Background Or Foreground Patents (Class 396/3)
  • Patent number: 11960193
    Abstract: Backdrop rear-illumination apparatus, active green screen and method for performing dynamic backdrop rear-illumination. The active green screen comprises a green screen, a diffusing material and a backdrop rear-illumination apparatus, the backdrop rear-illumination apparatus comprising a light assembly and a light controller. The light assembly comprises one or more light-emitting device, a light emitted by each light-emitting device first passing through the diffusing material and then passing through the green screen. The light controller comprises light driver(s) for controlling at least one operating parameter of the light-emitting device(s). The light controller further comprises at least one user interface or a light remote control module for respectively actuating the light driver(s). A computing device generates light control command(s) via a graphical user interface or an algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: SUB2r Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Neumann
  • Patent number: 11815465
    Abstract: A gem imaging system includes a stage having a platform configured to hold an object. The system further includes a light source configured to illuminate the object. The system further includes a housing configured to at least partially enclose the object. The housing is configured to position a mobile device such that a camera lens of the mobile device is aligned with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Venkat K. Balagurusamy, Brian Pear, Edward J. Maggiacomo, Thomas Picunko, Joseph Ligman, Donna N. Eng Dillenberger
  • Patent number: 11568558
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure may include devices, systems, and methods for photographing and dimensioning objects in a photo booth. The devices may include multiple sets of components, and the multiple sets of components may be mounted in different locations of the booth as desired and as needed, for example, depending on the object to be photographed and dimensioned. The photo booth components and functions can be operated and managed via central processing and via user interface and can be in communication with remote computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Radwell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Radwell, Jason Larsen, Joseph Waldman
  • Patent number: 11442337
    Abstract: A frame adapted to mount a fabric for image capturing has a top beam engaged with a pair of side support members and a pair of base support members engaging a base beam. Each of the side support members extends from the top beam downwardly through a curvilinear member to a corresponding base support member. The top beam is connected to the pair of side support members orthogonally. The base support members are connected to the base beam orthogonally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: PRINTALY PTY LTD
    Inventor: Yuandi Wang
  • Patent number: 11415865
    Abstract: The invention provides a hoist mechanism for a backdrop as used in the photographic setting. The hoist uses two vertical channels, each having and upper and a lower pull around which a belt is attached. A bracket, secured to the belt, is used to secure a roller of the backdrop thereto. A connecting rod, secured to the lower pullies of the vertical channels, is used to keep the two belts operating in concert. A hand crank, secured to the connecting rod, permits the operator to move the two brackets up/down which moves the a roller having the backdrop in like fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Sanage Universal
    Inventor: Bo Christensen
  • Patent number: 10748440
    Abstract: A projectorless simulator that includes an adjustable frame is disclosed. The adjustable frame defines an interior volume, and is adjustable in width and height to allow a shape of the interior volume to be varied. A chromakey screen is coupled to the adjustable frame to at least partially enclose the interior volume. A plurality of lights is mounted with respect to the adjustable frame. The plurality of lights is configured to emit light in a direction toward the chromakey screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D. Kitain, O'Shae M. Bridges, Nolan Lucht, David J. Macannuco, Adam R. Breed
  • Patent number: 10491889
    Abstract: A display system for illuminating surfaces of objects in a ride or show set for viewing by a viewer in a viewing space wearing three-dimensional (3D) glasses or headgear. The 3D glasses or headgear is adapted to pass or transmit light associated with a first set of three wavelengths to a left eye and to pass or transmit light with a second set of three wavelengths differing from the first set of three wavelengths. Each of these wavelengths may be associated with a primary color wavelength for providing left and right eye content to a viewer. The system, therefore, may include a wavelength multiplex visualization (WMV) projection system projecting light having the first and second sets of three wavelengths to provide the viewer stereo content via the 3D glasses or headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Steven T. Kosakura, Thomas Tracey Tait
  • Patent number: 10268106
    Abstract: The system of backstage installation contains at least one vertical rack, which supports a tool that forms the backstage. System that forms the backstage, includes at least one movable structure for the installation of backstage connected with stationary vertical rack with the help of at least one rotating element. Movable structure is made with the possibility of rotation in the horizontal plane to transfer from the folded position into unfolded and to be rotated to the specified angle for formation of functional decorated zone. The system contains the backstage facility to form the front decorative backstage surface construction for the installation of the backstage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Yuliya Sytnyk
  • Patent number: 10171734
    Abstract: An imaging system that includes a rotating unit that includes an imaging camera, an alignment camera and at least a first monitor. The rotating unit is rotatable between a home position and a finish position about a rotation axis such that the imaging camera can capture a first scan. The alignment camera is directed generally downwardly and is configured to capture a first alignment image of a subject positioned generally co-axially with the rotation axis. The first alignment image is displayed on the first monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: OVIO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Mueller, Ted Gagliano, Glenn D. Derry, Gary Martinez, Steve Hai Jiang, Mitchell Loveall
  • Patent number: 9838661
    Abstract: A photographic scene replacement system includes a photographic scene with a detectable pattern. The system operates to capture a digital photograph of a subject and the photographic scene having the detectable pattern with a digital camera when the subject is arranged between the digital camera and the photographic scene. The system also operates to process the digital photograph at least in part by automatically detecting the detectable pattern in the digital photograph, to distinguish the subject from the photographic scene in the digital photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Lifetouch Inc.
