Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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S.
IMAGE MODIFIERS FOR USE IN PHOTOGRAPHY
Background of the Invention
a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to photographic image modifying equipment,
I S and more particularly, to photographic image modifiers for introducing to
a photographic
negative during its exposure image a special effect such as an effect which is
indicative of
a painting.
b) Description of Related Art
The art of creating special effects in the field of photography has been very
active in the past and continues to grow with the increasing interest in
photography and
the desire for more interesting visual illusions. Devices have been developed,
for example,
to alter an image prior to or during its exposure on film. Typically, these
devices are
attached at the end of the lens of a camera, and directly interfere with the
light prior to it
reaching the film. The alterations or effects applied to the incoming light
vary from
common color-filtering changes to superimposing "sub-images" onto the same
frame of
film recording the "real" image. For example, placing an opaque, pre-shaped
matte in front
of a portion of the incoming light will block a correspondingly shaped portion
of the film,
resulting in an unexposed area of film which may be later "filled-in" with
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
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another image to create one desired illusion or effect. Similar diffusion
mattes are used
in still photography to produce gradually increasingly under-exposed boarders
to a frame
of film being exposed, creating a vignette boarder.
Conventional devices have also been used to superimpose an image of
characters such as a date or other alpha-numeric information onto a portion of
an image
on a frame of film. Typically, these devices, such as the device disclosed in
U.S. Patent
No. 1,504,959 issued to Leschbrandt, include a translucent plate (or ribbon)
having, for
example, opaque characters positioned at the film plane in a camera. The plate
of
characters is aligned adjacent to and in front of the surface of the film.
Light from an
external source or light generated from within the camera is used to
superimpose selected
characters of the plate onto a portion of the film.
U.S. Patent No. 3,916,423, issued to Ueda et al. discloses a device for
transposing information (characters, lines or designs) onto the surface of
film during
exposure of the film to an image. A transparent plate having an opaque mask is
attached
to a film cartridge in front of and adjacent to a fr,~ne of film. During
exposure, a portion
of the light from the image is blocked by the opaque mask located on the
transparent plate
prior to the light reaching and exposing the film. The result is under-exposed
regions of
the film {negative) cornesponding to the particular shape of the opaque mask.
When the
negative is used to expose a positive print, the shape of the particular
opaque mask will
be positively transposed in the form of dark overexposed regions in the final
print.
One limitation with these prior art special effects devices is that they all
rely on blocking a portion of the incoming light prior to the light reaching
the film.
Although many effects may be created using the prior art methods employing
opaque
masks, many other effects require more subtle, diffusion methods.
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Oftentimes, when a photograph is taken of a particular
subject within a particular scene, due to the lighting
conditions and lighting distribution within the scene and the
reflective characteristics of the subject, there will be
areas on the film negative that are either overexposed or
underexposed relative to the "normal" exposure range of the
film. A conventional camera usually includes at least one
integral light meter which is used to measure the average
intensity of light entering the camera prior to exposing the
film. The light meter generates an electrical signal that is
interpreted by a computer and is used to control either the
size of the aperture of the lens, the speed of the shutter,
or both, so that the average intensity of light is
compensated throughout the entire picture, as recorded by the
film. With some more advanced cameras, such as the N-90,
N90s, and F5 cameras manufactured by NikonTM of Japan, several
separate light meters are used, each measuring the intensity
of light within a particular zone or region of the frame (an
upper region is used to measure the intensity of light from
the sky of the scene, for example). Although the use of
several light meters to measure the different light
intensities at different regions of a framed scene provides a
more accurate average light intensity reading, the camera
cannot control the amount of light from a particular region
of the framed scene reaching the corresponding region of the
film without effecting the amount of light reaching the other
regions of the film. In other words, the overall density of
the negative can be corrected by adjusting either the
aperture of the lens or the operating speed of the shutter,
however, this exposure correction has a uniform effect over
the entire recording area of the film (i.e., the frame). If
the aperture is decreased to lessen the amount of light
reaching the film to compensate for the "bright" spots of the
subject or scene, for example, the otherwise "neutral" or
normal areas of the subject or scene will now become too
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dark. If the speed of the shutter is prolonged to "burn in"
the darker regions of the image, the normal areas will become
unacceptably overexposed and "washed out".
Unfortunately, since a conventional camera merely
measures the average of the total received light entering the
camera of a particular image, many pictures end up with a
portion of the recorded image either overexposed (to dark) or
underexposed (washed out).
In an attempt to prevent this relatively common exposure
malady from ruining an otherwise good picture, photographers
have made it common practice to take several pictures of the
same image (i.e., bracket the image) and then vary the
exposure of the image between each shot, (typically around
1/3 Ev) so that each image offers a slightly different
exposure from which the photographer may select the recorded
image that averages the received light most accurately. The
above-identified N-90 manufactured by NikonT" offers a
bracketing feature with its M-26 data-back accessory which
allows the camera to automatically take a selected number of
pictures and vary the exposure a preset degree between shots.
There are several problems with the bracketing technique
of photography. Not only is a lot of film exposed for few
different images, only relatively expensive cameras offer
exposure control, let alone automatic bracketing of the
exposure. Also, although exposure bracketing provides several
pictures to select from, since the camera's exposure meter
must account for the total received light and may locally
correct the exposure of a portion of the image frame, all of
the bracketed pictures will show varying degrees of over and
under-exposure. In other words, if there is an overexposed
region of an image, bracketing will not correct the exposure
of that particular region, merely hide it by changing the
total exposure throughout the image, as recorded by film.
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Other attempts have been made to control the exposure of a particular
region of a frame of film, without effecting the exposure of the other regions
of the frame
- of film. Special segmented, or zone filters include regions of varying
opacity which may
. be aligned within a particular scene to compensate for highlighted regions,
such as a
5 cloudy sky. These filters rarely align with the image detail and are only
useful when the
specific regions defined by the filter align with the regions of the scene.
Once a negative is developed, any underexposed or overexposed regions
may be compensated during the production of a photographic print using well
known
techniques known as "dodging" or "burning" in which a density mask (made from
o~que
and semi-transparent sheet material) is held in the exposure path (over the
photographic
paper) when a print is being made from a negative. The mask is used to
selectively
protect overexposed areas of the negative from a portion of the light
projected to the
photographic paper during image enlargement (or print processing). However,
these
techniques are used in expensive custom print processing, not in cheaper
automated print
processing. These techniques are difficult to uniformly perform on a r~eated
basis
because of the inherent inaccuracies in placing the density mask in the proper
location
each time a print is made and requires a great amount of time to adjust the
mask from
print to print. Also, the results of these exposure compensating techniques
are not known
until after the print is exposed and developed. If the results are
unsatisfactory, another
attempt must be made in a trial-and-error method until a satisfactory print is
producxd.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to pmvide a special effects
device for use in photography which overcomes the limitations of the prior
art.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a device which enables
a photographer to transform photographic images into images having
characteristics
inherent in paintings of such images.
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6a
According to the present invention, there is provided an
attachment for a camera for altering the collective light of
an image prior to said image being recorded onto film, said
camera having a lens aperture, a frame of film located at a
film plane, and a lens, said attachment comprising:
a transparent modifier positionable adjacent to said
film plane; and
means for distorting light, said distortion means being
located on and formed integral with a surface of said
transparent modifier, said distortion means being transparent
so that light from said image is distorted at said focal
plane thereby creating a distorted image which is recorded by
said film;
wherein said camera includes a shutter being operational
within a film gate and wherein said transparent modifier is a
semi-rigid plate and is sized and shaped to fit within said
film gate between said shutter and said film.
