Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment are disclosed herein. An apparatus for supporting a camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can include one or more bendable support members extending from a camera holding portion. In this embodiment, each of the bendable support members includes a plurality of shaped outer portions arranged on an elongate, bendable core. In one embodiment, the bendable core can include a plastically deformable material that retains its shape after being bent with little or no spring-back, and each of the shaped outer portions can include spherical portions formed from a resilient, elastomeric material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional photographic shelf that is highly controllable, adjustable and portable. A loading turntable of the shelf for loading a photographic subject has the functions of horizontal rotation for different angles and vertical angles switches while cooperating with a hand rod connected to a digital camera.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for fastening and aligning a sensor, e.g., in motor vehicles, the sensor being connected to a support via a holding element. By reworking the sensor seating surface, a precise alignment of the sensor axis with the nominal direction may be achieved.

Abstract: A stand apparatus having the connector so as to correspond to a position of an electronic equipment being housed and comprises a connection inhibiter member to inhibit the connection if the position of the electronic equipment being housed and a turned state of the connector do not match with each other. Furthermore, electronic equipment, e.g., a camera, can be connected with the stand apparatus electrically either in the state of the equipment body facing up with the display apparatus of the camera being folded thereon, or in the state of the display apparatus being folded onto the back side of the equipment body with the display surface facing up.

Abstract: An apparatus, with moving parts, having a flexible circuit configured such that its fatigue life is enhanced. The apparatus includes a first component, a second component, and a positioning mechanism between the first component and the second component. The positioning mechanism enables movement of the first component and the second component between at least a proximate position and a spaced-apart position. Also included between the first component and the second component is a flexible circuit that has a first end coupled to the first component and a second end coupled to the second component. The flexible circuit is configured as a compliant spring that can extend and collapse in a predefined shape when the components are spaced-apart and proximate, respectively.

Abstract: An actuator includes a rotor, a stator containing the rotor, and a bearing to support the rotor to be rotatable with respect to the stator about the central axis of the rotor and an axis perpendicular to the central axis. The rotor includes rotor central magnetic poles, a rotor upper magnetic pole, and a rotor lower magnetic pole. The stator includes stator central magnetic poles larger in number than the rotor central magnetic poles, stator upper magnetic poles, stator lower magnetic poles, central coils to appropriately magnetize the stator central magnetic poles, upper coils to appropriately magnetize the stator upper magnetic poles, and lower coils to appropriately magnetize the stator lower magnetic poles. The length of each stator central magnetic pole along a central axis of the stator is larger than a length of each rotor central magnetic pole along the central axis of the rotor.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source.

Abstract: A miniaturised support for photographic equipment such as video and photographic cameras comprising a plate-like member capable of being fixed to, or integrated in, the equipment to be supported, and at least two flaps mounted on the plate-like member along opposite sides of same and movable between a closed position, in which both the flaps are folded behind the plate-like member, and an open position, in which the flaps are spread apart from each other as support for the plate-like member.

Abstract: A four-axis camera mount for medical purpose includes a cantilever arm having different sections separately turnable in X, Y, and Z axis; a coupling element having a camera coupled therewith; a screw rod assembly having a screw rod connected at an inner end to a motor in a base located at a free end of the cantilever arm, and a moving element mounted around the screw rod and fastened to the coupling element, so that the screw rod can be driven by the motor to rotate for the moving element and the coupling element to linearly reciprocate; and a guiding mechanism mounted to the base and having a locking plate fastened to the moving element to ensure stable linear reciprocation of the moving element and the coupling element. Therefore, the camera on the coupling element may have an increased shooting area.

Abstract: A support structure for supporting an image capture device generally comprises a base, a first vertically oriented, elongated support member supported by the base, a mechanism that provides tilting and panning of the device relative to the first support member, and elevation of the device along the first support member, and a second elongated support member disposed to stabilize the mechanism. Preferred bases include bases that are foldable and/or rotatable, and ones that have a leveling device coupled to the base. Preferred support members can be rotatable relative to the base.

