GB2349478A - Camera for composite photography - Google Patents

Abstract

A camera 100 for producing composite photographs on a medium, such as a film 103, comprising a primary and supplementary image has a transfer device 104,105 for positioning image bearers 102 containing supplementary images 202. The transfer device moves one of the image bearers into an operative position so that the supplementary image can be captured on the medium. When an image bearer is moved out of the operable position another image bearer moves into the operable position. The image bearers may be provided on a transparent strip 200 which is transferred between two reels. Alternatively the transfer device may be a rotatable wheel which incorporates the image bearers. The camera may also include a diffuser which may be movable. A method of composite photography is also provided.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPHY FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a camera. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a camera for producing composite image photographs from light sensitive film using image bearers to provide a supplementary image on the photograph. However the invention is not limited in its application to light sensitive film and may be adapted for use in any type of image recording apparatus including digital cameras.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION When taking a photograph it is sometimes to desirable to produce a composite photograph or image which includes a pattern or other artificial image added to the image of the subject being photographed. The artificial image may be referred to as the supplementary image, and the image of the subject being photographed may be referred to as the primary image. Composite pictures are typically used for novelty or advertising purposes, or other situations where it is required to add, overlay or superimpose an image onto a photograph of a subject.

Techniques used for producing composite pictures include post-processing a film to add an image to the original photograph, using digital image processing on a digitally recorded photograph, or photographing a subject against a background screen containing the desired image to be added to the photograph. Such techniques have disadvantages, including being expensive and inconvenient to implement.

In another method, an at least partially transparent slide, filter or plate, which is preprinted with the desired supplementary image to be added to the subject image, is installed either inside or outside the camera. When a photograph is taken light passes through the slide so that the image contained on the slide is recorded on the camera's film along with the image of the subject being photographed.

A portion of the slide is image-free so that the subject being photographed is not overlayed with the slide image when recorded on the film. Additionally a light diffusing means is used to diffuse light emanating from the subject being photographed. The shape of the light diffusing means is such that light emanating from the subject is allow to pass substantially unhindered through to the image-free portion of the slide, while diffused light passes through the image portion of the slide. This presents the supplementary image on a plain background and hence avoids the problem of"intermixing'which is an undesirable effect caused when light from the background passes through the image contained on the slide. When this occurs the background image and the image contained on the slide are both overlayed when recorded on the film. If the background light is passed through a diffusing means the diffused light which emerges is substantially free of any background image. When this diffused light passes through the image portion of the slide, only the image contained on the slide is recorded on the film.

Using this slide system to produce composite photographs can be inconvenient. If a different type of supplementary image is desired for a different photograph, the slide must be changed. This requires a set of slides, with the slides having different images printed on them for producing different composite photographs.

Further, for embodiments where the slide is installed inside the camera, interchanging the slides may only be done when the roll of film, on which the composite images are being recorded, is completed. Changing an internal slide will typically involve opening the camera, a consequence of which will be to expose an installed film to ambient light.

Therefore it is desirable to have a composite image camera which provides a plurality of images on a slide, film, filter or the like, and provides the ability to conveniently select and use one of those images to produce a composite photograph or image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera with an image transfer device for positioning an image bearer in an operative position so that a composite photograph may be produced using the image from the selected image bearer.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera for recording on an image recording medium a composite image comprising a primary image of a subject external to the camera and a supplementary image, wherein the camera includes: a plurality of image bearers, each for providing a supplementary image on the image recording medium, and a transfer device to move one of the one or more image bearers to an operative position such that the associated supplementary image is able to be captured on the image recording medium, wherein the transfer device is operable such that as an image bearer is moved from the operative position, a subsequent image bearer is moved to the operative position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, using a camera, of recording onto an image recording medium, a composite image comprising a primary image of a subject external to the camera and a supplementary image, the method including the steps of : providing a plurality of image bearers, each for providing a supplementary image on the image recording medium, selecting one of the image bearers and moving the selected image bearer into an operative position using a selection and transfer device, and capturing the primary image and the supplementary image on the recording medium in a single exposure.

