Flash LED Video Indicator Using Periodic Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices face space and cost constraints in incorporating a dedicated widespread red LED for video recording indicators, which are also prone to appearing in recorded images.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a flash LED as an indicator light by modifying the video recording characteristics, such as reducing exposure time or frame rate, to create intervals where the flash is illuminated, thus avoiding its appearance in recorded frames while providing a visual indication of video recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a dedicated widespread red LED is used as a video recording indicator, then the visual indication function is improved, but the device occupies additional space and increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The flash LED is designed to serve dual functions: as a lighting source for photograph/video recording and as a visual indicator light for video recording status. By making the flash LED universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate dedicated indicator LED, thereby reducing device space and manufacturing cost while maintaining the visual indication function.
2Area of stationary object
If a flash LED is used as an indicator light, then space and cost are reduced, but the flash may appear in the recorded video images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by creating intervals between consecutive video frames where the flash LED is activated. Since video recording captures discrete frames at specific time intervals, the flash is synchronized to illuminate during the interval between frame exposures rather than during the actual exposure time. This periodic timing ensures the flash provides visual indication without appearing in the recorded images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the timing parameters of both the video recording operation and the flash activation. By adjusting the flash duration and timing relative to the video frame rate and exposure time, the system changes the temporal parameters to ensure the flash occurs during non-exposure intervals, thereby eliminating flash appearance in video while maintaining indication functionality.
3Illumination intensity
If the flash LED is illuminated continuously to provide clear visual indication, then the indicator visibility is improved, but the flash will definitely appear in recorded frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to create a blinking or pulsing indication pattern rather than continuous illumination. The flash LED is activated in periodic intervals between video frames, providing sufficient visual indication to alert nearby persons that video recording is in progress. This periodic illumination maintains indicator visibility while avoiding continuous light that would contaminate video frames.
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
This approach allows for a compact and cost-effective visual indicator that minimizes its appearance in recorded video, enhancing image quality and reducing the need for post-processing corrections.
Implementation Method 1
a flash assembly (60) including a flash lens (76) and a light source (80)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus providing a visual indication of the occurrence of video recording operations on an electronic device. The video recording operations including recording a plurality of frames according to a number of characteristics. The method comprising providing a time interval between the recording of two consecutive frames by modifying at least one of the characteristics of the video recording operations and providing the visual indication of video recording operations during the time interval.