    Inventor: Keith A. Benson
  • Patent number: 9747864
    Abstract: A method and a portable device controls output of a display unit to display information accurately and clearly regardless of a background image. Disclosed is an arrangement for calculating a difference between an arbitrary expression value of an arbitrary screen configuration element to be displayed on a given area of the background image and an actual expression value of the given area of the background image. Each expression value includes at least one of a color and lightness. The arrangement automatically selects the expression value of the screen configuration element based on the calculation result. The screen configuration element is displayed at the given area of the background image based on the selected arbitrary expression value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dae Woong Kim
  • Patent number: 9438864
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a process for producing and viewing through the internet high-resolution images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for multiple images of the vehicle. The background and the imaging device are revolved around a vehicle which is maintained in fixed position between the background and the imaging device. There can be two or more opposed imaging devices and two or more opposed displays. The vehicle does not need to be rotated or moved during the imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Swinford
  • Patent number: 9122128
    Abstract: A studio arrangement including a plurality of paths having a common termination point wherein none of the paths are parallel to another, a plurality of mannequins each comprising a conveyance that is slidably engaged with a different one of the paths such that each mannequin can slide along the path to the termination point, a background comprising a white surface, the background located behind the termination point, an image capture device located at a first position on an axis that intersects a mannequin at a second position when the mannequin is positioned at the termination point, and one or more light sources each aimed at the background and positioned in front of the termination point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: ThredUP, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hugh Voris, Michael Santhanam, Vivek Daver, Gregory John Ward
  • Patent number: 9002187
    Abstract: A handheld subject framing apparatus for photograph that includes a perimetric frame customizable by attachment of each of a plurality of decorative elements to a first surface thereof, said perimetric frame including at least a pair of handles disposed upon a second surface thereof, whereby at least one subject is enabled ready portage of said perimetric frame to position said perimetric frame, customized to commemorate a particular event, as case may be, in position to bound a field of view, within which field of view the at least one subject is photographable as bounded by said perimetric frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Patricia L Reiman, Phillip R. Reiman
  • Patent number: 8837926
    Abstract: Reflective Photography produces prints that make the objects photographed completely unrecognizable. A thin sheet of undulating polyester film is photographed. The objects placed in front and indirectly photographed produce an impressionistic print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: John Joseph Deering
  • Patent number: 8831414
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a light emitting device includes a determination unit configured to determine a weighting coefficient of each of a plurality of light metering regions, a calculation unit configured to calculate an amount of main flash light of the light emitting device after performing weighting of the light metering value of each of the plurality of light metering regions according to the weighting coefficient determined by the determination unit, and a selection unit configured to select, from the plurality of light metering regions, a reference region which is used when the weighting coefficient of each of the plurality of light metering regions is determined by the determination unit, and the selection unit selects the reference region in such a manner that a light metering region different from a light metering region whose color information acquired by the color information acquisition unit satisfies a particular condition, is preferentially selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshifumi Osawa
  • Patent number: 8676045
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a studio arrangement and a method of capturing images and/or video. One embodiment of the disclosure includes a front light source aimed at a background, an image capture position located between the background and the front light source, an elevated platform positioned between the image capture position and the background, and at least one rear light source positioned between the elevated platform and the background. A subject can be photographed and/or filmed on the elevated platform to achieve a desired effect of a substantially seamless background where a rear edge of the elevated platform is imperceptible to an image capture device positioned at the image capture position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy David Sawatzky, Christina L. Porter, Jeff Strauss, Gil Blank
  • Publication number: 20130129333
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dietary outcome and a system using the same are provided. The system for measuring dietary outcome includes an apparatus for measuring dietary outcome, a location identification label formed on a central bottom surface of the apparatus for measuring dietary outcome; and a camera disposed in front of the apparatus for measuring dietary outcome. Here, the apparatus for measuring dietary outcome includes a screen member, a rod member configured to wind the screen member, a housing coupled to both sides of the rod member so as to perform rotation of the rod member, and a drive unit coupled to the rod member and configured to unwind or wind the rod member by allowing a user to rotate the rod member. Here, a plurality of measuring lines are marked on the screen member in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Ohwon KWON
  • Publication number: 20130097058