Abstract: A stand for a camera device, the stand comprising an attachment element which is detachably fastened to the camera device and at least one support element which is displaceably connected to the attachment element. The support element is displaceable between at least two positions, a “storage” position where the at least one support element essentially lies up against an outer surface of the camera device and an “active” position where the at least one support element is displaced away from the outer surface of the camera device in order to provide a support for supporting the camera device in a steady orientation on a surface. The attachment element and the supporting element are furthermore arranged such that the attachment element remains fastened to the camera device during the displacement of the supporting element between its storage position and its active position. In this way, a stand is provided which may be very easy and convenient for the user to use.

Abstract: A positioning device for motion picture camera equipment. The positioning device includes a plurality of modular longitudinal rails, a camera mounting plate, means for slidably positioning said plate along said rails, means for joining said rails to form a suitable platform for positioning said plate.

Abstract: A modular pan and tilt system includes a combination of inline and/or right angle rotational platforms. The platforms each include a housing having a cross-section of uniform dimensions extending from a first end toward a second end and a drive motor mounted within the housing having an output shaft parallel to a long axis of the housing. A mounting plate is driven at an axis of rotation by the output shaft and has at least one attachment fixture for securing the mounting plate to equipment for positioning or a mounting surface. The right angle platform includes a right angle drive gear train attached to the output shaft. A clamping block has two pair of parallel mounting holes mounted at right angles to each other. The mounting holes are sized and shaped to fit slidably about the housings. A securing fixture holds the housings in any two of the mounting holes.

Abstract: A visual presenter includes a base, an upright portion standing from the base and having a distal end, a support column including a horizontal portion formed by bending the distal end of the upright portion so that the horizontal portion protrudes forward away from the base, the horizontal portion having a distal end, an imaging camera head mounted on the distal end of the horizontal portion, and a pivot portion provided on the upright portion of the support column so that the horizontal portion is pivotable horizontally.

Abstract: A video presenter of the invention includes a table with a top surface on which an object is to be positioned; a pivot member disposed at a side of the table; an arched or arc-shaped support arm rotatably coupled with the pivot member and extended therefrom; and, a camera head rotatably coupled with an end of the arched or arc-shaped support arm.

Abstract: A stereoscopic universal digital camera adapter in the form of a quick-snap, center sliding plate and guide track adapter with built-in leveling jacks, a horizontal level vial and dead-end stops between 0 and 55 mm, which is similar to the average distance between the center of two human eyes. This pocket-sized universal adapter is for use with digital cameras to better facilitate, and quickly and easily capture very precise quality still pair of images of a scene or a subject by any person. The invention helps to capture a stereo pair of images. The two image pairs can then be downloaded into a computer and/or printed on paper through printing devices or viewed in any desired stereoscopic, anaglyph or interlaced viewing formats.

Abstract: A video presenter of the invention includes: a table having a periphery with a substantially curved contour; a pivot member mounted at a side of the table; a support arm rotatably coupled with the pivot member and extended therefrom; and a camera rotatably coupled at an end of the support arm.

Abstract: An improved construction of a network camera holder includes an L-shaped holder comprised of a vertical plate and a horizontal plate; a hollowed chamber disposed to the vertical plate extending to the horizontal plate through a transition area of the L-shaped holder; a network camera being pivoted to the transition area and inserted into the hollowed chamber for the horizontal plate of the L-shaped holder to be placed on a flat surface with the camera in the hollowed chamber to face its target; or the camera being turned over to erect by operating a pivot provided in the transition area to clear off the hollowed chamber with both distal ends resting on a flat surface for the camera to face its target; or the transition area of the L-shaped holder striding over an upper edge of a monitor for the erected to camera to fact its target to facilitate interchanging the position of the erected camera to face its target.

