Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a transparent plate is mounted at the film plane within a camera. The transparent plate includes a translucent diffusion pattern which diffuses incoming light rays reflected from the subject and effectively repositions them in a controlled manner prior to the light exposing the film. Proposed diffusion patterns may alter the light rays to create characteristics indicative of various types of paintings. In another embodiment of the invention, the transparent plate is mounted in a film cartridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a length of plastic film (a pattern strip) is positioned adjacent to a similar length of photographic film (film strip). An appropriate translucent diffusion pattern is provided onto one surface of the pattern strip, along its entire length.

Abstract: The special effects filter for camera comprises a transparent support sliding on the camera body between at least two positions. The support is fitted with at least one zone capable of covering the lens and the viewfinder of the camera so that practically identical light transmission characteristics are respectively registered with the lens and the viewfinder.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a transparent plate is mounted at the film lane within a camera. The transparent plate includes a translucent diffusion pattern which diffuses incoming light rays reflected from the subject and effectively repositions them in a controlled manner prior to the light exposing the film. Proposed diffusion patterns may alter the light rays to create characteristics indicative of various types of paintings or may produce a controlled grainy appearance to an image recorded on film. In another embodiment of the invention, the transparent plate is mounted in a film cartridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a length of plastic film (a pattern strip) is positioned adjacent to a similar length of photographic film (film strip). An appropriate translucent diffusion pattern is provided onto one surface of the pattern strip, along its entire length.

Abstract: A lens barrel which is detachably mountable on a camera body comprises a lens system and a low-pass filter, wherein the low-pass filter is detachably mountable with respect to an optical path of the lens system. An accessory which is provided between a camera body and a lens barrel and which is detachably mountable on the camera body and the lens barrel, comprises a lens and a low-pass filter. A camera system comprises a camera body and a lens barrel which is detachably mountable on the camera body, wherein the lens barrel has a low-pass filter which is detachably mountable with respect to an optical path of a lens system.

Abstract: A visual screen for a camera provided with a viewfinder camera has a fastening device that is complementary to a standard fastening device and a plate-shaped screen part extending in a mounted position transverse to the direction of view of a user. The screen part is arranged in relation to the fastening device in such a way that in the mounted position the screen part is located in front of the eye of the user that is not looking through the viewfinder. The screen part has a contour that is roughly trapezoidal overall. One lateral edge of the trapezoidal contour has at least one step on which the fastening device is arranged. The fastening device corresponds to a standard flash shoe.

Abstract: The invention includes a digital camera back accessory for use with a film-formatted camera of the type that includes a camera body and a film image plane. A solid state digital focal plane collects optical radiation and converts the radiation to digital signals representative of a digital image. A fiber optic taper has a first fiber array surface arranged at the camera film plane, and a second fiber array surface arranged at the digital focal plane, and provides magnification and/or demagnification between the film plane and the digital focal plane. A coupler couples the taper to the camera body such that an image at the film image plane is transferred and collected as a digital image at the digital focal plane. The focal plane can also be coupled to a computer so that camera images are collectable at the computer. Preferably, a solid state memory is included to store frames of digital image data.

Abstract: An imaging instrument includes a compact hand-held housing having an electronic imaging element supported within a housing, and a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads separably attachable to the housing. Each of the instrument heads includes an optical system disposed in alignment with the electronic imaging element along an instrument viewing axis. Preferably, the instrument further includes an integral display for displaying at least one captured or real-time video image as viewed through the instrument head of choice. The instrument includes a controller with sufficient programmable logic to capture and store a plurality of imaging images which can be transferred along with audio and/or annotation data relating to a captured image. Corresponding video and audio data can be then transferred using a receiving cradle to a computer which contains software which organizes the stored data for further processing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lens hood including a cylindrical body that is mounted to a lens barrel of the camera. An accessing opening is formed on the cylindrical body. In order to cover the accessing opening, a cover piece is detachably attached to the cylindrical body. When the cover piece is attached to the cylindrical body, the cover piece forms a part of a circumference of said cylindrical body.

Abstract: A print system comprises an electronic camera with an auto-power-off function, for taking in image formation of a subject image, and a printer for printing the image information taken in the electronic camera. The auto-power-off function is disabled during a process of printing the image information by the printer, and enabled after the process of printing the image information by the printer is finished.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an illumination directing apparatus for use with photographic cameras having a lens and a flash, and including at least one reflecting member for reflecting light from the flash of the camera toward a subject to be photographed. The apparatus is configured so as to provide light directly from the flash (either diffused or not) as well as reflected light from the flash (either diffused or not) directed at the subject and essentially from respective sides of the lens of the camera to thereby provide more even illumination on the subject.

