Abstract: A system and a method for modifying an original image to simulate a painting effect, wherein an irregularly translucent diffusion element is configured to be overlayed with an original image such as a photograph or picture and a scanner or photocopier is configured to scan an imaging area adjacent the original image overlayed with the diffusion element and produce image data representative of the original image modified by the diffusion element. Alternatively, the painting effect can be simulated in software to produce shifts in pixels of original image data and display a distorted image with painting effect based on the shifts in pixel values.

Abstract: A panoramic image capture aid is formed in a photographic camera to assist a photographer in recording a series of film images that can be combined to form a panoramic image. The capture aid includes a viewing window on the camera, a first stripe indicator coupled to a film advance mechanism for moving with each film advance, and a second stripe indicator coupled to a compass for indicating the direction the camera is pointing. The first and second stripe indicators are supported on transparent rings concentrically arranged relative to the camera body such that their stripes intersect in the viewing window when the camera is properly positioned for the next image in the series of images.

Abstract: A camera for partially preexposed, multiple exposure film including a body with an exposure well and a film track across the well. A lens is attached to the camera body at the other end of the exposure well. A mask which includes a plate and a substantially perpendicular flange is positioned at the back of the exposure well adjacent to the film track. The flange extends into the exposure well and is adhered to the wall thereof. The plate includes margins to overlap with the body of the camera about three sides around the exposure well. Another camera includes an asymmetrically arranged exposure well relative to the film track such that the body of the camera about the exposure well extends to cover the preexposed image segment on a multiple exposure film strip.

Abstract: A technique of capturing a stereoscopic panoramic photographic image of a scene, includes capturing a first 360.degree. panoramic image of a scene from a first point on a vertical axis; and capturing a second 360.degree. panoramic image of the scene from a second point on the vertical axis, the second point being displaced from the first point by a stereoscopic baseline distance.

Abstract: A consecutive taking camera has 16 taking lenses (13a-13p). Time-sequential exposures can be taken in 16 sub-frames (74a-74h, 75a-75h) upon shutter releasing at one time, the sub-frames (74a-74h, 75a-75h) arranged on photo film in a direction of transport of the photo film. A stationary plate (26) is disposed behind the taking lenses (13a-13p), and has 16 stationary openings (31a-31p) through which light entered into respective the taking lenses (13a-13p) is passed. Shutter disks (32-39) are disposed behind the taking lenses (13a-13p), have a shutter slit, and are rotatable to move the shutter slit (32a-39a) past the 16 stationary openings (31a-31p). A consecutive mode and a one-shot mode are selectively designated: the former for taking the time-sequential exposures in 2 to 16 sub-frames (74a-74h, 75a-75h) upon the shutter releasing at the one time, and the latter for taking one exposure in one of the sub-frames (74a-74h, 75a-75h) upon shutter releasing.

Abstract: A camera is locked in either a multiple-exposure photography state or a normal photography state in association with the initial movement of charge of a shutter to prevent overlapping of frames. When a multiple-exposure/normal photography changeover mechanism (50) is in a normal photography state, a film-advance drive system (20) and a shutter charge drive system (30) are actuated in association with the actuation of a film-advance lever (10). When the multiple-exposure/normal photography changeover mechanism (50) is in a multiple-exposure photography state, a film-overadvancing prevention mechanism (40) is actuated so as to operate only the shutter charge drive system (30) in association with the actuation of the film-advance lever (10).

Abstract: A camera device having photosensitive film, a frame connected to the film for holding the film fixed in a first plane, and a plurality of lenses of several predetermined focusing powers mounted to the frame and disposed in a second plane spaced from and parallel to the plane of the film. A shutter assembly is mounted to the frame for enabling light transmission selectively through the lenses and onto the film. The shutter assembly is actuated by shutter activation componentry mounted to the frame and operatively connected to the shutter assembly. A Fresnel lens and a Fresnel reflector are mounted to the frame and disposed on opposite sides of a light source for providing artificial illumination for the camera. Each lens is assocaited with a respective viewfinder and a respective camera exposure indicator. The camera a designed for storage and transport in a wallet or billfold.

Abstract: A consecutive taking camera has 16 taking lenses (13a-13p). Time-sequential exposures can be taken in 16 sub-frames (74a-74h, 75a-75h) upon shutter releasing at one time, the sub-frames (74a-74h, 75a-75h) arranged on photo film in a direction of transport of the photo film. A stationary plate (26) is disposed behind the taking lenses (13a-13p), and has 16 stationary openings (31a-31p) through which light entered into respective the taking lenses (13a-13p) is passed. Shutter disks (32-39) are disposed behind the taking lenses (13a-13p), have a shutter slit, and are rotatable to move the shutter slit (32a-39a) past the 16 stationary openings (31a-31p). A consecutive mode and a one-shot mode are selectively designated: the former for taking the time-sequential exposures in 2 to 16 sub-frames (74a-74h, 75a-75h) upon the shutter releasing at the one time, and the latter for taking one exposure in one of the sub-frames (74a-74h, 75a-75h) upon shutter releasing.

