System for holding objects in front of a camera lens

Abstract

A system for holding an object in front of a camera lens includes a base for creating photographic effects and a positionable object. The system includes a magnetic receptive surface that receives one or more effect sticks in a magnetic ball-and-socket relationship. The strength of the magnetic ball-and-socket is determined based on the size and weight of the effect sticks used by the photographer to place the effect sticks in the optical path of the camera lens to achieve the desired effect. Extension arms may also be integrated between the mounting ring base and the effect sticks to provide additional flexibility. Related methods are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to mounting systems, and more particularly to mounting systems for holding various objects in front of a camera lens. Background Art

[0002] Photographic cameras with built-in or interchangeable lenses can often benefit from the use of lens filters when placed in the light path between the camera lens and the subject, achieving desired visual effects when added to certain shots or removed or excluded from other still or moving images.

[0003] Traditional lens filters are well known and common, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit most cameras and lens fronts. Typically, light passes through a traditional lens filter before entering the camera lens, where it is refracted or bent to reveal a representation of the subject that incorporates the effect the filter adds to the photograph or moving image. These filters typically cover the entire front of the lens and apply their effect to the entire final still or moving image. Traditional circular filters are limited to circumferential adjustment or rotational adjustment or one degree of freedom at best, which can limit the photographer's artistic expression when one or more areas of the filter contain unique elements that are intended to move across the image.

[0004] Other filter solutions, such as manually held filter elements, have proven to be limited in flexibility and expandability. Additionally, other complex systems that clip onto the camera and may include a filter frame or bendable arms to hold the filter element are known, but tend to be highly complex and relatively large and heavy, which reduces usability for photographers.

[0005] Thus, conventional systems suffer from disadvantages. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter address these and other problems in the prior art.

[0006] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals may indicate similar elements and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of a system for holding an object in front of a camera lens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Isometric view of the system.

[0010] Figure 3 is available according to the implementation scheme Figure 1 Front view of the mounting base, yoke assembly, arm assembly, and effects wand for use with the system.

[0011] Figure 4 It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 3 An oblique isometric view of details of the mounting ring and other features of the system.

[0012] Figure 5 It is shown that according to the embodiment Figure 3 Rear view of the system with details of the mounting ring and other features.

[0013] Figure 6 According to the implementation plan, Figure 1 Isometric view of the yoke assembly used with the system.

[0014] Figure 7 According to the implementation plan, Figure 1 Isometric view of the arm assembly used with the system.

[0015] Figure 8 According to the implementation plan, Figure 1 A top view of an example effects wand used in conjunction with the system.

[0016] Fig. 9 is an oblique isometric view showing a clamping system that may be used in a system for holding an object in front of a camera lens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Detailed Description

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention (sometimes referred to herein as "systems") are intended to modify and / or add light entering a camera lens while capturing a captured still or moving image by placing light sources, transparent, semi-transparent and / or opaque objects in front of and around the image-making lens.

[0019] Complex foreground elements in an image, both naturally occurring and introduced objects, can provide a sense of depth to images that might otherwise appear flat or generic.

[0020] When the foreground of a scene, consisting of real and / or introduced elements, is close enough to the camera lens and the lens has a shallow enough depth of field to obscure details in the foreground, the natural and introduced foreground elements can create unique and striking looks that are not possible when those foreground elements are not present or when those elements are far enough from the front of the lens that their shape and identity are obvious to the viewer. Embodiments of the present invention allow the photographer to exercise this kind of creative control over artistic images.