Abstract: A camera having a multi-purpose cover comprising a camera body having a multi-purpose cover provided thereon, the multi-purpose camera being provided in such a manner that the cover can outwardly move the outline of the camera body. The camera having a multi-purpose cover has improved handaling properties and enhanced protecting functions.

Abstract: An observation optical system whose eye relief is below 25 mm includes an eyepiece lens having a water absorptive antifogging coating applied on one surface thereof, and a member holding the eyepiece lens. Further, an eyeball-characteristic detecting system includes a light source for illuminating the eyeball of an observer, a light receiving element arranged on detection of the reflected light from the eyeball through the eyepiece to produce a signal, an optical member positioned in the path of the light from the light source to the light receiving element and having an antifogging coating on one surface thereof, and a circuit receptive of the signal for detecting the characteristic of the eyeball.

Abstract: The close-up photographing apparatus includes a range determining frame having a guide plate at a front end thereof. A frontal opening defining a photographic object area is formed in the guide plate. The range determining frame allows a photographic object placed in the frontal opening to be at an optimum distance for a best photographing result. The guide plate allows the apparatus to be placed flat on a table or the like supporting a photographic object. The apparatus further includes a strobe light for lighting the object in the frontal opening, and an aperture member defining a small aperture opening which achieves a large depth of field and a proper photographic exposure in cooperation with the strobe light.

Abstract: A data recording device 10 for a camera 1 uses a collecting plate 11 formed of a light transmitting resin with a fluorescent substance dispersed therein as a collecting element for collecting external light. The collecting plate 11 includes a vertically elongated flat light receiving portion 21 and a flat light emitting portion 22 protruding at a right angle from the back side of the light receiving portion, the end portion of the light emitting portion 22 constituting a light emitting surface 22a. External light incident on a surface 21a of the light receiving portion 21 enters the light receiving portion and is absorbed by the fluorescent substance, which generates fluorescence. The fluorescence is propagated through the collecting plate as it is reflected by the interface between the ambient air and the collecting plate before it is applied to a liquid crystal panel 12 for data recording from the light emitting surface 22a of the light emitting portion 22.

Abstract: A camera includes a camera body and a detachable camera back. The camera body includes a guide section arranged in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis defined by a lens associated with the camera body. The camera back includes an imaging device and a biasing member which biases the imaging device such that, when the camera back is attached to the camera body, the imaging device is press contacted against the guide section. In particular, the guide section includes a pair of rails provided next to a photographing aperture of the camera body that defines an image forming plane for the camera. The imaging device may further include a glass plate provided in front of an image receiving surface that functions to shift an image plane along the optical axis of the camera.

Abstract: An attention attracting article for a viewing device, such as a camera or a pair of binoculars, is preferably die cut from a single sheet of cardboard and folded around the viewing device to define an enclosure therefor, the attention attractor including a character with a head extending outwardly from the enclosure and hands on the enclosure so that from a vantage point facing the viewing device, it appears as if the character is holding the viewing device and looking therethrough. Particularly when the viewing device is a camera, the attention attracting article helps retain a child's attention when it is desired to take a photograph of the child, because the child believes that the familiar character is encouraging interaction with the camera, rather than concealment of the camera. When used with binoculars, the article attracting device is primarily for amusement, although it could also be used to encourage children to use binoculars and perhaps arouse their curiosity about optical principals.

Abstract: A sterile, disposable camera system which is always sterilized for use and avoids the need to sterilize the camera or camera mounting system for re-usage includes a sterile camera unit which is easily, removably mounted on a sterile mounting apparatus which may be constructed to be collapsible. The camera mounting system is disposable such that after the camera system has been used, the sterile camera unit is easily removed from the sterile mounting apparatus and the mounting apparatus can be discarded as waste. The mounting apparatus is arranged to support the sterile camera unit relative to a subject to be photographed such that the camera quickly obtains in-focus close-up photographs of subjects of interest.

