GB2335751A

GB2335751A - Image composition camera using a camera obscura

Info

Publication number: GB2335751A
Application number: GB9822348A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keiichi Murasaki
Original assignee: Toybox Corp
Current assignee: Toybox Corp
Priority date: 1998-03-25
Filing date: 1998-10-13
Publication date: 1999-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2018-10-13
Also published as: GB2335751B; JPH11271853A; CN1229932A; GB9822348D0

Abstract

An image composition camera (1a) that enables a variety of image compositions to be conveniently composed. A removable image template assembly (3) is disposed within the image composition camera body (1), between the lens (5) of the image composition camera and photosensitive film loaded therein. A camera obscura (2) is disposed between the lens (5) and the image template assembly (7) . The camera obscura (2) prevents the light generating internal images from mixing with the light generating the external subject images on the photographic film. The image template assembly (3) and the camera obscura (2) are removable from the image composition camera, and maybe interchangeable with other camera obscura and image template assemblies of different designs. The image template may be opaque in some areas and open in others. The camera obscura may also include a diffuser (10).

Description

% 1- 44 2335751 IMAGE COMPOSITION CAMERA The present invention relates to

apparatus useable in an image composition camera, to enable the image composition camera to conveniently compose an image, comprising photographed subjects external to the camera, and images generated within the camera.

Image composition cameras are known in the art. Such cameras compose composite images, comprising photographed subjects external to the camera, and internally generated images. For example, Utility Model Registration No. 3,032,133, discloses an image composition camera, where light from the external subject passes through the camera lens, and is separated by an opaque barrier, from light which passes sequentially through a diffuser and an image template, both of which are located within the camera. The opaque barrier maintains separation of the externally generated image and internally generated image light paths. Thus when light from external and internal sources impinge on the photosensitive film, separate and non-overlapping images are created, which together form the composite image.

However the opaque barrier in this known camera is an immovably fixed part of the camera body, so that there is no flexibility with respect to the positioning of the external and internal images on the photosensitive film. Additionally, while the image template used in the above known camera is removable, it is made of a thin film material, thus it is easily damaged by bending, and it is inconvenient to use.

is 1-1 1 2 ? 0 image composition.

The present invention provides an image composition camera, that includes an image template assembly and a camera obscura, both removable from the camera body. When properly installed within the camera body, the image template assembly is disposed between the camera lens and the photosensitive film, while the camera obscura is disposed between the camera lens and the image template assembly. The camera obscura comprises an opaque divider wall, that prevents mixing of light from an external subject and internal image light sources. Light from the external subject passes on one side of the divider wall, whereas light that generates the internal image passes on the other side. In this way the divider wall prevents interference between internally and externally generated images captured on the photosensitive film. The shape of the divider wall can be used to control the size, shape and position of the externally and internally generated images on the photosensitive film. The size, shape, and position of the externally and internally generated images on the photosensitive film, may also be controlled by providing a variety of interchangeable image template assemblies. Thus by providing a plurality of interchangeable camera obscura with differing divider walls, and image template assemblies, alternatively configured photograph compositions may be obtained easily and conveniently by the photographer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of an image composition camera.

FIG. 2 is a rear exploded view of a preferred embodiment of an image composition camera, with camera obscura and image template assembly.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view illug elements of a preferred embodiment of the image template assembly.

FIG. 4a is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the camera obscura installed in an image composition camera.

3 at 11 FIG. 4b is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the camera obscura.

FIG. 4c is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the camera obscura.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating of a second preferred embodiment of the image composition camera.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a second preferred embodiment of the camera obscura installed in an image composition camera.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of an image template assembly.

FIG. 7b is an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of an image template assembly.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a camera obscura.

A preferred embodiment of an image composition camera l a, is shown in Fig. 1 which additionally illustrates the camera lens 5, the shutter button 13, the film rewinding knob 14 and the viewfinder 15. As illustrated in Fig. 2, this embodiment further comprises the rear cover 12 of the image composition camera la, a camera obscura 2, and an image template assembly 3. The camera obscura 2, is removable from the camera body 1, and interchangeable with other camera obscura 2. When installed in the camera body 1, the camera obscura 2 is disposed between the lens 5, and the photosensitive film (not shown) normally loaded into the camera to record image compositions. The image template assembly 3, is also removable from the camera body 1, and is disposed between the camera obscura 2, and the photosensitive film. (not shown) when properly installed in the camera body 1.

As shown in Fig. 3, the image template assembly 3, comprises an image template 31, a base plate 30, and a template cover film 32. The image template 31, contains openings that allow light to pass through and impinge on the photosensitive film, thereby creating images on the film with outlines corresponding to the shape of the openings in the template. The image template is typically made from a flexible film material, and therefore is secured to the 4 . -2.

base plate 30 for support, by the template cover film 32. When the image template assembly is installed in the camera body 1, and the photosensitive film is therein loaded, the photosensitive film lies adjacent to the template cover film 32, and between the template cover film 32 and the rear cover 12 of the camera.