Abstract: A first guide rail (11), and a second guide rail (12) and a third guide rail (13) that are parallel to each other are installed on a base (2) so as to be perpendicular to each other, and these guide rails are rotated about shafts (4) installed on both ends. When the guide rails are rotated, an indication bar (3) installed on a rotor (1) is moved synchronously with the movement of the guide rails, so that the rotor (1) is also rotated. A slider (22) installed on the indication bar (3) slides along a slit (21) of the third guide rail (13). Then a rotation angle of the rotor (1) about the indication bar (3) is determined by the distance between the guide rails.

Abstract: A network camera holder includes an L-shaped holder provided along its central line an L-shaped slot; the holder comprised of a longer arm and a shorter arm; the longer arm having a concaved surface and the longer arm having a flushed surface; a retainer and a flange being respectively disposed on the inner side of the front end of the shorter arm and the longer arm; a screw hole being disposed on the lower end of the camera; a bolt passing through the L-shaped slot and locked in the screw hole; by loosening up the bolt to allow the camera to slide within the L-shaped slot to a proper location before being tightened up; when the camera being secured to the shorter arm, the camera being hooked to an upper edge of a monitor by the retainer while the flange from the longer arm holding against the back of a monitor; and when the camera being secured to the longer arm, the camera being placed on a desktop by the flushed surface of the longer arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a apparatus and method for generating 3-dimensional image, which comprises a image photographing part composed of a camera part, a turn table part, a photographing angle adjustment part, a X-axis adjustment part, and a Y-axis adjustment part; a image photographing control part that creates movement control signals, transmits to said image photographing part, and receives plural digital images photographed by said camera part; a 3-dimensional image generating part that creates 3 dimensional images by using said plural digital images; and a storage part that stores said plural digital images and said 3-dimensional images. The present invention thus provides 3-dimensional images to consumers to see a certain product with its actual view by rotating at a wanted angle.

Abstract: A camera holder (3) is provided for fixing a camera (11) or a camcorder to an optical observation device. The holder (3) has a variable-length sleeve (13) with a first end configured to receive the camera objective and a second end configured to secure the sleeve (13) relative to the optical observation device. The holder (3) also has an adjusting device (19) fixed to the sleeve (13). The adjusting device (19) has a pin for connection with a stand mating thread of a camera (11) and is configured to compensate for an offset between the stand mating thread and the camera objective. The adjusting device (19) enables the camera (11) to be positioned with respect to the sleeve and the optical observation device.

Abstract: A camera balance device (1) having a cardanically suspendable pendulum arm (5) which is at least partially straight and whereon a camera fixing device (7) is provided on one side of the cardanic suspension (3) and a modifiable fixing device (15) for counterweights is provided on the other side of the cardanic suspension (3). At least two independently movable fixing devices (17, 19) are provided.

Abstract: A camera with orienting function comprising a main part and an orienting part is disclosed. The orienting part is connected with the main part, and the orienting part is operated under an open state or a close state. When the orienting part is under the open state, at least a portion of the orienting part protrudes out of the main part.

Abstract: A camera platform for installing a camera in the inside of an automobile is designed in such a manner that even when a camera is rotated to capture rearward images, the camera does not interfere with a room mirror. Since the shaft of a rotation portion is divided into a rotation shaft and a ball shaft, an arm part of the camera platform is rotated without the necessity of rotating the camera main body in the vicinity of the room mirror, so that it becomes possible to carry out rearward image capturing operations. Moreover, since the rotation shaft of the arm part is designed to be offset from the camera attaching center line by 20 mm, it becomes possible to prevent a cable extending from above the camera from contacting with an arm attachment part of a mount, even when the camera is rotated.

