Wireless Camera Control for Networked LED Lighting Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networked lighting systems are limited in their range and variety of lighting effects, making it difficult to create dynamic and coordinated lighting for photography and videography, especially in large or dark spaces, as they rely on mechanically attached flash units or limited light sources.
Innovation Solution
A system where a camera or recording device wirelessly communicates with networked LED-based lighting units to direct them to emit various lighting effects such as intensity, color, or directional light, within a certain proximity, allowing for programmable or sensor-determined lighting solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically attached flash units or limited light sources are used, then the device structure is simple, but the range and variety of lighting effects are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication module serves as an intermediary between the camera device and external networked lighting units, enabling the camera to control multiple LED-based light sources remotely without mechanical attachment. This mediator allows the system to leverage external lighting resources while keeping the camera structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera device is enhanced with universal wireless communication capabilities that allow it to work with multiple different types of networked lighting units. The system can selectively connect to and control various LED-based light sources in the environment, making the camera adaptable to diverse lighting scenarios without requiring device-specific modifications.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are used to cover large spaces, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the coordination and synchronization of lighting effects become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the camera device receives status information from multiple networked lighting units and sends coordinated control commands back to them. This closed-loop communication enables the camera to synchronize lighting effects across multiple light sources, ensuring coordinated illumination throughout large spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent lighting units are merged into a unified controlled system through the camera's wireless communication module. The camera acts as a central control point that combines the functionality of multiple light sources, coordinating their operation to achieve synchronized lighting effects across the entire illumination area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flash units are used, then the device portability is maintained, but the lighting effects are limited and cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system (physically mounting flash units on the camera) with a wireless communication system. The camera device maintains its portability while gaining access to external networked lighting units through wireless protocols, eliminating the need for mechanical modifications to the camera body.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from static, pre-configured flash units to dynamic, remotely controllable LED-based lighting units. The networked lighting units can dynamically adjust their output characteristics (intensity, color, timing) based on real-time communication with the camera, enabling flexible and adaptive lighting effects while preserving camera portability.
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 dynamic and coordinated lighting effects for improved photography and videography by utilizing multiple networked LED light sources, enhancing brightness, color, and directionality, overcoming the limitations of traditional flash units.
Implementation Method 1
a networked lighting unit having one or more LED-based light sources
Implementation Method 2
LED-based light sources capable of producing different colors
Data Source
AI summary
A method (460) for illuminating a target (20) with one or more lighting effects using a networked light source. An image recording device (16) comprising a wireless communications module (36) identifies any lighting units (10) located within a first distance (50) to the image recording device, and communicates, via the wireless communications module, a request to one or more of the identified lighting units to illuminate the target with one or more of a plurality of lighting effects when the image recording device captures an image or records a video.