Abstract: The invention provides a method of using the fundamental property of semiconductors to combine two or more photographic images into a single photographic image, the method involving the use of ultraviolet light to cause areas of a transparent semiconductor to become reflective and opaque so that portions of a projected background image can't pass through those parts of the semiconductor while portions of an appropriate foreground image reflect from them, thereby creating a composite image.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the art of photography and provides a method of making the optical mattes that are used in making composite photographs. The method consists of transforming an image of an object photographed against an illuminated background into a luminous silhouette of the object on a dark background, diminishing the luminosity contrast within the said silhouette, and recording the result on black-and-white film. The invention includes apparatus necessary to carry out the method.

Abstract: The invention pertains in general to the art of motion-picture photography and in particular to rear-projection "process" photography, providing a rigid rear-projection screen onto which heavy objects, such as props and actors, may be placed while imagery is projected onto it from the side opposite to the said objects. The screen consists of a rigid sheet on which a light-scattering surface has been established and which rests on pseudotransparent supports, each of which consists of an opaque structural member, a block of transparent material, and three mirrors so arranged to make light detour around the structural member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical method of inserting a subject image into a background image to create a composite image by projecting the background image onto a light-reflecting countermatte of the subject image and causing the subject image to appear in the non-reflective part of the countermatte. The invention includes an apparatus for carrying out the method.