Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM PRE-EXPOSURE METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for pre-exposing a
' S portion of a filmstrip frame with a latest image placed in
registration with the balance of the frame for subsequent
exposure.
2. Descrit~tion of Background Art
Single use cameras are particularly popular for fun
photography requiring little more than an "aim and shoot"
technique to create pleasing photographs. In an effort to
further develop fun and excitement, various techniques have been
developed for pre-exposing the film loaded within the camera for
placing-a latent image on a film frame to create a photograph
having the pre-exposed image in juxtaposition with a subject
photographed by the single use camera.
U.S. Patent No. 4,310,232 to Reed discloses a
photographic apparatus and method for adding artificial
backgrounds. However, Reed '232 points out that a problem well
known in the art is in the alignment of the subject of the second
exposure within the unexposed portion of the film frame.
U.S. Patent No. 4,427,279 to Edelstein discloses a
solution to the alignment problem including simultaneous exposure
of the film frame within the camera.
U.S. Patent No. 4,655,570 to Jaffe discloses a camera
with a border image producing device having a photograph area and
a border area extending completely about the photograph area.
The camera includes a template for being placed over a frame of
photographic film. An internal light source mounted within the
camera exposes one section of each film frame and the camera lens
f
and shutter expose the other section.
U. S. Patent No. 4, 707, 106 to Johnson, et al . , discloses
masking .portions of the film within a first exposure, then
exchanging a mask and exposing the second or other portions.
U.S. Patent No. 4,827,291 to Guez discloses a
photographic method for making superimposed photographs on the
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same frame of a roll of negative film by masking, exposing a
frame, rewinding the film, and providing a different mask and
exposing each frame a second time while preventing exposure of
the pre-exposed portion of the film.
U .-5 . Patent No: 5 ~ 111,-224 to -Spector-discloses a camera
for producing pictures of individuals jointly with characters.
The camera produces a picture in which an individual whose
picture is taken is seen jointly with a figurative character in
such a way as to establish an apparent relationship therebetween.
The camera is loaded with a dual track film having a picture
track and a parallel guide track. Spector '224 discloses pre-
exposing the film to capture an image. The entire film frame is
exposed again wherein the first exposure comprised an under
exposure and the second a full exposure.
U.S. Patent No_ 5,187,512 to Kirkendall discloses a
film cassette containing pre-exposed film. During manufacture,
each frame of a filmstrip has one portion masked while the frame
is exposed to light. The light impinges on a second portion of
the frame to form a latent image. The filmstrip is then mounted
within a camera where a previously unexposed portion of the frame
is exposed to a second image baring light, while the pre-exposed
portion of the frame is masked from the second light. The strip
of film is removed from the camera to develop the two latent
images as a single photograph.
In summary, pre-exposing a filmstrip is known in the
art . However, the art does not disclose a device nor teach a
method for pre-exposing a filmstrip for providing precise
alignment between the masking portion and the latent image
sufficient to result in a doubly exposed filmstrip having the
latent image and subsequent image in proper registration. Prior
art devices typically contend with perceptible margin and thus
unattractive and undesirable images.
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SUMMARYOF.THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a method
for proper registration of an image placed within a frame of a
I
pre-exposed filmstrip with an image subsequently placed within
the frame to be exposed. It is further an object to provide the
registration through the use of-alignment of art or copy desired
on the pre-exposed filmstrip using a single use camera. It is
further an object of the invention to provide a method for pre
exposing frames within a filmstrip to varying images and a method
for providing a pre-exposed filmstrip for use in a single use
camera having these varying images. It is yet another object of
the invention to provide an apparatus for pre-exposing such
multiple images continuously onto a bulk roll of film for
subsequent preparation for use in a single use camera.
The present invention provides a method for pre-
exposing film to an image in registration with camera film frame.
A copy camera is mounted in a fixed position above a surface.
The surface has a black portion and a white portion. The white -
portion defines an area that will contain artwork to be
photographed and pre-exposed as a latent image on film to be used
in the camera, such as a single use. Using the copy camera,
frames of an alignment filmstrip are exposed to the black and
white portions of the surface. In the preferred embodiment,
positive transparency film strip is used for the alignment film
strip but it is anticipated that negative film will also be used.
The film strip is developed and used to form an overlay having
a shielded portion and an open portion. The shielded portion is
representative of the artwork. In the preferred embodiment, the
overlay is placed in a single use camera for configuring the
single use camera exposure frame opening. The alignment
filmstrip mounted within the single use camera and exposed to
a light using the single use camera. The alignment filmstrip is
developed and mounted in the copy camera. A frame of the
developed alignment film comprises a clear area representative
of the shielded portion of the overlay and a black area
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representative of the open portion_ Artwork is placed onto the ,
surface within the artwork portion as viewed through the
alignment film clear portion through an open back copy camera.
