Synchronized Camera Filter Manipulation for Dynamic Optical Effects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera filters are limited by their fixed positions, lacking the ability to synchronize movements that could create artistically desirable effects in photography and videography.

Innovation Solution

A device with a manipulator that synchronously alters the position of light path modifying members, allowing for yaw, roll, and pitch changes, and includes a drivetrain with gears, belts, and motors to control the movement of multiple light path modifying objects with different properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If filters are placed in front of a camera, then light path can be modified to create artistic effects, but the filters are fixed in position and cannot move synchronously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight path modification capabilityVSAvoidfilter position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static filters into dynamic components by mounting them on a manipulator system with motors that enable synchronized movement. The filters transition from fixed positions to movable elements that can be adjusted in real-time during photography or videography sessions, allowing dynamic light path modification while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light path modifying members are used, then artistic effects can be enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical effect creation capabilityVSAvoidmanipulator and drivetrain structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light path modifying members onto a single manipulator system with a unified drivetrain. Instead of controlling each filter independently, the system merges their actuation through shared motors and transmission mechanisms, enabling synchronized movement of multiple members while reducing overall device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulator system serves as a universal platform that can accommodate various types of light path modifying members (filters, prisms, lenses) with different optical properties. The standardized mounting and control mechanism allows the same system to perform multiple functions - modifying light paths, creating artistic effects, and adapting to different photographic or videographic needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If filters are made replaceable, then versatility is improved, but the connection and manipulation mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter replacement capabilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into separable components: replaceable light path modifying members and a permanent manipulator base. Each filter or optical element can be independently attached or detached from the manipulator through standardized connection interfaces, enabling easy replacement while keeping the manipulation mechanism itself simple and unchanged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the creation of precise and artistic optical effects by synchronizing the movement of multiple light path modifying objects, enhancing photographic and videographic creativity.

Implementation Method 1

This can include rotating the member around its axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

In the case of faceted glass filters, glass may consist of non-parallel external faces which cause light to refract internally before exiting the glass filter and entering a camera's lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

The manipulator may include a transmission which may include gears, lead screws, belts, clutches, brakes, pulleys, chains, magnets, electromagnets, sprockets, shafts, and axles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS12547057B2System and method for synchronized movement of objects in front of a camera lens

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 WONG NICHOLAS BANNER

AI summary

The present invention is intended to facilitate the creation of artistic effects in photography and videography, made possible by synchronous movement of light path modifying objects. A device according to aspects of the present invention includes a manipulator whose operation synchronously alters the position of light path modifying members. The manipulator may include a transmission. Light path modifying members with different light properties can be used. In some embodiments the members are placed around a space free of objects. The free space may be three-dimensional. In this case the manipulator may be operated to change the placement of the members around the free space. A method creating artistic effects in photography according to some aspects of the invention includes synchronously altering position of a plurality of light path modifying members.