Method and apparatus for forming complex photographic images from a set of object-figures

A device for forming composite images on a photosensitive support from a pre-defined set of object-figures in accordance with a computer program corresponding to a specific desired application, the device comprising:

• a light source controllably adapted to flash;
• means for selectively controlling the flashing of the light source in accordance with the computer program;
• a photographic optical system;
• a photosensitive support positioned on the optical axis of the photographic optical system to allow an image to be formed thereon;
• a support having mounted thereon an array of object-figures, the object-figures being arranged in frames of identical formats, the photosensitive support having the same format as the format of the object-figures;
• a substantially ambient light-tight enclosure for housing the light source, light source control means, optical system, photosensitive support and object-figure support;
• means for rotating the photosensitive support about the optical axis relative to the object-figure support;
• means for selecting and positioning an object-figure in an object position on the optical axis of the photographic optical system;
• means for shifting the selected object-figure relative to the photosensitive support along two directions perpendicular to the optical axis;
• calculating means programmed in accordance with a predetermined combination of object-figures according to the specific application, for controlling the photosensitive support rotating means, the object-figure selection means and the object-figures shifting means;
• and
• a key board having data input keys for causing the photosensitive support to be exposed by sequential flashing of the light source, wherein selected object-figures are positioned individually in the object position along the optical axis and the photosensitive support is positioned rotatively about the optical axis in a sequence automatically controlled by the computer program of the calculating means based on data initially supplied in a single operation by the operator.