According to the present invention, there is also
provided a disposable-type camera, comprising:
a body having a front face and a rear face;
a film plane located adjacent said rear face;
an intermediate focal plane located a predetermined
distance in front of said film plane;
a first lens located in front of said intermediate focal
plane, said first lens adapted to focus light from an image
onto said intermediate focal plane;
a first transparent optical modifier located at said
intermediate focal plane, said first modifier adapted to
selectively modify at least a portion of said light from said
image; and
a second lens located between said intermediate focal
plane and said film plane, said second lens adapted to focus
said modified image from said intermediate focal plane onto
said film plane.
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6b
According to the present invention, there is also
provided an attachment for a camera for altering the
collective light of an image prior to said image being
recorded onto film, said camera having a lens aperture, a
frame of film located at a film plane, and a lens, said
attachment comprising:
an intermediate focal plane located a predetermined
distance from said film plane between said film plane and
said image;
means for focusing said collective light of said image
onto said intermediate focal plane:
a first transparent optical modifier located at said
intermediate focal plane;
means for distorting light, said distortion means being
located on and formed integral with a surface of said first
transparent optical modifier, said distortion means being
transparent so that light from said image is distorted at
said intermediate focal plane to create a focused distorted
intermediate image; and
means for refocusing said focused distorted intermediate
image from said intermediate focal plane to said film plane.
The following provides a non-restrictive outline of
certain features of the invention which are more fully
described hereinafter.
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In a first embodiment, the invention comprises a transparent plate mounted
at the film plane within a camera.. The transparent plate has a translucent
diffusion pattern
which diffuses incoming light rays reflected from the subject and effectively
repositions
them in a controll~l manner prior to their exposure on film: Proposed
diffusion patterns
may alter the light rays to create characteristics indicative of various types
of paintings.
In another embodiment of the invention, the transparent plate having the
translucent diffusion pattern is mounted in a film cartridge.
In another embodiment of the invention, a length of plastic film (a pattern
strip) is positioned adjacent to a similar length of photographic film (fiLn
strip) . An
appropriate translucent diffusion pattern is provided onto one surface of the
pattern strip,
along its entire length. Both strips are rolled into a conventional 35 mm film
canister and
dispensed simultaneously, as needed (within the camera) so that each frame of
film has
a separate mask in front of it, at the film gate of the camera.
In another embodiment of the invention; a transparent plate having a
translucent diffusion pattern is positioned between the main lens of the
camera, and the
camera body. In this arrangement, a cornecting lens is required to bring the
pattern of the
particular pattern into sharp focus with the image at the film plane to be
exposed on film.
In another embodiment of the invention, an LCD is mounted in front of the
film of a camera and is used to compensate for specific regions of an image
before the
image light exposes the film.
In another embodiment of the invention, a number of transparent members,
each having a different translucent diffusion pattern is slidably displacable
between a
stowed position which is remote from the film gate of the camera, and a film
gate position
wherein one or more transparent members are positioned within the film gate,
between
the film and the camera's lens.
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In yet another embodiment of the invention, a disposable SLR-type camera
incudes a pivotal mirror located between the camera's lens and eyepiece that
may be
rotated to a first position wherein incoming light from an image is directed
to the
eyepiece, and a second position wherein the incoming light is directed to
film. The
rotatable mirror may function as a light modifier and may be easily replaced
with other
modifiers.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a sectional side view of a single lens reflex (SLR) camera showing
a film strip, an optical modifier plate, a film plane, a lens assembly, and
incident light
rays, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2a is a plan view of an optical modifier, in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2b is a side view of the optical modifier of Fig. 2a;
Fig. 2c is a cross sectional side view of a camera film gate showing the
optical modifier of Fig. 2b in position within the film gate;
Fig. 3 is a partially sectional front view of a film cassette employing a
optical modifier plate, in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 4 is a partially sectional top view of the film cassette shown in Fig.
3;
Fig. 5 is a front partial view of a film strip, optical modifier strip, and
film
bobbin, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a sectional side view of a camera with the film strip, optical
modifier strip and film bobbin of Fig. 5 in an operative position;
Fig. 7 is a rear view of the camera shown in Fig. 6;
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Fig. 8 is a partial side sectional view, taken along the lines 8-8 of Fig. 7,
showing details of the film strip and the optical modifier strip at a film
plane of the
camera;
Fig. 9 is a sectional rear view of a camera showing an optical modifier
cartridge in a non-operative position, in accordance with another embodiment
of the
invention;
Fig. 10 is a sectional rear view of the camera of Fig. 9 showing the optical
modifier cartridge in an operative position, in front of the film gate;
Fig. 11 is a partial top sectional view, taken along the lines 11-11 of Fig.
10, showing derails of the film strip and the optical modifier cartridge at
the film plane
of the camera;
Fig. 12 is partial side sectional view, taken along the lines 12-12 of Fig.
11, showing details of film strip guides and the optical modifier cartridge
(inserted);
Fig. 13 is a sectional side view of a modifier holder connected between a
camera body and a lens assembly (both shown in phantom), in accordance with
another
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 14 is a partial sectional side view of the modifier holder of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is a partial sectional view of the modifier holder of Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is a top view of a disposable camera showing an optical modifier
assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 17 is a partial sectional plan view of the camera and optical modifier
assembly of Fig. 16, taken along the lines 17-17 of Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a partial sectional top view of the optical modifier assembly of
Fig. 16, showing details of the optical modifier assembly, taken along 18-18
of Fig. 17;
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Fig. 19 is a partial sectional front view of an optical modifier, in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 20 is a partial sectional view of the optical modifier of Fig. 19, taken
along the lines 20-20 of Fig. 19;
5 Fig. 21 is a sectional view of an optical modifier holder, in accordance
with
yet another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 22 is a partial sectional view of the optical modifier holder of Fig. 21,
taken along the lines 22-22 of Fig. 21;
Fig. 23 is a representative illustration of a photograph showing two flowers;
10 ~ Fig. 24 is a representative illustration of a photograph showing two
flowers
whose image light has been diffused by one of the optical modifiers, in
accordance with
the invention;
Fig. 25 is a representative illustration of a photograph showing two flowers
whose image light has been diffused by another optical modifiers, in
accordance with the
invention;
Fig. 26 is a front view of an optical modifier turret assembly, in accordance
with another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 27 is a sectional side view of the modifier shown in Fig. 26, taken
along the lines 27-27;
Fig. 28 is partially sectional front view of a modifier disc, taken along the
lines 28-28 of Fig. 27;
Fig. 29a is a sectional view of a camera, according to another embodiment
of the invention, . showing a film gate and two pivotal modifiers located in a
stowed
position;
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Fig. 29b is a sectional view of the camera of Fig. 29a, showing a first
modifier located in the stowed position and the second modifier located within
the film
gate;
Fig. 29c is a sectional side view of the camera of Fig. 29a, showing the
first modifier within the film gate and the second modifier located in the
stowed position,
according to the invention;
Fig. 30a is a partial sectional rear view of a camera, according to another
embodiment of the invention, showing a film gate, film, rails, and a first and
second
modifiers, located in a stowed position remote from the film gate;
Fig. 30b is a top view schematic of the film gate region of the camera of
Fig. 30a, showing the first and second modifiers located in the stowed
position, remote
from the fiLn gate;
Fig. 31a is a partial sectional rear view of the camera of Fig. 30a, showing
the first modifier located within the film gate;
Fig. 31b is a top view schematic of the film gate region of the camera of
Fig. 31a, showing the first modifier located in the film gate and the second
modifier
located in the stowed position;
Fig. 32a is a partial sectional rear view of the camera of Fig. 30a, showing
the second modifier located within the film gate;
Fig. 32b is a top view schematic of the film gate region of the camera of
Fig. 32a, showing the second modifier located within the film gate and the
first modifier
located in the stowed position, according to the invention;
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Fig. 33 is a schematic of a single-use SLR-type camera, according to
another embodiment of the invention, showing a pivotal mirror located in a
viewing position;
Fig. 33b is a schematic of the camera of Fig. 33a, showing the pivotal
mirror re-positioning from the viewing position to an exposing position,
according to the
invention;
Fig. 33c is a schematic of the camera of Fig. 33a, showing the pivotal
mirmr located in the exposing position, according to the invention;
Fig. 34 is a schematic of a camera, according to another embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 35 is an illustrative schmetic of the camera of Fig. 34, including a
sample image as it is seen by various elements within the camera;
Fig. 36 is a schmetic of a modifier assembly, according to another
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 37 is a sectional side view of a camera, according to another
embodiment of the invention, including the modifier assembly of Fig. 36
located within
the camera;
Fig. 38 is a schematic of a modifier assembly, according to another
embodiment of the invention, including three different modifiers;
Figs. 39a-39c are examples of a distortion pattern located on each of the
modifiers of Fig. 38, respectively, and according to the invention;
Fig. 40 is a side view of a camera, according to yet another embodiment
of the invention, including a lens attachment;
Fig. 41 is a sectional view of the lens attachment of Fig. 40, according to
the invention; and
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Figs. 42a-42c are examples of image distortion using the lens attachment
of Figs. 40-41.
