WO2016183518A1

WO2016183518A1 - Camera obscura

Info

Publication number: WO2016183518A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/032537
Authority: WO
Inventors: Valmont ACHALME
Original assignee: Alucin, Corp.
Priority date: 2015-05-13
Filing date: 2016-05-13
Publication date: 2016-11-17

Abstract

A camera obscura device includes a plurality of interconnected panels, a lens assembly disposed in the front panel, an imaging surface disposed on an interior portion of the back panel, wherein light received through the lens assembly is projected onto the imaging surface, a camera mounting assembly coupled to an exterior portion of a first one of the plurality of interconnected panels; and a viewing aperture disposed in the first one of the plurality of interconnected panels, the viewing aperture being configured to align with a camera lens of a camera coupled to the camera mounting assembly; and wherein the imaging surface is configured to reflect the light from the lens assembly and through the viewing aperture and onto the camera lens of the camera.

Description

CAMERA OBSCURA

FIELD

[0001] The aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to camera obscuras and in particular to a collapsible camera obscura box.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various smart phones have cameras located in varying places on their body, for example in the center or the corner near the top edge of the back of the phone. This requires the phone mount to be adjustable so that the phone can be moved left, right, up and down to center the axis of the camera lens on the center of the back wall.

[0003] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a camera obscura device that addresses at least some of the problems identified above.

SUMMARY

[0004] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to a camera obscura device. The advantages provided by aspects of the disclosed embodiments are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous modifications can be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the disclosed embodiments are directed to a camera obscura device. In one embodiment, the camera obscura device includes a plurality of interconnected panels; a lens assembly disposed in the front panel; an imaging surface disposed on an interior portion of the back panel, wherein light received through the lens assembly is projected onto the imaging surface; a camera mounting assembly coupled to an exterior portion of a first one of the plurality of interconnected panels; and a viewing aperture disposed in the first one of the plurality of interconnected panels, the viewing aperture being configured to align with a camera lens of a camera coupled to the camera mounting assembly; and wherein the imaging surface is configured to reflect the light from the lens assembly and through the viewing aperture and onto the camera lens of the camera.

[0006] In a first implementation form of the first aspect, the camera mounting assembly is configured for a smartphone, and the camera is a camera of the smartphone.

[0007] In a second implementation form of the first aspect the camera mounting assembly is configured for a digital camera.

[0008] In a first implementation form of the second implementation form of the first aspect, a lens adapter is mounted between the camera lens and the viewing aperture, one end of the lens adapter configured to attach to the camera lens, an other end of the lens adapter configured to mate with the viewing aperture.

[0009] In a third implementation of the camera obscura device according to any one of the preceding implementation forms a light blocking material is disposed between the camera lens and the viewing aperture. [0010] In a fourth implementation form of the camera obscura device according to any one of the preceding implementation forms, the camera mounting assembly comprises a movable portion that is configured to hold the camera, the movable portion configured to enable movement of the camera relative to the viewing aperture.

[0011] In a fifth implementation form of the camera obscura device according to any one of the preceding implementation forms the viewing aperture is disposed in a sliding shutter, the sliding shutter being disposed over an opening in the first one of the plurality of interconnected panels of the camera obscura that allows the reflected light from the imaging surface to pass through to the viewing aperture.

[0012] In a sixth implementation form of the camera obscura device according to any one of the preceding implementation forms, the back panel includes a removable portion, the imaging surface being disposed on the removable portion.

[0013] In a seventh implementation form of the camera obscura device according to any one of the preceding implementation forms a light blocking bellows is disposed between the front panel and the back panel, the bellows forming a chamber between the front panel and the back panel.

[0014] In an eighth implementation form of the camera obscura device according to any one of the preceding implementation forms, the first one of the plurality of interconnected panels is the front panel, a top panel or a side panel. [0015] In a ninth implementation form of camera obscura device according to any one of the preceding implementation forms, an expandable device is connecting the front panel to the back panel, the expandable device configured to expand from a first state where the first panel and the second panel are pushed together, to one or more expanded states where the first panel and the second panel are in a spaced-apart configuration.

[0016] In a tenth implementation form of the camera obscura device according to any one of the preceding implementation forms, the plurality of interconnected panels comprises a first box portion forming the front panel of the camera obscura device and a second box portion comprising the back panel of the camera obscura device, wherein the second box portion is slidably received in the first box portion.

[0017] In a first implementation form according to the tenth implementation form of the camera obscura device according to the first aspect, the camera mounting assembly and view aperture are disposed on the second box portion.

[0018] In a second implementation form according to the first implementation form of tenth implementation form of the camera obscura device according to the first aspect, the camera obscura device comprises at least one mirror disposed between the first box portion and the second box portion, the at least one mirror configured to reflect an image on the imaging surface to the viewing aperture.

