Patent ID: 12248234

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates an embodiment of a camera optical element10as disclosed herein including a tactile indicator12. The camera optical element10may be configured to produce an optical effect for use with a camera. The camera optical element10may of a kind used in cinematic applications, or other uses such as personal cameras or other camera uses. For example, the camera optical element10may be a lens, a filter, or another form of camera optical element. The camera optical element10may include an optical body14, which allows light to pass through and produces an optical effect.

The camera optical element10may include a front surface16, a rear surface (opposite the front surface) and plurality of side surfaces18. The camera optical element10may have a rectangular shape, as shown, or in other embodiments may have other shapes such as circular, triangular, or any other shape as desired.

The tactile indicator12is coupled to or otherwise associated with the camera optical element10. The tactile indicator12may be configured to indicate a property of the camera optical element10to a user upon the user feeling the tactile indicator12. The tactile indicator12may be positioned on the camera optical element10as desired. As shown inFIG.1, the tactile indicator12may be positioned on one of the side surfaces18of the camera optical element10. In one embodiment, the tactile indicator12may be positioned on a front, or rear, or other surface of the camera optical element10. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG.1, the tactile indicator12may be positioned proximate an edge or corner20of the camera optical element10to allow a user to rapidly determine where the tactile indicator12is positioned upon the camera optical element10.

A property of tactile indicator12may indicate a property of camera optical element10. The shape or material or other property of the tactile indicator12may indicate the property of the camera optical element10.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the tactile indicator12includes surface features22. The surface features22are in the form of variations in the surface of the camera optical element10. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the surface features22take the form of protrusions, however, other embodiments may include cavities. The surface features22may be substantially equally sized as shown inFIG.1, or may have varied sizes. The surface features22may have substantially equal shapes as shown inFIG.1, or may have varied shapes. The surface features22may be substantially equally spaced as shown inFIG.1, or may have varied spacing.

The tactile indicator12may be configured to indicate the property of the camera optical element10by the quantity of surface features22present on the camera optical element10. For example, inFIG.1, eight surface features22are present on the camera optical element10. This quantity of surface features22may indicate a certain property of the camera optical element10. If a different number of surface features22were present, this may indicate a camera optical element10that has a different property.

A user may feel the surface features22to determine the property of the camera optical element10. The tactile nature of the surface features22beneficially allows the user to determine a property of the camera optical element10in a dark environment. This feature is particularly beneficial in camera applications because the ambient lighting of the subject being imaged by the camera and/or the operator of the camera may be dark, and the user may be unable to see any writings or other visual markings or indicia on the camera optical element10. In addition, the user may not desire to use a light to see the markings so that the ambient lighting is not disrupted. This need is particularly pertinent in cinematic applications, in which a movie set may be dark, and a cinematographer or cinematographer assistant may be unable to see the markings on the camera optical element. Such a user may also need to rapidly swap out camera optical elements during shooting, and may need to rapidly ascertain the properties of the camera optical element10. A tactile indicator on the camera optical element10beneficially allows such a user to rapidly ascertain the properties of the camera optical element10without use of light.

In an embodiment in which the camera optical element10is a lens, the tactile indicator12may indicate a property such as a type of lens, a magnification of lens, or other property of the lens.

In an embodiment in which the camera optical element10is a filter, the tactile indicator12may indicate a property such as a type of filter, an amount of light transmission of the filter, or other property of the filter. The camera optical element10may be a filter such as a neutral density filter (ND filter), a chromatic filter, a polarizing filter, a diffuser, or other type of filter. In one embodiment, the camera optical element10may be a 4×5 or 5×5 or 6×6 ND filter. While particular filter sizes have been presented, it is understood that camera optical elements as disclose here are not limited as the particular size and/or configuration of the filter or optical body that is used.

In an embodiment in which a set of camera optical elements is utilized, the relative quantity of surface features22on the camera optical element10may correspond to the relative property of the camera optical element10. For example, if a first camera optical element has a greater quantity of surface features22relative to a second camera optical element in a set, then the first camera optical element may have a greater property than the second camera optical element. An inverse relationship may be utilized as well, in which if the first camera optical element has fewer quantity of surface features22relative to a second camera optical element in a set, then the second camera optical element may have a greater property than the first camera optical element. A user may be able to rapidly ascertain by feel and a count of the quantity of surface features22what the corresponding property of the camera optical element is. Other variations in properties of tactile indicators12, such as shape or the like, could indicate the relative property of the camera optical elements.