[0021] Figure 1 is a side view of a system for holding an object in front of a camera lens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the system shown in . Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a mounting base or mount 100 is connected to the front portion of a camera lens 102 in front of a camera 104. The mounting ring 100 serves as a base to support one or more effect wands 106 that can be located in front of the camera lens 102. Although the mounting ring 100 shown in these figures is shown as a circle or ring, the mounting ring 100 can be any shape, such as square, rectangular, oval, etc., but for convenience, it is only referred to as a mounting ring 100 herein. As described below, the effect wand 106 is configured to modify light as it enters the camera lens, producing a visual effect that can be controlled by the photographer. Also as described below, the effect wand 106 remains in place after being positioned by the photographer, so that the desired effect created by the photographer is repeatable.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the effects wand 106 can be manually placed and positioned by the photographer or someone working with the photographer and held in place by relatively strong magnets. Figure 2 As best shown, the effects wand 106 includes a magnetic spherical portion 152 located in the magnetic socket portion of the arm 108, and the arm 108 has its own spherical portion, which is located in the socket portion of the yoke 110. The yoke 110 is magnetically held or otherwise fixed to the base 100. Each magnetic ball-socket interface in the system allows movement at the interface. For example, the magnetic spherical portion 152 of the effects wand 106 is movable and positionable relative to the socket portion of the arm 108. In addition, the magnetic spherical portion of the arm 108 is movable and positionable relative to the socket portion of the yoke 110. In operation, the magnetic ball-socket interface of the effects wand 106 and the arm 108 allows the photographer to move the effects wand 106 to almost any position relative to the camera lens 102. And, once the photographer releases the effects wand 106, the magnetic effect of the magnetic ball-socket interface is strong enough to keep the wand in the position set by the photographer. The magnetic ball-socket interface between the arm 108 and the yoke 110 operates similarly. Thus, the photographer has almost complete control over positioning one or more effects wands 106 in the light path in front of the camera lens 102, because the photographer can place the wand anywhere desired, and after the photographer places it, the wand will remain in place.

[0023] Figure 3 , 4 5 shows the embodiment according to which Figure 1 The mounting ring 100, yoke assembly 110, arm assembly 108 and effect rod 106 are used together with the system of FIG. In the embodiment shown, the filter lens is connected to the back of the mounting ring 100 by the filter thread 116 ( Figure 5) matches the standard filter thread (not shown) on the camera lens, and the mounting ring 100 is mounted to the camera lens 102 ( Figure 1 In some embodiments, the mounting ring 100 may further include a threaded front portion 112 ( Figure 3 ) to receive one or more standard filters. In this way, even if the mounting ring 100 is mounted to the standard filter thread of the camera lens through its own thread 116, the mounting ring 100 retains the option of using standard filters.

[0024] If the size of the mounting threads 116 of the mounting ring 100 is different than the size of the filter threads of the camera lens, one or more standard filter adapter rings may be used to connect the mounting ring 100 to the camera lens 102. In some embodiments, the mounting ring 100 may be manufactured in any size to fit any size filter thread of the camera lens 102. In other embodiments, the mounting ring 100 is manufactured in a limited number of sizes, and a standard filter adapter ring is used to adapt any camera lens 102 to one of the standard sizes of the mounting ring 100. In operation, the adapter ring is first connected to the filter threads of the camera lens 102, and then the mounting threads 116 of the mounting ring 100 are connected to the outer edge of the adapter, which also includes threads. When the threads of the mounting ring and the adapter (if any) are tightened, the mounting ring 100 is securely held on the camera lens 102 to provide a stable base for the rest of the system. Some embodiments of the mounting ring 100 may allow the ring to rotate relative to the camera lens 102 while still being securely mounted to the camera lens. Such an embodiment may include a sliding or bearing surface between the mounting threads 116 of the mounting ring 100 and the mounting ring itself.

[0025] In other embodiments, the mounting ring 100 may be secured to the front of the camera using other attachment methods, such as strapping or clamping the mounting ring 100 to the body of the camera. In other embodiments, the mounting ring 100 may include a bracket that mounts to a standard tripod socket located on the bottom of most cameras. In such an embodiment, a thumbscrew or other fastener may be used to attach the bracket of the mounting ring 100 to the camera so that the mounting ring is positioned near the front of the camera lens. However, other embodiments may include a bracket that mounts to a hot shoe or cold shoe (i.e., a flash mount) while still positioning the mounting ring 100 near the front of the camera lens. Other possibilities for mounting the mounting ring or mounting base to the camera or camera lens may include rail mounting, snap mounting, and mechanical mounting, such as using screws and / or bolts.