[0019] According to a second aspect, he disclosed embodiments are directed to a camera obscura. In one embodiment, the camera obscura device comprises first panel having an imaging surface; a second panel having a viewing aperture; a digital camera device coupled to the second panel, the digital camera device having a lens communicatively coupled with the viewing aperture, and wherein an image on the imaging surface is captured by the digital camera device through the viewing aperture

[0020] In a first implementation form according to the second aspect of the camera obscura a chamber is defined between the first panel and the second panel, one or more mirrors disposed within the chamber, wherein the one or more mirrors are configured to reflect the image on the imaging surface to the viewing aperture.

[0021] In a second implementation form according to the first implementation form of the second aspect, the camera obscura further comprises a flexible member coupling the first panel and the second panel together, the flexible member configured to expand from a first state where the first panel and the second panel are pushed together, to one or more expanded states where the first panel and the second panel are in a spaced-apart configuration.

[0022] In a third implementation form of camera obscura according to the first and second implementations forms of the second aspect the first panel comprises a first box portion and the second panel comprises a second box portion, where the second box portion is slidably received within the first box portion.

[0023] In a fourth implementation form of camera obscura according to the first through third implementations forms of the second aspect, the camera obscura comprises a lens assembly disposed in the second panel, the lens assembly configured to project an image onto the imaging surface.

[0024] In a fifth implementation form of camera obscura according to the first through fourth implementations forms of the second aspect, the digital camera is a camera of a mobile device or a camera body.

[0025] According to a third aspect, the disclosed embodiments are directed to a camera obscura device that has a separate camera device coupled thereto. In one embodiment, a lens of the camera device is coupled to the housing of the camera obscura in order to capture an image that is being projected onto the background plane or surface of the camera obscura. An image is capture through the lens of the camera obscura. The captured image is projected on to the background of the camera obscura. This image is then captured through the lens of the camera device, which can include the camera of a mobile device.

[0026] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an optical device that enables a user to give a depth of field of a perfectly flat and all round focused image that is captured by the camera device, such as the camera device of a smart phone.

[0027] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments also enable a user to directly overlap images, one from the background of the camera obscure and the one projected by the camera obscura. Through the view finder of the smartphone or camera device, the photographer or user can directly see the result of the overlapping images. [0028] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments also enable the capture of video through a camera obscura with the smartphone or camera device.

[0029] The aspects of the disclosed embodiments also enable the sharing of images or videos that are produced through the camera obscura on digital social platform or media, by uploading such images and videos from the smartphone device.

[0030] These and other aspects, implementation forms, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the embodiments described herein considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the description and drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the disclosed invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Moreover, the aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. [0033] Figure 2 illustrates an assembly view of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0034] Figure 3 is a top perspective view illustrating aspects of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0036] Figures 5A-5C illustrate perspective views of view of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0037] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0038] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0039] Figure 8 illustrates a top view of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

[0040] Figure 9 illustrates a back view of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate view of an exemplary camera obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. [0041] Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary light path for an obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODFMENTS

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to a collapsible camera obscura box with a camera device, such as a smart phone mounted thereto. The camera device will be configured to film or capture images from the image plane or background of the camera obscura. One or more images are captured through the lens of the camera obscura. The captured image(s) is then projected onto the image plane or background of the camera obscura. The captured image(s) are then captured through the lens of the camera of the camera device. Although the aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be generally described herein with respect to the camera of a mobile device, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, the camera device will comprise any suitable camera device that can be coupled to the camera obscura. Such camera devices can include for example, electronic camera devices, digital camera devices, digital SLR cameras and portable or disposable camera devices.

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary camera obscura assembly 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. In this example, the form of the camera obscura 100 is a box shaped device that includes a front panel or wall 102 and a back panel or wall 104. In one embodiment, the front wall 102 and the back wall 104 are connected or coupled together by an expandable and retractable mechanism 106. For the purposes of the disclosure herein, the mechanism 106 will be referred to as a scissor mechanism 106 or scissor assembly 106. The scissor mechanism 106 will allow movement of the front wall 102 and back wall 104 towards and away from each other, as will be described herein.

[0044] The interior chamber or cavity 110 of the camera obscura 100 is defined between the front wall 102 and the back wall 104. A lens assembly 140 is attached to the front wall 102. While the camera obscura assembly 100 is generally referred to as a "box" herein, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, the camera obscura 100 could be square, round, oval, multisided, or other shapes.

[0045] Typically, the area between the front wall 102 and the back wall 104, generally referred to as the chamber 110, will include some type of covering or structure to keep light out. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5A-5c, the scissor mechanism 106 is covered or surrounded by a collapsing bellows 506 to keep light out. In an alternate embodiment, the collapsing bellows 506, or such other suitable light blocking material or covering, can be inside of the collapsing bellows 506. Although a bellows is referred to herein, the bellows can comprise any suitable material or structure that will seal interior of the camera obscura from light. Generally, the whole box 100 is generally sealed from light except for the lens assembly 140 itself.

[0046] Rather than a multi-part box as is generally described herein, the body of the camera box 100 could be formed in a single part and made of a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, or wood. It could also be made of a flexible and or stretchable material. In one embodiment, a body portion of the camera obscura can comprise an inflatable object, where the structural integrity is derived at least in part from air pressure. Alternatively, the camera box 100 could be an inflatable structure that gets all of its structure from being inflated. The camera box 100 could also include clear sections to allow light to pass through from the lens assembly 140 and out to the mobile device camera while still holding air.

