Time-lapse Photography Applications

Prepared by:Saransh Shah

Nirav PatelMahendra SutarDipesh Sorathia

Introduction

Invented around 1932Walt Disney was first to use itExtreme version of cinematography technique of

undercrancking.Considered as stop motion animation. Involves modifying of standard movie cameraUse is limited to the imagination of individuals using this

toolPossible to easily and economically capture & retain

permanently part of the construction project

What is Time Lapse Photography?

Time lapse is where a camera takes a sequence of images of a subject with an interval of time between each image.

A cinematography technique where each film frame is captured at much slower rate than it will be played back.

The interval varies from a second to a day or more

It is opposite of high speed photography.

Follow up each activity & identify exact time spent on each activity

Equipments needed

Digital camera with a time lapse featureSufficient image storage capacityTripod with lockable swivel headMains power adapter (allows unlimited time and greater

reliability)Batteries are usually not suitable except for short

duration sequencesA remote release (infrared or cable) is handy to avoid

bumping the camera.

Available modelsNikon Coolpix 8400 Ricoh GX100, Ricoh GX200, Ricoh R6, R7 or R8, Ricoh GX100, Ricoh G600, Ricoh i500, Ricoh RDC-

5000, Ricoh RR1Kodak DC265, DC290, P880 Pentax W60, Pentax Optio 43WR, Minolta DiMAGE 5, Minolta DiMAGE 7Olympus E-10, Olympus E-20Panasonic ipalm,

Toshiba PDR-M60 Canon 400D, canon SD750, canon SD1100PowerShot SD850 IS canon

Average cost of camera - $ 150 - $ 12007 – 14 MPResolution – 1280 * 1024Flexible time lapse mode – 1sec to 3 min45x digital zoom camera is easily available in the marketCan adjust timing of number of frames per second

Implementation & Expenses

Used at anytime anywhereProject estimating & job preplanning are good to start.Operation is expensive includes hidden costHidden cost includes payment to craftsmen for reviewing

the filmAddition to camera & projector variable costs includes

film, processing & operator to run itReviewing of film after work is not recommendedShooting film at one job & using as an aid on other jobs

helps to improve efficiency

Working of Time Lapse Photography

Film is often projected at 24 frames/sSince the projection speed and recording speed are

same the images appear to be moving normally If camera is set to record at lower speed image on

screen appear to move fasterChange in speed of onscreen image is calculated as

projection frame rate

Perceived speed = ------------------- x actual speedcamera frame rate

So a film recorded at 12 frames/s will appear to move twice as fast

Camera speed between 8 and 22 frames falls into undercranked fast motion category

(cont.)

Greater accuracy in time increments and consistency in exposure can be achieved through intervalometer which

regulates the motion of the camera according to a specific interval of time between frames.

Some intervalometers can also be connected to motion control systems that move the camera on any number of axes as the time-lapse photography is achieved, creating tilts, pans, tracks, and trucking shots as the speeded up motion is viewed

How to take Time Lapse films?Set up of camera varies with situation in which you are and

what you want to filmOverview Set camera at an angle from where the widest field view is captured Entire operation can be captured instead of one job Helps to capture material delivery, equipments use and whole flow of work One frame @ every 8 seconds Best to study direct time loss items

Close up One frame @ every 2-4 seconds Faster filming speed is required Shows detail of each activity, tools and materials used, crew-over,

coordination between people and operations

Most of motion is out of camera so increase camera angle Unseen motion has an impact on cost of operation

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Review & Analysis

Two basic ways:

Brainstorming sessions

Formal approach

Brainstorming

Simplest and fastest review techniqueNot always effective Involves group of people to watch the filmLeads to open end discussionsPlaying the film faster for first time to get overviewSlowing down for second time to notice the key points

Formal – Detailed analysis

Time consuming but helps to get most of informationFollow each individualCalculate no. of frames of his involvement in activityMultiply the number of frames of each activity with film

speed listedSummarize in time-scale fashion or % total fashionHighlights coordination and crew imbalance

Merits

Shows tangible items like man doing various activities, equipment moving, material staking, loading & unloading etc.

Films entire operations, crews & equipment spreadsAnalyze interaction between two individualsFilm can be played forward, backward, slow or fastReplay capability allows viewer to backup the film Identifies contributing time for each activitiesEnables worker & supervisors to be involved in problem

solving processEliminates repetition of mistakes

Demerits

Cannot record personalities and communicationField view which camera covers is restricted in both time

and space It is used for highly repetitious & large budget operations

Summary

Give us benefits of time and motion studies

Enable workers and supervisors of all level involved in problem solving process

Incorporating knowledge and experience in future jobs

Converts wasted work to contribute to more productive

Thank you