For example, in this embodiment the camera obscura 2 is designed to be firmly located in a recess of the camera body 1 (see Fig. 4A). One side of a divider wall 7, in the camera obscura 2, faces the optical axis of lens 5, enclosing a space referred to as a subject image chamber 8a. Light from an external subject which passes through the lens 5, is directed through the subject image chamber 8a, to impinge on the photosensitive film. The subject image chamber 8a is protected from glare by the opaque divider wall 7. Also provided in the camera obscura 2, is a diffuser 10, which is translucent and may be made of translucent material including ground glass or embossed plastic. The diffuser 10 is disposed between the outer wall of the camera obscura 2 and the divider wall 7, so as to hold the divider wall 7 in a fixed position. Some light from the lens 5, which does not pass through the subject image chamber 8a, is directed past the side of the divider wall 7 that faces away from the optical axis of the lens 5. Some of this light impinges on the diffuser 10, and is diffused as it passes through. Internal surfaces of the camera obscura, with the exception of surfaces bounding the subject image chamber 8, may be mirrored, or otherwise made reflective to enhance the quality and brightness of the internally generated images. Other elements illustrated in Fig 4A are: the camera body 1, and the shutter 11. Fig. 4B is a rear elevational view, and Fig. 4C is a front elevational view of the camera obscura 2.

Diffused light from the diffuser 10 passes through openings in the image template 31, where not prevented by the presence of the divider wall 7, and impinges on the photosensitive film, thereby creating internally generated images. Similarly light from the lens 5 passes through the subject image chamber 8a, and then the image template 31, where not prevented by the presence of the divider wall 7, and impinges on the photosensitive film, thereby recording the image of the external subject.

In this embodiment, the image template assembly 3 is firmly located between the 1 camera obscura 2 and the photosensitive film. In this case, it is preferable to leave a small space between the base plate 30 of the image template assembly 3 and the back end of the divider wall 7. Where no space exists between the base plate 30 of the and the back end of the divider wall 7, there will be an unexposed region on the photosensitive film, corresponding to the area of contact between these components. The base plate 30 and the template cover fihn 32 are transparent. However they may be partially or completely blanked off so as to be opaque, or they may be colored.

In this example, and as shown in Fig. 3, the left and right extremities of the base plate and the template cover film 32 are bent forward so as to conform to the rear of the camera obscura to which it may be attached. A bracket 34 with two locating pins 34a, is used to attach the template cover film 32 to the base plate 30, by pushing the locating pins 34a through image cover film holes 32a and into corresponding base plate holes 30a. On the right of the base plate 30, as illustrated in Fig. 3, is a film locating hole 30b with a locating tab 30c protruding from its left edge. The image template 31 has a template locating tab 31a at its right edge, as illustrated in Fig. 3, which is of similar width to locating tab 30c, but narrower than film locating hole 30b. The template cover film 32 also has a fixing tab 32b at its right edge, broader than either locating tab 30c or template locating tab 31a, but narrower than the film locating hole 30b. The image template 31 is mounted by inserting template locating tab 31 a through a slit in the fixing tab 32b. The fixing tab 32b is then pulled through the film locating hole 30b, and impaled on the locating tab 30c, so that the locating tab 30c also passes through the slit in the fixing tab 32b. The left edge of the template cover film 32 is then fixed to the base plate 30 using the bracket 34, as previously described, thereby sandwiching the image template 31 between the base plate 30, and the template cover film 32.

The template cover film 32 must be resistant to abrasive wear when in contact with the photosensitive film, and also resistant to bruising or optical disfiguring by the photosensitive film.

We now describe the a method of use of the instant invention. After considering 6 which images are to be included in the image composition, an appropriate camera obscura 2 and image template 31, are selected and mounted on the base plate 30. The complete image template assembly 3 is fitted to the desired camera obscura 2. Optionally the image template assembly 3 can be fitted to the camera obscura 2, after the camera obscura 2 is set within the camera body 1.

The rear cover 12 of the camera body 1 is opened, and the selected camera obscura 2, together with the image template assembly is set within the camera body 1. Finally, the rear cover 12 is closed after the photosensitive film is inserted into the camera body 1. The camera is then ready to take pictures as is commonly done.

A second embodiment of an image composition camera 1 is shown in Fig. 5 and sectional view of a camera obscura 2 installed in the image composition camera la is shown in Fig. 6. In this embodiment the diffuser 10 is fixedly located in the body of the camera 1, and is not part of the camera obscura 2. Here, the diffuser 10 surrounds the lens 5. Within the camera obscura 2, the divider wall 7 is held in place by a translucent or optionally a transparent structural element 24 disposed between the divider wall 7 and the external wall of the camera obscura 2.