    Abstract: A backdrop system includes a backdrop, a frame and a backdrop clip for holding the backdrop. The backdrop system also includes a storage system and a system for fulfilling orders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Floyd BAKER
  • Publication number: 20120321286
    Abstract: A folding panel assembly includes a first panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a second panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The first and second panels have respective adjoining first edges that together define a first gap between the panels. An interior image layer is fixed to the interior surfaces of the first panel and of the second panel. An exterior image layer is fixed to the exterior surfaces of the first panel and of the second panel. At least one of the image layers forms a first reversibly foldable hinge spanning the first gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: The American Doll Room Company LLC
    Inventor: Rory O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8301022
    Abstract: A system for capturing images of an object includes an image capture booth, one or more lights coupled to the image capture booth, a platter coupled to the image capture booth, and a hanger coupled to the image capture booth. The image capture booth includes panels that enclose a space for imaging objects. The lights illuminate at least a portion of the space. The platter and the hanger each support objects for imaging of the objects in the image capture booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan G. McGuire, Jon D. Mittelstaedt
  • Patent number: 8244117
    Abstract: A photo motion system utilizes a camera mounted photo motion machine in conjunction with a rotating turntable. The photo motion machine uses a vertically moveable carriage which supports a tilt table platform on which a digital camera is mounted. The carriage itself is mounted on columns which extend upward from a moveable, wheeled base member. Once the object to be photographed is properly positioned on the turntable, a computer software program is initiated which simultaneously coordinates the rotation of the turntable, the tilting movement of the camera, the vertical up and down movement of the carriage, the fore and aft movement of the base member, and the photographic image taking timing of the camera to take a series of images at predetermined positions during the movement of the camera on a specific arcuate route of travel around and over the object. The images are ultimately downloaded from the camera and arranged in sequential order to create an animated video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jack D. Neith
  • Publication number: 20120163782
    Abstract: A backdrop support is presented comprising a stand and a flexible support sheet. The stand comprises a base end having a surface engaging formation for standing on a surface, and an opposed support end. The flexible support sheet is attached or attachable to at least the support end of the stand such that the flexible support sheet can extend from the stand and form a curved surface; wherein the backdrop support further comprises at least one sheet retaining formation configured to retain one or more sheets on the flexible support sheet. The presented backdrop support allows the colour of the backdrop of a photograph to be readily changed by simply replacing a coloured sheet retained by the at least one sheet retaining formation with a different coloured sheet without disassembling the backdrop support of changing the lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander Brendan McColl
  • Publication number: 20110299841
    Abstract: The invented apparatus is a backdrop system for displaying and storing one or several backdrops to use in a photographic studio, video productions or other instances where a backdrop may be desired and for easy carrying to on-site jobs. The backdrop is attached to a rolling system, which comprises a backdrop core in the shape of a tube or spindle and at least one roller containing an internal bi-directional drive means and a power supply unit. The rolling system is controlled by the control system containing a control unit and a command unit, thus allowing automated scrolling of different backdrop scenes and lowering a desired backdrop from a plurality of rolling systems when the appropriate scene is found. A control mechanism is applied to the backdrop system to ensure the backdrop is properly wound upon the rolling system each time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: ZONGFA CHENG
  • Patent number: 8059948
    Abstract: A method of photographing an object (50,52) and associated photographic apparatus are disclosed. A camera (60), a light source (40) and a collapsible background unit (10,90) are provided, wherein the collapsible background unit (10,90) comprises an enclosure with an illuminating wall (18,95) that is translucent. The light source (40) and the background unit (10,90) are arranged relative to each other so that light from the light source (40) is directed into the interior of the enclosure, at least some of said light being transmitted to the exterior of the enclosure through the illuminating wall (18,95). The object (50,52) and the camera (60) are arranged externally of the enclosure such that the illuminating wall (18,95), or an additional translucent component (74) interposed between the illuminating wall (18,95) and the object (50,52), constitutes a background for the object (50,52). A photograph of the object (50,52) is then taken using the camera (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lastolite Limited
    Inventor: Gary James Astill
  • Patent number: 7894713
    Abstract: A system and method for producing realistic backgrounds in studio photography is provided. The system comprises a background screen lit from behind by a light source. The background screen comprises a graphic screen upon which a high resolution image is printed. A filter screen behind the graphic screen is positioned substantially parallel to the graphic screen and separated from the graphic screen by a predetermined distance. The photography subject is placed in front of the graphic screen and pictures are taken. The diffusion of light through the filter screen onto the graphic screen results in highly realistic background images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jeremy S. Clark
  • Patent number: 7680401