Abstract: A portable camera support, combining a mounting bracket or tray with a shaft or pole and a foot bar, may provide stable, portable support for cameras or other devices. The stability of the support may yield more reliable scouting results. The portability of the support may afford greater efficiency, possibly resulting in reduced time associated with locating wildlife or other items of interest over a given area of coverage. An exemplary portable camera support may have a camera mounting bracket or tray releasibly mounted to a shaft. The shaft may be inserted, using the foot bar for example, into soil or other supportive media. The mounting bracket may then be adjusted vertically or rotationally with the aid of a set screw. The camera support may be configured with multiple mounting brackets releasibly mounted to a shaft, thereby providing up to a 360-degree field of view without adjusting the mounting brackets.

Abstract: An elevator device for a television camera which reduces noise to a low level, which moves up or down a television camera at high speed regardless of whether the moving distance is short or long, and which makes it possible that camera position movement at high speed is compatible with smooth speed change in low speed range in film shooting. The elevator device for a television camera comprises a stationary cylinder 1, a movable cylinder 3 on which a television camera 2 is mounted, and a linear motor 4 for moving the movable cylinder 3 up or down along the stationary cylinder 1, wherein the movable cylinder 3 is in the form of a telescopic tube and includes a pulley 32 and a wire rope 33 for extension and contraction of the movable cylinder 3 when the movable part 24 of linear motor 4 is moved up or down.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a support mechanism are provided. The support mechanism includes an engagement pin including an engagement surface and a latch surface wherein the engagement pin is coupled to a base. The support mechanism also includes a pawl that includes an engagement surface complementary to the pin engagement surface and a latch surface complementary to the pin latch surface wherein the pawl is biased toward engagement of the pawl latch surface with the pin latch surface. The support mechanism also includes a ring latch that includes an annular ring having a toothed edge, the ring latch is coupled to the pawl such that the pawl extends axially away from the ring latch in a direction opposite the toothed edge.

Abstract: To provide an imaging device that can use a single illumination device to offer a light source suitable for imaging a translucent target object, while also enabling the imaging device to be mounted on a platform such as a desk. In case of slide film imaging, an illumination unit holding arm 150 is rotated into a position at a table side and an illumination unit 130 is brought into a sub illuminating attitude where the illumination unit 130 is laid over a top surface of the table 110. On that condition, a film stage 200 is mounted on the table 110 in a manner opposed to a camera head 120, and front end of a stage 202 is overlapped with and engaged to upper end of a casing of the illumination unit 130 that takes the sub illuminating attitude. Light irradiated by the illumination unit 130 in this state enters a region under the stage 202 of the film stage 200, goes through an opening 210 of the stage 202, and at last reaches the camera head 120.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device with a lens-rotation mechanism, which comprises: a casing having a driving device, such as the casing of a camera, a mobile phone or a video camera; and a lens-rotation system installed to the casing and having at least two transmission elements. Those two transmission elements are respectively coupled to the driving device and driven by the driving device to move horizontally and vertically, and those two transmission elements further drive the lens-rotation system to rotate. Thereby, the device with a lens-rotation mechanism proposed by the present invention can control the rotation of a lens.

Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.

Abstract: A camera riser has a centering ring that engages an inner surface or diameter of the raised ring on a camera head. As a result, camera riser can automatically and securely center most camera heads. This saves time in setting up the camera. Even if the castle ring holding the camera head onto the camera riser becomes loose, the camera head remains centered on the head. The centering ring may also be used to center two or more risers joined together.

Abstract: A hand held device that is connected to a precision instrument's handle or eye piece to bridge the connection between the operator and the instrument. With the device connected, the invention allows the instrument's operator to finely control the instrument's movement. Allowing the adjustment of the instrument's shot by pulling on the device instead of the instrument's handle or eyepiece. Elastic resilient tape is used to smoothly guide the fine movements of an instrument and reduce unwanted vibrations caused by an operator's hands. Using the device by operators of precision instruments is a simple task. The device's small, light weight, and easy to operate design can be made in different sizes to accommodate the various sizes of precision instruments, like cameras, telescopes, and transits. Moreover, the device can be sold individually for a low price.