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: An attachment to a camera lens for creating a single slide transparency or photograph from two slide transparencies such that a before-and-after or combination picture can be formed on a single photograph or transparency comprising an enclosure formed from a plurality of opaque sides and one translucent side. An aperture is formed through one of the opaque sides and has a collar for connecting the slide duplicator to the camera lens. A slot located adjacent the single translucent side is used for engaging the slide transparencies that are to be photographed. Mirrors within the duplicator are arranged for reflecting and directing images formed from light rays passing through the translucent side and through the slides to the camera lens so that the camera can photograph the dual images onto a single transparency or photograph. First surface mirrors are used in lieu of regular mirrors for clearly and distinctly reflecting and directing the images.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting a lens filter on a camera. The apparatus includes a fixing plate which can rotate and slide according to the position of the accessory mounting groove of the camera and combines with the accessory mounting groove of the camera. An adjusting part adjusts the horizontal position of a filter according to the variation of the length of a camera lens. The adjusting part is slidably combined with the fixing plate. A filter holder assembly which is rotatably mounted on the adjusting part is included. The filter holder assembly receives a filter and adjusts the vertical position of the filter according to the vertical position of the camera lens. A picture can be taken irrespective of the position of the camera lens and the position of the accessory mounting groove. A circular filter and a rectangular filter can be used.

Abstract: A kit for modifying a digital camera of the type including a built in flash, to perform close-up photography includes a mounting plate attached to a camera around a camera lens, a lens plate having a secondary lens selectively attachable to the mounting plate so that light entering the camera lens is first magnified by the secondary lens. A bracket assembly is selectively attachable to each lens plate to indicate the location of the focal plane and the size of the image frame. A flash attachment adapted for close-up photography includes a flash output window, a power switch, a mode switch and a flash intensity switch. The flash attachment is secured to the camera and wired thereto so that the mode switch may control which flash unit, the flash of the camera or the close-up flash, activates. The flash intensity switch is a rheostat and controls the amount of light emanating from the flash source to the subject, according to the distance between the camera and the subject.

Abstract: In a camera system arranged to communicate data between a camera and an accessory mounted on the camera in synchronism with a clock signal, the lens communicates data to the camera by a first communication method (an open drain method), and, if it is determined as a result of the data communication that the lens mounted on the camera is a lens suited for high-speed communication, the first communication method is switched to a second communication method suited for high-speed communication, so that communication can be performed at a high speed.

Abstract: A cartridge holder for a film cartridge to be used with a camera of the type having a built-in support socket, such as a tripod socket, is characterized in that the cartridge holder includes a fastener configured to be received in the support socket to attach the cartridge holder directly to the camera.

Abstract: An adjustable rack focus stop on a focusing lens incorporates an arm mounted to the focusing lens housing and extending over the focus ring. A stop in the form of an adjustable band is positioned on the focus ring and includes a catch which is capable of engaging the arm. Two objects at different distances from the lens may be focused on through the focusing of the lens on the second object, adjustment of the stop so that it contacts the arm and then readjusting the focus to the first object. The two objects may be filmed in sequence without turning off the camera by adjusting the focus to engage the catch with the arm when refocusing to the second object.

Abstract: The water drop removing apparatus for a camera lens assembly is arranged to automatically wipe off water drops or the like attached on the front face of the lens assembly to make field shooting in rainy or snowy weather easy. Injection nozzles consisting of a soft tube in the number of three, for example, are disposed on the top edge and each side edge in such a manner that they are mounted to be rocked around a rocking shaft by a motor or an air rocking mechanism. Each of the injection nozzles are connected with an electromagnetic valve, an air pump, or the like. The three injection valves are rocked fanwise in an order to inject air onto the face of the shooting window through the injection nozzles during the forward period of this rocking. The nozzles on each side is rocked from top to bottom. This causes the water drops attached on the front face of the shooting window to be automatically removed, so that there is no need to wipe off water drops with cloth or the like.

Abstract: A camera system including a matte box assembly for use on cameras for supporting a plurality of filters, the matte box assembly includes a support bracket which supports the matte box and which (1) axially translates toward and away from the lens and (2) in a separate action, once it has been axially translated to a given position away from the lens, the support bracket pivots 90.degree. away from the lens. The assembly includes a crank arm for actuating both the axial translation and the pivoting action sequentially.

Abstract: A camera whose body is wound with a belt-like protective cover having an end detachably held by pin members thereon in such a manner as to cover a wall surface thereof. The protective cover is operative to cover and protects at least a photographing lens, a distance measuring or range finder window and a stroboscopic window. Thus, the camera is put into an enclosed state. Further, the enclosed state, in which the protective cover is wound around the body of the camera, is maintained by fitting a magnet hook attached to the other end of the protective cover into another magnet hook attached to the body of the camera and making these magnet hooks attracted to each other. Moreover, when putting the camera into a ready-to-photograph state, the protective cover is unwound by removing the magnet hooks from each other and opening the photographing lens and so on.