[0047] In one embodiment, the front panel 102 of the camera obscura 100 will include an opening, such as the opening 128 shown in Figure 1. The opening 128 will generally be referred to as a viewing assembly 128. The opening 128 is configured to line up with the camera lens of the mobile device and allow the camera device to capture an image that is projected onto the back wall 104 from the lens assembly 140. Although the opening 128 will generally be described below as being part of a phone mounting assembly 120, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. The opening or hole 128 can be defined in any suitable portion of the camera obscura 100. For example, the opening 128 can be disposed on any portion of the front panel 102, one of the side panels, or even the back panel 102. As will be described further below, the camera device can be coupled to any suitable portion of the camera obscura. For example, if the camera device is coupled to the back panel 102, the viewing hole 128 will be disposed in a corresponding location of the back panel 102. Mirrors can be used within the chamber 110 of the camera obscura 100 to reflect or project the image that is captured through the lens assembly 140 back to and through the viewing hole 128 to the lens of the camera device. [0048] In one embodiment as is shown in Figure 1, a mounting assembly 120 is disposed on the front wall 102. The mounting assembly 120 is generally configured to hold the body of a mobile device, such as a smartphone. In alternate embodiments, the mounting assembly 120 can be configured to hold any suitable camera device, such as a body of a conventional digital type camera that includes a substantially circular lens. For the purposes of the disclosure herein, the mounting assembly 120 will be described with respect to a smartphone.

[0049] In the example of Figure 1, the mounting assembly 120 includes a phone holder

122 and a mirror 124. As will be described further herein, a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone, can be disposed and retained in the phone holder 122 of the mounting assembly 120. Although the mounting assembly 120 is shown as being disposed on the top left portion of the front wall 102, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, the mounting assembly 120 can be mounted on any suitable portion of the front panel 102, such as for example, the top right, bottom right or bottom left. The mounting assembly 120 can also be disposed on a side panel or the back panel 104, depending on the particular configuration and application of the camera obscura 100. In one embodiment, one or more mirrors can be added internally to the camera obscura 100 to bounce or reflect the light or image to the desired location within the camera obscura.

[0050] The mounting assembly 120 can be affixed to any one of the panels of the camera obscura 100 in any suitable manner. This can include fasteners, glue or Velcro, for example. In one embodiment, the mounting assembly 120 can be removable. In this implementation, one can remove the mounting assembly 120 as needed, and replace it with the same or another mounting assembly 120. For example, one where the mounting assembly 120 is for a mobile phone, one can replace it with a mounting assembly 120 for a camera body with a camera lens.

[0051] It is also possible to include more than one mounting assembly 120 on the camera obscura 100. For example, in one embodiment, there could be one mounting assembly 120 coupled to the front panel 102, and another to the back panel 104. Alternatively, there could be a mounting assembly 120 coupled to a side panel, with another on one or more of the front and back panels 102, 104. Generally, any suitable combination can be considered. Each of the front 102, back 104 and side panels could be pre-configured with suitable attachments and view apertures 128. Where a viewing aperture 128 is not being used, a suitable plug can be inserted to prevent light from entering the chamber 110.

[0052] In one embodiment, a template can be provided that would allow the user to select a suitable location on one or more of the panels of the camera obscura 100 to allow the user to select their own location for one or more of the viewing aperture 128 and/or the mounting assembly 120. The template could include the relative locations for the needed attachment points and viewing aperture(s) 128, and the user could drill or otherwise form the needed openings.

[0053] The mobile communication device referred to herein can be any suitable type of mobile communication device that includes a photographic device, such as a camera. For the purposes of the disclosure herein, the mobile communication device will be referred to herein as a phone or smart phone. A smartphone is just one such example of a mobile communication device that includes a camera. The smartphone is generally a portable device and has a size that makes it suitable for attaching to a camera obscura box, as is described herein. In alternate embodiments, the mobile communication device can be any suitable mobile device that includes a camera, such as a pad style device. The mounting assembly 120 described herein can be configured to accommodate any suitably sized camera device.

[0054] In one embodiment, the mounting assembly 120 can include a phone holder 122 and, optionally, a mirror 124. The phone holder 122 will generally be adjustable and configured to accommodate and securely retain any suitably size smartphone. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide for the phone to be mounted or re-positioned in different positions left and right to center the lens of the camera of the phone on the approximate mid-plane of the imaging surface 114 of the camera obscura assembly 100 through the viewing aperture 128. Once the phone is secured in the phone holder 122, the phone holder 122 (along with the phone) should be able to be adjusted along any number of degrees of freedom or axis. This can include up and down (substantially vertical), left and right (substantially horizontal) as well as further away from or closer to the front panel 102 and the imaging surface or background 114. Such freedom of movement on one or more of the X, Y and Z axes, will allow the user to center or otherwise position the lens of the camera device on the imaging surface 114.