    Abstract: A portable photography studio includes a carrier for transporting the components of the photography studio. The carrier is made up of a number of panels, several of which are detachable from the other panels. The main components of the photography studio include a pair of reflectors and three light diffusing screens, each of which has an edge attached to one of the panels of the carrier. When in use, the carrier panels may be detached and moved away from one another, allowing for the reflectors and screens to be pivoted about their attached edges and assembled in their proper positions for photographing objects. A background may also be attached to one of the panels and contained within the carrier. When the photographing is completed, the background, screens and reflectors may be pivoted back to their original positions and the carrier panels reassembled to form an enclosure holding all of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Alan Adelstein
  • Publication number: 20090269045
    Abstract: A method of photographing an object (50,52) and associated photographic apparatus are disclosed. A camera (60), a light source (40) and a collapsible background unit (10,90) are provided, wherein the collapsible background unit (10,90) comprises an enclosure with an illuminating wall (18,95) that is translucent. The light source (40) and the background unit (10,90) are arranged relative to each other so that light from the light source (40) is directed into the interior of the enclosure, at least some of said light being transmitted to the exterior of the enclosure through the illuminating wall (18,95). The object (50,52) and the camera (60) are arranged externally of the enclosure such that the illuminating wall (18,95), or an additional translucent component (74) interposed between the illuminating wall (18,95) and the object (50,52), constitutes a background for the object (50,52). A photograph of the object (50,52) is then taken using the camera (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: LASTOLITE LIMITED
    Inventor: Gary James Astill
  • Patent number: 7542079
    Abstract: On the external packing film 124 of the memory card insertion section vicinity of the bottom surface of the digital camera 100, the ROM chip and the print wiring 131 are surface-mounted, and one end of the print wiring 131 is connected to the ROM chip 130, and the other end is connected to the external connecting terminal 132 provided on the bottom surface of the digital camera 100. The identifying information in the ROM chip 130 is read out at the time of the operation of the digital camera 100, and is collated with the identifying information inside the camera, and when it can not be collated or it is not coincident, the power source of the camera is compulsively turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Misawa
  • Patent number: 7515827
    Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes a storage device for storing a silhouette image; an image sensor for capturing a first image of an object, the first image including a first object image and a first background image; a comparison module for comparing the first object image with respect to the silhouette image to obtaining a base difference; and a correction module for correcting position of the first object image with respect to the first image to obtain a second image of the object according to the base difference. The second image includes a second object image incorporating with the silhouette image to define a first difference that is smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Wen-Way Chen
  • Patent number: 7480448
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of suspended materials as a backdrop for photography or stage productions. The suspended materials may be stored on a spool device. Such spool devices may include tubes or spindles constructed of metal, of cardboard, of plastic or other lightweight and inexpensive materials. The spool device may also include means for attaching the tube or spindle to a lifting device. Such attachment means may include a pair of interconnectable coupling devices, one fixed to the spool and the second attached to the lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Gary D. Clegg
  • Patent number: 7468778
    Abstract: A method of providing a visual representation of a scene to a participant in a studio is provided, wherein the studio is arranged to be viewed by a camera to provide a camera image and has at least a portion of a background object arranged to be keyed out of the camera image by a keying process. The method includes obtaining an estimate of the viewpoint of the participant; rendering an image of the scene based on the viewpoint of the participant; and projecting at least a portion of the rendered image onto the background object to provide a projected image portion visible to the participant. The projected image portion is projected so as to be keyed out of the camera image by the keying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Thomas, Oliver Grau
  • Publication number: 20080226273
    Abstract: There are provided a background replacing apparatus, a background replacing program, and a background replacing method, which are capable of creating a background replaced image in which a background of a photographic image is naturally replaced with a desired background. The background replacing apparatus has an image obtaining section 710 that obtains a plurality of photographic images obtained through photography of a common subject under a plurality of photographic conditions, and a replacement processing section 730.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Toshihiko Kaku
  • Patent number: 7418197
    Abstract: A chromo-key screen method and device having a screen component with a front surface and a back surface and capable of transfusing light or other electromagnetic energy from the back surface to the front surface and one or more lights or other electromagnetic energy generators transmitting energy onto the back surface that is transfused to the front surface and transmitted from the front surface into area subject of an image capturing device, e.g. photographic or digital camera. The invention applies to chroma-key photography wherein the background screen is lighted, at least in part, from a source behind the screen. The device may include an enclosure to restrict color spilling into the foreground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Alpha Photography Inc.
