Mobile Device Flash Synchronization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device flash systems are inadequate for providing sufficient lighting in low-light conditions, as internal flashes are insufficient, and supplemental flash devices are often bulky, expensive, and inefficient, with limited compatibility across different devices and models.
Innovation Solution
A system that synchronizes the internal flash of a primary mobile device with external mobile devices within proximity, using software applications to control and coordinate the flash settings of multiple external devices, which can include light-emitting arrays, via optical or wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, to provide enhanced illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If supplemental flash devices are used to provide additional lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flash functionality of multiple mobile devices into a coordinated system. The primary mobile device controls external flash devices, and external mobile devices act as slave flash components, combining their illumination capabilities to provide enhanced lighting without requiring complex dedicated flash equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mobile devices universal flash controllers that can function with various camera devices and flash configurations. The system allows any mobile device to serve as a flash controller or slave flash, providing multi-functionality across different device types and models
2Illumination intensity
If supplemental flash devices are used to provide additional lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic flash activation where external mobile devices trigger their flash components in synchronization with the primary device's flash timing. This coordinated periodic action ensures illumination is provided only when needed for the image capture moment, reducing unnecessary battery consumption compared to continuous or uncoordinated flash operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical or wireless communication to establish feedback loops where the primary mobile device receives status information from external devices and coordinates flash activation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables efficient power management by activating flashes only when the synchronization protocol indicates they are needed
3Reliability
If flash devices are configured to function with a single camera device model, then device compatibility is improved, but adaptability across different devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal flash control system where mobile devices can function as controllers with various camera devices and flash configurations. The system uses standardized optical or wireless communication protocols that enable adaptability across different device models and types, allowing any mobile device to serve as a flash controller or slave flash
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where the flash control system automatically adapts to different device types, models, and configurations through protocol negotiation and parameter adjustment. This dynamic adaptability allows the same system to function reliably with diverse camera devices without requiring device-specific hardcoding
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 solution enhances lighting conditions for image capture by leveraging multiple external mobile devices as 'smart' slave flash components, offering greater illumination and improved battery management, while being user-friendly and compatible with various devices.
Implementation Method 1
a flash component (310) configured to illuminate a subject in an image to be captured by the camera
Implementation Method 2
an optical interface (390) configured to detect an optical transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods for conducting collaborative sessions between mobile devices may provide for identifying the external mobile devices within a predetermined range of a local mobile device. One or more of the identified external mobile devices may be selected to provide an enhanced flash performance to an internal flash of the local mobile device. In response to receiving and detecting an optical transmission or a wireless transmission from the local mobile device, the flash device of the one or more external devices may be activated to generate a flash that is synchronized with the capture of an image by the local mobile device.