A second and a third embodiment of an image template assembly are shown in Fig. 7A and 7B. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7A, the image template 31 is secured to the base plate 30 by the template cover film 32, which covers the image template 31, and extends beyond the image template 31 edges on all sides, where it is adhered to the base plate 30.

Using this image template assembly 3, a user is relieved of fixing the image template 31 to the base plate 30, when changing the image template 31.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7B, the template cover film 32 is permanently adhered to the base plate 30 at its right edge, as shown in the figure. The left edge of the template cover film 32 may be raised to insert the image template 31, then lowered and fixed to the base plate 30 by bracket 34, whose locating pins 34a are passed through the image cover film holes 32a and are inserted into corresponding base plate holes 30a. The image template 31 is thus pressed between the base plate 30 and the template cover film 32, and is 7 thereby secured.

Various embodiments of the present invitation have been explained but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Several changes can be considered within the scope of the invention.

For example, the image template of the image template assembly may be fixed directly to the base plate without the use of a template cover film. Alternatively the transparent base plate may be opaquely masked in certain areas, making an image template and cover film unnecessary; or the image template assembly may comprise only the image template.

A still further option would be a camera obscura that also comprises a base plate or an image template assembly.

The image composition camera la of the above embodiments may also be used to compose standard photographs only consisting of images of external subjects. In such cases a camera obscura 2 as shown in Figure 8 may be used. In this embodiment the divider wall 7 of the camera obscura 2 is directly fixedly attached to the external wall of the camera obscura 2, so as to only allow light passing through the subject image chamber 8a to reach the photosensitive film.

8 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1

Claims

1. An image composition camera having a camera body, a lens and a housing for a photosensitive film, comprising: an image template assembly removably disposed within the camera body, between the photosensitive film location and the cc-vmra lens and; a camera obscura removably disposed within the camera body between said image template assembly and the camera lens, said camera obscura comprising an opaque divider wall, positioned to define a subject image chamber penetrated by the optical axis of the camera lens, and to protect light from the lens from mixing with other sources of light, as it passes through the subject image chamber.

2. An image composition camera as defined by Claim 1, wherein the image template assembly comprises: an image template which is optically open in some portions and opaque in other portions and, a base plate coupled to said image template.

3. An image composition camera as defined in Claim 2, wherein said image template assembly comprises a template cover film removably coupled to said base plate near edges of the base plate.

4. An image composition camera as defined in Claim 3 wherein said image template assembly further comprises a bracket including locating pins, and wherein said template cover film comprises cover film holes and a fixing tab with a slit formed therein, and wherein said image template comprises a template locating tab, and wherein said base plate includes a 9 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 locating tab and base plate holes; said cover film being secured to said base plate at one end by said locating pins of the bracket, that penetrate both cover film holes and base plate holes, and secured at the other end by said base plate locating tab, which penetrates the slit in the fixing tab; said image template is interposed between said base plate and said template cover film, with said template locating tab inserted into the fixing tab slit.

5. An image composition camera as defined in Claim 3 wherein said image template assembly further comprises a bracket including locating pins, and wherein said template cover film comprises cover film holes, and wherein said base plate includes base plate holes; said cover film being secured to said base plate at one end by said locating pins of the bracket, that penetrate both cover film holes and base plate holes, and adhered at another end to said base plate, so that said image template is secured between said base plate and said template cover film.

6. An image composition camera as defined in Claim 3 wherein said template cover film is coupled on at least 3 edges to said base plate and wherein said image template is secured between said base plate and said template cover film.

7. A camera according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a diffuser for diffusing light that enters areas of the camera obscura external to the subject image chamber, and wherein at least some diffused light passes through optically open areas of the image template assembly, to impinge on the photosensitive film.

8. An image composition camera as defined by Claim 7, wherein said diffuser is 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 immovably fixed to the body of the composition camera.

9. A camera according to claim 7 Pr claim 8, wherein said diffuser is disposed within the camera obscura.

10. A camera according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some surfaces of the camera obscura external to the subject image chamber are optically reflective.

11. A method of creating an image composition using an image composition camera having a camera body and a lens, comprising: installing a camera obscura, having a desired divider wall and diffuser design, into the body of the image composition camera; installing an image template assembly, having a desired image template design, into the body of the image composition camera.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising, loading photosensitive film into the image composition camera, so that a photographing surface of the photosensitive film lies against the image template assembly.

13. An image composition camera substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings.

14. A method of creating an image composition using an image composition camera having a camera body and a lens substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the examples shown in- the accompanying drawings.

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