Flash Generator Voltage UID Identification Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flash head systems face complexity and cost issues due to the need for data communication to identify connected flash heads and extension cables, which complicates the adjustment of output power for optimal light characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A flash generator with a trigger wire power supply output, a capacitor, and a second current or voltage generator to create a voltage UID over components in the flash head or extension cable, allowing the flash generator to identify and adjust power output based on the measured voltage UID.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data communication is used to identify flash heads, then identification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification function from complex data communication systems and implements it through simple voltage measurement across existing trigger wire connections. By measuring the voltage UID (Unique Identification) that naturally exists due to component variations in the flash head's trigger wire circuitry, the system achieves identification without adding communication protocols or extra identification components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flash head's own electrical components (resistors, capacitors, diodes in the trigger wire circuit) serve as the identification mechanism. The natural voltage drop across these components when powered by the flash generator creates a unique voltage signature that automatically identifies the flash head type without requiring external identification hardware or active participation from the flash head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If data communication is used to identify flash heads, then identification capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system uses inexpensive, readily available electronic components (standard resistors, capacitors, diodes) that are already part of the flash head's trigger wire circuitry. These common components create unique voltage signatures through their natural tolerances and characteristics, eliminating the need for expensive specialized identification chips or communication modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger wire power supply circuit serves dual functions: it both powers the flash head's trigger wire and provides the voltage measurement for identification. The same output terminals used for power delivery are also used for measuring the voltage UID, eliminating the need for separate identification circuitry and reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If flash generator adjusts output power based on identification, then light output accuracy is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight output accuracyVSAvoidvoltage measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simplified voltage measurement approach that doesn't require ultra-precise measurements. By measuring voltage across the trigger wire circuit with standard ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) resolution already present in most flash generators, the system achieves sufficient identification accuracy to distinguish between different flash head types and adjust power accordingly, without needing high-precision measurement equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 flash generator to adjust output power to prevent exceeding the flash head's maximum power and achieve correct light output energy by identifying connected flash heads and extension cables, reducing complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitor bank for storing an amount of energy which can be discharged through a flash tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

During the discharge, plasma is formed inside the flash tube where the character of the plasma also determines the character of the flash light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical discharge and plasma formation: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentUS10085092B2Flash head and extension cable with identification electronics and a flash generator

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 PROFOTO AB

AI summary

A flash generator is capable of identifying which type of flash head and flash head extension cables that is connected to the flash generator. A flash head and flash head extension cable can be identified by the flash generator. The flash generator provides a power supply to a flash head. Further the flash generator includes a first current generator for charging the capacitor. The flash generator further includes a second current generator or a voltage generator connected to an output of the flash generator and arranged to provide a current or a voltage to create a voltage UID over a component in a flash head or a flash head extension cable connected to the flash generator. Processing means are arranged to identify the flash head or the flash head extension cable by the measured voltage UID.