Analysis of the Effect of Linear Smear on Photographic Images

Abstract

The effect on the photographic image of the linear smear due to nonuniform relative motion between the image and the film during exposure can be expressed in terms of a complex transfer function. An expression for the equivalent spread function, valid for a restricted class of motions, is given. The case of smear due to uniformly accelerated relative motion is worked out in detail. One surprising result is that, for the same extent of smear, the modulus of the transfer function due to uniformly accelerated relative motion is, at all frequencies, equal to or greater than the modulus of the transfer function due to uniform relative motion