The artwork is fixed in position. An imaging filmstrip is
mounted within the copy camera. In the preferred embodiment, a
positive transparency filmstrip is used for positive reproduction
of images. The surface having the artwork placed in the artwork
portion is photographed onto the imaging filmstrip. The surface
including the artwork is photographed onto a multiplicity of
frames. Alternate artwork is placed within the artwork area and
a pre-determined number of frames is exposed to the alternate
artwork. Once developed, the imaging filmstrip has a
multiplicity of frames wherein each frame has an artwork portion
and a opaque or black portion. The imaging filmstrip is then
placed against an unexposed filmstrip for exposing the unexposed
filmstrip and placing a latent image onto the unexposed filmstrip
corresponding to the artwork on the imaging filmstrip. In the
preferred embodiment, negative filmstrips are used for the
unexposed film strip because of the current market demand with
single use cameras. It is anticipated that positive transparency
film strip will also be- used by those skilled in the art.
When the unexposed filmstrip is a length of a single
predetermined roll of filmstrip, a platen for holding the
filmstrip first surfaces in contact with each other is provided.
The filmstrip first surfaces are held in contact between the
platen and an exposure plate having a filmstrip surface to
receive the filmstrip. The exposure plate is exposed to diffuse
light for uniformly illuminating the exposure plate an exposing
the imaging film second surface to light for pre-exposing the
unexposed filmstrip thereby placing a -latent image onto the
unexposed filmstrip. The latent image is representative of the
imaging filmstrip artwork image. The latent image is positioned -
within a portion of the unexposed filmstrip for shielding by the
single use camera exposure frame opening shield portion.
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When the unexposed filmstrip comprises a bulk roll, the
bulk roll of unexposed filmstrip is exposed to a multiplicity of
frames by forming the imaging filmstrip into a continuous loop.
For exposing the predetermined single roll, a reference sprocket
hole is identified for aligning the pre-exposed filmstrip within
the single use camera. A portion of the imaging filmstrip first
surface is placed in contact with a portion of the unexposed
filmstrip first surface. Filmstrips are advanced past a light
source for pre-exposing the unexposed filmstrip to frames of the
imaging film. The filmstrips continue to be advanced past the
light source for exposing the bulk roll filmstrip to a
multiplicity of imaging filmstrip images, thereby placing latent
images onto the bulk roll filmstrip representative of the imaging
filmstrip images forming the continuous loop. The bulk roll is
marked at predetermined distances from a referenced sprocket-
hole. Predetermined distances are representative of
predetermined filmstrip lengths. The bulk roll is then cut into
desired filmstrip lengths, each having a referenced sprocket
hole. The cut film is loaded onto storage spools for placement
in single use cameras. The referenced sprocket hole of the
filmstrip is positioned at a leading end of the strip extending
from the storage spool aligning a reference frame with the camera
exposure frame opening.
By using an overlay within the camera itself to create
the imaging filmstrip, proper registration of the artwork within
a frame of the pre-exposed filmstrip is achieved. Tdentifying
a referenced sprocket hole positions a frame within exposure
frame opening of the single use camera. Providing a border
around the artwork permits slight movement of the pre-exposed
film within the single use camera while maintaining proper
alignment of the artwork within its shielded portion. Such steps
as described provide for proper registration of the latent image
placed within a frame for subsequent exposure of the frame using
the single use camera.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the invention as well as
alternative embodiments are described by way of example with ,
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a filmstrip exposure
apparatus of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective partial exploded view of a
single use camera anal overlay;
FIGURE 3 is a partial perspectiveview of the exposure
frame opening for a single use camera;
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a copy stand made a
part of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 is a top view of the copy stand base surface
illustrating the placement of artwork onto the surface;
FIGURE 6 is a partial perspective view of an imaging
filmstrip portion in contact with a portion of an unexposed
filmstrip;
FIGURE 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a platen
and exposure plate assembly illustrating exposure of an unexposed
film to an image of an imaging film;
FIGURE 8 is an exploded partial view of a single use
camera and pre-exposed filmstrip;
FTGURE 9 is a partial perspective view of pre-exposed
film mounted within a single use camera for feeding into a
cassette;
FIGURE 10 is a partial perspective view of an open-back
single use camera illustrating placement of an overlay; and
FIGURE- 11 is a perspective view of the imaging
filmstrip formed into a loop.
