System for creating special effect images in the out-of-focus highlights of photographs

摘要

A camera system creates special effect images in the out-of- focus highlights of a photographic image by inserting a transparent image cell between the objective lens and focal plane of the camera. The image cell can be a transparency bearing the desired special effect image. Alternatively, the image cell can be a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) to provide either still or animated special effect images. The special effect image appears in any out-of-focus highlights (e.g., background street lights or headlights) in the photographic image, but does not otherwise affect the appearance of the photograph. The image cell is held by a tubular housing having connectors at each end to removably engage the standard connectors on the camera body and objective lens. The image cell can be held in a fixed optical position within the housing, for example, by means of a slide or a gate with spring clips. Alternatively, the image cell housing can include an image cell holder that allows rotation or translation of the image cell along the optical axis between the objective lens and camera. The image cell holder can also include a plurality of slots for holding the image cell at any of a corresponding plurality of positions along the optical axis. This allows the user to readily rotate or adjust the size of the special effect image or superimpose a number of special effect images.