Abstract: A multi-spectral decentered catadioptric-type optical system suitable for use with long range oblique aerial reconnaissance camera systems, spectrum analyzers, astronomical imagers, remote sensing, and other applications is described. The optical system includes an aspheric primary mirror receiving incident radiation and defining a central aperture. An aspheric secondary mirror is provided for receiving the radiation from the primary mirror. The primary and secondary mirrors are positioned and constructed such that entrance aperture of the system is displaced or decentered relative to the optical axis of the system, so as to thereby increase the modulation transfer function of the optical system as compared to a centrally obscured system.The aspheric secondary mirror directs the incident radiation onto a means for splitting the radiation to a first optical path and a second optical path.

Abstract: A portion of a frame of film is pre-exposed to a first image by subjecting the film to a low intensity exposure while masking a portion of the film. The film is then used in a conventional camera along with a non-opaque exposure limiting device. The non-opaque exposure limiting device is positioned between the camera lens and the film. During exposure of the film to a second or target image, the first image is partially re-exposed thereby enhancing the stability of the picture while capturing the target image on the unexposed portion of the frame of film. The two images are then developed in a conventional manner to produce a relatively smoothly blended composite photograph.

Abstract: Bulk rolls of film are pre-exposed with a latent image of artwork positioned within a film frame. Multiple frames, each having an artwork image portion and an opaque portion, are formed within an imaging filmstrip formed in a continuous loop. The continuous loop is rotated while a portion of the filmstrip is in contact with a portion of the bulk film for transferring the artwork image from the filmstrip to the bulk film. The bulk film is advanced while a light source exposes the film when in contact with the filmstrip. The pre-exposed bulk roll of film is punched at preselected sprocket holes corresponding to the filmstrip length for providing a reference sprocket hole within each length of film cut from the bulk roll for loading within a camera for double exposure of the film and placement of a second latent image in juxtaposition with the artwork.

Abstract: A camera having an operating mechanism which comprises a body providing a film take-up chamber for containing an initially empty film cartridge, an exposure chamber having an open rear side, and a film supply chamber for containing a roll of film pre-exposed with border images on respective frames to define respective unexposed areas for subsequent photographic exposure. The operating mechanism includes a shutter mechanism, a film-advancing member for advancing the film frame-by-frame from the film supply chamber to the film take-up chamber across the exposure chamber rear side, and a trigger mechanism for operating the shutter mechanism in response to film advancement by the film-advancing member. A movable cover is used between the exposure chamber rear side and the film, which has a see-through portion to reveal the unexposed area for photographic exposure while protecting the border image of each successive frame.

Abstract: A fun camera provides precise registration of a latent image within a film frame with subsequent images placed on the filmstrip through exposure of the filmstrip within the camera. Rolls of film are pre-exposed with the latent image of artwork positioned within film frames. Masks are provided for insertion of the camera frame opening for shielding that portion of the film frame which contains the artwork latent image. The art work is placed onto the pre-exposed filmstrip using an imaging filmstrip formed in a continuous loop. The continuous loop having multiple artwork images thereon is rotated while a portion of the filmstrip is in contact with a portion of the bulk film for transferring the artwork image from the filmstrip to the bulk film. The bulk film is advanced while a light source exposes the film when in contact with the filmstrip.

Abstract: A disposable camera having a body which provides a film take-up chamber for containing an initially empty film cartridge, an exposure chamber having an open rear side, and a film supply chamber for containing a film roll pre-exposed with messages on respective frames for subsequent photographic exposure. The camera includes a shutter mechanism to enable photographic exposure, a film-advancing member for moving the film from the film supply chamber to the film take-up chamber across the rear side of the exposure chamber, and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism includes a sprocket for engaging traction holes of the film extending across the rear side of the exposure chamber for activating the overall operating mechanism upon said movement of the film.

Abstract: A portion of a frame of film is pre-exposed to a first image by subjecting the film to a low intensity exposure while masking a portion of the film. The film is then used in a conventional camera along with a non-opaque exposure limiting device. The non-opaque exposure limiting device is positioned between the camera lens and the film. During exposure of the film to a second or target image, the first image is partially re-exposed thereby enhancing the stability of the picture while capturing the target image on the unexposed portion of the frame of film. The two images are then developed in a conventional manner to produce a relatively smoothly blended composite photograph.

Abstract: Photographic film comprises a flexible substrate sheet divided on one side into a multiplicity of different picture areas provided with respective layers of photosensitive chemical material having a plurality of different photosensitivities. Thus, each sheet or strip of film is essentially multiple ASA film. Such a film strip is provided with detectible code on a substrate sheet for encoding the photosensitivities of the different picture areas in a readable format. A camera utilizing the film is provided with a magnetic reader for determining film speeds or photosensitivities of the different picture areas on the film. A film transport mechanism is controlled by a microprocessor to move an unexposed picture area of an appropriate ASA to an exposure zone of the camera, either in response to a manually selected ASA or an automatic determination of optimal film speed in accordance with lighting conditions as detected by a light sensor, subject distance, etc.