DETA2LED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With. reference to Fig. 1, the preferred embodiment of
the invention uses an apparatus 10 wherein an imaging filmstrip
12 is formed into a continuous loop 14 for positioning against
an unexposed filmstrip 16 for pre-exposing the unexposed
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filmstrip 16 with an image formed on the imaging filmstrip 12.
The apparatus 10 is configured for passing unexposed film loaded
on a filmstrip supply reel 18 through a slot 20 and onto a take-
up reel 22. The slot 20 comprises a contact platen (not shown)
and an exposure plate (not shown) between which the unexposed
filmstrip 16 and imaging filmstrip 12 pass while surfaces of the
filmstrips 12 and 16 are in contact as will be further detailed
later in this section. The imaging filmstrip 12 and unexposed
filmstrip 16 are held in contact within the slot 20 wherein a
light source (not shown) held in a lamp house holding portion 24
of the apparatus 10 causes an image on the imaging filmstrip 12
to be placed as a latent image on the unexposed filmstrip 16.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positive
transparency film is used for the imaging filmstrip 12 and
negative film for the unexposed filmstrip 16, as described
earlier in this specification. As will be described later in
this section, a filmstrip notch punch 26 marks the unexposed
filmstrip 16 at predetermined locations for identifying a
reference sprocket hole 112 as will be described later with
reference to Figs. 7, 9 and 11. The notch punch 26 is
positioned proximate the lamp housing 24 for accessing the
unexposed filmstrip 16 as it exits the slot 20. As will be
discussed later, with reference to Fig. 9, a notch 120 provides
a recognizable reference for a person loading the single use
camera 30 in a dark room environment. The apparatus 10 can be
programmed to expose predetermined lengths of unexposed
filmstrip 16. Such programming of controls (not shown) is done
through the use of a control panel 28 positioned on the
apparatus 10 first face and accessible to an operator of the
apparatus 10.
The present invention provides a method for pre-
exposing the unexposed filmstrip 16 to an image positioned in
proper registration with a single use camera 30. To accomplish
the proper registration, the single use camera 30 having an
exposure frame opening 34 is affixed with an overlay 32
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positioned over the exposure frame opening 34 as illustrated in
Fig. 2. The single use camera exposure frame opening 34 shields
a portion 36 of a film frame passing over the opening 34. As
further illustrated in Fig. 2, the shielded portion 36 is
provided by the overlay 32. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the
shielded portion 36 in an alternative embodiment is provided by
forming the camera exposure frame opening 34 as an integral part
of the single use camera body 38.
The proper formation of the shielded portion 36 is
necessary to provide proper registration of images placed within
the shielded portion when used with the single use camera 30.
To configure the shielded portion 36, as illustrated in Fig. 4,
a surface 40 is formed to have a black portion 42 and a white
portion 44. The white portion 44 identifies an artwork image
area 46. In the preferred embodiment, the surface 40 is on a
base 48 of a copy stand 50 as illustrated in Fig. 4.
Copy stand 50 has a support member 52 dimensioned to
hold a copy camera 54 at a predetermined distance "D" from the
surface 40. Imaging light sources 56 are positioned to provide
imaging light onto the surface 40. In the preferred embodiment,
the copy camera 54 is a Nikon F-4 35mm camera well-known for its
precision movement. In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, 35mm filmstrips are used in the various steps to be
compatible with 35mm film typically used in single use camera
30. It is understood that the present invention including the
methods and devices disclosed will be used with other film
formats. A first or overlay filmstrip (not shown) is mounted
within the copy camera 54. With imaging light from the light
sources 56 impinging on the surface 40, the surface 40 having
the black portion 42 and white portion 44 is photographed using
the copy camera 54. The overlay filmstrip is thus exposed to
the black and white portions 42 and 44 thereby forming a frame
on the overlay filmstrip having a latent image of the portions
42 and 44 within the frame. The overlay filmstrip is developed.
A developed frame is then used to form an overlay 32 as
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illustrated in Fig. 2. In the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the overlay 32 is formed using well-known
photo etching methods. One embodiment of the overlay 32
comprises a brass sheet. In an alternative embodiment of the
present invention, the developed overlay filmstrip frame is used
to form the shielded portion 36 as an integral part of the
single use camera body 38 to form the exposure frame opening 34
of the camera 30, as illustrated in Fig. 3.
As described and illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, 9 and 10,
the single use camera 30 has an exposure frame opening 34 of a
predetermined configuration having a shielded portion 36
defining the artwork image area 46. Once the single use cameras
30 as illustrated in Fig. 2 and in Fig. 3 are formed, a second
or alignment filmstrip is mounted within the single use camera.
