39-245
Rapid Design through
Virtual and Physical Prototyping
Carnegie Mellon University
Spring 2003
This toy concept was based on the idea of the "camera obscura," which was invented sometime around 300 BCE by Euclid. It uses Euclid's idea however, the camera itself is a much more compact version. Primarily it is a light-tight box, with a very small "pinhole" in a piece of aluminum foil at one side of the box, this allows for light to enter the box. On the opposite side of the pinhole there would be some form of light-sensitive paper, which would be exposed to this light that is entering from the pinhole. The physical principle behind this phenomenon has to do with the properties of light waves. As the child removes the light sensitive paper from the camera the very first time, he/she will notice that the image that is produced is a "negative" and also that it has been flipped. This may confuse the child at first, but it may be explained later by physics. With only one small hole allowing light to enter, all of the light that is reflected off of the subject of the photograph towards the camera enters the box at that one pinhole, this light is then projected onto the opposite side of the box, exposing the paper, creating a negative, flipped image. The original sketch of my concept is below.
A child should pick up this "camera kit" with enthusiasm, as it will give him/her the oppurtunity to make an image all by him/herself. Much like a radio kit, the process of building the camera itself will require some patience, however will be very rewarding. Once the camera is complete the rest of the image-making process is left. This toy should never lose its ability to provide the child with a source of interest and fun. In fact, there are man adults who still use pinhole cameras as an artistic tool.
Although the exact cost of materials is not certain, my original sketch included the use of pieces of solid wood that would be assembled with screws and possibly carpenter's glue. All of the materials would be included in the kit. The total cost of all of the required parts to assemble the camera itself, should not cost more than $5. The true cost of the kit will come in the form of the light-sensitive paper. I will estimate that for each "image" the camera produces, it will cost approximatly $1. The camera itself should be very durable, assuming that the child has assembled it properly. Also, safety should be a minimal concern as long as light-sensitive paper is used as opposed to actual black and white photo paper.
