Photographic Lighting Synchronization via Light Energy Balance Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photographic synchronization methods limit flash lighting to slower shutter speeds due to clipping issues caused by shutter blade movement, resulting in uneven lighting and energy inefficiency with faster shutter speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing photographic lighting by identifying a light energy balance point and determining its initiation time within the image acquisition window, allowing light emission to start after the first shutter blade begins to allow light to the sensor and before it stops, using wireless communication to remote lighting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional X-sync synchronization is used with faster shutter speeds, then shutter speed increases, but clipping occurs causing uneven lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by initiating the flash emission before the shutter blade completes its movement across the sensor. The system determines a balance point in the light emission profile and positions it at a desired location within the image acquisition window, starting light emission after the first shutter blade begins to allow light but before it stops, thereby preventing clipping while enabling faster shutter speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of flash emission by identifying and utilizing the balance point of the light emission profile. Instead of conventional X-sync timing, the system adjusts the emission timing to position the balance point within the image acquisition window, transforming the synchronization approach to eliminate clipping at faster shutter speeds
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flash emission is extended to cover full shutter blade travel time, then clipping is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy consumption by changing the temporal distribution parameter of light emission. Instead of continuous emission throughout the entire shutter travel time, the system identifies the balance point of the light emission profile and positions it within the image acquisition window, concentrating the effective illumination during the critical exposure period and reducing energy waste during non-critical periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation to determine the optimal balance point position within the image acquisition window before initiating emission. This allows the flash to start emission at the precise moment when the first shutter blade begins to allow light, ensuring efficient energy use during the actual image acquisition while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption
3Device complexity
If light emission is initiated later in the exposure window, then synchronization is simpler, but image quality decreases due to clipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and determining the balance point of the light emission profile before the actual exposure. The system determines a desired location for this balance point within the image acquisition window and sets the emission timing accordingly, performing the optimization work in advance to achieve both simple synchronization and high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the concept of a balance point as an intermediary parameter between the flash emission timing and the shutter blade movement. This balance point serves as a mediator that can be positioned at an optimal location within the image acquisition window, allowing the system to achieve precise synchronization control without complex timing mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for synchronizing a photographic lighting device to image acquisition by a camera using light emission profile information to position a light emission profile at a desired location in an image acquisition window. A light energy balance point of a light emission profile can be used to position the balance point at a desired location in an image acquisition window.