I?etail Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring to Fig. 1, a camera 10 (an SLR) is shown having a camera body
i2, a lens assembly 14 attached to a front side of the camera body 12, and a
frame of film
16 shown in cross section at a film gate 18 (see also, Fig 2c). An optical
modifier 20,
in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, is positioned in front
of the film
16 within the film gate 18. The specific structures of both the film gate 18
and the shutter
mechanism 19 of the camera 10 are conventional and are therefore not shown in
full
detail. In this embodiment, the shutter mechanism 19 is located in front of
(i. e. , closer
to) the Iens 14, the modifier 20 and, of course, the frame of film 16.
The modifier 20, described in greater detail below, is sized and shaped to
fit within the film gate 18 between the film 16 and the shutter of the camera
10. A
conventional, spring-loaded, film pusher plate 21 which is usually mounted to
the inside
surface of the door (not shown) of the camera (used to access the film)
lightly pushes the
film flat across the film gate 18, and adjacent a rear surface of the modifier
20.
Referring to Figs. 2a through 2c, the modifier 20, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention includes a transparent plate 22 and a diffusion
pattern 24.
The transparent plate 22 is preferably shaped to include a raised (or thicker)
center section
26 which defines two (thinner) edge sections 28. The edge sections 28 are
designed to
contact portions of the camera positioned adjacent to the film gate 18 to hold
the entire
modifier 20 in the camera with the center section positioned within the film
gate 18 of the
camera 10, as shown in cross-section in Fig. 2c.
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The diffusion pattern 24 functions as a translucent mask by diffusing and
distorting the incident light prior to it reaching and exposing the film. The
diffusion
pattern 24 preferably does not prevent the light from reaching the fiLn (i. e.
, the pattern
is not opaque). The transparent plate 22 of the modifier 20 is preferably made
from an
optical-grade plastic, however, optical grade glass may also be used. The
diffusion
pattern 24 is preferably formed on a rear surface 30 (facing the film 16 when
installed in
the camera 10) of the transparent plate 22.
A preferred method of forming the diffusion pattern 24 is to emboss the
particular pattern (or its negative or reverse) into the rear surface of the
plastic transparent
plate 22. A reverse pattern is first machined into a stamping surface of a
hard material.
The plastic transparent plate 22 is then softened (by using flameless heat,
such as steam
or electric filament or through the use of other indirect heating) and pressed
against the
stamping surface so that the pattern is transformed into the rear surface of
the plastic plate
22, thereby creating the diffusion pattern 24. When incident light rays pass
through the
modifier 20 and strike a portion of the diffusion pattern 24, the particular
rays are
scattered or diffused somewhat randomly, but are not blocked, prior to the
light reaching
and exposing the film.
The diffusion pattern 24 effectively distorts the incoming light, and
therefore also the image, in a controlled manner. The distortion of the image
follows the
particular diffusion pattern 24 which is discernable, because the transparent
plate 22 and
the pattern 24 are both located at the film plane (also called the focal
plane) and are in
soft focus (not sharp). The pattern 24 appears somewhat softened (not in sharp
focus)
because although the pattern 24 is effectively at the point of focus, the
pattern 24 is not
a, mask (not opaque), but a light diffuser which disperses the incident light
by a small
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amount just before it reaches and exposes the film. This controlled dispersion
of the light
aids in achieving the desired special effect to the exposed image, as
discussed below.
- It is preferable that the modifier 20 be located as close to the surface of
the
film as physically possible. If the modifier 20 is the type which is
stationary with respect
5 to the camera, as shown in Figs. 2a-2c and discussed above, it is preferable
that the
modifier not make contact with the film, to avoid unwanted scratches as the
film is
advanced.
There are several embodiments for positioning the modifier 20 within the
film gate 18 and adjacent to the focal plane of a camera. These are described
as follows,
10 referring to Figs. 3 through 14.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, an optical modifier 32 in accordance with the
invention is incorporated into the structure of an otherwise convention film
cassette 34
(typically referred to as film-type 120). The cassette 34 includes a film
supply section 36,
a film pick up section.38, and a connecting portion 40 connecting the film
supply section
15 36 with the film pick-up section 38. The connecting portion 40 includes an
integral film
gate 42 which aligns with the film gate of the camera (not shown) which is
adapted to
receive the cassette 34. The modifier 32, in this embodiment, is preferably
positioned
(during manufacture of the cassette 34) within the structure which makes up
the
connecting portion 40 so that it lies across the film gate 42 and adjacent the
film 16.
The modifier 32, as in the above-described embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2a-
. 2c, includes a specific diffusion pattern 24. The position of the modifier
32 forces all
light passing thmugh the filin gate 42 to also pass through the modifier and
become
slightly diffused prior to the light reaching and exposing the film 16.
Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, a modifier 50, in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention is shown. here, the modifier 50 takes the form of
a thin
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translucent plastic strip (similar to the substrate material used in
photographic film). The
strip modifier 50 is affixed to the inside surface 52 (emulsion side) of an
otherwise
conventional roll of film 16 (type 35 mm). Both the film I6 and the affixed
strip modifier
50 are rolled up together into the standard film canister (not shown) using
the standard
spool 54. It is preferred that the strip modifier 50 be attached only at
selected points 56
such as the ends of the strip modifier 50 or perhaps between each frame (not
shown) using
a heat bond or an appropriate adhesive.