BRIEF LIST OF FIGURES Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings of which : Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the arrangement of components in a composite image camera according to the present invention, Figure 2 shows an image bearer used in a preferred embodiment of the camera, Figures 3-5 show schematic diagrams of alternative embodiments of composite image cameras according to the present invention, Figure 6 shows the interior of the camera with an internal image transfer device, Figure 7 shows the interior of the camera with an installed image bearer, with certain details of the camera casing removed for clarity, Figure 8 shows the interior of the camera with a portion of the winding limiter visible, Figure 9 shows the winding limiter, Figure 10 is a front view of an apparatus for illuminating a light diffuser, Figure 11 is a schematic side view illustrating the operation of the light diffuser, Figure 12 shows side and front schematic views illustrating a rotating disc transfer device with six image bearers, and Figure 13 shows side and front schematic views illustrating a rotating disc transfer device with four image bearers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings it will be appreciated that composite image cameras with an image transfer device according to the invention for allowing a composite photograph to be produced may be implemented in various forms. The following embodiments are given by way of example only.

As shown in figure 1 the camera 100 includes an aperture 101 and an image recording medium 103 such as photosensitive film. The film 103 is installed in the camera 100 in the conventional fashion so that each frame of the film 103 may be positioned in a predetermined plane prior to exposure. Additionally the camera 100 includes a strip 200 of image bearers 102 (more clearly shown in figure 2). Figure 1 shows the preferred placement of the strip 200 of image bearers 102 in the camera 100. It will be appreciated that this arrangement is by way of example only and that many other configurations are possible. Figure 1 also illustrates a light diffuser 110 in front of the aperture 101.

To produce a composite image using the present invention an image selection and transfer device (see figure 7 or 12) is operated to move one or more image bearers 102, each for providing a supplementary image, into an operative position in which the one or more image bearers are positioned substantially in alignment with the aperture 101. In the preferred embodiment only one image bearer 102 is aligned with the aperture 101 at any one time. In another possible embodiment, image bearers placed in the operative position do not have to be aligned with the aperture 101, but merely positioned so that light emerging from the aperture can pass through the positioned image bearer 102. The light diffuser 110 is also disposed substantially in alignment with and in front of the aperture 101. In an alternative embodiment the light diffuser 110 may be disposed behind the aperture 101.

Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the image bearers. It will be appreciated that this embodiment is by way of example only and that many other embodiments are possible. The image bearers are a integrally formed strip 200 of at least partially transparent material. The strip 200 is formed so that the image bearers are arranged consecutively. Each image bearer 102 includes an image portion 202 with graphics and a substantially image free portion 201. The graphics may include patterns, pictures, words or the like. The graphics may be formed from translucent and/or coloured images, and can be for decorative or practical purposes. The strip 200 may further includes guide holes 203 which correspond to a guide cog 606 (see figure 6) of the transfer device.

The image bearers are arranged so that as one bearer is moved from an operative position by the transfer device, a subsequent image bearer is moved into an operative position. In other possible embodiments the image bearers may be individual slides, filters or transparencies that are connected, separate or disposed on another medium and arranged in an appropriate configuration to be moved by the transfer device. The image bearer may be formed from a clear, translucent or coloured medium, onto which graphics can be added.

Light emerging from the diffuser 110 passes through the image portion 202 of the image bearer 102 to the film 103, where the supplementary image contained on the image bearer 102 is recorded. The subject being photographed is external to the camera. Light emanating from the subject passes through the image free portion 201 of the bearer 102 to the film 103 where a primary image of the subject is recorded. The primary image and the supplementary image are both recorded on the same frame of the film 103 thus producing a composite image.

Reverting to figure 1, in the preferred embodiment the transfer device includes a first reel 104 and a second reel 105 onto which the strip 200 is installed. The transfer device allows the strip 200 to be wound from one reel to the other. The transfer device is disposed in the camera with the reels placed substantially either side of the aperture 101, so that the image bearers 102 contained on the strip 200 align with the aperture 101 in sequence as the strip 200 is wound from one reel to the other. As the strip 200 is wound it slides in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the installed photosensitive film 103. To position an image bearer 102 in the operative position, the strip 200 is wound until the image bearer 102 containing the desired supplementary image substantially aligns with the aperture 101.

Figures 3-5 show alternative embodiments of the composite camera with various placements of strip 200 and recording film 103 with like numerals representing like parts. In figures 3 and 4 the winding of the photographic film onto the drive reel 404 is reversed compared to the conventional film winding direction to provide additional space for the reels 104,105 at the front of the camera. Figure 5 illustrates the strip 200 being formed as a continuous loop.

