PHOTOGRAPHY BOOTH AND METHOD

Abstract: A self photography system includes a film camera (92) having an image inlet and an image outlet and also includes a shutter assembly for selectively exposing a length of film to a viewed image. A video camera (104) is coupled to the image outlet by a prism (100) which assures transmission of the viewed image from the film camera to the video camera. A video monitor is connected with the video camera and displays the viewed image. A switch is associated with the shutter for causing a length of film to be selectively exposed with the viewed image which is being displayed on the video monitor.

Description: The invention refers to a self photography booth comprising the features a) through f) of claim 1. A self photography booth comprising the feratures a) through c) is disclosed in DE-A-30 18 722. This booth has an enclosure which is destinated for an individual to be photographed. This enclosure has a wall, to which a video camera is adjoined comprising a video camera lens assembly for perceiving an image of a person sitting within said enclosure. In operation the video camera is connected with a video recorder, in which the perceived images are stored electronicly. Further, there is a monitor outside the enclosure, which is connected with the video recorder as to display the images stored beforehand. The individual can watch them after having leaved the enclosure and can decide, which image should be photographed by a film camera disposed within the photography booth. For this purpose there is another monitor exposed in front of the film camera and which is connected with the video recorder and simultaneously operated together with the first monitor. Instead of the second monitor it is possible to use the first monitor to be photographed by the film camera due to an additional mechanical or electronic device. This self photography booth has several disadvantages. For the operation of this booth it is necessary to have a video recorder and a second monitor or mechanical or electronical devices for taking photographes from the monitor. Further, the individual has to leave the enclosure as to observe the images stored in the video recorder. The individual can make some corrections but not in respect to his personal expression and/or pose. During this observation everyone is prohibited to use the photography booth. Finally, and this is a serious disadvantage, the film camera makes photographs only from the monitor which displays images only unsharply so that the photographs are of poor quality. Therefore such photography boothes were not accepted on the market. In US-A-3 883 883 there is disclosed a remote control device for a film camera. The film camera is connected with a video camera which is arranged so that it is opposed to the eye piece of the view finder of the film camera, whereby the optical axes of the view finder and of the image pick up optics are coaxially aligned. The video camera is connected to a television monitor with which the image of an object can be observed. Further there are a driving source remotely controlled from the monitor which can operate a distance defining ring of the film camera. This device is destinated for the remote control of a film camera so that this camera can be arranged to locations where a person can not stay, e.g. due to dangerous conditions, or because he would disturb the surrounding, e.g. animals to be observed. The document do not contain any advise in connection with a photography booth. It is the object of the disclosed invention to provide a self photography booth permitting the user to observe the actual image which is beeing received by the lens of a film camera and to which the film is exposed when the shutter is operating. This object will be solved by the features d) through f) of claim 1. This self photography booth has the advantages that it permits the user to be assured of the image to which the film is exposed, because the image perceived by the film camera is transmitted to the video camera by coupling both devices together so that the image displayed on the video means is in accordance with that perceived by the film camera. The user can pose before the film camera and can simultaneously observe his posing until he has reached a desired pose. The photographs made by the film camera have high quality because the lens of the film camera is directed to the user to be photographed. The sub-claims disclose further features of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects and advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating the booth of the invention; FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of an interior end wall of the booth of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is an elevational view with portions broken away of the exterior of the endwall of Figure 1; FIGURE 4 is a schematic view illustrating the principle of the invention; FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the platform and pivoting assembly of the invention; and, FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view with portions broken away and partially in section further illustrating the pivoting mechanism of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Booth B, as best shown in Figure 1, includes a top 10, a rear end wall 12 and