[0055] The phone holder 122 generally comprises any suitable mechanism or device that is configured to hold a smart phone in a substantially fixed position. For example, as shown in Figure 2, in one embodiment, the phone holder 122 includes two spaced-apart tab members 123, 125 that are configured to hold a smart phone. The tab members 123, 125 can be spring loaded inward to pinch or hold the phone in place. Alternatively, where the camera device is camera, the holder 122 can include a spring loaded circular member that is configured to hold the lens of the camera. In this example, the mounting assembly 120 will also be configured to support the weight of the camera. The phone holder 122 is generally configured to allow the phone to be secured in a desired location one of the panels of the camera obscura box 100, but yet allow repositioning. In this regard, the tab members 123, 125 of the phone holder 122 can be configured to provide both vertical and horizontal positioning and repositioning of the phone.

[0056] For example, in one embodiment, the phone holder 122 can include a slide mechanism 126 that enables substantially vertical movement of the phone holder 122 relative to the front panel 102, in this example. The slide mechanism 126 be a friction fit type slide device that allows the phone holder 122 to be re-positioned in a substantially up and down manner or along a substantially vertical axis. When the phone and phone holder 122 are not being moved, such as when a suitable force is not applied, the phone holder 122 will be retained in a substantially fixed positon. While the phone holder 122 and slide mechanism 126 are shown as being part of the mounting assembly 120, in one embodiment, the phone holder 122 can be attached directly to one or more of the front panel 102, back panel 104 or side panels.

[0057] Additionally, the tab members 123, 125 of the phone holder 122 may also include friction type members, or even roller devices, that allow for the phone to be re-positioned left and right, or along a substantially horizontal axis. In one embodiment, the slide mechanism 126 can also include a post structure that allows the phone holder 122 to be moved in or out, or along a Z axis, relative to the front panel 102 and imaging surface 114. Thus, the phone holder 122 can be configured to enable the phone holder 122, and the phone, to be re-positioned along one or more of the X, Y and Z axes.

[0058] The phone holder 122 is configured to allow the camera, and in particular, the camera lens of the phone, to be positioned with respect to the viewing hole 128. In this manner, the camera lens can capture an image(s) from the imaging portion 114 of the back panel 104, or from any other suitable location within the chamber 110 through the viewing hole 128. The phone holder 122 is configured to maintain the camera lens in a close proximity to the viewing hole 128 in order to block light from entering the camera lens, other than through the opening 128. In one embodiment, a suitable gasket can be supplied around or in conjunction with the viewing aperture 128 to provide a light blocking coupling between the camera lens and the front panel 102, in this example. The gasket can be any suitable light blocking material that provides a suitable and elastic fit. This can include a rubber or elastomeric material. A similar gasket can be provided between the mounting assembly 120 and the front panel 102 to prevent light from otherwise entering any gaps that may exist.

[0059] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 2, where the mount assembly 120 is used to couple the camera device to the front panel 102, a hole 132 can be included in the mount assembly 120 that allows light to travel from the imaging portion 114 of the back wall 104 to the camera of the phone through the viewing hole 128. In one embodiment, the hole or opening 132 and the viewing hole 128 can be one and the same. In the example of Figure 2, the mount assembly 120 is a multi-piece assembly. Thus, there is a viewing hole 128 and a separate opening 132. The openings 128 and 132, also referred to as apertures, generally align with the opening 126 in the front panel 102. In this example, the opening 126 is larger than the apertures 128 and 132 to allow for alignment of the lens and apertures 128, 132, in a desired manner.

[0060] In one embodiment as is shown in Figure 2, the mounting assembly 120 includes a slide portion 130. The viewing aperture 128 is defined in the slide portion 130 and the aperture 132 is disposed underneath the slide portion. In this example, the aperture 132 is larger than the viewing aperture 128. The aperture 126 is larger than the aperture 132.

[0061] As is described herein, the slide portion 130 can comprise a bar of material that can be configured to slide either up and down or left and right. The mounting assembly 120 can include a channel 134 corresponding to the slide portion 130 that is configured to allow the slide portion 130 to be moved up and down or even left and right. In this manner, the movement of the slide portion 130 can be used to substantially align the viewing hole 128 with the position of the camera lens of the phone, as well as the imaging surface 114. In the example of Figure 2, the aperture 132 has an oblong shape, generally encompassing a width of the channel 134 as well as a length of the channel 134. The slide portion 130 is configured to move the viewing aperture 128 within the oblong aperture 132.

[0062] The movement of the slide portion 130 can also be used in conjunction with sliding the phone in the phone holder 122, as is described herein, in order to optimally position the camera lens with respect to the viewing hole 128 and imaging plane 114. In one embodiment, a friction lock can be used to secure the slide portion or sliding bar 130 in a desired position.

[0063] The mirror portion 124 of the mounting assembly 120 is generally configured and positioned to capture an image of the display of the phone that is disposed in the phone holder 122. In a typical smart phone, the display is on one side of the phone and the camera lens on the other side. The mirror portion 124 is configured to make it possible for a user who is positioned at the side or back of the obscura assembly 100 to see the display of the phone. In one embodiment, the mirror portion 124 is configured to pivot and be adjustable to improve the angle and the viewing of the screen of the phone. The mirror portion 124 can also be configured to be removable.

