Patent GB-1306110-A (GB)
IPC: G03B15/12
Filed: 1970-09-25
Abstract: 1306110 Photographing two images POLAROID CORP 25 Sept 1970 [8 Oct 1969] 45884/70 Headings G2A G2C Photographic apparatus for sequentially recording images of two scenes on mutually exclusive areas of the photo-sensitive sheet comprises means for forming the two images by mutually exclusive light paths, one light path including a mirror which can be retracted out of the other light path. As shown in Fig. 4, the apparatus is concerned with producing an identification card divided into a rectangular area 84 carrying a photograph of the holder and an L-shaped area 86 carrying data or information. The photo-sensitive sheet 24 is housed in a rear section 18 of the camera, the front section 14 carrying an objective lens/shutter system 48 through which a photograph of the subject can be taken. A card 38 carrying the information data to be reproduced can be inserted into a container 32 in the lower chamber 132 of the camera. This is illuminated by a flash source 52, the image being reflected from a fixed mirror 54 through an objective lens 58, and reflected by a movable mirror 56 on to the sheet 24. Mirror 56 pivots on a rod 136, and can be moved from the operative position shown, in which the card 38 is being photographed, in an anti-clockwise direction, by means of a slot 204 in a cam 172, so that it is out of the light path through the lens system 48 when the subject is being photographed. Behind the respective lenses 48, 58 are polarizing sheets 60, 62 whose transmission axes are orthogonal to each other. In front of the photo-sensitive sheet 24 is a polarizing plate 70, which can be tilted away from sheet 24 (position shown in full lines in Fig.2) to allow withdrawal of the latter, but in the operative position lies close to it (position 70'). The plate 70, which is sandwiched between transparent support plates 74, 76, has the same dimensions as the finished identification card, and has a section 80 corresponding to the picture area 84 and an L-shaped section 78 corresponding to the information area 86. The transmission axes of sections 80 and 78 are orthogonal to each other, and are aligned respectively with those of sheets 60 and 62. Thus the two sets of light rays from respective objectives 48 and 58 are mutually excluded. The sequence of operations is controlled by the cam 172, which is actuated by a mechanical linkage Fig.3, (not shown) with a button 162. On initially depressing the button enough to rotate the cam about 10 degrees the plate 70 is pivoted in to contact with sheet 24. Further pressure to rotate the cam about 10 degrees more brings it into engagement with a micro-switch arm 64 which closes to energize the flash 52 and so photographs the data card 38. Further rotation of the cam pivots mirror 56 anti-clockwise into the position 56'. At the same time a baffle plate 144 behind objective 48 is pivoted away into the position 144'. The light path through objective 48 is now completely unblocked, and after button 162 has been depressed sufficiently to effect a 120 degrees rotation of the cam the shutter 142 is actuated, which simultaneously energizes a second flash source in the upper part of the camera (140), Fig.1 (not shown). The arrangement allows the production of identification cards of different formats, by changing the polarizing plate 70.