first side wall 14. It can be noted in Figure 1 that side wall 14 has an opening 16 therein which may be selectively blocked by movable curtain 18. Preferably the curtain 18 is of a heavy weight material which is substantially opaque to light to prevent entrance thereof into the booth B, as will be further explained. Booth B furthermore includes a front end wall 20 and a second side wall 22, which has an opening 24 therein which is also selectively blocked by movable curtain 26. Figure 1 furthermore discloses a front wall 28 disposed forwardly of front end wall 20 within the interior of booth B. Cushion 30 is illustrated in phantom in Figure 1 and is spaced from but in alignment with front wall 28. Figure 2 illustrates front wall 28. Front wall 28 has a first opering 32 therein to which cover plate 34 is affixed. Second opening 36 is disposed below opening 32 and video monitor 38, which is substantially the same as a conventional television, is positioned in opening 36. It can be noted in Figure 2 that the openings 32 and 36 are closely disposed relative to each other, for reasons to be explained. Panes 40 and 42 are mounted to front wall 28 adjacent each other and slightly above opening 32. The panes 40 and 42 are, preferably, manufactured of glass or suitable material which is substantially transparent to light. Likewise, cover pane 44 is also mounted to front wall 28 above panes 40 and 42 and substantially spans the distance between side walls 14 and 22. As with panes 40 and 42, cover pane 44 is manufactured from glass or other similar optically transparent material. Horizontal support 46 extends between the side walls 14 and 22 and end wall 20 and front wall 28, as best shown in Figure 3. Spaces parallel vertical supports 48 and 50 extend from horizontal support 46 on either side of opening 36 and terminates short of opening 32. Horizontal support 52 extends from vertical support 48 to side wall 14 and support 54 extends from vertical support 50 to side wall 22. Strobes 56 and 58 are mounted to the supports 52 and 54, respectively, and are aligned with the panes 40 and 42, respectively. The strobes 56 and 58 are of a type conventionally used by photographers and provide a sudden intense burst of illumination. The strobes 56 and 58 are sized and selected to provide sufficient illumination for a user of the booth B, when seated on the seat 30, to have a properly illuminated photograph taken thereof. Fixture 60 is secured to side wall 14 and a corresponding fixture 60 is secured to side wall 22. A color balanced bulb 62 extends between the aligned fixtures 60 and provides illumination corresponding substantially to daylight. The light of the bulb 62 shines through the cover pane 44, preferably at all times. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that more than one bulb 62 is normally used, there being a sufficient number of bulbs to provide adequate illumination for the interior of the booth B. Rod 64 extends between the vertical supports 48 and 50 and defines a pivot axis for platform 66 which is disposed rearwardly of the front wall 28 and proximate endwall 20. As best shown in Figure 5, brackets 68 and 78 are secured to rod 64 and horizontal members 72 and 74 extend therefrom, respectively. Platform member 66 is secured to the members 72 and 74, preferably by screws 76. A brace 78 extends between the members 72 and 74 at the ends thereof opposite the rod 64. Vertical supports 80 and 82 extend from the members 72 and 74, respectively, and are maintained in spaced apart parallel relation by member 84 extending therebetween. Horizontal members 86 and 88 extend therefrom, on opposite sides thereof, and are likewise maintained in spaced apart parallel relation by member 90. Film camera 92 is secured to platform 66 and includes a lens 94 extending forwardly thereform. The lens 94 is aligned with the opening 32. The camera 92 furthermore includes a conventional shutter assembly 96, as best shown in Figure 6, which is connected with zoom lens 98. Preferably, film camera 92 is of the single lens reflex type wherein the user looks through the lens 94 by means of an eyepiece. The conventional optical glass eyepiece is removed and is replaced with a housing 100 at the rear of camera 92. Right angle prism 102 is mounted in housing 100 so that the image perceived by the lens 94 is directed vertically upon exiting the camera 92, rather than horizontally parallel to the lens 94, as would normally be the case. In this way, the prism 102 couples the camera outlet with the video camera lens 106 and assures that the perceived image is diverted to the video camera 104. The optical glass of the view piece is removed because I have learned that too much light loss occurs when this eyepiece is in place. Video camera 104 is secured to the members 84 and 90 and has a lens assembly 106 with an image opening which is in alignment with the right angle prism 102. In this way, the image received by the lens 94 is transmitted by the prism 102 to the lens 106 of the video camera 104. Because the members 90 and 84 are secured to the members 80 and 82, the alignment of the lens 106 with the prism 102 is always maintained in proper orientation. Therefore, the platform 66 may pivot on the axis defined by the rod 64. As best shown in Figure 6, support 108 is secured to the rear surface 110 of