Although film 16 is shown as a 35 mm format, film 16 may be of any film
format, including 120, 220, 4x5, 110, and POLAROID"'-type film/paper. In this
later
format, modifier 50 is attached to or is positioned across from each sheet of
film/paper
and is removed after exposure and development of the particular image.
Fig. 6 illustrates (in cross-section) a conventional SLR camera 10 (similar
to the camera 10 shown in Fig. 1), having the film 16 of Fig. 5 installed. The
strip
modifier 50 is shown positioned in front of the film 16 (closer to the iens
14) and across
the film gate 18..
Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate an optical modifier 60 in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention which is similar to the modifier shown in Figs. 2a-
2c and
discussed above. However, in this embodiment, the modifier 60 is the same size
of the
film gate 18, i.e., the modifier 60 does not include the edge sections 28. The
modifier
60 is positioned permanently within the film gate 18 using an appropriate
adhesive, for
example. The modifier 60 may also snap into place within the film gate 18
using a close
tolerance fit or appropriate ridges and/or detents. The modifier 60 shown in
this
embodiment is especially useful for disposable type cameras.
Referring to Figs. 9 through 12, yet another optical modifier 70 in
accordance with the invention is shown. The modifier 70 is mounted into the
frame
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structure of a cartridge 72. The cartridge 72 is a thin plate which is adapted
to be
inserted into a slot 74 located in a camera 76. The camera 76 is either
specially made
with the slot 74 or a replaceable camera back (not shown) may be provided
having a slot
74. In either case, the slot 74 positions the cartridge 72 so that the
modifier 70 (mounted
within the cartridge 72) aligns into a position between the film gate 18 and
the film 16,
as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. One of a variety of cartridges 72 (each having a
different
modifier 70) may be inserted into the slot 74. Each cartridge 72 preferably
includes a
handle which remains accessible when the cartridge 72 is inserted into the
slot 74. The
slot 74 and/or the insertable cartridge 72 includes an appropriate light-
barrier to prevent
unwanted light from entering the camera through the slot opening and exposing
the film.
Referring to Figs. 13 through i5, another embodiment of the invention is
shown. In this embodiment, a modifier coupler 80 is positioned between the
camera body
12 and the lens assembly 14. The modifier coupler 80 couples the lens assembly
14 to
the camera body 12 and passes the incoming light from the lens assembly 14 to
the film
gate 18 of the camera 10. The modifier coupler 80 includes an image plane 82,
a primary
lens assembly 84, a secondary fens assembly 86, a modifier receiving slot 88,
and a filter
receiving slot 90.
In this particular embodiment, each of several different modifiers 20 is
mounted to a plate 92. Several selected plates 92 are mounted to a plate
holder 94, as
shown in Fig. 14. The plate holder 94 is adapted to be mounted to the modifier
coupler
80, adjacent the modifier receiving slot 88. The plate holder 94 is mounted so
that it may
slide relative the modifier coupler 80 in such a manner that allows any
selected one of the
several plates 92 held in the plate holder 94 to align with the modifier
receiving slot 88.
The selected plate 92, once aligned with the modifier receiving slot 88, may
be moved
into the modifier coupler 80 so that the selected modifier 20 aligns with the
path of
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incoming light from the lens assembly 14. A selected plate 92 is shown in an
inserted
position in Figs. 14 and 15. Other light modifiers such as conventional
filters may be
inserted into the filter receiving slot 90.
As light enters the lens assembly 14, the internal lenses of the lens assembly
14 and the primary lens assembly 84 will focus the reflected light of a
subject onto the
image plane 82 of the coupler 80 (the image will be inverted). The inverted
image is
modified by the selected modifier 20 located at the image plane 82. From here
the
secondary lens assembly 86 re-focuses the image (and uprights the image) onto
the film
plane which is located at the film gate 18 of the camera 10.
An important feature of the invention, as shown in each of the above-
described embodiments, is that the modifier 20, however it is introduced into
the image
light path, is located as close as possible to the focal plane of the camera
10 regardless
of the location of the focal plane with respect to the film plane. As
illustrated in the
above embodiment (Figs. 13-15), although a single focal plane is usually
located at the
i5 film plane, it is possible to create two effective focal planes, one
located a prescribed
distance from the fiLn plane towards the subject, the other located at the
film plane 18.
Referring to Figs. 16-18, a camera 100 having an optical modifier assembly
102 is shown, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
camera 100,
in this particular embodiment is intended to be a disposable type made using
relatively
inexpensive parts and including a built-in supply of film. The camera 100 in
this
embodiment, of course may likewise be a non-disposable type.
The camera 100 includes a camera body 104 having a front face 106 and
a lens aperture 108. The commercially available conventional disposable camera
(i.e.,
one not including the modifier assembly of this invention) includes a lens
(not shown)
mounted within the lens aperture 108. The conventional lens (not shown)
focuses a
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subject located in front of the camera, onto a frame of film located at the
film plane
(located in the rear of the camera). During the manufacture of these
disposable cameras
100, applicant contemplates replacing the conventional lens (not shown) with
the optical
modifier assembly 102.
As shown in cross-section in Fig. 18, the optical modifier assembly 102
includes a first outer lens 110 located farthest from the film plane, and a
second inner lens
112 located adjacent the front face 106 of the camera 100. An optical modifier
114 is
located and movable within a plane lying between the inner and outer lenses
(1I2, 110)
and parallel to the film plane of the camera 100. The outer lens lI0 focuses
the light
reflected off a subject located in front of the camera onto an intermediate
focal plane 115.
The inner lens 112 focuses the image located at the intermediate focal plane
115 onto the
film plane. It is desirable to position the optical modifier 114 close to the
intermediate
focal plane so that the distortion applied to the light from the subject may
be recorded on
film in sharp focus (that is; as focused as the diffusion of the passing light
through the
modifier will allow}.
As shown in Fig. 17, the optical modifier 114 is mounted to an arm 116.
The arm 116 is pivotally connected to a housing 118 of the optical modifier
assembly 102.
A portion of the arm 116 is accessible to the user of the camera 100 and may
be
displaced, moving the optical modifier 114 between a stowed position (shown in
Fig. 17
in dashed lines) wherein the incoming light gasses directly to the film and is
not otherwise
distorted (except by the lenses), and an interference position wherein the
optical modifier
114 is located in the path of the light (shown in Fig. 17, in solid lines).
Referring to Figs. 19-20, a preferred embodiment of the invention, as
applied to disposable cameras, is shown, wherein the optical modifier 114 is
mounted
along the edge of a disc 120. The disc 120 is pivotally attached to the body
of the camera
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100 at a central pivot point 122. The disc 120 includes several peripheral
openings 124
which include one of several different optical modifiers I 14 for achieving
different effects.
The disc 120 is mounted so that any one of the openings 124 may be positioned
in front
of the lens aperture 108. The operator of the camera 100 may select a
particular effect
5 by rotating the disc 120 until the appropriate optical modifier 114 aligns
with the lens
aperdire 108. A lever 126 may be provided for assisting in the rotation of the
disc 120.
Also, an indicator (not shown) may be included to point to indicia located on
the face of
the camera body, for example, indicating the particular effects in use.