In the embodiments shown in figures 3-5 a selected image bearer 102 is positioned inside the camera behind the aperture 101. However in an alternative embodiment portions of the strip 200 may traverse outside the camera, in front of the aperture 101. In other possible embodiments the strip 200 may partially or entirely be placed outside camera.

Figure 6 shows in detail a preferred embodiment of a composite camera 100 with a transfer device to move the strip 200. It will be appreciated that this embodiment is by way of example only and that other embodiments are possible. The transfer device is formed integrally with the camera and includes a winding means for transferring an installed strip 200 from the first reel 104 to the second reel 105. The described transfer device is operated manually. However it will be appreciated that an automatic transfer device could be implemented in the present invention.

The first and second reels 104,105 are disposed either side of the camera's aperture 101 which is disposed in the front wall of a light receiving chamber 604. The reels 104,105 each include an insertion slot 600,601 and a retaining tab 602,603. To install the strip 200, one end is placed in the insertion slot 600 of the first reel 104 and is held in place by the retaining tab 602 which protrudes through an opening disposed near the end of the strip 200. Similarly the opposite end of the strip 200 is placed in the insertion slot 601 of the second reel 105 and is held in place by the retaining tab 602. The strip 200 is then completely wound around the first and second reels 104, 105 except for a portion which extends between the two reels 104,105 behind the light receiving chamber 604.

Figure 7 shows the preferred embodiment of the composite camera 100 with the strip 200 installed in the transfer device. The strip 200 has been substantially wound completely onto the first reel 104.

The winding means includes a thumb wheel 700 and winding cogs 701,702 (only partially shown), 703,704,705. Winding cogs 701,702 are axially aligned with the first and second reels 104,105 respectively so that by manually rotating the thumb wheel 700 the first and second reels 104,105 rotate by way of the winding cogs 701,702,703,704,705 causing the strip 200 to transfer from one reel to another. The winding means can be operated either clockwise or counter-clockwise allowing the strip 200 to be transferred from the first reel 104 to the second reel 105 or viceversa. By winding the thumb wheel 700 a desired image bearer 102 on the strip 200 can be positioned behind the light receiving chamber 604 and aperture 101.

The transfer device further includes a guide cog 606 which is disposed above the light receiving chamber 604. The teeth of the guide cog 606 engage with the guide holes 203 disposed on the strip 200, enabling the strip to locate behind the aperture 101. The thumb wheel 700 is axially attached to the guide cog 606, so that operating the winding means causes the guide cog 606 to rotate.

The winding means further includes a winding limiter and image location means.

The winding limiter prevents further rotation of the thumb wheel 700 when the strip 200 has been completely wound onto one of the reels 104,105. The limiter includes a dual radius disc 706 attached axially with the winding cog 702 and a latching means including two arms 708,709 and a spring arm 801 (see figure 9). As the winding means is operated in a clockwise direction, the disc 706 rotates until the first arm 708 of the latching means abuts against a first transition edge between a smaller radius portion and a larger radius portion of the disc 706. At this point the spring arm 801 of the latching means also abuts against a spring arm stopper 803 (see figure 9).

Once the first arm 708 abuts against the transition edge, further operation of the winding means causes the spring arm 801 to flex as it abuts against the stopper 803 until the latching means begins to rotate about a pivot 716. This rotation causes the second arm 709 of the latching means to engage against a first transition edge between a smaller radius portion and a larger radius portion of a disc 717 formed integrally with the thumb wheel 700, preventing further rotation of the thumb wheel 700 in a clockwise direction.

Similarly when the winding means is operated in a counter-clockwise direction the disc 706 rotates until the first arm 708 abuts against a second transition edge of the disc 706 and the spring arm 801 abuts against the spring arm stopper 803. Further operation of the winding means causes the spring arm 801 to flex and the latching means to rotate until the second arm 900 abuts against a second transition edge of the disc 717, thus preventing further rotation of the thumb wheel 700 in a counterclockwise direction.

The image location means includes a notched wheel 710 formed integrally with the thumb wheel 700 and a locating arm 715. As the thumb wheel 700 is rotated the locating arm 715 rests against the notched wheel 710. The arm 715 is biased by a spring so that when a notch 712 disposed on the wheel 710 edge rotates to the position of the arm 715, the arm 715 engages in the notch 712. The notch 712 on the wheel is calibrated so that an image bearer 102 of the strip 200 substantially aligns with the aperture 101 when the locating arm 715 engages with the notch 712. The resistance provided by the engaged arm 715 indicates when an image bearer 102 is positioned correctly behind the aperture 101 and prevents inadvertent movement of the image bearer 102.