front wall 28. Motor drive 112 is mounted to support 108 and has a rotatable shaft 114 to which reel 116 is secured. Sheave 118 is rotatably mounted to member 74 by rod 120, as best shown in Figure 5. Cord 122 has several wraps thereof wound about reel 116 and extends therefrom about sheave 118. The remote end 124 of the cord 122 is secured to the support 108. In this way, rotation of the shaft 114 causes the cord to be wrapped upon or from, depending upon the rotation of the shaft 114, the reel 116 so that the changes in length thereof causes the rod 64 to pivot about its axis, and thereby angularly displace the platform 66, and hence the vertical positioning of the lens 94. Figure 4 illustrates the path which the image perceived by the lens 94 takes prior to being displayed on the video monitor 38. Because the camera 92 is of the type wherein the user sights through the lens 94, then the image received by the video camera 104 is the same as that to which the film in the camera 92 would be exposed upon the shutter assembly 96 being operated. The video monitor 38 therefore displays the actual image which is sighted in the lens 94. The user can therefore be assured that the image being displayed on the monitor 38 is the actual image which will be exposed to the film contained in the camera 92. Control cable 126, as best shown in Figure 2, extends from front wall 28 and is connected to control module 128. Module 128 includes pivot up button 130, pivot down button 132, zoom in button 134 and zoom out button 136. Control module 128 furthermore includes horn button 138 and shutter operator button 140. The up and down buttons 130 and 132, respectively, are each in electrical connection with motor drive 112 and cause the shaft 114 to rotate in order to take up or let out the cord 122, and thereby cause pivoting of the platform 66. The zoom in and zoom out buttons 134 and 136, respectively, are connected through control cable 142 to the zoom lens 98. The shutter operator button 140 is connected by the control cable 142 to the shutter assembly 96, as best shown in Figure 6. In this way, the operator can pivot the platform up and down in order to vertically adjust the image which is perceived by the lens 94. Likewise, operation of the buttons 136 and 138 causes the lens 98 to be appropriately adjusted. As best shown in Figure 2, LED's 144 extend annularly about the cover plate 34 with respect to the lens 94. Preferably, the LED's 144 pulsate in a rhythmic pattern in order to draw the attention of the person to be photographed to the lens 94. This assures that the person to be photographed is looking into the lens 94, a feature particularly important when the control module 128 is being operated by a person other than the one whose picture is being taken. Horn 146 is connected to the horn button 138 and is activated thereby in order to draw the attention of the person seated on the seat 30 toward the front wall 28. Such a feature is particularly desirable with children who might otherwise not be looking forwardly, let alone toward the lens 94. Preferably the video monitor 38 is disposed closely proximate the lens 94. This is advantageous because it is important that the person who is being photographed not have the eyes looking downwardly, such as could occur if the video monitor 38 was spaced a large distance from the lens 94. Having the lens 94 closely disposed relative to the monitor 38 assures that an individual can be photographed properly and yet be able to look into the lens 94 and at the monitor 38. OPERATION Operation of the booth B for self-photography is relatively simple and straightforward. The person to be photographed need merely enter through the opening 16 and be seated on the cushion 30. The curtains 18 and 26 are then closed in order to substantially eliminate external illumination which could otherwise detract from the quality of the photograph. The bulbs 62 are color balanced to simulate daylight in order to provide a natural appearing photograph, particularly when the strobes 56 and 58 are activated. The person to be photographed aligns or poses before the lens 94 and views the image perceived by the lens 94 in the monitor 38. Because of the close positioning of the monitor 38 to the lens 94, then the image displayed corresponds with the image perceived by the lens 94. As previously explained, the optical system provided by the right angle prism 92 is such that the image perceived by the lens 94 is transmitted to the video camera 104, and hence to the monitor 38. The user can pivot the platform upwardly or downwardly, as well as zoom in or zoom out as may be required until a preferred pose is achieved. The user can continuously watch the monitor 38 until the proper pose is achieved. Once the proper pose is achieved, then the shutter operating button 140 is depressed. Operation of this button 140 causes the strobes 56 and 58 to illuminate the interior of the booth B at essentially the same time that the shutter assembly 96 causes the film in the camera 92 to be exposed. Because of the optical system provided by the camera 92, which is of the looking-through the lens type, then the image exposed on the film corresponds with the image displayed on the monitor. While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention of the limits of the appended claims.