10 Referring to Figs. 21-22, another embodiment of the invention is shown
wherein the optical modifier 114 is mounted onto an elongated panel I28. The
panel 128
include two parallel internal edges 130 which define an elongated window.
Several sliding
plates 132 are slidably positioned between the two edges 130. The panel 128 is
mounted
to the front face of the camera 100 so that each plate 132 may be selectively
moved
15 between a stowed position and a usable position, located in front of the
lens aperture 108.
Fach plate 132 includes an opening 134 across which lies one of several
different optical
modifiers 114. Each plate 132 preferably includes an accessible handle 136
which may
be grasped by the camera operator to move the plates 132 with respect to the
lens aperture
108, as necessary.
20 As way of example, a representation of a non-modified photograph (of two
flowers) is shown in Fig. 23. One purpose of the invention is to modify the
image of a
subject (i.e., the light reflected from the subject entering the camera) to
introduce visual
characteristics indicative of a painting. One particular optical modifier 114
modifies the
image to introduce an impressionistic appearance, as shown in Fig. 24. Here,
all the
detail is distorted, yet the image remains substantially in focus. Another
optical modifier
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21
114 introduces a "craquelure" effect (typical of old oil-base
paintings) to the original flower image so that the resulting
print resembles Fig. 25.
Of course, a variety of painting characteristics may be
introduced as an optical modifier or effect using the
modifiers of the present invention.
Another embodiment, similar to the one shown in Figs. 19
and 20 and described above, is shown in Figs. 26-28 and
includes a modifier housing 200, a modifier turret 202, and a
primary-lens housing 204. The modifier housing 200 is
preferably formed integrally with a face of a disposable-type
camera 206, yet could also be formed separately and adapted
to attach to a face of any camera 206 to be used as a camera
attachment. The modifier housing 200 includes a front wall
208 and an aperture 210 which is aligned with the primary-
lens aperture 212 of the camera 206. A secondary-lens tube
214 is located behind the front wall 208 and preferably
includes an appropriate lens (not shown) which is designed to
re-focus an image located at an intermediate focal plane 216
onto the film. The intermediate focal plane 216 is preferably
located just in front of the front wall 208, at the location
of the modifier turret 202.
As shown in Fig. 27, the modifier turret 202 is
pivotally connected to a portion of the modifier housing 200
at a pivot pin 218. The modifier turret 202 is rotatable
about the pivot pin 218.
The primary-lens housing 204 is preferably fixed
relative to the camera 206 and the modifier housing 200 by
the pivot pin 218 or by being formed integrally with (or
otherwise connected to) the camera 206. The primary-lens
housing 204 supports a primary lens 220. The primary lens 220
is designed to focus the incoming light reflected from an
image in front of the camera to the intermediate focal plane
216. The primary lens 220 may be mounted in a primary-lens
tube 222.
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The modifier turret 202 includes at least two openings 224, as shown in
Fig. 2$. One opening 224 may include an optical modifier 226, for example. The
other
opening (or openings) shown in Fig. 28, may be left open, include a clear
element 227
or a translucent element having a frosted surface or include another optical
modifier
element. Other variations of the modifier turret are possible including
several different
modifiers such as one for producing "craquelure", impressionism, or other
painting-related
effects.
As shown in Fig. 28, the modifier turret 202 preferably further includes
indicia 228 or other indication of the type of modifier (or lack thereof) in
use. The
primary-lens housing 204 may further include an indicator opening 230 which
aligns with
the indicia printed on the modifier turret 202 so that an operator may view
the indicia 228
to learn which modifier, if any, is located in the path of incoming light and
will effect the
film.
The turret 202 further includes a rubber O-ring 232 along its periphery to
ensure high friction for positive gripping while being rotated by an operator.
The O-ring
is shown in Fig. 27. Other gripping peripheral surfaces include a roughened
edge (not
shown) and serrations 234 shown in Fig. 28, in place of the rubber O-ring 232
of Fig. 27.
In operation, the operator rotates the modifier turret 202 while viewing
indicia 228 through the indicator opening 230 until a desired modifier effect
is indicated.
When the appropriate modifying effect is indicated through the indicator
opening 230, the
modifier will be in position in front of the primary lens 220 and will effect
the film
accordingly.
Referring to Figs. 29a-29c, a camera 300, according to another embodiment
of the invention includes a body 302, a lens assembly 304, an eyepiece 306, a
film gate
308, a first pivotally mounted modifier 310 pivotal about a first pivot point
311 and a
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second pivotally mounted modifier 312 pivotal about a second pivot point 313.
For
clarity, only two modifiers 310, 312 are shown in this embodiment. Depending
on the
type of camera and the mechanism used to displace each modifier, four or more
modifiers
may be implemented with this embodiment.
Each modifier is pivotal between a stowed position wherein incoming light
entering camera 300 through lens assembly 304 is not interrupted, allowing the
light to
reach film (not shown) located within film gate 308, when the shutter (not
shown) is open.
Fig. 29a shows both modifiers 310, 312 in the stowed position, in which case,
camera 300
will function similar to a conventional camera in that unmodified pictures
will be recorded
on film.
Fig. 29b shows second modifier 312 located within or just adjacent to film
gate 308 (and also in front of the shutter and the fiim), while first modifier
310 remains
in the stowed position. With this arrangement, image light entering camera 300
through
lens assembly 304 must pass thmugh the transparent (or translucent) modifier
312 prior
to reaching the film. Therefore, the image light is altered by second modifier
312, as
described earlier in this application.
Fig. 29c shows first modifier 310 located within or just adjacent to film
gate 308 (and also in front of the shutter and the film), while second
modifier 312 is
relocated back to stowed position. With this arrangement, image light entering
camera
300 through lens assembly 304 must pass through modifier 310 prior to reaching
the film
(when the shutter opens).
Each modifier 310, 312, is preferably spring bto its stowed position,
as shown in Fig. 29a, and must be mechanically pivoted to its film gate
position, shown
in Figs. 29b and 29c. Any appropriate mechanism may be used to pivot either or
both
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modifiers between their stowed and film gate positions, as would be known to
those
skilled in the art.
In operation, the operator of camera 300 selects a subject for recording on
film and then selects if the image should be modified, for example to appear
like a
painting, and which type of modifier (already installed in camera 300) should
be used.
If no modifier is to be used, camera 300 may operate in a conventional manner,
however,
if it is desired to deploy a modifier 310, 312, from its stowed position to
the film gate
position, an appropriate actuator located on camera 300 may be activated to
mechanically
or electro-mechanically pivot either (or both) modifler(s) 310, 312 from its
stowed
position, against the action of the spring bias, to the film gate position.
Appropriate
electronics and software may be used to automatically return each deployed
modifier back
to its stowed position after each picture is taken.
Referring to Figs. 30a-32b, a camera 400, according to another embodiment
of the invention includes a body 402, a film gate 404, film 406, a first
modifier 408, a
second modifier 410, rails 4I2, and a shutter 414.
This embodiment is similar to the one described above and shown in Figs.
29a-29c, except that the modifiers here are slidably mounted to body 402, not
pivotally
mounted as in the earlier embodiment. According to this embodiment, each
modifier 408,
410 is slidably mounted to rails 412 that are positioned on opposing sides of
film gate 404
and extend to a location within body 402 that is remote from film gate 404. In
operation
either modifier 408, 410 (or both) may be slidably displaced along rails 412
between a
stowed position shown in Fig. 30b, and a film gate position shown in Figs. 31b
and 32b.