[0064] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the lens assembly 140 is generally configured to allow for light to pass through the one or more lenses 148 to the imaging plane 114. The light from the lens assembly 140 is projected onto the imaging plane 114, which is the interior side of the back wall 104 of the box 100, forming an image. This image can be viewed from the hole 128 in the mounting assembly 120. In one embodiment, the lens assembly 140 can screw in and out to fine tune the focus, in a manner as is generally understood. The lens assembly 140 can also be configured or different lenses 148 to be switched out to provide more optical options.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the lens assembly 140 generally comprises a lens mount

142, lens adjuster 144, lens holder 146 and one or more lenses 148. The lens mount 142 can be mounted in an opening 141 in the front portion 102 of the box 100. The lens mount 142 can be affixed in position with glue, for example. Other manners of attaching the lens mount 142 to the front portion 102 of the box can include, but are not limited to screws, a snap fit connection, a threaded attachment, glue, a friction-fit, trapping the box surface between two parts, or a press-fit connection.

[0066] The lens adjuster 144 threads into the lens mount 142 to provide focus adjustment.

As shown in Figure 2, a lens holder 146 fits over the end of the lens adjuster 144, connecting with a friction fit, screw fit, or other connection method. The one or more lenses 148 are seated in the lens holder 146, either glued in place, or held with a snap fit, undercut, or a secondary ring. In alternate embodiments, the lens assembly 140 could be permanently mounted, fixably mounted, flexibly mounted, rotatably mount or tilt mounted.

[0067] In one embodiment, the lens assembly 140 can comprise a tilt-shift lens assembly.

A tilt-shift lens is a common way to achieve interesting or even more accurate perspectives in a photograph, and is a feature of the camera obscura box 100 of the disclosed embodiments. The lens assembly 140 can be configured to tilt up and down or left and right or any direction with respect to the front wall 102 or the back wall 104. In one embodiment, the back wall 104 could also be configured to tilt and shift with respect to or in conjunction with the lens assembly 140 or independently. The shift is when the lens assembly 140 is shifted up, down, left or right, or any direction in the plane of the front wall 102. The lens adjuster 144 can be configured to twist to move the lens 148 closer to and away from the front wall 102. This achieves fine tuning in the focus adjustment. [0068] In one embodiment, the lens adjuster 144 can be attached with three posts in a threaded bore so that when the lens adjuster 144 is twisted, it moves in and out. There could be any number of posts in the bore up to infinite or just a continuous thread. The two pieces of the lens adjuster 144 could also just telescope without a thread. In the telescoping embodiment, there could be a friction lock, a tighten-to-friction lock, or grooves and bumps or ball detents. In one embodiment, one or more extra lenses can be included to provide the telescopic effect.

[0069] Referring also to Figure 4, the lens of the phone camera receives light through the viewing hole 128. The light is generally reflected from the imaging surface 114 on the back portion 104 of the camera obscura assembly 100. There is an opening 126 in the front panel 102, shown in Figure 2, which allows the reflected light to reach the viewing hole 128. The camera lens of the phone is aligned with the viewing hole 128. In one embodiment, the viewing hole 128 is small enough to not allow outside light to enter, but big enough for the camera lens of the phone to see through. In other words, the back face of the phone is used to block stray light from entering the interior portions of the camera obscura assembly 100 as well as the camera lens. In one embodiment, a gasket type device can be provided around the viewing hole 128 to ensure that only the light from the imaging plane 114 is received by the camera lens. Other mating surfaces in the camera box assembly 100 can also include suitable gaskets, as needed. Thus, only the light reflected from the imaging portion 114 of the camera obscura assembly 100 is received in the camera lens of the phone. A more detailed explanation of the light path is described below with reference to Figure 4. [0070] As discussed above, in certain circumstances where the viewing hole 128 may not line up with the camera lens of the phone, the mounting assembly 120 is provided with the sliding shutter 130. The aperture 132 under the sliding shutter 130 is aligned with the opening or aperture 126 in the front cover 102. The aperture 132 will be large enough to correspond to the movement of the sliding shutter 130 and the positioning of the viewing hole 128 to allow light to be received in the camera lens of the phone. In this manner, light reflected from the imaging plane 114 through the aperture 132 can be received through the viewing hole 128 as the viewing hole 128 is slid or moved to align with the camera lens of the phone.

[0071] As is shown in Figure 4, light 400 enters the lens assembly 110 and impinges 402 on the back wall or imaging surface 114. The light 400 is reflected 404 by the imaging surface 114 towards the viewing hole 128 through an opening 126, shown in Figure 1, in the front wall 102. The lens of the camera that is aligned with the viewing hole 128 is configured to capture the image on the imaging surface 114.

[0072] Referring to Figures 5A-5C, an exemplary camera obscura box 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is illustrated. In this example, the camera box 100 is formed from two box lids 502, 504, comprising the front cover 102 and back cover 104 respectively, which nest together as shown in Figure 5C. A mobile device 510 is shown positioned in the mounting assembly 120.