Claims: 1. A self photography booth (B) having an enclosure including a wall (28) comprising incombination: a) a film camera (92) with a lens (98) for selectively exposing a length of film to an image directly perceived by said lens (98) of said film camera (92); b) a video camera (104) with a video camera lens assembly (106) for perceiving an image of a person within said enclosure; c) video display means (38) for displaying the image perceived by the video camera (104); characterized in that d) said film camera and said video display means are adjoined to said wall (28); e) said video display means are operably associated with said video camera so that the image perceived by the video camera (104) is displayed simultaneously; f) coupling means coupling said film camera (92) with said video camera (104) thereby assuring transmission of the image perceived by said film camera (92) to said video camera (94). 2. The booth (B) of claim 1, wherein: a) a platform (66) is pivotally mounted; b) said film camera (92) is secured to said platform and pivotal therewith; and, c) pivoting means are operably associated with said platform (66) for causing pivoting thereof. 3. The booth (B) of claim 2, wherein: a) a support means (84, 86, 88, 90) is associated with said platform (66) and pivotal therewith; and b) said video camera (104) is mounted to said support means (84, 86, 88, 90) and pivotal therewith. 4. The booth (B) of claim 2 or 3, wherein: a) brace means (48, 50) extend from said wall (28); b) rod means (64) are associated with said platform (66) and engaged with said brace means (48, 50) for defining a pivot axis for said platform (66); and c) said rod means (64) are disposed at one end of said platform (66) and said pivoting means are disposed at an opposite end of said platform (66). 5. The booth (B) of anyone of claims 2 to 4, wherein said pivoting means include: a) a sheave (118) being mounted to said platform (66); b) a second platform (108) being mounted to said wall (28) above said first mentioned platform (66); c) motor means (112) being mounted to said second platform (108) and including a rotating shaft (114); d) linkage means (122) extending from said shaft (114) and trained about said sheave (118) so that rotation of said shaft (114) causes displacement of said linkage means (122) and thereby pivoting of said first mentioned platform (66). 6. The booth (B) of anyone of claims 3 to 5, wherein said linkage means include: a) a flexible cord (122) having a first portion engaged with said platform (66) and a second portion wrapped about a reel (116) so that rotation of said shaft (114) causes said cord (122) to be wound upon from said reel (116) for varying the length thereof for thereby causing pivoting of said platform (66). 7. The booth (B) of anyone of claims 1 to 6, wherein: a) said lens (98) and the view finder of said film camera (92) have parallel optical axes; and b) said video camera (104) has an optical image receiving axis transverse to said film camera (92) axes. 8. The booth (B) of anyone of claims 1 to 7, wherein: a) said coupling means include a prism (102) for directing the image from said film camera (92) to said video camera (104). 9. The booth (B) of claim 8, wherein: a) a housing (100) is mounted to said film camera (92); and b) said prism (102) is a right- angle prism and is mounted in said housing (100). 10. The booth (B) of anyone of claims 1 to 9, wherein: a) a series of light means (144) are disposed about a wall opening (32) for the film camera (92) as to attract the attention of a user thereto; and, b) strobe means (56, 58) are mounted to said wall (28) and are in circuit connection with operating means for providing illumination when the film is exposed. 11. The booth (B) of anyone of claims 1 to 10, wherein: a) video illumination means (62) are mounted to said wall (28) above said strobe means (56, 58) for providing illumination for said video camera (104). 12. The booth (B) of anyone of claims 1 to 11, wherein: a) said wall (28) has an opening (32) therethrough closely proximate said video display means (38) and said lens (98) is disposed in said opening (32) si that the image is perceived through said opening (32). 13. The booth (B) of anyone of claims 1 to 12, wherein: a) a control module (128) is operably associated with the film camera (92) by a control cable (126), as to control the film camera operation and pivoting means operation. 14. The booth (B) of claim 13, wherein: a) said control module (128) is operably associated with said motor means (112). 15. The booth (B) of anyone of claims to 13 or 14, wherein: a) said control module (128) is operably associated with a zoom lens (98) of the film camera (92). 16. The booth (B) of anyone of claims 1 to 15, wherein: a) said film camera (92) is of a single lens reflexe type.

Inventors: THAYER, DONALD O., JR.
Applicants: THAYER, DONALD O., JR.
Application year: 1987
Main classification: G03B17
IPC codes: G03B17