[0026] The mounting ring 100 can be made of metal or other rigid materials. In some embodiments, the mounting ring 100 is made of a magnetic material such as steel, or includes a magnetic surface attached to a base material. For durability and appearance, the mounting ring 100 can be powder coated. In the embodiment shown, the mounting ring 100 includes a recessed front ring 114 that occupies most of the surface of the mounting ring 100. Figure 4 As shown, the front ring 114 is recessed relative to the inner and outer lips. The inner lip may be formed by the threaded portion 112 of the mounting ring 100, while the outer lip 118 may be configured as a base or other structure to serve as a mechanical mount to which an arm assembly or other accessories may be attached.

[0027] The front ring 114 of the mounting ring 100 is sized and configured to receive one or more yoke assemblies 110 attached to its front surface. Between the inner and outer edges of the front ring mounting ring 100, the recessed magnetic receiving front ring 114 holds tracks for the yoke assemblies 110, allowing the yoke assemblies to be securely mounted to the mounting ring 100 even as the yoke assemblies slide around the front of the mounting ring, while repositioning the yoke assemblies and thereby adjusting the position of the effect wand 106 mounted on the yoke assemblies 110.

[0028] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the yoke assembly 110 includes a yoke frame 124 and two magnetic sockets 130. Each socket 130 may include a chamfered magnet 120 and a magnetic plug 122, which are formed together into a slightly spherical recessed shape configured to receive a magnetic ball. The magnetic plug 122 is used in conjunction with the magnet 120 to form a particularly strong magnetic receiver. In some embodiments, the magnet 120 and the magnetic plug are each 6 mm in size, but other sizes, such as smaller or larger sizes, can be used. Larger sized magnetic ball joints may require too much force to comfortably manually move the rod 106 and arm 108, while smaller sized magnetic ball joints may not have enough magnetic force to hold the rod and arm in place.

[0029] Each yoke assembly 110 can be magnetically connected to the front ring 114 of the mounting ring. The magnetic force that keeps the yoke assembly connected to the front ring 114 can come from the magnet 120 and the magnetic plug 122, or can come from another magnet (not shown) attached to the yoke assembly 110. Preferably, each yoke assembly 110 includes two or more magnetic sockets 130 spaced apart from each other. The inclusion of at least two magnetic sockets 130 spaced apart from each other in each yoke assembly 110 ensures that the magnet 120 does not rotate freely, which would occur if the yoke assembly 110 only included one magnetic socket 130. Instead, the inclusion of two magnetic sockets 130 in each assembly 110 allows the photographer to freely move the effects wand while the assembly 110 remains firmly magnetically attached to the front ring 114 of the mounting ring 100.

[0030] The front ring 114 of the mounting ring 100 is sized to accept one or more yoke assemblies 110. The width of the track of the front ring 114 can be selected to accommodate the movement of the yoke assemblies 110. In other words, the width of the track of the front ring can be large enough to give the photographer options when positioning the yoke assemblies 110 on the mounting ring. In other embodiments, the width of the track can be just large enough to accept one or more yoke assemblies 110 with limited movement capabilities. In other embodiments, the mounting ring 100 can be completely filled with an entire ring of 10-20 magnetic sockets (not shown). In such an embodiment, the system would not include a separate assembly 110, but rather the arm 108 or the rod 106 could be directly attached to one of the permanently mounted sockets on the mounting ring 100.

[0031] In addition to magnetic attachment, in some embodiments, the yoke assembly 110 may also be attached to the mounting ring 100 using temporary or permanent adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

[0032] Reference Figure 7 In the embodiment, the arm assembly 108 can be used in combination with the yoke assembly 110. The arm assembly 108 shown in the figure includes a frame 140, a magnetic ball portion 142 and a magnetic socket portion 148. Figure 6 110, the magnetic socket portion 148 of the arm assembly 108 includes a small hollow cylindrical magnet 144 and a small magnetic plug 146. In some embodiments, the magnet 144 and magnetic plug 146 of the arm assembly 108 are the same size as the magnet 120 and magnetic plug 120 of the yoke assembly 110. The length of the frame 130 of the arm assembly 108 can be implementation specific. In addition, Figure 1 A set of components in the system may include multiple arm assemblies 108 having different lengths, which provides additional flexibility to the photographer.

