The exposure process

The VOP has a simple exposure sequence.

When an exposure is triggered, either with the probe or the full sequence run, the image on the projection monitor does a loop of actions. As follows:

1. 0.5 s of black
2. Animation of the smear movement.
3. 0.5 s of black again

So each exposure that the camera does uses a full 1 second of black between the smear animations. And it makes for a virtual shutter for the camera.

This loop has two reasons.

Firstly, it simplifies the syncronization of the camera and the VOP and monitor. Because even if it's off by some milliseconds the camera should still be getting the full animation.

Secondly. If the camera is not a global shutter type. Like the Raspbery Pi HQ Camera that my prototype uses. It makes sure that the sensor's readout speed doesn't interfere with the smear animation.