Camera Auto-Bounce Flash Control via Processor Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing auto-bounce function in photography is difficult for photographers to operate due to the need for a special button on the illumination apparatus, and its functionality is limited to specific illumination devices, making it cumbersome and not easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with an illumination apparatus that includes a processor to judge the operation mode and provide different controls based on whether the auto-bounce function is enabled, allowing for improved ease of use by integrating the functionality into the camera system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a special button is provided in the illumination apparatus for auto-bounce function, then the auto-bounce function can be implemented, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the photographer must press the special button while holding the image pickup apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auto-bounce function into the camera body's operating portion, eliminating the need for a separate special button on the illumination apparatus. The camera body integrates the auto-bounce control logic, so when the photographer operates the camera's shutter button or mode dial, the auto-bounce function is automatically activated without requiring additional manual intervention on the flash unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating portion of the camera body is designed to handle multiple functions including auto-bounce control, standard flash mode, and other photography settings through a single interface. This multi-functional design allows the camera body to universally control different illumination modes without requiring separate dedicated buttons for each function on the illumination apparatus.
2Extent of automation
If a special button is provided in the illumination apparatus for auto-bounce function, then the auto-bounce function can be implemented, but the device complexity increases due to the special button and supporting circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the auto-bounce control logic from the illumination apparatus and relocates it to the camera body. By removing the special button and associated control circuitry from the illumination apparatus, the design simplifies the flash unit while maintaining the auto-bounce functionality through the camera body's processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera body acts as an intermediary between the photographer's operating actions and the illumination apparatus. Instead of the illumination apparatus directly processing auto-bounce control signals through its own buttons and circuitry, the camera body receives operational inputs and translates them into appropriate control signals for the illumination apparatus, thereby simplifying the illumination unit's internal complexity.
3Extent of automation
If the special button is enabled only with a special illumination apparatus, then the auto-bounce function can be implemented, but the ease of use deteriorates because it limits compatibility with various illumination devices
Solution Approach 1:
The camera body's operating portion is designed with universal compatibility to work with different types of illumination apparatuses. The auto-bounce function is implemented through the camera body's processing capabilities rather than requiring specific hardware features in the illumination apparatus, allowing the same camera body to control various flash units with different specifications and designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter-based control where the camera body adjusts operational parameters (such as flash firing timing, duration, and intensity modulation) based on detected conditions rather than relying on fixed hardware configurations. This parameter-driven approach enables the auto-bounce function to adapt to different illumination apparatuses by dynamically adjusting control parameters to match each device's capabilities.
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 the operational ease for photographers by automating the bounce flash settings within the camera system, making it accessible without the need for a separate button and ensuring compatibility with various illumination devices.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination apparatus having a light emitter
Implementation Method 2
light from the light-emitter is reflected by a reflector to illuminate a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus which is capable of improving ease of operation for a photographer in bounce flash photography. The image pickup apparatus is able to be equipped with an illumination apparatus having a light emitter and has an operating portion for causing light from the light emitter to be reflected by a reflector to illuminate a subject. It is judged whether or not a first mode in which in response to operation on the operating portion, light from the light emitter to be reflected by the reflector to illuminate the subject is set as an operating mode of the illumination apparatus. According to whether or not the illumination apparatus is placed in the first mode, different types of control are provided when the operating portion is operated.