The alignment filmstrip is exposed to light sufficiently bright
to form a latent image of the exposure frame opening 34 onto a
frame of the alignment filmstrip. In the preferred embodiment
of the present invention, the alignment filmstrip is exposed to
bright sunlight through a lens 58 of the single use camera 30.
The alignment filmstrip, positive transparency film as described
earlier, is developed from a frame having an image of the
exposure frame opening 34. The artwork image area 46 is black
or opaque and the open area defined by the exposure frame
opening 34 having received the bright sunlight developed is
clear. The developed alignment filmstrip is mounted within the
copy camera 54 such that the surface 40 can be viewed through an
open back of the copy camera 54. By viewing the surface 40
through the developed alignment filmstrip mounted in the copy
camera 54, the artwork image area 46 is clearly defined by the
opaque portion of the alignment filmstrip frame. In this way,
the artwork image area 46 has now been defined in registration
with the exposure frame opening 34 of the single use camera 30.
With reference to Fig. 5, artwork 60 having an edge
portion 62 is placed within the artwork image area 46 on the
surface 40. In the preferred embodiment, the artwork edge
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portion 62 forms a gap 64 with the artwork image area edge.
Such a gap 64 allows for the movement of a filmstrip mounted
within single use camera 30 because of movement of a sprocket
gear wheel 68 because of movement tolerances of the wheel 68 or
movement of the filmstrip because of differences between
sprocket wheel gear tooth 70 affixed within a sprocket hole of
the filmstrip not sized precisely with the sprocket wheel gear
tooth 70. In the preferred embodiment, the gap 64 is
approximately 3/16". Further in the preferred embodiment, the
exposure frame opening 34 is sized slightly larger than the
artwork area when the artwork comprises a primarily black outer
portion and the exposure frame opening 34 is sized slightly
smaller than the artwork when the artwork outer or perimeter
portion comprises primarily a white border.
The artwork 60 is placed within the artwork image area
46. The copy camera 54 is loaded with a third or imaging
filmstrip for exposing the imaging filmstrip to the artwork 60.
A predetermined number of frames is exposed to the artwork 60
illuminated by imaging light source 56 . As illustrated in Figs .
4 and 5, the artwork 60 is held in position by registration pins
72. The artwork 60 is expected to be three-dimensional or two-
dimensional. When the artwork is of a two-dimensional form, a
rigid transparent sheet (not shown) is placed over the two-
dimensional artwork for holding the artwork 60 in a fixed single
plane for focusing the copy camera 54 onto that plane thereby
providing a sharply def fined image of the artwork 60 onto the
imaging filmstrip. The artwork 60 is photographed onto a
predetermined number of frames of the imaging filmstrip 12.
With the preferred method of the present invention, the artwork
60 is replaced with alternative artwork (not shown) similar or
varying format. The alternative artwork is held within the
artwork image area 46 as described for the artwork 60. Again,
a predetermined number of frames of the imaging filmstrip 12 is
exposed to the alternative artwork. In the preferred
embodiment, imaging filmstrip 12 uses 12, 24 and 36 exposures
based on the
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predetermined nature of the resulting single use camera pre-
exposed film planned. The imaging filmstrip 12 is developed
having a multiplicity of frames wherein each frame presents the
artwork 60 or alternative artwork.
A.s illustrated in Fig. 6, the developed imaging
filmstrip 12, here referred to by numeral 74, having sprocket
holes 76 along edge portions 78 of the imaging filmstrip 74 is
aligned with an unexposed filmstrip 80 for the purpose of
exposing the unexposed filmstrip 80 to an artwork image 82 that
was placed within artwork portion of the imaging filmstrip frame
as earlier described. In the preferred embodiment, an emulsion
surface 84 of the imaging filmstrip 74 is placed against an
emulsion surface 86 of the unexposed filmstrip 80. The sprocket
holes 76 of the imaging filmstrip 74 are aligned with sprocket
I5 holes 88 of the unexposed filmstrip 80. As is understood by
t_h_ose Ski_l led i__n- ri_pe a_ri- thrice cfA,-,~ in~T~l~r-~,.".r ~ !~
iliy.ll~ a t,/f
unexposed film is carried out within darkroom environment
conditions. With further reference to Fig. 6, and as appreciated
by the previous discussion, a frame portion 90 of the imaging
filmstrip 74 has an opaque portion 92 corresponding to the black
portion 42 of the surface as earlier described and an image
portion 94 having an image of the artwork 60 representative of
the artwork 60 within the artwork image area 46 as described
earlier. Once the sprocket holes 88 and 76 have been aligned,
a reference sprocket hole 96 is marked with a notch. 98 for
positioning a pre-exposed filmstrip image in registration with
the exposure frame opening 34 of the single use camera 30. As
further illustrated in Fig. 6, a second surface 100 of the
imaging filmstrip 74 is exposed to- light sufficiently bright for
pre-exposing the unexposed filmstrip 80 for placing a latent
image of the artwork 60 onto the unexposed filmstrip.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the
unexposed filmstrip 80 is configured as a pre-determined length.