[0033] In operation, the magnetic ball portion 148 of the arm assembly is inserted into one of the magnetic socket portions 130 of the yoke assembly 110. Then, the rod 106, and in particular the magnetic ball portion 152 of the rod 106, is inserted into the magnetic socket portion 148 of the arm assembly 108. This combination of having two separate magnetic ball joints (one at the connection between the yoke assembly 110 and the arm assembly 108, and one at the connection between the arm assembly 108 and the rod 106, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2102) provides the photographer with a great deal of freedom in positioning various effects wands relative to the camera lens 102. Furthermore, since each yoke assembly 110 includes at least two magnetic socket portions 130, this allows each yoke assembly 110 to support two separate effects wands 106, each of which can be individually positioned by the photographer. Furthermore, the wands 106 can be positioned or partially positioned over one another to combine the effects of the wands 106. Still further, each additional yoke assembly 110 supports an additional two wands 106, and there is room to place many yoke assemblies 110 on the mounting ring 100. Thus, the photographer has a great deal of artistic control by selecting and positioning an almost infinite combination of effects wands, each having its effect on the light entering the camera lens 102, effectively giving the photographer complete control over how to compose her image.

[0034] Although the above-described embodiment is a magnetic ball-and-socket articulated joint structure, other articulated joint structures may also be used in other embodiments. For example, such an articulated joint structure may be formed by any mechanical articulated joint, such as a friction joint or a ratchet joint between two separate parts, which allows the effect rod 106 to be moved into position and then maintain its position after positioning. In addition, what is described as an articulated joint structure may not actually be an articulated structure at all, but may be formed by a single piece of material that is manipulated to place the effect rod 106 in a position that is maintained after positioning. For example, an arm or other structure connected to the effect rod 106 may be formed by a bendable or flexible material, such as a metal wire, or a metal wire coated with plastic or other material, which maintains its position after movement.

[0035] Figure 8 is available according to the implementation scheme Figure 1154 and 156. As described above, the effect wand 106 may include a magnetic spherical portion 152 located between the handle 154 and the effect portion 156. The effect portion 156 of the wand 106 is generally used to modify the light from the object when the object enters the camera lens 102. In many embodiments, the effect portion 156 is formed of crystal, glass, or plastic, each of which has various effects on the resulting image. The effect portion 156 can also be formed of different shapes, such as a prism or partial prism, a circle, or a hemisphere. In some embodiments, the effect portion 156 can be a film, such as a diffractive film clamped on the handle 154. In certain embodiments, the effect portion 156 of the rod may include one or more of the following: a crystal spear, a crystal seahorse, a cylindrical lens, a diffraction grating film, an optical window with facets at edges, a 40 / 60 / 60 / 80 degree triangular prism, an equilateral triangular prism, an optical window ring, a mirror or a mirrored window, a rod or tube, a colored or patterned film, a container containing a liquid or an amorphous solid, or a transparent liquid crystal display.

[0036] In other embodiments, the effect portion 156 of the rod 106 may include various shapes that are opaque to light entering the camera lens 102. By moving such an opaque rod 106, the photographer can create shades, shadows, occlusions, and other effects based on a controllable absence of light.

[0037] In other embodiments, the effects wand 106 may include a light source in its effect portion 156. For example, the light source may be battery powered or solar powered. In other cases, the light source may be chemiluminescent, such as a glow stick. In embodiments where the effects wand 106 includes a light source, the photographer is able to add the light source to a specific portion of the resulting image. By placing the light source on an effects wand 106 that is easily moved and stays in place once moved, a great deal of creative control is provided to the photographer that was previously unavailable.