Abstract: A camera with a built-in mask comprising a mask that is mounted on the optical axis between an imaging lens and the plane of a film, whereby photographing is performed by light cutting or light filtering the mask image of a pattern or a symbol in a manner that the image of an object is partially converted with the mask image.

Abstract: A camera back for sequentially exposing two spatially separate images on regular or self-developing film adapted for a variety of single lens cameras. The camera back includes an adapter plate disposed between the camera and a film back wherein a dark slide is movable by the force of gravity between two positions in the adapter plate, by rotating the adapter plate 180 degrees, thereby blocking a lower half of the film from the exposing radiation. The dark slide is moved exclusively by its own weight, thereby making complicated levers and light-tight feedthroughs unnecessary.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a transparent plate is mounted at the film plane within a camera. The transparent plate includes a translucent diffusion pattern which diffuses incoming light rays reflected from the subject and effectively repositions them in a controlled manner prior to the light exposing the film. Proposed diffusion patterns may alter the light rays to create characteristics indicative of various types of paintings.In another embodiment of the invention, the transparent plate is mounted in a film cartridge.In another embodiment of the invention, a length of plastic film (a pattern strip) is positioned adjacent to a similar length of photographic film (film strip). An appropriate translucent diffusion pattern is provided onto one surface of the pattern strip, along its entire length.

Abstract: A self-contained A-1-2-3 Body Guard Alarm which is a 3 in 1 system that simultaneously activates 3 units by actuation of a single button to identify an attacker in two ways and gets the attention of other people in a third way. The unit is worn on the back side of the hand using straps by sliding the hand and fingers through a cuff into an open-finger glove of the alarm unit, and locks the unit into place on the hand by a cuff lock in order to prevent the attacher from removing it from the wearer. The unit can be used at night because it uses a flash.

Abstract: A lens assembly, image capturing device and a method for using a lens assembly with an image capturing device. The lens assembly comprises a first lens mounted on a holder which attaches the first lens to a viewing device of an image capturing device. A marking on the first lens is observable through the viewing device when the lens is attached to the viewing device such that the marking is capable of being used to position the lens assembly a properly focused distance from a target having a specified (predetermined) size. The relationship, as seen through the viewing device between the size of the object and the size of the marking may be used to properly position the camera relative to the target object.

Abstract: A receiver receives at least one message containing a visual message. A display device, in communication with the receiver, displays the visual message of a selected one of the at least one message. A first housing houses the receiver and the display device to form a self-contained, viable receiver unit. A camera captures at least one image. A transmitter transmits a signal based upon the at least one image captured by the camera. A second housing houses the camera and the transmitter to from a self-contained, viable transmitter unit. The second housing is selectively attachable and detachable from the first housing. As a result, the transmitter unit may be selectively attached to the receiver unit and detached from the receiver unit.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly that enables a flashlight to be retroactively coupled to an optical device such as a night vision scope. The mounting bracket assembly includes an adaptor that engages the housing of the optical device proximate the objective lens of the optical device. A bracket is provided that clamps around the adaptor, whereby the adaptor rigidly joins the bracket to the optical device. An aperture is formed through a section of the bracket. The aperture is sized to receive and retain the cylindrical body of a flashlight with an interference fit, thereby coupling the flashlight to the optical device. A threaded bore is disposed at the bottom of the bracket. The threaded bore is sized to receive the threaded connector of a tripod or other similar static support. As a result, by coupling the bracket to a tripod or similar static support, the entire optical device can be supported.

Abstract: A special effects carrier for use in a photographic camera for taking portraits of individuals or groups. The wheel-shaped special effects carrier contains masks which produce various special effects. One of the masks included on the carrier produces no special effects so that the carrier can be used whether or not a special effect is desired. The carrier is located a fixed distance behind the objective element of the zoom lens so that the photographer is able to focus the camera without having to compensate for the changing focal length of the zoom lens. The carrier is connected to a CPU which drives a motor to rotate the carrier. An optical sensor reads bar codes on the carrier and relays information to the CPU thereby allowing the CPU to position the masks for use and freeing the photographer of that task.