming a part thereof, in which the single gure is a diagrammatic arrangement of a sound picture recording and reproducing system embodying the invention.

Referring to the drawing, a source of power is connected through a main three-phase switch 5 to a synchronous motor 6 and to the stators of a distributor-generator 1, a Selsyn motor 9, and the Selsyn motors of picture cameras I0 and II. One or more cameras may be used in accordance with standard practice. The rotors of the distributor-generator 1, motor 9, and the motors of cameras I0 and II are interconnected for synchronous operation. The synchronous motor 6 drives the distributor-generator 1, which maintains the three motors in synchronism. Also connected to the power source is a synchronous or induction motor I3 connected through a magnetic switch I 4 operated bya solenoid I5. Connected across one phase of the power supply over conductors I1 are the solenoid I5 and electromagnets I8 and I9 of the turntable 2|. The solenoid I5 is under control of a manually operated switch 22, while the energization of the solenoids I8 and IS is controlled by switch 23.

The motor` 9 through a gearbox 24 and an overrunning clutch 25, such asshown in U. S. Patent 2,106,718, drives the turntable 2| comprising a heavy plate21 and a thin steel disc 28 held away from the plate 21 bya spring 29. A flywheel 30 is mounted on a drive shaft 3l to maintain uniform speed of the plate 21. The magnets I8 and I9 are mounted in the plate 21 and, when energized, will pull the thin disc 28 into Contact with the plate 21. Thus, when the plate 21 is up to speed, energization of the magnets will substantially instantaneously start a record 33 attached to the disc 28 at the proper reproducing speed. When the magnets I8 and I9 are de-energized, the spring 29 will release the disc 28 from the plate 21 and it may be braked in any convenient manner to stop substantially instantaneously.

' plate 21 rotated by accomplished.

43B is rotated, bringing As mentioned above, the motor 9 drives the through the gearbox 24 and overrunning clutch 2 5. The plate is also adapted to be means of motor I3 driving through a friction roller 35 on the end of the motor shaft, and an intermediate friction roller 36 adapted to be brought into contact with the friction roller 35 andthe rim'of the plate 21. The friction roller .36 is mounted on an 'arm 3B pivoted at 39, and when the friction roller is rotated about the pivot 39, will be positioned so as to drive the turntable. Simultaneously with the movement of the arm 38, switch 22 is closedthat is, closure of the switch is accomplished when the arm 38 is in a position to connect the friction roller 35 to the plate 21. When the friction roller 36 is in an inoperative position, the switch 22 will be opened. Closure of the switch 22v energizes the solenoid I5, which closes switch I4 to energize the driving motor I3. When the turntable 2| is operated by the motor I3, the overrunning clutch 25 permits operation' thereof without the transmission of energy to the gearbox 24.

Positioned adjacent the cameras I and II are microphones 40 and 4I, respectively, which are connected through an amplifier 43 to a disc cutter unit' 44. Thus, simultaneously with the taking of a picture by either one or both of cameras i0 and II, the concomitant sound is recorded on the record 33. Also shown in reproducing position is a pickup element 46 connected to an amplier 41 and a loudspeaker 48 for reproduction of sound from the record 33. Conductors are shown from the amplier 43 which go to the usual type of iilm recorder for recording the sound from microphones 40 and 4I on lm for the final take.l

Operation of the above system is as follows.

To start a rehearsal or a take, the synchronous' motor 6 is energized along with motors 9, IIJ and il by the closure of the switch 5. The energization of motor 9 will rotate the plate 21 in synchronism with lthe operation of the cameras. When the scene is ready to be shot and recorded, an operator may close the switch 23 to start the record rotating with the plate. 21. Recording of the sound accompanying the picture scene is thus When the scene is finished, switch is opened. 1

lf it is now desired to listen to determine whether or not the sound is satisfactory, the arm the friction roller 36 into operating position between the-friction roller 35 and plate 21, simultaneously closing the switch 22, which energizes solenoid I5, closing switch I4, and energizing motor I3. The record 33 will thus be rotated independently `of the motor 9, the sound being reproduced over elements 46, 41 and 4B. This reproduction is solely forthe purpose oi obtaining an idea of the dramatic effects of the lines accompanying the scene and to check o n the sound recording operators as to whether or not the positioning of the microphone and the operation of other Sound equipment was satisfactory, The motor I3, therefore, may be any type of motor capable of providing a satisfactorily uniform reproducing speed.