The image location means further includes a stopper arm 713 attached to the locating arm 715. When the locating arm 715 rests on the perimeter of the notched wheel 710 the stopper arm 713 is positioned under a shutter release arm 714 attached to the shutter release button 711. The stopper arm prevents the button 711 being depressed, thus preventing a photograph being taken when a image bearer 102 is not positioned correctly behind the aperture 101. When the locating arm 715 engages with the notch 712, indicating that a image bearer 102 is correctly positioned, the stopper arm 713 is released and the shutter button 711 is able to be depressed.

The transfer device of the preferred embodiment enables a desired image bearer 102 installed in the transfer device to be moved into a position with minimal adverse effect to the installed film 103.

In the preferred embodiment of the composite camera, the strip 200 may be removed and replaced by another strip containing different images. Further, in a possible embodiment a set of strips may be provided allowing a user to install a desired strip which contains a desired image to be used for a composite photograph.

Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the transfer device includes a rotatable disc 120 with a plurality of image bearers. The image bearers are preferably individual slides or filters 121 disposed consecutively in a circular arrangement on the disc 120. In this embodiment there are six image bearers disposed on the disc, however it will be appreciated that this is by way of example only and different number of image bearers could be used. Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment where 4 image bearers are disposed on the disc.

The disc 120 is oriented such that it can rotate substantially parallel to the plane of the installed photosensitive film 103 about a pivot 122. As the disc 120 is progressively rotated in the plane each image bearer aligns with the aperture 101 in sequence. A desired image bearer 124 can be selected and moved into an operative position by rotating the disc 120 until the image bearer 124 containing the desired supplementary image substantially aligns with the aperture 101.

The composite camera preferably includes a light diffuser 110 as known in the art for providing diffused light to an image portion 202 of an image bearer 102 being used to produce a composite photograph. The light diffuser 110 may either be permanently or removably disposed inside or outside the camera. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many types of light diffuser may be implemented in the present invention, of which three are described below by way of example only.

In a preferred embodiment the light diffuser 110 is a white plastic material in the form of a disc or similar which can be positioned in front of the aperture 101. The white plastic disc includes an opening through which light emanating from the subject being photographed can pass. Diffused light is produced by operating a flash disposed on the camera. The flash illuminates the disc in the manner described in connection with Figures 10 and 11. The disc reflects diffused light back to an image portion 202 of a positioned image bearer 204.

Figure 10 shows a preferred apparatus for illuminating the light diffuser 110. Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 10 although the arrangement is somewhat altered for clarity. The purpose of Figure 11 is to show the passage of light through the camera. The apparatus is installed inside the camera's outer casing, in front of and close to the aperture 101. The illuminating apparatus includes a flash holder 910 in the form of a rectangular frame formed integrally with two light conducting poles 911,912. The ends 914,915 of the light conducting poles are bent so as to protrude through openings 916,917 disposed in an aperture housing 918 which houses the aperture 101. The illuminating apparatus is preferably constructed from a light guiding plastic, however it will be appreciated that any other light guiding medium may be used. A flash bulb 913 is installed in the flash holder 910.

Prior to taking a composite photograph, the lens cover 919 is moved from in front of the aperture 101 and aperture housing 918 by moving a slider control 920. The slider control 920 is moved by pushing a slider actuator 922 which protrudes through a slot in the camera's outer casing. Moving the slider control 920 urges the lens cover 919 to rotate about a pivot point so as to move the lens cover 919 away from the position in front of the aperture 101. By continuing to slide the slider control 920 the light diffuser 110 is urged, by the same mechanism, into an operative position substantially in front of the housing 918 and aperture 101. The diffuser 101 is positioned so as to allow light emanating from the primary image to pass through an opening 921 disposed in the diffuser 110.

When a composite photograph is taken using the present invention, the flash bulb 913 is activated. Light from the flash 913 travels through the light guiding plastic of the holder 910 and the light conducting poles 911,912 and escapes through the ends 914,915 of the light conducting poles 911,912. This light travels to the light diffuser 110 and reflects off the diffusing portion back into the light receiving chamber 604 via the aperture 101.