    Inventors: G. Richard Didow, Robert Bryant, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080166111
    Abstract: A chromo-key screen method and device having a first chroma-key screen component with a front surface and a back surface and screen enclosure wherein the screen enclosure is capable of reflecting light from a back enclosure screen to the back surface of the chroma-key screen and transmitted to the front surface of the chroma-key screen component. Further, one or more lights or other electromagnetic energy generators transmit energy onto the back screen that is reflected to the chroma-key screen component and transfused to the front surface of the chroma-key screen and transmitted from the front surface into area subject of an image capturing device, e.g. photographic or digital camera. The invention applies to chroma-key photography wherein the background screen is lighted, at least in part, from a source behind the screen. The device may include an enclosure to restrict color spilling into the foreground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Didow, Robert Bryant
  • Publication number: 20070258705
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of suspended materials as a backdrop for photography or stage productions. The suspended materials may be stored on a spool device. Such spool devices may include tubes or spindles constructed of metal, of cardboard, of plastic or other lightweight and inexpensive materials. The spool device may also include means for attaching the tube or spindle to a lifting device. Such attachment means may include a pair of interconnectable coupling devices, one fixed to the spool and the second attached to the lifting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: GCS Distributing, LLC
    Inventor: Gary D. Clegg
  • Patent number: 7236695
    Abstract: A photographic backdrop with stand includes a photographic backdrop and a support structure. The photographic backdrop includes a backdrop screen and four pockets attached to the four corners of the backdrop screen. The support structure includes a photographic light stand, a base connector and four support rods. Each support rod includes a substantially triangular end. The photographic light stand includes a vertical mounting tube. The vertical mounting tube is inserted into a bottom of the base connector. The four support rods are also inserted into pre-existing holes in the base connector. The backdrop screen is stretched over the four support rods, such that the four substantially triangular ends are inserted into the four pockets. Four extension rods may be used to extend the length of the four support rods for larger backdrop screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Nicholas S. Demos
  • Patent number: 7054549
    Abstract: The invention refers to a variable background for photographic pictures which comprises a flexible basic body, which supports the object which has to be photographed, and at least one adjustment device for modifying the shape of the basic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Novoflex GbR Bothe, Hiesinger und Mann
    Inventor: Reingard Hiesinger
  • Patent number: 6885767
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing an image containing only an object of interest, without any background. They are directed at making the background appear so much brighter than the object that the brightness differential can be used to discriminate between the two and then to strip the background from the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Paul Howell
  • Patent number: 6842583
    Abstract: A method of photographing a simulated activity includes a stable photographic platform that enables an individual to safely mount an item of equipment or a safety surface adjacent the item of equipment so that a photograph may be taken. The item of equipment may be positioned in concealing relation to a structure that supports the item of equipment or the safety surface. The posing individual or the clothing of the posing individual may also conceal the support structure. Alternatively, the support structure and the safety surface may be unconcealed but disguised as a natural element of a photographed scene, such as a rail in a skateboard park. The result is a photograph of an activity where the individual and the equipment appear to be precariously positioned or even suspended in the air with no apparent support. No part of the equipment or individual is cropped from the photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Owen Weber, Deanna May Weber
  • Patent number: 6643455
    Abstract: An object imaging system, particularly for slaughtered animal carcases or meat pieces, includes an imaging station to which the object (10) is introduced, a camera (20) at the imaging station, and lighting means (30). The imaging station includes a backing member (15) for providing a background for the object (10), and an image capture enclosure (21) which has an open side (22) facing towards the backing member (15), the inside surfaces of the enclosure (21) being non-reflective. The camera (20) is mounted in the enclosure (21) and faces towards the open side (22) and towards the backing member (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: RMS Research Management Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt David Malmstrom
  • Publication number: 20030133703
    Abstract: A storage device for fixing business cards and a camera. The device includes a box for storing an object, a first fixing device connected to the box for fixing the object, and a second fixing device connected to the box, having a predetermined distance from the first fixing device, for fixing a camera. The box is a business card holder or a camera case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: BENO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chin-Yu Lin, Chin-Wen Yang
  • Patent number: 6411778
    Abstract: A portable photographic studio that is relatively lightweight, easily assembled and disassembled, easily carried and is easily transported in even a compact automobile is provided by the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc.