[0073] As shown in the examples of Figures 5A and 5B, the box lids 502, 504 can also expand with a bellows member 506 between them. In the example of Figure 5A, the bellows 506 is configured to generally surround the scissor mechanism 106 to keep light out of the chamber portion 110. As noted above, in alternative embodiments, the scissor mechanism 106 can be outside of the bellows 506.

[0074] The bellows 506 are configured to be expanded to varying degrees along the axis

X, to adjust focus. The bellow 506 can be any suitable type of bellows, including a cloth, or just a folding box. The bellows 506 or cloth is generally configured to keep the light out of the inside 110 of the box 100. The interior chamber 110 of the box 100 is generally maintained in a substantially dark environment, depending upon the particular application or result desired.

[0075] The bellows 506 is generally configured as a collapsible member between the front panel 102 and the back panel 104. The open area between the front panel 102 and the back panel 104 within the bellows 506 is generally referred to as the chamber 110. Generally, the bellows 506 does not provide any structural rigidity or fixability. The bellows 506 could be any sort of flexible material like a bellows or a cloth or it could be telescoping or folding members. Instead of a bellows, telescoping box segments could be used, or other telescoping members.

[0076] Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, the camera obscura box 100 can comprise a front panel 102 and a back panel 104 that can be disassembled from a folding box. When unfolded, the box would be a four sided box and fit the front panel 102 and back panel 104 onto the open ends. The box 100 could fold at each corner 302 to become the same face size as the front and back panel 102, 104 and would fit in between them for transportation. In another embodiment, the box 100 is not configured to collapse and any adjustment comes from the fine tuning of the lens assembly 140 or movements of the back wall 104.

[0077] Referring to Figure 6, the distance D between the imaging surface 114 on the back panel 102 and the lens assembly 140 is adjustable. In the examples of Figures 1-4, the scissor mechanism assembly 106 generally comprises an upper assembly 106a and a lower assembly 106b. For the purposes of the description herein, only one scissor mechanism 106 will be referred to, both assemblies 106a, 106b being substantially identical.

[0078] In one embodiment, the scissor mechanism assembly 106 can include spring ball detent locks can lock the back wall into multiple settings of distance relative to the front wall 102 and lens assembly 140. The scissor mechanism 106 is configured to provide rigidity and fixability between the front wall 102 and the back wall 104. In one embodiment, the scissor mechanism 106 is a double scissor mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the scissor mechanism could also be a telescoping mechanism or a lever motion. The scissor mechanism 106 could also include rigid attachments that can be removed or folded in for collapsing, and re-attached or unfolded for expanding.

[0079] In one embodiment, the scissor mechanism 106 can be the same on both of the two sides it is used on. In one embodiment, the two sides 106a, 106b can move independently which can achieve a tilted back wall 104. The two sides 106a, 106b of the scissor mechanism 106 could also pivot up and down to achieve a shift effect in addition to the tilt. The scissor mechanism 106 could also be mounted on all four sides on the box 100, or from one to as many sides as exist on the box used.

[0080] In the example of Figure 6, the exemplary scissor mechanism 106 has two members 602, 604. In one embodiment, the members 602, 604 can comprise a number of sub- members that are connected together. Typically, the connection between the sub-members will be a pivot type of connection.

[0081] In the example of Figure 6, the sub-members 602a, 602b on one side and the sub- members 604a, 604b on the other side are pivotally mounted at the respective centers 602c, 604c. The two ends 602d, 604d are attached to the front panel 102 and the two ends 602e, 604e are attached to the back panel 104. On the back panel 104 one end 602e is pivotally mounted at pivot connection point 606, while the other end 604e is pivotally and slideably mounted in a vertical slot member 608. The vertical slot member 608 is configured to allow the end 604e to slide as required along axis Y when the collapsing or expanding motion of the scissor mechanism 106 occurs along the axis X.

[0082] In one embodiment, the slidable end 604e of the scissor mechanism 106 slides freely back and forth and can have a spring ball attached to it that will seat into some finite amount of holes near the slot 610 the end 604e slides in. This allows the scissor mechanism 106 to have fixed settings of the distance D between the front panel 102 and the back panel 104. In other embodiments, there can be demarcations on the outside of the box 100 and the sliding pivot member 608 is visible as a gauge along the demarcations telling the users the distance they are currently focused upon. In alternate embodiments, any suitable mechanism can be used to achieve the locking of the distance between the two panels 102, 104. The spring ball could just be a rigid bump or set of bumps or ridges that fit into recesses of similar size and shape on the mating wall, and the flexing of the two materials would allow for the movement between each locked setting. The sliding piece could also be smooth and there would be a piece on the mating wall that could be tightened down to lock it into place, or there could be a pin of some sort to pop into a finite number of holes.