The modifiers 408, 410 may be moved along rails 412 using any appropriate
mechanism.
Such a mechanism may be driven using an internal electric motor that is
controlled by an
CA 02291757 2004-03-12
on-board processor (not shown) or manually by lever action
directly manipulated by the user of camera 400.
Figs. 30a and 30b show both modifiers 408,410 located in
the stowed position so that neither modifier will alter the
5 image light entering camera 400 before reaching film 406.
Figs. 31a and 31b show first modifier 408 located in the film
gate position, while second modifier 410 remains in the
stowed position so that first modifier 408 will modify the
incoming light prior to it reaching film 406. Similarly,
10 Figs. 32a and 32b show second modifier 410 located in the
film gate position, while first modifier 408 is located in
the stowed position so that only second modifier 410 will
effect the image light prior to it reaching film 406.
This embodiment allows the operator of camera 400 to
15 select a particular modifier (in this case shown in Figs. 30a
through 32b), either first modifier 408 or second modifier
410, prior to releasing the shutter of camera 400, depending
on the type of modification desired. For example, as
described earlier in this application, first modifier 408 may
20 modify the image light to include impressionistic
characteristics and second modifier 410 may modify the image
light to include craqueleur characteristics, so that the
operator of camera 400 may select either of these
modifications, or neither (a normal picture) or both
25 modifiers creating a third different modification. This
embodiment may include any number of modifiers 408, 410. Only
two modifiers are shown and described for clarity.
In operation of a conventional SLR camera, incoming
light from an image passes through a lens assembly and is
reflected to an eyepiece using a pivotal mirror and a prism
(or a second, stationary mirror), so that the camera operator
may view the exact image as seen through the lens . The lens
typically includes means for focusing the image and an
aperture for controlling the amount of light that enters the
camera. When a trigger
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button on the camera is depressed the pivotal mirror pivots so that a shutter
curtain is
exposed and light from the lens is allowed to converge at a point located just
past the
shutter (onto the film located behind the shutter). The shutter then opens at
the selected
shutter speed, exposing the film to the converged light for a predetermined
amount of
time.
Referring to Figs. 33a-33c, a schematic of a single-use single lens reflex
(SLR) camera 500 is shown, according to another embodiment of the invention,
including
a lens assembly 502, a fixed mirror 504, a pivotal mirror 506, a viewing
screen 508, an
eyepiece 510, a film cassette 512, and a film gate 514. Film cassette 512 and
film gate
514 are preferably located in the front of camera 500, above lens assembly
502, as shown
in Figs. 33a-33c, opposite viewing screen 508-and eyepiece 510.
The purpose of this embodiment of the invention is to provide a camera that
combines the benefits of an SLR camera with the simplicity and low cost of a
single-use
camera.
Lens assembly 502 preferably includes a built-in, single-speed shutter
similar to the type of lens/shutters used in conventional single-use cameras.
Pivotal
mirror 506 is pivotally mounted within camera 500 and may be angularly
displaced
between a viewing position (shown in Fig. 33a) and an exposing position (shown
in Fig.
33c). When pivotal mirror 506 is in the viewing position, image light from the
subject
enters camera 500 through lens assembly 502 (and shutter, not shown), is
projected onto
viewing screen 508 by way of fixed mirror 504, and pivotal mirror 506. The
image
projected onto viewing screen 508 may be viewed through eyepiece 510 in a
conventional
manner. Film is not exposed to the image light when pivotal mirror 506 is in
the viewing
position.
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When pivotal mirror 506 is in the exposing position, the same image light
passing lens assembly 502 and the shutter (not shown) reflects off of fixed
mirror 504 and
pivotal mirror 506 to film gate 514 and film 512. Image light may not be
viewed when
pivotal mirror 506 is in the exposing position.
The shutter located within lens assembly 502 may open only pivotal mirror
506 is located either in the viewing position (Fig. 33a) or the exposing
position (Fig. 33c),
not when pivotal mirror 506 is moving between the two positions, as shown in
Fig. 33b.
In operation, initially, the shutter of the camera is biased open and pivotal
mirror 506 is in the viewing position so that the operator may see the image
of the subject
through the lens (similar to a conventional, more expensive, single lens
reflex camera).
When the operator desires to record a particular image onto film, a button
(not shown)
is released which closes the shutter thereby blocking image light from
entering camera
500, and simultaneously rotates pivotal mirror 506 from the viewing position
to the
exposing position, as shown in Fig. 33c. When pivotal mirror 506 roaches the
exposing
position, the shutter automatically opens and re-closes (preferably at a set
shutter speed)
to expose the image onto the frame of film that is located within film gate
514. After the
shutter re-closes, pivotal mirror 506 is returned to the viewing position and,
again the
shutter re-opens to reveal the image light to the operator so that the next
picture may be
viewed.
~ Lens assembly 502 focuses the image light either onto viewing screen 508
or the film located within film gate. Therefore, the distance the image light
must travel
from fixed mirror 504, past pivotal mirror 506, to viewing screen 508 is the
same as the
distance from the fixed mirror 504, past pivotal mirror 506, to film gate 514.
Pivotal mirror 506 may be rotated using a motor (not shown) or using a
pre-wound main spring that has sufficiently rotational energy to operate the
pivotal mirror
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506 and expose all the film of film cassette 512. Any suitable mechanism may
be used
to operate the shutter in concert with pivotal mirror 506, as would be known
by those
skilled in the art.
In an related embodiment of the invention, one or both surfaces of pivotal
mirror 506 may include a light modifier, as described earlier in this
application, so that
the image light is modified, distorted, or otherwise altered prior to being
recorded on
film. Pivotal mirror 506 may include two or more functional sides, wherein
several
different types of modifiers may be incorporated and selected.
Referring to Fig. 34, a schematic of a single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera 600,
according to another embodiment of the invention, is shown including a body
602, a lens
assembly 604, an aperture 606, a pivotal mirror and prism assembly 608, an
eyepiece
610, a shutter 612 and film 614.
According to the invention, camera 600 includes a mufti-segmented light
meter 616, a reference liquid crystal display neutral-density filter (LCD-ND)
filter 620,
IS and a compensating LCD-ND filter 622
For the purpose of explaining the present invention, as may be appreciated
by those skilled in the art, pivotal mirror/prism assembly 608 effectively
divides the light
rays entering camera 600 through lens 604 (as "image light") into three
serrate paths,
each path receiving all of the image light; a first path is directed to
eyepiece 610, through
reference LCD-ND filter 620, a second path is directed to mufti-segmented
light meter
616, and a third path is directed to film 614, through compensating LCD-ND
filter 622
and shutter 612.
Mufti-~gment light meter 616 converts (digitizes) the optical image light
it receives into electronic signals similar to the manner in which a charged
coupled device
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(CCD) converts optical information to electrical signals to record an optical
image onto
video tape. Multi-segment light meter 616 is preferably a CCD type sensor.
