Array Flash Lighting for Depth-Aware Camera Fill Light
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera flashes, such as xenon and LED flashes, face inefficiencies in light filling, leading to energy waste and loss of depth perception in photography due to over-lighting or inadequate lighting.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus with an array light source element comprising a two-dimensional array of light-emitting units, controlled by a detection unit and computing unit to selectively illuminate specific regions based on scene depth profiles and camera modes, optimizing light filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single LED flash is used to illuminate a large scene range, then the flash can be always on with fast flicker speed, but energy is wasted by illuminating regions that do not need light filling and the photographed target appears flat due to over-lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single LED flash into multiple independent light-emitting units arranged in an array, where each unit can be independently controlled to illuminate specific depth blocks, enabling selective lighting without wasting energy on unnecessary regions
Solution Approach 2:
Different light-emitting units are selectively activated based on the depth profile of different regions in the scene, providing localized illumination quality matched to the specific lighting needs of each depth block rather than uniform illumination across the entire scene
2Illumination intensity
If a single LED flash is used to illuminate a large scene range, then the flash can be always on with fast flicker speed, but the photographed target appears flat due to over-lighting causing loss of depth perception
Solution Approach 1:
The scene is divided into multiple depth blocks with different depth values, and each depth block is illuminated by corresponding light-emitting units with different lighting parameters, preserving the depth information in the captured image
Solution Approach 2:
Different lighting parameters (brightness, duration, color temperature) are applied to different depth blocks based on their depth characteristics, creating varied illumination quality that enhances the perception of depth and spatial relationships in the photograph
3Illumination intensity
If a xenon flash is used to emit light, then the flash can provide sufficient illumination, but specific charging time is needed which affects continuous shooting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-emitting function from the traditional xenon flash system and implements it using multiple LED units that can be rapidly switched on and off without charging time, enabling continuous shooting while maintaining sufficient illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by using LED technology with different temporal characteristics (no charging time, fast response) compared to xenon, allowing for rapid sequential flashes that support continuous shooting at high frame rates
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances light filling efficiency by selectively illuminating targeted areas, improving depth perception and reducing energy waste across various photography modes.
Implementation Method 1
The array light source element includes a plurality of light-emitting units distributed in a two-dimensional array. The optical lens assembly is located on the light exit side of the array light source element, to project, to a scene, light beams respectively emitted by the light-emitting units.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera apparatus and a light filling method therefor are provided. The camera apparatus includes an array light source element, an optical lens assembly, a detection unit, a control unit, a camera unit, and a computing unit. The array light source element includes a plurality of light-emitting units. The optical lens assembly is located on a light exit side of the array light source element. The detection unit detects a scene depth profile for the scene. The scene depth profile is divided into a plurality of depth blocks, and the depth blocks are in a one-to-one correspondence with the light-emitting units. The computing unit drives, based on the scene depth profile or a camera mode, the control unit to selectively perform a lighting-up operation on each of the light-emitting units, and controls the camera unit to capture an image of the scene.