[0083] In one embodiment, instead of putting the locking mechanism on the slidable end of the scissor mechanism 106, there could be a circular locking system around any of the pivoting joints 602c, 604c. It is possible to have any of the same locking methods, such as a spring ball or rigid bumps a certain distance off center so that it moves circumferentially as the scissor mechanism 106 is collapsed, and the spring ball or rigid bumps clicks into circumferentially arranged voids. It could also be a friction lock. There could also be magnets to fix it into various positions. Furthermore, flex fingers can be used that click into various positions.

[0084] In one embodiment, the imaging portion 114 of the back panel 104 is a substantially flat area upon which the image from the lens assembly 110 is projected. In alternate embodiments, the imaging portion 114 can comprise any suitable surface and portion of the back panel 104. If there is some distortion of the image with this process the back panel 104 could be tilted or spherical or in any number of configurations to help create a more accurate or interesting image. [0085] In one embodiment, the imaging portion 114 of the back panel 104 could be removable or replaceable. For example, the camera box 100 could be provided with a removable back to facilitate access to and switching of the imaging portion or surface 114, as will be described further below.

[0086] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 9, only a portion 902 of the back panel

104 corresponding to the imaging surface 114 might be removable or interchangeable. Being able to interchange the imaging surface 114 with other imaging surfaces can allow for the use of different colors and hues, different surface textures or even different scenery. In one embodiment, portion 902 with the imaging portion 114 can be a slidable part that allows one to slide the portion 902 out of the back 104 and slide another in its place. The imaging surface 114 could also be translucent and the viewing hole 128 could be in the back wall 104, giving it a dead on view of the image instead of being tilted and shifted like in the current configuration.

[0087] Generally, the image on the imaging surface 114 of the back panel 104 is flipped both vertically and horizontally. In some cases, the image can also be distorted as viewed from the camera because it is may not be viewed straight on. In one embodiment, an application on the phone device can be used to correct for these distortion issues.

[0088] Any of the parts and components of the camera obscura box 100 can be made from any rigid material, such as plastic, composites or metals. The parts in the phone mount assembly 120 should be softer, such a plastic or silicone. The bellows 506 must be made from a flexible material, or if done as a foldable assembly, they could be a rigid plastic or metal or composite. The lens 148 is typically a translucent glass or plastic. The parts that mount the lens should be softer like a plastic or have a soft liner between the lens 148 and mount 146.

[0089] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate other examples of exemplary camera obscura boxes

1000, 1100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The camera obscuras 1000, 1100 in these examples are generally smaller and more compact in size than the embodiment shown in Figure 1. For example, the exemplary size of the boxes 1000, 1100 may be similar to the size of an exemplary mobile device, at least in length and width.

[0090] In the example of Figure 10, the box 1000 comprises a front portion or box 1002 and a rear portion or box 1004. The rear portion 1004 is slidably received in the front portion 1002. The camera obscura 1000 can be an arrangement of interfitting boxes, or with a small bellow or any flexible material. It can also incorporate a scissor mechanism or and collapsible system.

[0091] A lens assembly 1020 is configured on a front of the front portion 1002 and a mobile phone device 1030 is disposed on a rear of the rear portion 1004. The lens assembly 1020 can be the same as or similar to the lens assembly 140 of Figures 1 and 2.

[0092] Light 1040 is received by the lens assembly 1020 and is projected towards the imaging surface 1014 of the rear portion 1004. The smartphone or camera device 1030 is positioned on the back of the rear portion 1004, or on either side 1002. A viewing hole 1028 is disposed in the rear portion 1004. The viewing hole 1028 is similar to the viewing hole 128 described with respect to Figure 1. The viewing hole 1028 can be disposed in any suitable portion and location. The camera device 1030 will capture the image on the imaging surface 1014 through one or several mirrors 1052, 1054 disposed in the front part 1002. Depending upon the configuration and the location of the viewing hole 1028, one or more of the mirrors 1052, 1054 can be configured to project the image (light) from the imaging surface 1014 to the viewing hole 1028 and camera lens.

[0093] Referring to Figure 11, another exemplary camera obscura 1100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is illustrated. In this example, 1102 is the body of the small camera obscura and houses a mirror system 1150 the enables to focus the camera lens of the smartphone 1130, through viewing hole 1128, towards the back portion 1104 and imaging surface 1114 of the small camera obscura 1100. The box portions 1102 and 1104 are retractable by a various possible systems such as scissor system or rigid attachment that can be removed or folded in for collapsing, and re-attached or unfolded for expanding. In the example of Figure 11, box portion 1104 slides into box portion 1102. The smartphone 1130 can be positioned on the back portions 1104 or even on a side portion.

[0094] By mounting the phone 1130 on the rear of rear portion 1104 or on any side of the front portion 1102, the user can capture the image through a mirror system, the back of the image plane 1002. Image that is created by the light passing through the lens 1 140 and forms at the back of box portion 1102. By moving the back portions 1004, 1104 of the respective small camera obscuras 1000, 1100 back and forth, one can focus on the subject. [0095] Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary light path for an obscura box incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. In this example, light is received by and passes through the lens assembly 1040 in a manner as is generally understood. The captured image is then projected onto the image area 1014. As previously noted, the image area 1014 can be configured for the capture and display of the image in the camera obscura. Mirror 1052 can capture the image from the image area 1014. The angle of mirror 1052 relative to the image area 1014 and mirror 1052 allows mirror 1054 to also capture the image from the image area 1014. The angle of mirror 1054 relative to the viewing aperture 1028 allows for the projection of the image in the mirror 1054 to be received in the lens of the camera device 1030.