    Inventor: Trygve D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6366316
    Abstract: An electronic imaging system includes a portable electronic camera operable in a compositing mode and a separate processor for compositing images using the difference of two images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Parulski, Jiebo Luo, Edward B. Gindele
  • Patent number: 6343184
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a support element, a frame or enclosure rotatably attached to the support element and a camera rotatably attached to the frame or enclosure. The frame or enclosure can rotate about a subject placed on the support element in the horizontal and in the vertical. A camera mounted on the frame or enclosure rotates about the subject with the frame or enclosure and can also move toward or away from the subject. The frame can be covered with translucent material to create an enclosure around the subject and lighting may be applied either from outside the enclosure or inside the enclosure by placing lights affixed to the external frame through the material. In one embodiment, solid translucent material such as plexiglass can be both the frame and the enclosure. The support element includes at least one arm connected to a stage support which mounts a rotatable stage upon which the subject to be photographed is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Roger F. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20010041064
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a support element, a frame or enclosure rotatably attached to the support element and a camera rotatably attached to the frame or enclosure. The frame or enclosure can rotate about a subject placed on the support element in the horizontal and in the vertical. A camera mounted on the frame or enclosure rotates about the subject with the frame or enclosure and can also move toward or away from the subject. The frame can be covered with translucent material to create an enclosure around the subject and lighting may be applied either from outside the enclosure or inside the enclosure by placing lights affixed to the external frame through the material. In one embodiment, solid translucent material such as plexiglass can be both the frame and the enclosure. The support element includes at least one arm connected to a stage support which mounts a rotatable stage upon which the subject to be photographed is placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Roger F. Huebner
  • Patent number: 6317560
    Abstract: A photographing system comprises a photographing box (16) capable of accommodates a user (17) and of allowing the user (17) to change a pose, a lighting means (2) installed in the photographing box (16), and a photographing means (3) installed in the photographing box (16). A printing means (8) prints out pictures on the basis of photographic data provided by the photographing means (3). The lighting means (2), the photographing means (3) and the printing means (8) are controlled by a synchronizing control means (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kawabata
  • Patent number: 6229904
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a computerized automatic morphing photography booth for generating a synthesized composite or altered image from two or more initial images and a method therefor. The initial images to be converted may be real-time images taken on sight and/or stored images previously programmed into the memory of the computer. The computer maps out the essential characteristics of each image and converts the two images into the composite image by blending, merging and/or superimposing some or all of the characteristics mapped out for each initial image. The invention further teaches stationary or moving cameras which are capable of centering the composite in a picture frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: American Alpha, Inc
    Inventors: Sming Huang, Hiroyuki Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 6226455
    Abstract: A device for producing printed images of a subject is described. The device includes a housing containing an imaging apparatus, and a frame carrying a hood configured to exclude outside light from illuminating a subject. The frame is rotationally spring loaded and counterbalanced on the housing, allowing the frame to be pulled downward without pulling the housing over onto the subject. The hood is configured to indirectly illuminate the subject by reflecting light onto the subject. The imaging apparatus includes a camera configured to take subject image data (i.e., a picture of the subject), a device to provide component-image data (i.e., background, foreground or framing images) to be synthesized with the picture of the subject, a device to synthesize the picture with the component-images, and a printer to print the resulting synthesized images. A cassette unit that contains a plurality of read-only memory chips is removably plugged into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: SNK Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Ishimoto, Hiroaki Kimura, Kenta Fujimoto, Hamao Horiguchi, Shigekazu Matsumoto, Kazukuni Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 6047130
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method that includes a photographic camera synchronized to a video camera with a computer and viewing monitors in a unique combination that allows professional photography customers to visually determine the appropriate size of a portrait photograph and matching picture frame by displaying upon a viewer a perspective view of a video image of the photographic image and the matching picture frame within a simulated room image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Environmental Protection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Oles