Camera Flash Direction Management via Fluidics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera flash systems lack automated and precise control over the direction of flash light, resulting in limited directional freedom and potential damage to photograph quality due to manual and restricted movement.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a fluidics-based flash direction control system, where a deformable membrane over cavities is pressurized and depressurized to adjust the position of light emitting elements, allowing for precise and automatic direction adjustment of flash light, either manually input or automatically determined based on the focal subject.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual movement of flash attachment is used to change flash direction, then user can control flash aiming direction, but the system has limited freedom of movement and limited directional rate of change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pivoting system with an automated electro-mechanical system. A small DC motor drives a gear mechanism that rotates the flash head assembly, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while providing unlimited rotational freedom and programmable directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash direction control system operates autonomously through automated detection of subject position and automatic adjustment of flash angle. The system self-regulates the flash direction based on scene analysis without requiring continuous user intervention, thereby achieving both ease of operation and adaptability.
2Extent of automation
If cam follower claws with helicoid cam surface are used for automated flash angle change, then flash direction can be automated, but the amount of directional control remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic multi-position flash head assembly that can rotate to various angles rather than being constrained by a fixed cam surface geometry. The motor-driven gear system allows continuous adjustment across a wide angular range, providing dynamic adaptability that exceeds the limited directional control of helicoid cam mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ring flash and bar flash with pivotable mounting are used, then shadowless and contoured pictures can be taken, but the directional control of flash light is still limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal flash head assembly that can perform multiple functions (shadowless imaging, contoured lighting, directional flash) through a single motor-driven rotational mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate ring flash and bar flash assemblies with complex pivotable mountings, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 nearly instantaneous and automatic adjustment of flash light direction to improve picture quality by providing extensive directional control and alignment with the focal target, enhancing the precision and flexibility of flash lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization system that is configured to selectively increase and decrease a fluid pressure in the at least one cavity
Implementation Method 2
a flexible membrane over the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for controlling camera flash direction are provided. A system includes: a computing device including a processor; an image sensor operatively connected to the processor; a flash lighting system including at least one light emitting element; and a flash direction system including a fluidics system that is controllable to selectively adjust a position of the at least one light emitting element.