In one embodiment, the quantity of surface features22may correspond to an actual numerical property of the camera optical element10. For example, in an embodiment in which the element10is a neutral density filter, the number of surface features22, such as 2, may correspond to a 2 f-stop reduction number, or number of stops, or other property of the camera optical element10.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the tactile indicator12is coupled to a frame24. The frame24may completely or partially surround the optical body14. The frame24may be a single piece or multi-piece. The frame24may fit around the optical body14and may provide additional protection to the optical body14from damage. The frame24may be made of a material such as metal or plastic, or other material. The frame24may reduce nicks and scratches to the optical body14, e.g., when made from glass, and may provide protection if the camera optical element10is dropped or placed into position with the camera. The frame24may be fit to the optical body14with an adhesive (for example, an epoxy) or other method of bonding and/or may be fit by interference. The frame24may also produce a larger surface area for the tactile indicator12to be positioned on the camera optical element10, which may be a larger surface area than may be available due to the optical body14. As such, the dimensions of the optical body14may not need to be varied to produce a larger tactile indicator12.

In one embodiment, a frame24may not be used and the tactile indicator12may be coupled to or otherwise associated with the camera optical element10by being directly placed upon or being integral with the optical body14. The tactile indictor12may be coupled to or otherwise associated with the optical body14via cutting, etching, engraving, or carving into the optical body14or other form of placement, e.g., along an edge portion of the optical body.

FIG.2illustrates a camera optical element26with a tactile indicator28coupled thereto. The tactile indicator28is positioned on a frame30. A numerical value may be printed or otherwise disposed on frame30that corresponds to a property of the camera optical element26. For example, the camera optical element26may be a neutral density filter, and the numerical value may correspond to the amount of light transmission of the filter. The numerical value may correspond to the ND number notation of the filter. The tactile indicator28may be configured to indicate the amount of light transmission of the filter, without the user having to read the numerical value. A hand of a user is shown, which may manipulate or touch the tactile indicator28to determine the property of camera optical element.

FIG.3is top perspective view of the camera optical element26. The tactile indicator28is positioned on a side surface of camera optical element26.

FIG.4is close up view of tactile indicator28, including a plurality of surface features32. The surface features32may be configured to a have a height that is the same or less than the remainder of the side surface34of the frame30. The height of the surface features32may allow the camera optical element26to smoothly fit into a camera housing so that the tactile indicator28does not impede movement of the camera optical element26.

FIG.5illustrates a close up view of tactile indicator28.

FIG.6illustrates the frame24ofFIG.1without the optical body coupled thereto. The frame24may be constructed separately from the optical body. The tactile indicator12may be produced on the frame24. The frame24may then be installed onto the optical body. The frame24may be sized to form fit the shape of the optical body. This method of manufacture may allow a frame24or tactile indicator12to modify a pre-formed or standard optical body, or optical bodies having a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, the optical body may be sized to fit the frame24, for example, the optical body may be reduced in size to account for the additional size of the frame24.

FIG.7illustrates a close up view of a corner of a camera optical element36, including a tactile indicator38. The tactile indicator38includes surface features40in the form of protrusions, specifically bumps. In the embodiments shown inFIGS.1and4, the protrusions may be in the form of ridges that each project outwardly a desired distance and having a desired shape and separation from one another to produce the intended tactile result. In an example, the ridges may have a rounded, squared, or other configured top surface and be rectangular in configuration. The ridges may be separated by cavities in the form of valleys and the valleys may be configured to provide a desired spacing of the ridges to ensure a desired tactile result. If desired, the valleys may comprise coloring or the like to additionally provide a visual reference adding to the tactile reference provided by the protrusions. In an example, the valleys may be colored red to provide a visual reference. Alternatively, the valleys may comprise a phosphorescent material or the like disposed therein that may provide a visual indication when excited or otherwise activated by shining a light thereon, which light may be in any wavelength, visible or nonvisible useful for exciting the material in the valleys to produce the visual indication. The ridges and valleys may extend along a partial or total width or thickness of the frame30as shown inFIG.4for example. InFIG.7, bumps may be utilized. In an example, the bumps may have a rounded circular, flat squared, or other configured top surface projecting outwardly a desired distance from the optical element or frame extending thereover. The user may feel the quantity of bumps to determine the property of the camera optical element36.