Abstract: A photographing optical apparatus includes reflecting members for reflecting images transmitted along a plurality of optical paths having parallax; optical systems arranged on the plurality of optical paths behind the reflecting members; optical members for reducing vertically the images passing through the optical systems; and an image sensor disposed at or near the imaging plane of the images so that the images reduced by the optical members are formed on the image sensor. By moving the reflecting members, a convergent angle is changed and stereoscopic photography and panoramic photography become possible.

Abstract: A camera and more particularly, but not exclusively, a disposable camera has an exposure chamber therein which defines an aperture over which an exposable film strip is displaced to expose an image of a subject being photographed. A transparent film member, provided with one or more predetermined images thereon, is disposed against this aperture whereby to expose in superimposition on a film frame of the exposable film strip a composite image which is comprised of the subject being photographed in combination with the one or more predetermined images on the transparent film member.

Abstract: An image combining printer, capable of producing a highly intelligible image combination print having explicit colors and shapes, includes: a scanner for reading colors of an original image from a negative film; a color identifier for estimating positive colors on a finished print from the color data of the scanner; a color area determining element for determining the size of a color area to be exposed a multiple number of times in accordance with a scale of enlargement; a vertical position detector for detecting a vertical position data which represents the upward and downward positioning of the original image in the negative film; a vertical position determining element for determining the vertical position of the original image from the vertical position data of the vertical position detector; an exposure element for exposing a photosensitive material to the original image projected from the negative film; a multiple exposure condition determining element for determining the location, orientation, and colo

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and reproducing three-dimensional images comprises a non-transmittable or opaque surface having a plurality of transmission points at specified spaces, so that light from an object passes through them; a transmittable or transparent body which refracts the light from the transmission points; and a recording surface which records the light from the transmittable body. The apparatus is operative to record the light which has reached the recording surface as images, and to record the direction of the light in the form of a combination of information about each transmission point and the corresponding image. Also, the apparatus is operative to reproduce the recorded images, by illuminating the recording surface via the transmission points, with white light.

Abstract: A portion of a frame of film is pre-exposed to a first image by subjecting the film to a low intensity exposure while masking a portion of the film. The film is then used in a conventional camera along with a non-opaque exposure limiting device. The non-opaque exposure limiting device is positioned between the camera lens and the film. During exposure of the film to a second or target image, the first image is partially re-exposed thereby enhancing the stability of the picture while capturing the target image on the unexposed portion of the frame of film. The two images are then developed in a conventional manner to produce a relatively smoothly blended composite photograph.

Abstract: A method for exposing film with a latent image, wherein the latent image is in precise registration with a subsequent image placed onto the filmstrip. Pre-exposed artwork is positioned to enhance a finished photograph creating a pleasing and interesting photograph without special efforts by a user. An exposure frame opening of the camera has a shielded portion in registration with the pre-exposed filmstrip artwork portion of the filmstrip. To place the artwork in proper registration, an imaging filmstrip is formed having an image of the artwork. The artwork image is located using an alignment filmstrip formed using the camera itself. Subsequent exposure provides each frame of the pre-exposed filmstrip with images in pleasing juxtaposition.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for resolving 3-dimensional optical information, in recording 3-dimensional image information. The apparatus includes, from the object side, a light shielder with left and right transparent shielder portions which are arranged vertical to the ground surface, an optical system through which the optical information is collimated, and a multiple slit grating having opaque portions and number y transparent grating portions defining a Fresnel zone behind the grating. The transparent grating portions are arranged vertical to the ground surface and resolves the image information into a number 2y of 3-dimensional image information r.sub.1, r.sub.2, r.sub.3 . . . r.sub.y, l.sub.1, l.sub.2, l.sub.3 . . . l.sub.y. The apparatus further includes an image plane positioned within the Fresnel zone behind the multiple slit grating on which an image without deficit or overlap is produced with a sequence of l.sub.1, r.sub.1, l.sub.2, r.sub.2 . . . l.sub.y, r.sub.y.

Abstract: A multi-picture image printing system includes a reception portion for receiving a plurality of recording mediums sequentially, each recording medium carrying a plurality of pictures; a multi-picture image generator operable to read the plurality of pictures recorded on each recording medium and generate a multi-picture image based on the read plurality of pictures; a printer operable to print the generated multi-picture image on a sheet; a medium discharger operable to discharge recording mediums; a sheet discharger operable to discharge printed sheets; a storing unit including a plurality of containers for containing discharged recording medium and printed sheet; and a controllers operable to control the medium discharger, sheet discharger, and the storing unit to place a recording medium and a printed sheet bearing a multi-picture image having pictures recorded on the recording medium in the same container.