Abstract: A visual presenter includes a camera support arm including a pivot support arm pivotally supported on a base and having an interior cavity and a slide support arm which is inserted into the interior cavity of the pivot support arm so as to be slidable and having a distal end on which the image pickup camera is mounted. When the pivot support arm is caused to pivot from a storage location where the camera support arm lies to a setup location where the camera support arm stands up, the slide support arm is pushed out of the pivot support arm by the sliding mechanism so that the image pickup camera is set up at a predetermined location. When the pivot support arm is caused to pivot from the setup location to the storage location, the slide support arm is brought into the pivot support arm by the sliding mechanism.

Abstract: A ball and race universal joint has an equipment mounting plate attached to and positioned above the race. The ball has a horizontal shaft extending there through with ends protruding from opposite sides of the ball. One or more elastic cords are connected to the protruding ends of the shaft. The elastic cords permit the apparatus to be attached between two mounting points located in or on a moving and/or vibrating platform at a level close to that of the mounting points and provide vibration isolation from the platform. The universal joint permits a camera or other equipment mounted on the mounting plate to be aimed in any direction. A base has a turntable with a pair of spaced uprights which may be used to provide the mounting points if such are not conveniently available in or on the platform.

Abstract: Flexible printed boards are introduced to a camera body respectively through a plurality of slit holes formed in a rotating barrel at different positions in the direction of an optical axis. The outer dimension of the lens barrel is kept from increasing.

Abstract: An upright camera housing having an adjustable pan position and an upright front pane for at least one camera with adjustable lens and tilt includes a mount for installing the housing onto a vertical structure and for attaching the mount to the housing by fasteners at the horizontal axis of the housing. An adjustable tilt is provided for the camera within the interior of said housing through a screw guided movable slider driven by first adjustment tool and linked to said at least one camera and wherein said adjustment tool is accessed through first sealed access of said housing. An adjustable lens is provided for each camera for manual adjustment and remote control adjustment. A manual adjustment is accessed by second adjustment tool through a second sealed access of the housing and the remote control adjustment being provided by one geared motor.

Abstract: A universal mounting assembly for quick mounting of an object to a stand device. The mounting assembly includes a body having a support surface, a front face and an opposed mounting surface configured to mount to the support stand. The front face intersects the support surface and defines an opening into a receiving socket of the body. The body further defines an elongated slot extending along and into the receiving socket from the support surface. The elongated slot having a transverse width dimension smaller than that of the receiving socket, although it is suitable to receive a transverse width dimension of the button device neck portion. The receiving socket is formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the transverse width dimension of the head portion therein as the neck portion simultaneously slides along the elongated slot to a dock position. The mounting assembly further includes a resilient retaining arm cantilever disposed in the receiving socket.

Abstract: The present invention presents a bionic automatic vision and line of sight control system and method, wherein the system comprises multiple camera sets, wherein each camera set comprises one or more parallel camera with different shooting range, wherein each camera set is driven by one or three actuators, capable of rotating in two or three degree of freedom. The present system is capable of fast object positioning, high accuracy tracking and wide range compensation for line of sight deviation caused by the movement of the system. More specifically, the system can ensure two camera sets to position and track the same object at the same time. The present system not only can be used in various fixed places to monitor, protect and care taking, it can also be installed on various moving objects, such as cars, airplanes, boats, military equipments, and it can be used as eyes for various types of robots.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source.

Abstract: A protective housing assembly for a camera has a carrier member securable to a support, a tubular protective member detachably secured at a rear end to the carrier member, and a front end cap detachably secured to a front end of the tubular protective member, the front end cap having a transparent window. The carrier member has a camera mounting member which enables a camera to be detachably secured thereto whereby the camera is located within the tubular protective member and oriented to receive light from the exterior through the transparent window of the front end cap.

Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.

Abstract: An extensible camera mast in which the tilt of a camera placed at the top of the mast is controlled by a pair of lines that extend from a tilt assembly on which the camera is mounted down to a control assembly where the lines are wound on oppositely rotatable spools so that one line is taken up as the other is released.

