Abstract: A camera accessory housing device has a connector element that receives a camera accessory. The connector element may be a substantially planar ferromagnetic plate that couples to a sustainably planar face of a camera accessory. The camera accessory may a have a camera accessory attachment element, such as a band with magnets. The magnets facilitate coupling of the camera accessory to the connector element.

Abstract: An inspection system with selectable apodization includes a selectably configurable apodization device disposed along an optical pathway of an optical system. The apodization device includes one or more apodization elements operatively coupled to one or more actuation stages. The one or more actuation stages are configured to selectably actuate the one or more apodization elements along one or more directions. The inspection system includes a control system communicatively coupled to the one or more actuation stages. The control system is configured to selectably control an actuation state of at the one or more apodization elements so as to apply a selected apodization profile formed with the one or more apodization elements.

Abstract: An inspection system with selectable apodization includes an illumination source configured to illuminate a surface of a sample, a detector configured to detect at least a portion of light emanating from the surface of the sample, the illumination source and the detector being optically coupled via an optical pathway of an optical system, a selectably configurable apodization device disposed along the optical pathway, wherein the apodization device includes one or more apodization elements operatively coupled to one or more actuation stages configured to selectably actuate the one or more apodization elements along one or more directions, and a control system communicatively coupled to the one or more actuation and configured to selectably control apodization of illumination transmitted along the optical pathway by controlling an actuation state of the one or more apodization elements.

Abstract: Animation creation is described, for example, to enable children to create, record and play back stories. In an embodiment, one or more children are able to create animation components such as characters and backgrounds using a multi-touch panel display together with an image capture device. For example, a graphical user interface is provided at the multi-touch panel display to enable the animation components to be edited. In an example, children narrate a story while manipulating animation components using the multi-touch display panel and the sound and visual display is recorded. In embodiments image analysis is carried out automatically and used to autonomously modify story components during a narration. In examples, various types of handheld view-finding frames are provided for use with the image capture device. In embodiments saved stories can be restored from memory and retold from any point with different manipulations and narration.

Abstract: Animation creation is described, for example, to enable children to create, record and play back stories. In an embodiment, one or more children are able to create animation components such as characters and backgrounds using a multi-touch panel display together with an image capture device. For example, a graphical user interface is provided at the multi-touch panel display to enable the animation components to be edited. In an example, children narrate a story whilst manipulating animation components using the multi-touch display panel and the sound and visual display is recorded. In embodiments image analysis is carried out automatically and used to autonomously modify story components during a narration. In examples, various types of handheld view-finding frames are provided for use with the image capture device. In embodiments saved stories can be restored from memory and retold from any point with different manipulations and narration.

Abstract: A photographic device such as a camera having a camera body with a first side having a lens mounting device and a second side having a mounting device arranged to mount a film cassette or a rear camera body cover. The second side is located opposite to the first side. The rear camera body cover is attachable to the cover mounting device of the camera body and the cover has an inner side facing the camera body and an outer side opposite to the inner side. The film cassette is attachable to the cover mounting device of the camera body when the rear camera body cover is detached from the cover mounting device. The film cassette is arranged to carry a roll of film and to keep a film frame of the film in a flat state facing the camera body. The device further has an interchangeable lens and an extendable lens hood. The cover further has at least one opening arranged in a location corresponding to one corner or side of the film frame.

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 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: In a connecting mechanism which connects two members, one of the two members is provided with an elastically deformable engaging portion, and the other member is provided with a contact surface which is brought into contact with the elastically deformable engaging portion, which is elastically deformed at a front end. The two members are engaged with each other by elastically deforming the elastically deformable engaging portion so that the latter comes into contact with the contact surface. The elastically deformable engaging portion and the contact surface are shaped such that the engagement force of the two members during a connecting operation is stronger than the engagement force when the connecting operation is completed.

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: In the proposed gobo (11), the diaphragm mask (13) is placed on a stationary surface, especially of a planar member, and has an aperture (27) of the gobo substantially adjustable along the stationary surface or planar member according to the focal length used. The diaphragm mask has two curtains (15, 16), preferably adjustable in pairs in opposite directions, which limit the free aperture of the gobo depending on the focal length used. The curtains are adjusted by electromotors (M1, M2) via belts (19, 21), rollers (20, 22), and bevel gears (25, 26). The motors (M1, M2) are controlled by a controller (28) and, via potentiometer readings, receive as input signals the adjustment values of the lens for focal length and focus.

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 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.