[0038] Although the above described embodiments utilize manual operation of the wand 106, in other embodiments, the handle 154 of the wand assembly 106 may be inserted into a motorized or mechanized attachment whereby the object is moved at a user adjustable speed, allowing for circular, radial, pitch, yaw, roll, and rangefinder movement. In such embodiments, the motion may be performed to match a predetermined path programmed by the user.

[0039] In some embodiments, the wand assembly 106 can be motorized based on a computer in a cell phone connected to a camera, enabling the user to send objects sweeping and rotating, and possibly other motions, through the image along with panning and tilting of the camera capturing the image.

[0040] In other embodiments, the motorized movement of the effects wand 106 is determined by a still or moving image captured by a camera, which communicates via wired or wireless means with a motor that determines the action of the wand assembly, giving natural or apparently unnatural movement to an object or light placed in front of the camera based on the movement of the camera.

[0041] refer to Fig. 9 , some disclosed embodiments also include a mounting mechanism 160 having its own magnetic socket that is capable of connecting the arm 108 and the wand 106 to a camera and lens combination that does not have filter threads. The camera can be a stand-alone camera, such as a traditional film, digital point-and-shoot, or single-lens reflex camera, or a camera integrated into another device, such as a mobile device, computer, or cell phone 164. In various embodiments, the mounting mechanism can take the form of a clamp with a magnetic socket 130 similar to that used in the yoke assembly 110, can be integrated into a cell phone case, or utilize an existing bayonet-style lens mount or screw mechanism originally used to mount auxiliary lenses. In other embodiments, the mounting mechanism 160 can be attached to the device using other methods to allow the wand 106 to be positioned in the optical path of the camera lens, such as temporary or permanent adhesives, friction mounts, etc.

[0042] As described herein, embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for holding an object in front of a camera lens, and elements of the various described embodiments provide a magnetic-based system that allows for circumferential adjustment, radial adjustment, pitch adjustment, yaw adjustment, roll adjustment, and distance adjustment from the camera lens, and includes a mechanical tension ball-and-socket system with filter threads, a clamping mount, and a rack mount. The above system allows for artistic control for those using lenses with filter threads, lenses without threads, and lenses that are part of a larger support system. All methods of mounting the system on the front of a camera lens are contemplated. These mounting options provide additional artistic control to users of cameras and lenses, allowing users to create repeatable images that cannot be created with currently available filter systems or with current practical methods for placing objects in front of a camera lens.

[0043] Thus, at least some embodiments of a system for holding an object in front of a camera lens include a magnetically receptive mounting ring and at least one magnet for attaching the magnetically receptive ring to various objects. The mounting ring mounted on the camera also includes a portion that receives the magnet, which holds the object around and in front of the camera lens.

[0044] In at least some embodiments of the system, the magnets used to secure the object to the magnetic receiving ring are cylindrical with internal chamfers and through holes to contact and securely hold the spherical magnetic receiving surface incorporated into the handle of the object and the universal clip, allowing the object to be mounted to the system and moved while maintaining their position after adjustments are completed. Therefore, in order to increase the tension on the spherical magnetic receiving portion of the handle of the object and the universal clip, these hollow chamfered cylindrical magnets can be combined with magnetic receiving cylindrical plugs that almost fill the hollow portion of the magnets. These magnetic cylindrical plugs push against the spherical surface of the handle as well as the cylindrical surface of the extension arm and other accessories, increasing the tension on the handle and other accessories, further ensuring that the object remains secure after adjustments are completed.

[0045] Based on the above examples and descriptions, embodiments of the present invention allow objects, optical devices, lights, motors, etc. to be attached to the front of the camera lens by magnets, pins, bolts, clips or other mechanical means. In some embodiments, an articulated mechanism mounted on the system is connected to the front of the camera lens to secure the attachment in place and allow the object to be manipulated to produce the effect. These objects are securely attached to and detached from the articulated mechanism by magnetism, threads, clips, adhesives or other mechanical means.