FIG.8illustrates a close up view of a corner of a camera optical element42, including a tactile indicator44. The tactile indicator44includes surface features46in the form of cavities, specifically divots. The user may feel the quantity of divots to determine the property of the camera optical element42. If desired, the cavities may be colored or otherwise treated to provide a visual indication as disclosed above for the valleys in addition to the tactical indication.

FIG.9illustrates a close up view of a corner of a camera optical element48, including a tactile indicator50. The tactile indicator50may include a surface feature52in the form of a protrusion extending outwardly a distance from the optical element and having a prism shape. The particular shape of the surface feature52may indicate the property of the camera optical element48. InFIG.9, a triangular shape may be presented to user. In a corresponding manner,FIG.10illustrates a close up view of a corner of a camera optical element54including tactile indicator56including a surface feature58in the form of a protrusion having a cylindrical shape. A circular shape may be presented to user. The shape may indicate a property of the camera optical element54. Other shapes may be used, including rectangular, hexagonal, and others. The shapes may be used in a combination in a set of camera optical elements, for example, a triangular shape may correspond to a certain property and/or type, and a circular shape may correspond to a certain other property and/or type of camera optical element.

In other embodiments, other forms of surface features than the protrusions and cavities shown inFIGS.1-10may be utilized.

FIG.11illustrates a top view of a set of camera optical elements60-72. Each of the camera optical elements60-72has a different property. For example, each optical element60-72is a filter, such as a neutral density filter that has a differing amount of light transmission. Each optical element60-72has a corresponding different tactile indicator74-86. Each tactile indicator74-86has different quantity of surface features such as protrusions or cavities or other surface features. IN this example, the quantity of surface features corresponds to the property of the respective optical element60-72. For example, tactile indicator74has one surface feature, and tactile indicator76has two surface features. The presence of two surface features may indicate a greater or lower amount of light transmission. In the embodiment shown inFIG.11, the numerical values on the tactile indicators74-86correspond to ND number notation. Accordingly, the presence of two surface features indicates a lesser light transmission than the presence of one surface feature. A user may feel the number of surface features in the camera optical elements60-72of the set to determine the relative properties of the camera optical elements60-72.

FIG.12illustrates a top view of a set of camera optical elements88-100. Each of the camera optical elements88-100has a different property and a corresponding different tactile indicator102-114. The tactile indicators102-114have a different shape than those shown inFIG.11, as the tactile indicators102-114do not extend across the width of the camera optical elements88-100.

FIG.13illustrates a front view of a circular camera optical element116. The camera optical element116may have the form of a lens. The tactile indicator118may be coupled to a frame120that completely or partially surrounds the optical body122. The frame120has a circular shape. The tactile indicator118may indicate the type of lens, or other property of the lens.

FIG.14illustrates a cross section along line A-A ofFIG.13. The frame120may extend in an axial direction further than the surface of the optical body122. This feature may allow the frame120to protect the surface of the optical body122if the camera optical element116were dropped.

FIG.15illustrates a perspective view of a camera124including a camera housing126. The camera housing126may be a device such as a matte box or other form of housing. A camera optical element such as the camera optical element10shown inFIG.1may be coupled to the camera housing126. In operation, a user may have felt a tactile indicator and selected the camera optical element based on the tactile indicator. The user may have felt the corner of the camera optical element to determine where the tactile indicator was positioned. The user may have felt the tactile indicator by sliding his/her finger across the outer surface of the camera optical element. The user may have selected the camera optical element from a set of other camera optical elements. The user may have rapidly determined the property of the camera optical element based on the tactile indicator and coupled the desired camera optical element to the camera housing126. The presence of the frame24may protect the camera optical element10as it is coupled to the camera housing126, and to secure the camera optical element10to the housing via an interference fit. Other methods of use may utilize the other features disclosed in this application.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of systems, apparatuses, and methods as disclosed herein, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, the systems, apparatuses, and methods are not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the same. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the systems, apparatuses, and methods to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, the systems, apparatuses, and methods include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the systems, apparatuses, and methods unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about” means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses an approximation that may vary. The terms “approximate[ly]” and “substantial[ly]” represent an amount that may vary from the stated amount, yet is capable of performing the desired operation or process discussed herein.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the systems, apparatuses, and methods (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the systems, apparatuses, and methods and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the systems, apparatuses, and methods otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the systems, apparatuses, and methods. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.