Flash Housing Simulation Light Beam Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flash housings lack the ability to easily and accurately adjust the beam angle of flash light for high-quality photography, as the short duration of flash light makes fine-tuning the illuminated area challenging.

Innovation Solution

A flash housing with a simulation light generator element, comprising multiple LED elements and a zoom element, allows for the simulation of the flash light beam lobe with a controllable beam angle, enabling manual adjustment of the flash light setting by simulating the flash light beam for a longer period, thereby aiding photographers in fine-tuning the beam angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If flash light is used for photography, then the illuminated area can be controlled, but the short duration of flash light makes fine-tuning the beam angle difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam angle adjustment precisionVSAvoidflash light duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a simulation light generator that activates before the actual flash to allow photographers to preview and adjust the beam angle coverage. The simulation light projects a visible beam lobe that mimics the flash light's angular distribution, enabling fine-tuning of the zoom element position before the brief flash discharge occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation light generator serves as an intermediary between the photographer and the flash light system. It translates the invisible angular parameters of the flash beam into a visible, adjustable simulation that photographers can observe and manipulate, bridging the gap between the long-duration adjustment needs and the short-duration flash discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple LED elements with different beam angles are used for simulation, then accurate flash light simulation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflash light simulation accuracyVSAvoidsimulation light generator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation light generator is segmented into multiple LED elements, each with different beam angles, that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to simulate various flash light beam lobes by activating appropriate combinations of LEDs, providing accurate representation of different flash configurations without requiring a single complex adjustable LED.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic control of multiple LED elements through a control unit that adjusts which LEDs are activated based on the desired simulation parameters. This dynamic switching between different LED combinations allows accurate simulation of various beam angles while keeping the physical structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 precise and intuitive adjustment of the flash light beam angle, allowing for enhanced control over the illuminated area in photographs, improving the quality of flash-enhanced images by simulating the flash light distribution and allowing for creative control.

Implementation Method 1

the simulation light generator element comprises at least two light emitting diode, LED, elements, having different beam angles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3685228B1A flash housing for photographic purposes and a method for simulating a flash light
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 PROFOTO AB
  • EP3685228B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3685228B1 patent drawingFigure 2~9
  • EP3685228B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a flash housing (2) for photographic purposes. The flash housing comprises a flash forming element (10) arranged to generate a flash light and a lens element (3) arranged to let at least part of the generated flash light out of the flash housing so as to obtain the flash. The obtainable flash light has a beam lobe with a controllable beam angle. A simulation light generator element (11) is arranged for simulation of the obtainable flash light beam lobe having the controllable beam angle.