[0046] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an articulation mechanism that utilizes magnets, friction fit ball and sockets, ratchet hinges, or other devices or mechanisms to allow circumferential adjustment, radial adjustment, pitch adjustment, roll adjustment, and distance adjustment from a camera lens to produce an effected object.

[0047] Various embodiments allow for attachment of conventional circular or square filters for use with or separate from other objects and / or articulated arms.

[0048] Various embodiments allow for the attachment of a motor to move or rotate an articulated arm, object or light source connected to an object, wand or articulated arm that produces an effect.

[0049] Various embodiments allow for the attachment of lighting devices to project light on an object held in the system for the purpose of creating a different or more intense effect than when using an unlit object. Alternatively, an additional lighting device may be used to illuminate a photographic subject.

[0050] Another application of additional lighting is to project light into a camera lens in order to create effects such as flare, ghosting and reduced contrast caused by this additional light. The lighting fixture is mounted to the system, optionally using an articulated arm, allowing manipulation of the position and direction of the light produced.

[0051] This written description refers to specific features. It should be understood that the disclosures in this specification include all possible combinations of those specific features. For example, where a specific feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment, that feature may also be used in the context of other aspects and embodiments to the extent possible.

[0052] Furthermore, when the present application refers to a method having two or more defined steps or operations, the defined steps or operations may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context excludes such possibilities.

[0053] In addition, the terms "comprise", "include" and their grammatical equivalents are used in this application to indicate that other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. may optionally be present. For example, an article "comprising" or "which comprises" components A, B, and C may include only components A, B, and C, or it may include components A, B, and C and one or more other components. Example

[0054] The following provides exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. Embodiments of these techniques may include any one or more of the embodiments described below and any combination thereof.

[0055] Embodiment 1 includes a system for maintaining the position of an object in the optical path of a camera lens, comprising: a mounting base configured to be connected to a camera lens; one or more objects that change light when placed in the optical path of the camera lens; and at least one hinged structure disposed between the mounting base and the one or more objects and configured to allow the one or more objects to be movably positioned in the optical path of the camera lens.

[0056] Embodiment 2 includes a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to embodiment 1, wherein the articulated structure allows for one or more adjustments in a group including circumferential adjustment, radial adjustment, pitch adjustment, yaw adjustment, roll adjustment, and the distance between at least one of the one or more objects and the camera lens.

[0057] Embodiment 3 includes a system for maintaining an object in a camera lens optical path according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more objects maintain their position after being positioned.

[0058] Embodiment 4 includes a system for holding objects in a camera lens optical path according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the articulated structure is configured to allow manual positioning of the one or more objects.

[0059] Embodiment 5 includes a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting base includes a first set of threads for mounting to the camera lens and a second set of threads for receiving a filter.

[0060] Embodiment 6 includes a system for maintaining an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a motor connected to at least one of the one or more objects, wherein the one or more objects are configured to move the connected object relative to the camera lens.

[0061] Embodiment 7 includes a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to embodiment 6, further comprising a programmable motor controller.

[0062] Embodiment 8 comprises the system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to embodiment 7, wherein the programmable motor controller is constructed to control the motor based on the movement of the camera lens or based on the movement of an object in an image produced by the camera lens.

[0063] Embodiment 9 includes a system for maintaining an object in a camera lens optical path according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more objects includes a light source for projecting light.

[0064] Embodiment 10 includes a system for maintaining an object in a camera lens optical path according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the light source is configured to illuminate a photographic subject.

[0065] Embodiment 11 includes a system for holding an object in a camera lens optical path according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the light source is configured to project light into the camera lens.

[0066] Embodiment 12 includes a system for maintaining an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more objects is formed of crystal, liquid crystal, glass, metal or plastic.

[0067] Embodiment 13 includes a system for holding an object in a camera lens optical path according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more objects is a diffraction grating film.

[0068] Embodiment 14 includes a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more objects is a colored gel.

[0069] Embodiment 15 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the articulated structure comprises a magnetic socket.