In an alternative embodiment the light diffuser may be a pane of diffusing plastic installed in the light receiving chamber 604 of the camera by way of a removable holder. Light emanating from the background of the subject being photographed is passed through the diffuser so that the light emerging from the diffuser no longer contains an image of the background. The pane also includes a cut out portion which provides a non diffusing area allowing light emanating from the subject being photographed to pass through substantially unhindered to an image free portion 201 of the image bearer 102.

In yet another embodiment there may be a plurality of light diffusers, each diffuser corresponding to an image bearer 102, with each diffuser being positioned accordingly when the corresponding image bearer 102 is positioned by the transfer device. In this embodiment the light diffusers may be disposed on a strip and mounted in a transfer device coupled to the transfer device of the image bearers 102, so that as the image bearers 102 are moved the light diffusers are moved accordingly. The two transfer devices might be one and the same.

The preferred embodiment of the composite camera includes a means for installing a film 103 for recording the composite photograph. The film 103 is installed to be positioned behind the image bearer, such that the frame of the film 103 which is to record the photograph is positioned substantially in alignment with the positioned image bearer 102 and the aperture 101.

In a preferred method of producing a composite photograph using a composite camera of the present invention, one or more image bearers are installed in the transfer device of the camera. Preferably the transfer device is for a strip 200, however other transfer devices such as a rotatable disc 120 can be implemented. A light diffuser is positioned in front of the aperture 101. In a camera with an internal removable light diffuser, the diffuser must be installed in the camera. In a camera with a plurality of light diffusers, these are all installed in a transfer device.

The image selection and transfer device is then operated to move a selected image bearer into the operative position. The selected image bearer contains the supplementary image which is to form part of the composite photograph or image.

Once the supplementary image has been positioned, the camera is directed towards the subject which is also to form part of the composite photograph. The camera's shutter is released and a composite photograph, containing a image of the subject combined with the supplementary image, is recorded on the camera's film 103.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A camera for recording on an image recording medium a composite image comprising a primary image of a subject external to the camera and a supplementary image, wherein the camera includes: a plurality of image bearers, each for providing a supplementary image on the image recording medium, and a transfer device to move one of the one or more image bearers to an operative position such that the associated supplementary image is able to be captured on the image recording medium, wherein the transfer device is operable such that as an image bearer is moved from the operative position, a subsequent image bearer is moved to the operative position.
2. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera is adapted to operate with light sensitive film and wherein the transfer device is operable to move the or each image bearer during the course of the film with minimal adverse effect to image recordal.
3. 3. The camera according to claim 1 wherein the camera is adapted to receive an image recording medium extending across a predetermined plane, and wherein the transfer device is operable to slide the or each image bearer substantially parallel to said plane.
4. 4. The camera according to claim 1 wherein the image bearers are provided consecutively on a strip of at least partially transparent material.
5. 5. The camera according to claim 4 wherein the transfer device includes two reels for holding opposite end portions of the strip, the strip being movable between the reels.
6. 6. The camera according to claim 5 wherein the transfer device includes a winding means for rotating one or both of the reels to move the strip and position the image bearers.
7. 7. The camera according to claim 6 wherein the winding means is manually operable.
8. 8. The camera according to claim 1 wherein the image bearers are removable from the camera.
9. 9. The camera according to claim 1 wherein the transfer device is in the form of a rotatable disc incorporating the image bearers.
10. 10. The camera according to claim 1 further including one or more light diffusers for diffusing light to the image bearers.
11. 11. The camera according to claim 10 wherein the light diffuser is removable from the camera.
12. 12. The camera according to claim 10 wherein the light diffuser is disposed outside the camera.
13. 13. The camera according to claim 10 wherein the light diffuser is disposed inside the camera.
14. 14. The camera according to claim 10 wherein the light diffuser is movable between an operative and an inoperative position.
15. 15. The camera according to claim 14 wherein the light diffuser is movable by the transfer device.
16. 16. The camera according to claim 14 further including a closure mechanism for a lens cover, the closure mechanism additionally operable to move the light diffuser.
17. 17. A method, using a camera, of recording onto an image recording medium, a composite image comprising a primary image of a subject external to the camera and a supplementary image, the method including the steps of : providing a plurality of image bearers, each for providing a supplementary image on the image recording medium, selecting one of the image bearers and moving the selected image bearer into an operative position using a selection and transfer device, and capturing the primary image and the supplementary image on the recording medium in a single exposure.
18. 18. The method according to claim 17 wherein the selection and transfer device is disposed wholly within the camera.