Should it be desired to subsequently reproduce the sound in synchronisxn with the picture after the picture nim has been developed and before a nlm recording has been made, this may be obtained by driving` the plate 21 by motor 9 in synchronism with the picture projector and then operating switch 23 manually or from the film projector at a previously determined synchronizing point. The closing of the switch 23 will immediately start and rotate the record 33 at the synchronous speed of the plate 21, which corresponds'to the Selsyn motor-driven projector.

There is thus provided a ilexible sound recording system in association with motion picture cameras or projectors whereby the sound may be recorded and reproduced synchronously with the picture, or the sound may be reproduced independently of the picture during the taking of the particular sequence, such a system preventing many retakes which have been found necessary a day or so after the actual taking of the scene. It is realized, of course, that a disc record of the sound may be made simultaneously with the take recording on lm to provide a check on the sound as produced during the take.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. Sound motion picture apparatus comprising a motion picture camera, a sound record medium, means for recording on saidl medium the sound accompanying said picture, means for driving said picture camera and said sound record medium in synchronism, additional means fordriving said record medium independently of said first driving means said synchronous driving means being automatically disconnected from said record medium when said additional driving.

means drives said record medium, and means for mechanically connecting Aand disconnecting said additional driving means to and from said record and electrically energizing and de-energizlng said additional driving means, said connecting and energizing being accomplished simultane- 2. Sound motion picture apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said mechanical connecting means includes a movabley roller and means for moving said roller into connecting position, said moving means being adapted to control the electrical energization of said additional driving means.

3. Sound motion picture apparatus comprising a motion picture camera, a motor for said camera, a rotatable plate, a second motor for rotating said plate, means for simultaneously energizing said motors for advancing film in said camera and rotating said plate in synchronism, an over running clutch intermediate said plate motor and said plate, a third motor, means for interconnecting said third motor `to said plate for rotating said plate, the starting of said third motor automatically disconnecting said plate from said second motor through said overrunning clutch, and means for connecting a record medium to said plate to rotate said recordin synchronism with said camera. l

4. Sound motion picture apparatus comprising a motion picture camera, a motor for said camera, a rotatable plate, a second motor for rotating said plate, means for simultaneously energizing said motors for advancing film in said camera and rotating said plate in synchronism, an overrunning clutch intermediate said plate motor and said plate, a third motor, means for interconnecting said third motor to-said plate for rotating said plate, the starting of said third motor automatically disconnecting said plate from said second motor through said overrunning clutch, and remote control electromagnetic means for connecting a record medium to said plate to rotate said record medium in synchronism with said camera.

5. Sound motion picture apparatus comprising a motion picture camera, a motor for said camera, a rotatable plate, a second motor for rotating said plate, means for simultaneously energizing said motors for advancing film in said camera and rotating said plate in synchronism, an overrunning clutch intermediate said plate motor and said plate, a third motor, means for interconnecting said third motor to said plate for rotating said plate, the starting of said third motor automatically disconnecting said plate from said second motor through said overrunning clutch, and common means for mechanically interconnecting said third motor to said plate and simultaneously controlling the electrical energization of said third motor.

6. Sound motion picture apparatus comprising a plurality of sound record mediums, a picture camera, means for synchronously driving said camera and said plurality of record mediums, means for independently driving one of said rec- 0rd mediums, means for automatically disconnecting said synchronous driving means from said record medium when driven independently, and means for mechanically connecting said independent driving means to said record medium and electrically energizing said independent driving means simultaneously.

7. Sound motion picture apparatus in accordance with claim 6 in which electromagnetic means are provided for connecting and disconnecting said independently driven record medium to said synchronous driving means.

8. Sound motion picture apparatus comprising a motion picture camera, a motor for said camera, a rotatable plate, a second motor for rotating said plate, means for simultaneously energizing said motorsfor advancing film in said camera and rotating said plate in synchronism, a third motor for rotating said plate, a power source for all of said motors, means for disconnecting said plate from said second motor when said plate is rotated by said third motor, and means for mechanically interconnecting said third motor to said plate and electrically interconnecting said third motor to said power source.

MILFORD E. COLLINS.