Flash Controller Segmentation for Camera Shutter Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flash control systems for digital cameras often disrupt synchronization between the flash sequence and the camera shutter due to their multifunctional nature, which can lead to inaccuracies in controlling the flash intensity and timing.

Innovation Solution

A dedicated flash controller with multiple flash control channels and a clock, control, and logic block that receives command words to synchronize and control the current values and durations for various light sources, allowing for precise control of flash sequences and intensities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a micro-controller is used to control the photo-flash, then other functions can be provided, but the flash sequence timing and synchronization with the shutter are delayed or disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemultifunctionalityVSAvoidflash sequence timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two separate components: a micro-controller that handles higher-level camera operations and a dedicated flash controller that handles flash sequence timing and synchronization. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific function, with the flash controller ensuring precise timing without being distracted by other camera functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated flash controller acts as an intermediary between the micro-controller and the flash element. This intermediary receives commands from the micro-controller and translates them into precisely timed control signals for the flash, ensuring accurate synchronization with the shutter while still allowing the micro-controller to provide multifunctional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a micro-controller is used to control the photo-flash, then other functions can be provided, but the flash intensity control is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemultifunctionalityVSAvoidflash intensity control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two separate components: a micro-controller that handles higher-level camera operations and a dedicated flash controller that handles flash intensity control. This segmentation allows the flash controller to precisely control current to the flash element based on specific intensity requirements without being disrupted by other camera functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated flash controller acts as an intermediary between the micro-controller and the flash element. This intermediary receives intensity commands from the micro-controller and translates them into precisely controlled current levels for the flash, ensuring accurate intensity control while still allowing the micro-controller to provide multifunctional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If a dedicated flash controller with multiple control channels is used, then flash sequence accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash sequence timing accuracyVSAvoidcontroller structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple flash control channels are merged into a single integrated flash controller device. This consolidation provides precise multi-channel control of flash elements while avoiding the need for separate control circuits for each channel, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to using multiple independent controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8294380B2Method of forming a flash controller for a camera and structure therefor

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a flash controller for a camera is configured with a plurality of flash control channels that each control a value of a current through a light source. The value and timing of the current is controlled responsively to control words received by the plurality of flash control channels.