Optical blurring filter which is resistant to digital image restoration

Claim 2

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a sheet of transparent plastic material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 3

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions comprise random power lenslets.

Claim 4

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions formed in the transparent material are configured so as to provide greater resolution reduction on a near side than on a far side when performing oblique photography.

Claim 5

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions formed in the transparent material are formed according to a gradient so as to provide varying resolution from one side of an image to another side thereof, so as to facilitate oblique photography in a manner which makes resolution generally uniform across a photograph.

Claim 6

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions formed in the transparent material are formed so as to provide greater distortion in selected portions thereof, so as to compensate for areas of greater resolution of the camera.

Claim 7

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter.

Claim 8

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed so as to be substantially random in power.

Claim 9

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed in the sheet of transparent material, the lenses formed such that a photograph formed therewith is formed with light where only a portion of the light passes through lenslets.

Claim 10

The optical blurring filter as described in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed so has to substantially overlap one another and so as be random in power.

Claim 11

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter are comprising a plurality of lenses, each lens having a generally elliptical periphery wherein a major axis and a minor axis for each lens is substantially random in length and angular orientation.

Claim 12

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed so as to define a plurality of different thicknesses of the sheet of transparent material.

Claim 13

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a two-dimensional array of non-overlapping lenses, each lens formed so as to be substantially random in power.

Claim 14

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter for changing a phase of at least a portion of light transmitted in therethrough.

Claim 15

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter, the phase filter comprising a plurality of cells configured so that light transmitted through a given cell to a focal plane is out of phase with light transmitted through a plurality of other cells to the focal plane.

Claim 16

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter, the phase filter comprising a plurality of cells, wherein each cell has a thickness which is substantially random with respect to other cells.

Claim 17

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter, the phase filter comprising a plurality of cells, wherein each cell has a thickness which is substantially random with respect to the other cells and wherein the cells have a width which defines the approximate width of the blurriness.

Claim 18

An aerial photography camera for use in treaty verification, the aerial photography camera comprising: a) a camera lens; b) a transparent material disposed in front of the camera lens; c) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random positions and sizes resulting in point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; d) wherein the transparent material effects blurring of a camera image which is substantially resistant to digital correction.

Claim 19

An aerial photography camera for use in treaty verification, the aerial photography camera comprising: a) a camera lens; b) a transparent material disposed in front of the camera lens; c) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random positions and sizes resulting in point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; d) wherein the transparent material effects blurring of a camera image which is substantially resistant to digital correction.

Claim 20

The aerial photography camera as recited in claim 17, wherein the optical distortions are configured to provide a ground resolution of between approximately 30 cm and approximately 60 cm when pictures are taken at a predetermined altitude lower than design altitude for that camera.

Claim 21

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions formed in the transparent material are configured so as to provide greater resolution reduction on a near side than on a far side when performing oblique photography; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 22

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions formed in the transparent material are configured so as to provide greater resolution reduction on a near side than on a far side when performing oblique photography; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 23

The optical blurring filter as recited in claim 19, wherein the transparent material comprises glass.

Claim 24

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions formed in the transparent material are formed according to a gradient so as to provide varying resolution from one side of an image to another side thereof, so as to facilitate oblique photography in a manner which makes resolution generally uniform across a photograph; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 25

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions formed in the transparent material are formed according to a gradient so as to provide varying resolution from one side of an image to another side thereof, so as to facilitate oblique photography in a manner which makes resolution generally uniform across a photograph; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 26

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions formed in the transparent material are formed so as to provide greater distortion in selected portions thereof, so as to compensate for areas of greater resolution of the camera; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 27

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions formed in the transparent material are formed so as to provide greater distortion in selected portions thereof, so as to compensate for areas of greater resolution of the camera; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 28

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 29

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 30

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed so as to be substantially random in power; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 31

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed so as to be substantially random in power; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 32

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a sheet of transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed in the sheet of transparent material, the lenses formed such that a photograph formed therewith is formed with light where only a portion of the light passes through lenslets; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 33

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a sheet of transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed in the sheet of transparent material, the lenses formed such that a photograph formed therewith is formed with light where only a portion of the light passes through lenslets; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 34

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed so has to substantially overlap one another and so as be random in power; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 35

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed so has to substantially overlap one another and so as be random in power; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 36

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter are comprising a plurality of lenses, each lens having a generally elliptical periphery wherein a major axis and a minor axis for each lens is substantially random in length and angular orientation; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 37

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter are comprising a plurality of lenses, each lens having a generally elliptical periphery wherein a major axis and a minor axis for each lens is substantially random in length and angular orientation; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 38

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a sheet of transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed so as to define a plurality of different thicknesses of the sheet of transparent material; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 39

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a sheet of transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a plurality of lenses formed so as to define a plurality of different thicknesses of the sheet of transparent material; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 40

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a two-dimensional array of non-overlapping lenses, each lens formed so as to be substantially random in power; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 41

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions are produced by a lenticular filter, the lenticular filter comprising a two-dimensional array of non-overlapping lenses, each lens formed so as to be substantially random in power; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 42

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter for changing a phase of at least a portion of light transmitted in therethrough; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 43

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter for changing a phase of at least a portion of light transmitted in therethrough; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 44

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter, the phase filter comprising a plurality of cells configured so that light transmitted through a given cell to a focal plane is out of phase with light transmitted through a plurality of other cells to the focal plane; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 45

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter, the phase filter comprising a plurality of cells configured so that light transmitted through a given cell to a focal plane is out of phase with light transmitted through a plurality of other cells to the focal plane; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 46

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter, the phase filter comprising a plurality of cells, wherein each cell has a thickness which is substantially random with respect to other cells; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 47

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter, the phase filter comprising a plurality of cells, wherein each cell has a thickness which is substantially random with respect to other cells; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 48

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter, the phase filter comprising a plurality of cells, wherein each cell has a thickness which is substantially random with respect to the other cells and wherein the cells have a width which defines the approximate width of the blurriness; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.

Claim 49

An optical blurring filter for intentionally blurring camera images, the filter comprising: a) a transparent material; and b) a plurality of optical distortions formed in the transparent material, the optical distortions being formed so as to have substantially random point spread functions throughout the image, the point spread functions having a width and a shape which causes a predetermined degree of blurring; c) wherein the optical distortions comprise a phase filter, the phase filter comprising a plurality of cells, wherein each cell has a thickness which is substantially random with respect to the other cells and wherein the cells have a width which defines the approximate width of the blurriness; and d) wherein placement of the transparent material in the optical path of a camera effects image blurring randomly so as to thwart attempts to digitally undo the blurring.