Camera Filter Identification System

Abstract

A method of color coding for instant identification of camera filters. The outside of frames of filters are covered in a distinct color, simplifying identification between camera filters. Color coding replaces or augments the method of written specifications on camera filter frames. Higher quality photography and videography is facilitated by providing the operator with more time to evaluate scenery and adjust camera settings.

Claims

1. A color coded camera filter identification method, comprising: a. A plurality of camera filters, b. Said camera filters having a different image modifying specifications, c. The outside of each camera filter frame being permanently covered in a distinct color, d. The same distinct color being applied to all camera filters with the same light modifying specifications, e. The inside of the camera filter frames being black.

2. The method described in claim 1, wherein the outside frames of the individual camera filters are covered in distinct patterns.

3. The method described in claim 1, wherein a mnemonic chart identifies the distinct colors and the specifications of the corresponding filter.

4. The method described in claim 2, wherein a mnemonic chart identifies the distinct pattern and their specifications of the corresponding filter.

5. A method of distinguishing camera filters of different light modifying specifications, comprising: a. Distinct base colors assigned to different prescribed classes of camera filters, b. Distinct tints or shades of the class's base color are assigned to filters in the class, c. Distinct tints or shades are permanently applied to outsides of the camera filter frames d. The inside of said camera filter frames are black.

6. A method of distinguishing camera filters, comprising: a. Distinct color assigned to each class of camera filters, b. Distinct colors assigned to the filters in the same class having light modifying elements composed of different materials, c. Said colors are permanently applied to the outside of the camera filter frames. d. The inside of said filter frames are black.

7. A system of distinguishing camera filters by color coding, comprising, a. A distinct base color assigned to camera filters classes: neutral density, graduated neutral density, polarizer, warming and cooling filters, UV and filters with any combination of those capabilities, b. A distinct shade or tint of the respective based color assigned to each filter within the class corresponding to the filter's tendency to perform the class's characteristic function(s) c. Said shade or tint is permanently applied to the outside of the camera filter frame.

8. The system described in claim 7, wherein a mnemonic chart displays the frame colors and the corresponding camera filter.

9. A method of distinguishing neutral density and polarizer camera filters, comprising, a. A distinct base color assigned to the neutral density filters class, b. A distinct color assigned to the polarizer filter class, c. A distinct base color assigned to filters with dual neutral density and polarizing capabilities, d. A distinct shade or tint of the neutral density base color is assigned to each individual neutral density filters with light modifying elements of different specifications, e. A distinct shade or tint of the dual neutral density and polarizing base color is assigned to each individual filter with different light modifying elements of different specifications, f. Said colors are permanently applied to the outside of the camera filter frame.

10. The method described in claim 9, wherein the distinct base colors are also provided to filters with light modifying elements comprised of different material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a back perspective view of the back of a camera filter

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a horizontal side view of an exemplary camera filter

[0022] FIG. 3A shows an assortment of filters with distinguishing colors

[0023] FIG. 3B shows a mnemonic chart clarifying filter color assignment.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a top view comparison of the prior art and an embodiment of the current invention

DRAWING: LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0025] 10 filter

[0026] 12 light modifying element

[0027] 22 inside frame

[0028] 24 frame

[0029] 26 specifications

[0030] 50 prior art set

[0031] 52 coded set

[0032] 60 Neutral Density 64 filter

[0033] 62 Neutral Density 128 filter

[0034] 64 Neutral Density 256 filter

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 depicts the prior art of specifications 26 written on the side of a filter frame 24. The exemplary filter 10 has a cylindrical shape. Camera filters are both cylindrical and cubic. The inside of the frame 22 is black in all embodiments to permit necessary light absorption. The filter specifications 26 can be seen at the top of the frame 24. The exemplary filter 10 is a neutral density 32. Light modifying element 12 with neutral density 32 capacity is conjoined with the distal part of the inside of the frame 22.

[0036] While it is easy to view the specifications 26 from the vantage point provided in FIG. 1, it becomes more difficult when viewed from other vantage points. FIG. 2 depicts a horizontal sideview of the frame 24. The filter 10 orientation prevents reading of the entire specification 26 without manipulation. The frame 24 can be seen clearly from this and most other vantage points.

[0037] FIG. 3A-3B are schematic drawings demonstrating an exemplary coding system. Side views of seven identically sized filters are provided in FIG. 3A. Filters 1-5 are neutral density class filters with decreasing ability to saturate an image. Filter 7 is a polarizer with the ability to reduce glare. Filter 6 is a filter with both neutral density and polarizing capacity. The neutral density filters 1-5 are assigned distinguishing tints or hues in the gold range. But for the unique colors, the filters would be indistinguishable. Patterns are used to portray the colors. Captions below each filter indicate the color the pattern represents.

[0038] FIG. 3B is an exemplary mnemonic chart provided to facilitate memorization of the color scheme. The filter specifications and corresponding frame color are provided. In this embodiment, a gold color scheme is used to indicate neutral density filters. Silver is used to indicate a polarizing filter. Dark gray is used to distinguish a filter with both polarization and neutral density capabilities. A chart or spreadsheet of this nature can aid in memorization of the system. The mnemonic chart can be separate or affixed to an accompanying filter case (bag, backpack, etc.).

[0039] FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of the invention 52 in comparison with the prior art 50. There are two sets of three filters laying horizontal and viewed from above. This is the vantage point from which a photographer will typically view unattached camera filters. The lenses in each set are Neutral Density 64 60, Neutral Density 128 62, and Neutral Density 256 64 filters. The light modifying element for these filters are black in appearance, as represented in the figure. The prior art set 50 includes filters with the same color frames. Written specs are not often included on the front of the filter frame, making it difficult to distinguish between similarly sized filters in the same class. Some filter configurations result in too little space to write specifications on the front of the frame.

[0040] The coded set 52 utilizes an embodiment of the frame coding method. Filters can be easily distinguished based on color. The user does not have to manipulate the filter to read the specification on the side. Identification of the appropriate filter can be made by the distinct color while the photographer continues to hold the camera with both hands. In this embodiment the filters are in the same class and assigned distinct base colors green, red, and blue.

[0041] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary methods and embodiments. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essence or characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.