Image viewing device and method of use

Abstract

An image viewing device that includes a housing, which can be constructed so as to be thematically related to an image to be viewed; a viewing aperture and a light induction aperture located in the housing; a light transmission channel contained within the housing to transmit light from the light induction aperture to the viewing aperture; an image bearing medium; and a media retention device, coupled to the light transmission channel to retain the image bearing medium to allow light to travel from the light induction aperture through the image bearing medium to the viewing aperture. The system may also include a light emission device and/or sound production device, coupled to the housing; a power supply source, coupled to the housing and configured to supply power to the light emission device or the sound production device.

1 . An image viewing system and device, comprising: 
 a) a housing, designed and configured to retain a captured image;    b) a viewing aperture, formed within an exterior portion of the housing;    c) a light induction aperture, formed within an exterior portion of an opposite side of the housing;    d) a light transmission channel, contained within an internal core of the housing to transmit light from the light induction aperture to the viewing aperture;    e) an image bearing medium, designed and configured to contain the captured image; and    f) a media retention device, coupled to the housing to retain the image bearing medium and to allow light to travel from the light induction aperture through the image bearing medium to the viewing aperture.    
   
   
       2 . The image viewing system and device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is designed and shaped to be thematically related to the captured image contained within the housing.  
   
   
       3 . The image viewing system and device of  claim 1 , wherein lenses may be removably secured to the viewing and light induction apertures to protect the contents of the housing from exposure to dust or moisture.  
   
   
       4 . The image viewing system and device of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a) a light emission device, coupled to the housing within the light transmission channel;    b) a power supply source, coupled to the light emission device and configured to supply power to the light emission device; and    c) a light emission source initiator, coupled to the power supply source and configured to engage the power supply source to provide power to the light emission device.    
   
   
       5 . The image viewing system and device of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a) a sound reproduction system, coupled to the housing;    b) a power supply source, coupled to the sound reproduction system and configured to supply power to the sound reproduction system; and    c) a sound reproduction initiator, coupled to the power supply source and configured to engage the power supply source to provide power to the sound reproduction system    
   
   
       6 . A method of viewing an image within a thematically designed housing, the method comprising the steps of: 
 a) capturing an image, which image is thematically related to the design of the housing, onto an image bearing medium;    b) removing one or more protective lenses, as seated within at least one aperture formed within the housing;    c) placing the image bearing medium onto a media retention device, as seated within an internal core portion of the housing;    d) sealing the media retention device within the housing by replacing each protective lens; and    e) viewing the image thirough a viewing aperture formed within the housing.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of activating an internal light source to artificially illuminate the captured image.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of activating a sound reproduction system to play sounds recorded on a sound recording device and storage medium.  
   
   
       9 . An image viewing system and device, comprising: 
 a) a housing, designed and configured to retain a captured image;    b) at least one viewing aperture, formed within an exterior portion of the housing;    c) a light transmission channel, contained within an internal core of the housing;    d) an image bearing medium, designed and configured to contain the captured image; and    e) a media retention device, coupled to the housing to retain the image bearing medium.    
   
   
       10 . The image viewing system and device of  claim 9 , wherein the housing is designed and shaped to be thematically related to the captured image contained within the housing.  
   
   
       11 . The image viewing system and device of  claim 9 , wherein lenses may be removably secured to the viewing apertures to protect the contents of the housing from exposure to dust or moisture.  
   
   
       12 . The image viewing system and device of  claim 9 , further comprising: 
 a) a light emission device, coupled to the housing within the light transmission channel;    b) a power supply source, coupled to the light emission device and configured to supply power to the light emission device; and    c) a light emission source initiator, coupled to the power supply source and configured to engage the power supply source to provide power to the light emission device.    
   
   
       13 . The image viewing system and device of  claim 9 , further comprising: 
 a) a sound reproduction system, coupled to the housing;    b) a power supply source, coupled to the sound reproduction system and configured to supply power to the sound reproduction system; and    c) a sound reproduction initiator, coupled to the power supply source and configured to engage the power supply source to provide power to the sound reproduction system