Abstract: A surface for use in color key composite imaging comprises a substrate including a plurality of ridges running parallel to an axis. The ridges each include a color key face disposed at an angle to the plane of the substrate. The angle is preferably greater than about 45.degree.. The color key faces are finished in a selected keying color.

Abstract: A tailoring system and apparatus for tailoring clothing wherein body measurements are photographically recorded for computer data entry from special form fitting articles of clothing to which disposable strips of tape measures are temporarily adhesively affixed. The customer wears a body suit consisting of a top, a sleeve, and a leg leotard to which the disposable measuring tapes are attached around predetermined circumferential portions. The measuring tapes are attached by small pieces of a double sided adhesive tape that do not stick to the body suit when the measuring tapes are removed. The customer then stands on an elevated platform in the corner of a specially designed room and vertical tape measures are positioned in a predetermined location. The room has a camera embedded in the wall facing the customer and another camera embedded in a wall facing one side of the customer. The walls facing the cameras are imprinted with a grid that indicates height and width dimensions.

Abstract: A photographer's backdrop includes a spunbonded olefin material which is prepared according to several methods. According to one method of preparing the material, the material is softened by crushing it to break down the fibers in the material and render it more supple prior to the application of paint or dye. According to another method of preparing the material, acrylic paint, spray enamel, or soluble dye is applied to the material. After the material is completely dried, it is crushed (again) to assure a soft supple quality. Preferred aspects of the invention include: using a spunbonded olefin having the characteristics of DuPont TYVEK.RTM. #1422R which has one side which is relatively absorbent and another side which is non-absorbent, applying paint or dye to the relatively absorbent side of the TYVEK.RTM., and crushing the TYVEK.RTM. before and after painting or dyeing.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for background generation and chroma replacement for use with video and digital imaging that includes motion pictures, television, commercial and portrait photography. The present invention comprises a projection device that generates and projects a background image where the projection device further comprises a front projecting device and a retroreflective screen. The front projection device couples to a camera and comprises a projector with a removeable filter coupled to a beamsplitter enclosure. The beamsplitter enclosure comprises a beamsplitter with a quick connect coupling. A sizing ring couples the quick connect coupling to the camera lens. The removable filter in the projector may comprise a solid colored filter or a photographic image.

Abstract: The photo cabin of the invention provides a background for an image, subject lighting and possibly support for an external camera; furthermore, the photo cabin is foldable, thereby facilitating transport, handling and storage. Electrical power and signal connections for controlling and energizing the subject lighting are also included.

Abstract: A background support system for use in a photographic studio includes a single-roller assembly upon which a number of backgrounds are mounted and from which any specific background is rapidly selected for display.

Abstract: A photographer's backdrop includes a spunbonded olefin which is prepared according to several methods. According to one method of preparing the material, the material is softened by crushing it to break down the fibers in the material and render it more supple prior to the application of paint or dye. According to another method of preparing the material, acrylic paint, spray enamel, or water soluble dye is applied to the material. After the material is completely dried, it is crushed (again) to assure a soft supple quality. According to still another method of preparing the material, two hems are provided at opposite ends of a substantially rectangular piece of the material and one hem is optionally curved or angled to provide a built-in drape. Preferred aspects of the invention include: using a spunbonded olefin having the characteristics of DuPont Tyvek.RTM.

Abstract: A photo installation having an acquisition element intended to receive the optical image of a subject desired to be photographed. The acquisition element is connected to a central processing unit for storing the optical information thus received. The installation is provided with a screen connected to the acquisition element that allows simultaneous viewing by the subject of the image received by the acquisition element. A printing device is provided to take a photograph or a sequence of photographs upon command of the subject. A half-silvered mirror is mounted on the optical axis of the acquisition element and directed along the bisector of the angle defined by the respective optical axes of the acquisition element and the screen so as to generate a virtual image of the screen on the optical path of the acquisition element.

Abstract: A kiosk providing postcards at scenic attractions that includes a digital camera fixed to the housing in predetermined orientation with respect to the scenic attraction to provide an artistically composed image of that attraction that may be printed on a postcard after payment by a user. A marker plate and display allow a user to superimpose himself or herself within the image and to review that composition prior to creating and paying for the postcard.

Abstract: A portable screen assembly for use with a projector has a housing made up of a lower casing and an upper casing pivotally mounted on the lower casing to open or close the lower casing. The housing accommodates a roll rotatably mounted on the lower casing, a screen wound around the roll, a hanger bar to which one side of the screen is connected, and two extension robe assemblies having respective first ends pivotally mounted on the lower casing for movement between folded-down positions and erected positions generally perpendicular to each other. The hanger bar extends parallel to the roll in a spaced relationship when accommodated within the housing, while the two extension robe assemblies extend, when in the folded-down positions, in line with each other in a direction parallel to the roll and in a spaced relationship thereto. A bar clip is mounted on a second end of each of the extension robe assemblies.

Abstract: A method for pattern classification and, in particular, a method which distributes the classification criteria across a neural network. The classification criteria for a pattern class is stored distributively in the neural network in two aspects. First, it manifests itself as one or more levels of templates, each of which represents a fuzzily unique perspective of the pattern class. Second, the template at each level is represented by a set of fuzzy windows, each of which defines a classification criterion of a corresponding feature of the pattern class.