Flash Unit Distance Sensor Tilt for Bounce Photography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flash units struggle to accurately measure the distance between a camera and a subject during bounce photography, especially when the distance sensor is only provided on the light emitting part attached to the main unit, leading to errors in lighting control due to the subject's position and size relative to the camera's angle of view.
Innovation Solution
A flash unit that automatically controls the tilt of the light emitting part relative to the main unit by using a distance measuring unit with a tilted directivity towards the main unit, ensuring accurate measurement of distances from both the subject and a reflector, thereby improving the alignment and lighting control during bounce photography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the distance sensor is provided only on the light emitting part, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of distance between camera and subject deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of directivity angle of the distance sensor from horizontal to tilted toward the main unit. This parameter change allows the sensor to capture reflected light from the subject more effectively when the light emitting part is tilted for bounce photography, thereby maintaining measurement precision while keeping the device complexity low by having the sensor only on the light emitting part
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by tilting the directivity of the distance sensor toward the main unit rather than keeping it horizontal. This dimensional change in the sensor's detection angle enables it to track the reflected light path when the light emitting part is angled for bounce photography, solving the measurement accuracy problem without adding more sensors
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light emitting part is directed toward the ceiling surface for bounce photography, then the adaptability to different photography modes is improved, but the measurement precision of distance from subject deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the directivity of the distance sensor dynamic by tilting it toward the main unit, allowing it to adapt to the tilted position of the light emitting part during bounce photography. This dynamic adjustment of the sensor's detection angle ensures that the sensor can measure distance from the subject accurately even when the light emitting part is directed toward the ceiling surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the directivity parameter of the distance sensor to be tilted toward the main unit, which allows the sensor to effectively detect reflected light from the subject when the light emitting part is angled for bounce photography. This parameter change enables the system to maintain measurement precision across different photography modes including bounce photography
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of distance measurement between the camera and the subject, increasing the chances of successful automatic angle control of the light emitting part, even in orientations where the subject's position may cause errors in traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
detection light emitted from a front central part 3 of a main unit (the main unit of the flash unit) 9 illustrated in FIG. 7 is reflected by the subject and the reflected light is detected by a distance measuring unit 4
Implementation Method 2
light emitted in advance from the light emitting part 10 is reflected by the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A provided flash unit includes a light emitting part in the main unit of the flash unit and a distance sensor provided only in the light emitting part, achieving an accurate measurement of a distance from a subject. In the flash unit according to the present invention, the light emitting part (10) includes a light receiving element (6) that measures reflected light when light is emitted in advance from the light emitting part (10) to a subject (T) and reflected light when light is emitted in advance from the light emitting part (10) to a reflector (X) for bounce photography, the flash unit determines and controls a proper tilt angle (θ3) of the light emitting part (10) relative to a main unit (9) based on a distance (La) from the subject (T) and a distance (Lb) from the reflector (X), the distances being measured based on the detection by the light receiving element (6), and directivity for the detection by the light receiving element (6) is tilted toward the main unit (9) with respect to a horizontal direction.