[0096] The camera obscura of the disclosed embodiments can enable a smartphone or other image capturing device to create a depth of field and/or overlap images combining the image placed on the imaging surface and the natural projection inside of a camera obscura. This also enables enhanced colour saturation and a soft, dream-like focus.

[0097] The camera obscura of the disclosed embodiments enables the capture of the natural effect of light in a camera obscura with a digital device. With the ability of a digital device such as smartphone to connect to the Internet and social media, the camera obscura of the disclosed embodiments the sharing of the captured images via social media. The embodiment of the camera obscura shown in Figure 1 can be folded to provide a more compact size, such as that shown in Figure 5C. The smaller versions of the camera obscura shown in Figures 10 and 11 can provide more portability. The camera obscura of the disclosed embodiments advantageously creates a unique dream-like focus that no other device can replicate or even digital manipulation can recreate.

[0098] Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out, fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of devices and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements, which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results, are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A camera obscura device, comprising:

a plurality of interconnected panels;

a lens assembly disposed in the front panel;

an imaging surface disposed on an interior portion of the back panel, wherein light received through the lens assembly is projected onto the imaging surface;

a camera mounting assembly coupled to an exterior portion of a first one of the plurality of interconnected panels; and

a viewing aperture disposed in the first one of the plurality of interconnected panels, the viewing aperture being configured to align with a camera lens of a camera coupled to the camera mounting assembly; and wherein the imaging surface is configured to reflect the light from the lens assembly and through the viewing aperture and onto the camera lens of the camera.

2. The camera obscura device of claim 1, wherein the camera mounting assembly is configured for a smartphone, and the camera is a camera of the smartphone.

3. The camera obscura device of claim 1, wherein the camera mounting assembly is configured for a digital camera.

4. The camera obscura device of claim 3, comprising a lens adapter mounted between the camera lens and the viewing aperture, one end of the lens adapter configured to attach to the camera lens, an other end of the lens adapter configured to mate with the viewing aperture.

5. The camera obscura device of any of the preceding claims, comprising a light blocking material disposed between the camera lens and the viewing aperture.

6. The camera obscura device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the camera mounting assembly comprises a movable portion that is configured to hold the camera, the movable portion configured to enable movement of the camera relative to the viewing aperture.

7. The camera obscura device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the viewing aperture is disposed in a sliding shutter, the sliding shutter being disposed over an opening in the first one of the plurality of interconnected panels of the camera obscura that allows the reflected light from the imaging surface to pass through to the viewing aperture.

8. The camera obscura device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the back panel includes a removable portion, the imaging surface being disposed on the removable portion.

9. The camera obscura device of any of the preceding claims, comprising a light blocking bellows between the front panel and the back panel, the bellows forming a chamber between the front panel and the back panel.

10. The camera obscura device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first one of the plurality of interconnected panels is the front panel, a top panel or a side panel.

11. The camera obscura device of any of the preceding claims, comprising an expandable device connecting the front panel to the back panel, the expandable device configured to expand from a first state where the first panel and the second panel are pushed together, to one or more expanded states where the first panel and the second panel are in a spaced-apart configuration.

12. The camera obscura device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of interconnected panels comprises a first box portion forming the front panel of the camera obscura device and a second box portion comprising the back panel of the camera obscura device, wherein the second box portion is slidably received in the first box portion.

13. The camera obscura device of claim 12, wherein the camera mounting assembly and view aperture are disposed on the second box portion.

14. The camera obscura device of claim 13, further comprising at least one mirror disposed between the first box portion and the second box portion, the at least one mirror configured to reflect an image on the imaging surface to the viewing aperture.

15. A camera obscura, comprising:

a first panel having an imaging surface;

a second panel having a viewing aperture;

a digital camera device coupled to the second panel, the digital camera device having a lens communicatively coupled with the viewing aperture, and wherein an image on the imaging surface is captured by the digital camera device through the viewing aperture.

16. The camera obscura of claim 15 comprising a chamber defined between the first panel and the second panel, one or more mirrors disposed within the chamber, wherein the one or more mirrors are configured to reflect the image on the imaging surface to the viewing aperture.

17. The camera obscura of claims 15 and 16, further comprising a flexible member coupling the first panel and the second panel together, the flexible member configured to expand from a first state where the first panel and the second panel are pushed together, to one or more expanded states where the first panel and the second panel are in a spaced-apart configuration.

18. The camera obscura of claims 15-17, wherein the first panel comprises a first box portion and the second panel comprises a second box portion, where the second box portion is slidably received within the first box portion.

19. The camera obscura of claims 15-18, comprising a lens assembly disposed in the second panel, the lens assembly configured to project an image onto the imaging surface. The camera obscura of claims 15-19, wherein the digital camera is a camera of a mobile or a camera body.