Once the image light is converted to electronic signal data, the information
is read by a processor 618. The received information includes the intensity
(brightness)
of each pixel of the image light, as measured by multi-segment light meter
616. Using
conventional boundary recognition techniques similar to that which is used by
illustrator
programs, such as-Adobe Illustrator and PhotoWorkshop, wherein processor 618
uses the
information from mufti-segment light meter 616 to categorize pixels of mufti-
segment light
meter 616 that have similar contrast levels (or exceed a predetermined
intensity level)
thereby identifying the group of pixels that represent a foreground object (or
objects)
against pixels that represent a background image (or images).
Once pixel groups have been formed according to their relative density (or
contrast), processor 618 simultaneously sends the information to a reference
liquid crystal
display neutral density filter (LCD-ND filter) 620 and a compensating liquid
crystal
display neutral density filter 622. LCD-ND filters 620 and 622 are preferably
high
resolution clear-plate LCDs and function as light valves (for each pixel).
Reference LCD-
ND filter 620 is physically positioned in front of eyepiece 610, as described
below.
Compensating LCD-ND filter 622 is physically positioned in front of shutter
612, as
described below.
Processor 618 may selectively control the collective density of each pixel
in a selected group so that an entire group of pixels representing a
foreground subject, for
example, may be made effectively opaque, or uniformly semi-opaque, thereby
forming
a "mask" that may be used to block specific regions of the image light
(corresponding to
the "bright" regions of the image) from reaching film 614 (for at least a
portion of the
exposure time).
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A controller 624 is electrically connected to processor 618 and is used to
control the density of either a foreground subject, or a background image.
This is done
simply by controlling the feed voltage to LCD-ND filters 620, 622. Varying the
voltage
to LCD-ND filters 620, 622, will vary the opacity of each selected pixel of
LCD-ND 620,
5 622. Processor 618 uses the digitized image data to select the pixels of
both LCD-ND
filters 620, 622. Reference LCD-ND filter 620 is positioned in front of
eyepiece 610 so
that the image light directed to eyepiece 610 by pivotal mirror/prism assembly
608 must
pass through reference LCD-ND filter 620. Selected pixels of LCD-ND filter 620
will
cause the image light directed to eyepiece 610 to be selectively masked,
according to the
10 digitized image data sent to processor 618. The operator may view the image
through
eyepiece 610 with a superimposed mask of darkened (selected) pixels of
reference LCD-
ND filter 620 covering the selected "bright" areas of the image.
Simultaneously, processor 618 controls compensating LCD-ND filter 622
in a similar manner so that the image light that is simultaneously directed,
by pivotal
15 mirror/prism assembly 608, to shutter 612 must pass through LCD-ND filter
622. In a
similar manner, processor 618 selectively darkens selected regions of
compensating LCD-
ND filter 622 so that selected regions of filin 614 is protected, for a
predetermined period
of time during exposure of film 614 (when shutter 612 opens).
Processor 618 further controls the operation of shutter 612 and aperture 606
20 so that processor 618 may control the proper exposure time for the non-
masked regions
of the image light, in further response to the specific aperture and shutter
speed settings
controlled by the operator, as understood by those skilled in the art.
Processor may further control and change the relative opacity of any pixel
or groups of pixels during the exposure. This includes shifting darkened
pixels or pixel
25 groups in rapid succession during the exposure period (shutter open) across
the entire
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"bright" region of the image or simply along a boundary-line of two regions of
varying
contrast (bright sky next to foreground person). This controlled shifting
during the
exposure mimics the dodging process used in conventional print processing. By
moving
the mask, the masking effects may be softened to provide a more realistic
exposure
correction.
Referring to Fig. 35, camera 600 is shown recording an image onto film
614. The image shown here includes a woman located in the foreground wearing a
black
hat against a bright partly-cloudy sky. As the image enters camera 600, as
described
above (see Fig. 34), it is simultaneously sent to mufti-segmented light meter
616,
reference LCD-ND filter 620, and LCD-ND filter 622. Mufti-segmented light
meter 616
digitizes the image light it receives and sends pixel-intensity information to
processor 618
which in turn categorizes the image into groups of pixels having densities
exceeding preset
levels. For example, the pixels representing the woman and her hat are
considered dark
compared to the bright background sky and are therefore grouped together and
electronically displayed on both reference LCD-ND filter 620 and compensating
LCD-ND
filter 622 as transparent, as shown in Fig. 35. This allows processor 618 to
expose the
relatively dark image of the woman and her hat onto film 614 as if the bright
sky was not
a consideration in factoring the exposure parameters. Normally, by "metering"
off of the
dark subject, the resulting exposure would leave a correctly exposed woman/hat
subject
against a very washed out background sky. The bright sky portion of the image
is
categorized as a single zone or region and darkened to a predetermined
opacity, depending
on the relative contrast between the sky and the woman/hat subject. The
darkened pixels
representing the bright sky portion of the image is mapped out on both LCD-ND
filters
620, 622 so that an exact mask of the bright sky portion is displayed in front
of eyepiece
610 and, simultaneously, in front of film 614. The end result is a correctly
exposed
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woman/hat subject and a correctly exposed bright sky background simultaneously
recorded
on the same frame of film 614.
As shown in Fig. 35, controller 624 may be used to vary the level of
opacity or transparency of the both the bright and darker zones or regions of
the image.
For example, the exposure for the bright sky may be varied to create different
exposures
and therefore different relative contrasts (similar to bracketing techniques
used in
conventional photography).
Figure 35 also includes five sample compensation images of varying
contrast of both groups (the woman/hat subject and the bright sky background)
of the
original image, as controlled by controller 624. In operation, the operator of
camera 600
may use controller 624 to darken-out the bright regions of the image in real-
time, as it is
being viewed through eyepiece 610. Similarly, the lighter regions of the image
may be
selectively darkened using controller 624. When the compensated image appears
correct
(or otherwise desirable), the image (with the selected compensation) may be
recorded on
film 614, as described above (see Fig. 34).
Referring to Fig. 36, according to another embodiment of the present
invention, two or more modifiers are used to distort or modify image light
before it
exposes the film of a camera 700. A first modifier 702 is preferably
stationary with
respect to the film and located within a first plane. A second modifier 704 is
selectively
movable, preferably within a second plane that is adjacent and parallel to the
first plane.
Each modifier 702, 704 includes a textured, patterned, roughened, or otherwise
distorted
surface (either surface or includes internal distorting elements located
within the modifier).
As second modifier 704 is moved with respect to first modifier 702, the image
light from
the subject will be continuously distorted in a somewhat unpredictable manner,
thereby
creating a variety of unusual and unique effects to the image light prior to
the light being
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recorded on film. This variable distorting effect is somewhat similar to the
distorting
effect experienced when an image is viewed through two layers of screen. In
this
example, if one screen is moved slightly (depending on the size of the
openings), the view
image will appear different.
Referring to Fig. 37, a side sectional view of a camera 700 is shown,
according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 36, having first
(stationary)
modifier 702, second (movable) modifier 704, a lens assembly 706, an eyepiece
708, a
film gate 710, and film 712. As light enters camera 700 through lens assembly
706
(represented by an arrow in Fig. 37), it must pass thmugh second modifier 704
and first
modifier 702 (and a shutter not shown) prior to exposing film 712 located
within film gate
710. Second modifier 704 is mounted to camera 700 in such a manner to allow
controlled
movement (in this case up and down) with respect to film 712 and first
modifier 702. A
button 714 is attached to second modifier 704 by arm 716. A spring 718 is
attached
between second modifier 704 and camera 700 so that button 714 is biased to a
rest
position.
