Automated Studio Lighting System with Planar Diffused Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photography and video methods require significant labor, time, and energy to achieve professional-quality images, with high costs and a large environmental footprint due to the need for skilled photographers, extensive equipment, and energy-intensive lighting setups.

Innovation Solution

An automated, programmable, and transportable studio lighting system using individualized planar diffused panels and a central processing unit to control lighting variables, allowing for consistent and reproducible lighting without manual intervention, reducing the need for trained professionals and minimizing energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional photography and video methods are used with skilled photographers and extensive equipment, then professional-quality images are achieved, but labor costs, time requirements, and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidequipment and setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into multiple individualized planar diffused panels that can be independently positioned and controlled. Each panel operates as a separate unit that can be individually adjusted to achieve the desired lighting configuration, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining professional image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of lighting equipment with an automated computer-controlled system. The programmable controller automatically positions and adjusts the lighting panels according to pre-programmed sequences, eliminating the need for skilled photographers to manually manipulate extensive equipment while preserving image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple lights and extensive equipment are used to reduce shadows and highlight subjects, then image quality improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a limited number of strategically positioned planar diffused panels rather than extensive lighting equipment. The programmable control sequences optimize the timing and intensity of each panel, achieving professional lighting quality with partial action rather than excessive lighting resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting panels operate according to pre-programmed periodic sequences that control when each panel is activated and at what intensity. This periodic control optimizes energy consumption by activating only the necessary panels at appropriate times during the photographic or video capture process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If skilled photographers manually orchestrate lighting and equipment settings, then consistent professional results are achieved, but labor costs and time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of resultsVSAvoidsetup and shooting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting configurations and camera settings are pre-programmed into the computer controller before the photographic or video session. This preliminary programming ensures consistent professional results are automatically reproduced without requiring skilled photographers to manually orchestrate settings during the actual shoot, significantly reducing setup and shooting time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to automatically execute pre-programmed lighting sequences and camera settings without requiring continuous manual intervention. The programmable controller manages the entire process autonomously, allowing the system to serve itself and produce consistent results without the time-consuming involvement of skilled photographers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8768155B2System and method for obtaining photographic and/or videographic images
Publication Date: 2014.07.01 DELZELL WILLIAM CONNOR
  • US8768155B2 patent drawing
  • US8768155B2 patent drawing
  • US8768155B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A photographic system and integrated methods thereof that makes use of four frames and light heads on robotic brackets, which can be positioned automatically using a mechanical gantry device. The lights can be positioned, rotated and adjusted automatically in response to a user input selection based on a desired photographic result selected at a user interface.