Abstract: A camera (2) swivels on an observation telescope (1) between a shooting position in which the optical axis (6) of the camera objective (8) extends in the direction of the optical axis (7) of the telescope eyepiece (5) and an observation position in which the target is observable through the telescope eyepiece (5), by being fastened to a swivel arm (3) linked to the observation telescope (1) whereby the optical axes (6, 7) of the camera objective (8) and the telescope eyepiece (5) form an angle (?) in the observation position.

Abstract: A self leveling camera support apparatus and method for helping isolate a camera from rolling motion of a support structure. The apparatus includes a frame having a first end adapted to attach to the support structure and a second end with a pivotal connection. Also included, is a roll member adapted to attach the camera, the roll member is pivotally attached to the pivotal connection at an extension arm proximal end portion, the roll member also includes an extension arm distal end portion adjacent to support fingers for a camera mount. The roll member is operational to help the camera level from roll movement of the frame, resulting from a center of mass of the roll member, camera, and extension arm combined, the center of mass positioned between the pivotal connection and the frame first end, wherein the frame and the extension arm form a parallel to angular relationship.

Abstract: A support for a video camera comprising a seat, a vertical support frame on one side of the seat, an arm rest on the vertical camera support frame, and an elongated, adjustable boom extending outward from the vertical camera support. The boom is pivotally attached to the support frame to allow side-to-side movement and includes a centrally positioned elbow joint to allow vertical adjustment of the distal end of the boom. The boom includes a telescoping segment to adjust its length. The boom has a handle at the distal end. The handle includes a camera mount on its upper surface. The handle is attached to the boom by a ball and socket joint that allows full range of movement of the handle.

Abstract: A camera system having a pole, camera mount assembly and an actuator. The camera mount assembly mounts to the pole and includes a pole base, camera base, link, tendon and spring. The pole base connects to the pole and the camera base connects to the camera. The link connects the pole base and the camera base and allows rotation of the camera base. The tendon pulls on the camera base and rotates the camera base about the pole base. The spring interconnects the pole base and the camera base. The spring also acts as a return. The spring stretches when the tendon pulls on the camera base and recoils to pull the camera base back to an original position when the tendon is released from pulling on the camera base. The actuator mounts to an actuator end of the pole and is used pull the tendon in order to move the camera.

Abstract: A remote camera head has a tilt frame attachable to a pan frame at multiple positions. A roll frame is attachable to the tilt frame at multiple positions. The camera head can be expanded or reduced in size as needed based on the space requirements of the camera and camera accessories mounted on the camera head. Waterproof or sealed slip ring assemblies and connectors allow the camera head to operate in wet environments, or even when submerged in water. The camera head can be quickly installed, set up, balanced, or reconfigured.

Abstract: A clipping dock for network video cameras includes a primary clip rod, a secondary clip rod, a torsional spring, an actuating button and a cap. The secondary clip rod is stacked on the primary clip rod. The torsional spring is mounted onto the stacked location to enable the primary clip rod and the secondary clip rod to extend or fold elastically relative to each other. The secondary clip rod has ratchet teeth at the stacked location to engage with the actuating button located nearby. The cap covers the stacked location. When the primary clip rod and the secondary clip rod are extended or folded at a desired angle, the actuating button may be moved to engage with the ratchet teeth to form an anchor condition to thereby achieve a self-adjusting function for extending or folding.

Abstract: A camera attachment is configured, adapted and/or operative to compress a pliant object or subject for allowing photographing of the object therethrough by the camera to which the camera attachment is coupled. The camera attachment allows the user to apply a variable compressive force to an object to be photographed through application of a compressive force on the camera. The variable compressive force applied by the user on the camera is translated to a compression portion of the camera attachment and onto the object. The compression portion includes a compression plate that is composed of a material suitable for the functions and/or features described herein and particularly of a material having light characteristics that range from minimally opaque to entirely translucent for photographing the object it is compressing.