By way of example, typical 35mm filmstrip is prepared for
permitting exposure of 12, 24 or 36 frames. A corresponding
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imaging filmstrip 74 is used to expose a single unexposed
filmstrip 80 as illustrated in Fig. 7. A platen 102 is provided
for holding the filmstrip first surfaces 84 and 86 in uniform
contact with each other. Platen 102 is dimensioned for covering
the filmstrips 74 and 80. The filmstrips 74 and 80 are placed
onto an exposure plate 104 having a surface dimensioned to
receive the imaging filmstrip 74. In the preferred embodiment,
a light source 106 is provided in the form of an incandescent
light for distributing light uniformly onto the exposure plate
104. A diffusion grid 108 is placed between the light source
106 and the exposure plate 104 for diffusing light and ensuring
that a uniform exposure of the exposure plate 104 and thus the
filmstrip 74 is provided. The imaging filmstrip 74 is placed
onto a surface of the exposure plate 104. The unexposed
filmstrip 80 is aligned with the imaging filmstrip 74 using an
alignment pin 110. As described earlier, preselected sprocket
hole 112 is marked by forming a notch at the sprocket hole for
aligning the unexposed filmstrip 80 once pre-exposed in the
single use camera for subsequent exposure. To further provide
uniform contact of the filmstrip surfaces 84 and 86, a pad 114
is affixed to a surface of the platen 102. As is well known in
the art, such steps discussed take place in a darkroom
environment.
With reference to Fig. 8, the now pre-exposed filmstrip
80 of a predetermined length, is loaded onto a take-up spool 116
adapted to fit within a film roll receiving cavity 118 of the
single use camera 30. The leading edge of the filmstrip 80
having the preselected sprocket hole 112 with a notch 120 as
illustrated in Fig. 9 is positioned within the single use camera
30 such that the artwork image portion 94 will be shielded by
the shielded portion 36 and the exposure frame opening 34 is
aligned with a filmstrip frame 122 of the pre-exposed filmstrip
80. As is well known with single use camera 30, a film cassette
124 is used to take up subsequently exposed filmstrip frames
122. The
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filmstrip 80 is removed from the single use camera 30 and
processed.
With reference to Fig. 10, the overlay 32 has a slot
126 along a peripheral portion of the overlay 32 for permitting
gear teeth 70 of a sprocket wheel 68 to extend beyond the overlay
32 and communicate with the sprocket holes 88 of the pre-exposed
film 80 as illustrated in Fig. 9. With such an overlay 32,
existing single use cameras 30 are adapted for use with the pre-
exposed film 80. As was discussed earlier in this section, and
illustrated in Fig. 3, the single use camera 30 in an alternative
embodiment is configured with a shielded portion 36 integrally
formed with the body of the single use camera 30.
As was discussed earlier with reference to Fig. 1, the
preferred embodiment of the invention uses an apparatus 10
wherein the imaging filmstrip 12 is formed into the continuous
loop 14. With reference to Fig. 11, the loop 14 is formed from
the imaging filmstrip 12 by affixing ends of the imaging
filmstrip with a splice 127. A predetermined number of frames
90 are then established for the loop 14. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, imaging filmstrip 12 having
24 frames is used. It is anticipated that alternative numbers
of frames will be incorporated by those pre-exposing film to
images as described herein. As described earlier, by changing
the artwork 60 illustrated in Fig. 4 and exposing a predetermined
number of frames 122 to a first artwork and then exposing
pre-determined number of frames to a second artwork, a variety
of
entertaining configurations is achieved. In addition, the
filmstrip exposure apparatus 10 then provides an efficient way
of pre-exposing unexposed bulk filmstrip 18 for subsequent
cutting into predetermined filmstrip lengths. As was described
earlier, the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses
35mm format film which as of this writing is consistent with the
film used in single use cameras 30.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that
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various modifications may be made from the specific details ,
described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Having now
described the invention, the construction, the operation and
methods of use of the preferred embodiments thereof, and the
advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby, the new and
useful methods and construction and reasonable equivalents
thereof obvious to those skilled in the art, are set forth in the
appended claims.