In operation, after the operator selects a particular subject as viewed
thmugh eyepiece 708, he may depress button 714 varying amounts to introduce a
different
amount of distortion to different images.
Referring to Fig. 38, a related embodiment of the embodiment shown in
Figs. 36, 37 and described above, is shown including a primary lens 750, a
first modifier
752, a second modifier 754, a third modifier 756, a relay lens 758, and film
760 (or
digital input device, scanner, digitizer, etc.). In this arrangement, any
combination of
modifiers 752, 754, 756 may be laterally displaced (each within a plane that
is parallel
to film 760), a selected amount. Primary lens focuses the image light from the
subject
to the modifiers 752, 754, 756. Once modified by all three modifiers, the
image light is
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34
re-focused using relay lens 758 onto film 760. Relay lens 758 is only required
if
modifiers cannot be positioned adjacent to film 760, as described in earlier
embodiments
of this invention.
Figs. 39a, 39b, and 39c are examples of first modifier 752, second modifier
754; and third modifier 756, respectively.
Related variations to the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 36 and 37 include
mounting second modifier 704 to camera 700, in the second plane that is
adjacent and
parallel to first modifier 702, using elastic elements such as springs so that
second
modifier 704 may freely move in the second plane in a random manner, as the
operator
normally holds and operates camera 700.
Furthermore, either (or both) modifier 702, 704 may be mounted in a non-
parallel orientation with respect to film 712. Although movement within either
the second
or first planes is preferred, either (or both) modifiers 702, 704 may be
displaced or
distorted in any plane, with respect to film 712 to create a variety of image
distortions.
Although it is preferred that modifiers 702, 704 be formed from a flat sheet
of rigid or semi-rigid transparent material, such as plastic or glass, they
may also be
formed through an appropriate injection molding process and thereby be shaped
curved
or bent, or include 3-dimensional surface texture (e.g., a surface relief) to
further vary
image distortions. Also, either (or both) modifiers 702, 704 may be formed
from flexible
transparent film (not shown) that is supplied on a roll within camera 700 and
includes
random or at least different distortions along its length. The film-type
modifier (not
shown) may be selectively moved past film gate 714 (e.g., rolled up similar to
winding
conventional film) so that a different distortion pattern or texture may be
positioned in
front of the yet to be exposed frame of film.
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As described above in earlier embodiments, Applicant has discovered that
light entering the camera may be modified by placing a modifier within film
plane, in
front of the film so that the recorded image is artistically distorted and
altered, creating
an unusual and aesthetically pleasing representation of the image, depending
on the
5 modifier used (e.g., an image may be altered to appear like an
impressionistic painting
of the subject). By selectively moving either modifier 702, 704 with respect
to film 714,
the sharpness of the modified light reaching the film may be controlled,
thereby creating
a variety of effects to a single image using a single modifier.
Applicant has further discovered that the sharpness of the light modification
10 may also be contmiled by changing the main focus of the lens assembly 706.
To
accomplish this, with a fixed modifier 702 located adjacent to or within film
gate 712, the
operator first focuses onto a subject, then deliberately changes the focus a
controlled
amount (in either direction) within a prescribed range that can be indicated
by indica
located on the lens and/or camera (or similarly indicated using an appropriate
electronic
15 device). By changing the focus of lens assembly 706 on the subject, the
image light
entering the camera and representing the subject will be softened, defining
the subject's
contrast border lines with less sharpness and detail, resulting in a soft
image. This "soft"
light may be modified by modifier 702 and recorded on film. The degree of
focus
variation will determine the degree and characteristics of the modification by
the modifier.
20 Alternately, or in conjunction with the focus control, the aperture of the
lens may be also be varied to control the variations of modification.
Referring to Figs. 40 and 41, a camera 800, according to another
embodiment of the invention is shown, having a body 802 and a lens assembly
804.
According to the invention, a lens attachment 806 is mounted to the exposed
end of lens
25 assembly 804 so that image light entering lens assembly 804, first passes
through lens
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36
attachment 806. Lens attachment 806 includes a generally cylindrical housing
808 which
supports at least one lens 810 (two are shown in the figure). Lens 810 is
elastically
mounted to housing 808 by mount 812 so that lens 810 remains in a rest
position, but may
be manually displaced within housing 808 in a somewhat random manner, by
applying an
internally directed force to mount 812 along an outer surface of housing 808,
as indicated
by arrows in Fig. 41.
In operation, as the operator views a particular image (e. g. , a baby)
through
the eyepiece, lens assembly 804, and lens attachment 806 of camera 800, he may
squeeze
mount 812 (which is accessible on the outer surface of housing 808, so that
lens 810
moves from its rest position, depending bow mount 812 is squeezed and with how
much
force. As the operator squeezes mount 8i2, the image of the subject he views
distorts;
not unlike the distortion mirrors found at an amusement park.
Mount 812 is preferably ring-shaped made from an appropriate semi-rigid
to flexible rubber, such as silicone, and forms part of housing 808, as shown
in Figs. 40
and 41.
Figures 42a-42c are examples of how the subject (a baby) may be distorted
by displacing lens 810 within housing 808. It is preferred that lens 810
returns to the rest
position after applied force to mount 812 is removed and that lens 810 does
not distort
(other than magnify) the image light when at the rest position within housing
808.
Alternately, referring to Figure 41, lens 810 is positioned adjacent to
another lens 811, which together with mount 812, defines an intermediate space
814.
fiither lens 811 or lens 810 (or both) is made from a semi-rigid plastic (such
as the plastic
used to make conventional contact lenses to correct myopia). A fluid such as
an inert gas,
or a transparent liquid is located within intermediate space 814. This fluid
is sealed in
intermediate space 814 by mount 812 (which is preferably flexible rubber).
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In operation of this embodiment as mount 812 is squeezed (or otherwise
deformed) by the operators hand, the fluid in intermediate space 814 is forced
against both
lenses 811 and 810. This force causes either lens {or both) to evenly deform
(bulge
outward), which subsequently deforms image light entering lens attachment 806.
Although it is preferred to provide lens attachment 806 as an attachment to
lens assembly 804, lens attachment 806 may alternately be provided integrally
with lens
assembly 804.
Although the embodiments thus described relate to modifying image light
entering a "still"-type camera prior to the image light exposing film,
Applicant further
contemplates employing the image light modification for other recording media.
For
example, after a negative (or transparency) is made, and a print is to be
developed, the
negative is positioned within an enlarger. A fight source projects the image
recorded on
the negative onto photographic paper or a large CCD (for video recordings, or
scanning).
According to another aspect of the invention, a modifier may be positioned
either directed
adjacent to the negative, adjacent to the paper, or at an intermediate
position, so that the
projected image light is modified, in a manner described above, prior to the
light exposing
the paper (or downloaded to electronic memory. The modifier may be positioned
within
a slot located within the enlarger or simply overlaid with the negative within
the negative
carrier. Also, a modifier, as described above, may be used to distort the
image light prior
being "recorded" by an electronic scanner and downloaded into a computer.
Although
certain computer software programs are capable of electronically distorting a
stored
image, this process is very time consuming. Downloading a pre-modified image
into the
computer saves time and introduces effects that are not easily attainable
using a computer
Program.