[0070] Embodiment 16 includes a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the articulated structure includes a pair of magnetic sockets configured to magnetically connect to the mounting base.

[0071] Embodiment 17 includes a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a magnetic ball configured to be magnetically retained in a magnetic socket.

[0072] Embodiment 18 includes a system for holding an object in a camera lens optical path according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the magnetic ball is attached to at least one of the one or more objects.

[0073] Embodiment 19 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the magnetic ball is attached to an arm that also includes its own magnetic socket.

[0074] Embodiment 20 includes a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the articulated structure includes at least two arms, each arm including a magnetic ball and a magnetic socket.

[0075] Embodiment 21 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the articulated structure comprises a mechanical articulated joint.

[0076] Embodiment 22 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to Embodiment 21, wherein the hinge structure comprises a friction hinge or a ratchet hinge.

[0077] Embodiment 23 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting base is connected to the camera lens using a friction mount.

[0078] Embodiment 24 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting base is connected to the camera lens using a clamping base.

[0079] Embodiment 25 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting base is connected to the camera lens using a bayonet mount.

[0080] Embodiment 26 includes a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting base is connected to the camera lens via a base support that is mounted to a tripod base of the camera.

[0081] Embodiment 27 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting base is connected to the camera lens via a base support mounted to a hot shoe or a cold shoe of the camera.

[0082] Embodiment 28 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting base is connected to the camera lens via mechanical fasteners.

[0083] Embodiment 29 comprises a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting base is connected to the camera lens via a rail mount.

[0084] Embodiment 30 includes a system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting base is bolted to the camera lens.

[0085] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for maintaining the position of an object in the optical path of a camera lens, comprising: a mounting base configured to be attached to a camera lens; one or more objects that alter light when placed in the optical path of the camera lens, the one or more objects each having a size that is smaller than the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the optical path; as well as At least one hinged structure is disposed between the mounting base and the one or more objects and is configured to allow the one or more objects to be movably positioned in the optical path of the camera lens at an angle that is non-perpendicular to the optical path of the camera lens.

2. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 1, wherein: The articulated structure allows for adjustment of two or more of the group consisting of circumferential adjustment, radial adjustment, pitch adjustment, yaw adjustment, roll adjustment, and a distance between at least one of the one or more objects and the camera lens.

3. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more objects maintain their position after being positioned.

4. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 1, wherein: The articulated structure is configured to allow manual positioning of the one or more objects.

5. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting base includes a first set of threads for mounting to the camera lens and a second set of threads for receiving a filter.

6. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens of claim 1 , further comprising a motor connected to at least one of the one or more objects, the one or more objects being configured to move the connected object relative to the camera lens.

7. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens of claim 6, further comprising a programmable motor controller.

8. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 7, wherein: The programmable motor controller is configured to control the motor based on movement of the camera lens or based on movement of an object in an image produced by the camera lens.

9. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the one or more objects includes a light source for projecting light.

10. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 9, wherein: The light source is configured to illuminate a photographic subject.

11. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 9, wherein: The light source is configured to project light into the camera lens.

12. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the one or more objects is formed of crystal, liquid crystal, glass, metal or plastic.

13. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the one or more objects is a diffraction grating film.

14. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens of claim 1, wherein: At least one of the one or more objects is a colored gel.

15. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens of claim 1, wherein: The hinge structure includes a magnetic socket.

16. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens of claim 1, wherein: The hinge structure includes a pair of magnetic sockets configured to magnetically couple with the mounting base.

17. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens of claim 15, further comprising a magnetic ball configured to be magnetically retained in the magnetic socket.

18. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 17, wherein: The magnetic ball is attached to at least one of the one or more objects.

19. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 17, wherein: The magnetic ball is attached to an arm which also includes its own magnetic socket.

20. The system for holding an object in the optical path of a camera lens according to claim 19, wherein: The hinged structure includes at least two arms, each arm including a magnetic ball and a magnetic socket.

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