Movable Light Source Annular Illumination for Camera Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras with integrated illumination devices for switching between long and short distance photography require complex mechanisms, increasing costs and making it difficult to reduce device size due to the need for a light guide unit.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device featuring a light guide unit with an annular optical path, a local reflection unit on its rear surface, and a movable light source that switches between emitting light annularly or concentratedly depending on its position, allowing for efficient illumination adjustment without the need for a complex mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism is used to allow flash light emitting unit to appear on camera main body for switching between long and short distance photography, then illumination switching capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, light guide unit, and local reflection unit into a single integrated illumination device. The light source is positioned at the rear of the light guide unit, and by switching the light source's emission direction between the light guide unit (for annular illumination) and the local reflection unit (for concentrated illumination), the device achieves dual illumination modes without requiring a complex mechanical ejection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is designed to perform multiple functions using a single structure. The same light source serves both long-distance photography (by directing light to the light guide unit for annular emission) and short-distance photography (by directing light to the local reflection unit for concentrated emission), eliminating the need for separate illumination systems or complex switching mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light guide unit is included in the camera for diffusing flash light, then short distance photography capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is nested within the illumination device structure, positioned at the rear of the light guide unit. The local reflection unit is integrated into the same housing, allowing both components to share space efficiently. This nested arrangement enables the light source to serve dual purposes by redirecting light between two different optical paths without requiring separate, space-consuming mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is designed to be movable or switchable in its emission direction, dynamically changing between illuminating the light guide unit for annular light emission (short-distance photography) and illuminating the local reflection unit for concentrated light emission (long-distance photography). This dynamic switching capability allows a single compact structure to fulfill multiple illumination requirements.
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 efficient illumination adjustment between macro and distant photography without increasing the camera's size or cost, with the light source moving between the light guide and local reflection units to emit light either annularly or concentratedly, effectively illuminating subjects at various distances.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path through which light propagates is formed in an annular shape such that the light propagating through the optical path is emitted from a front surface side of the light guide unit
Implementation Method 2
a local reflection unit provided on at least a rear surface side of the light guide unit such that light is emitted from only a portion of the front surface side of the light guide unit
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device including a light guide unit in which an optical path through which light propagates is formed in an annular shape such that the light propagating in the optical path is emitted from a front surface side of the light guide unit; a local reflection unit provided on the rear surface side of the light guide unit such that light is emitted from only a portion of the front surface side of the light guide unit; and a light source that moves between the light guide unit and the local reflection unit. When the light source is positioned on the light guide unit side, light output from the light source propagates in the optical path of the light guide unit and is emitted from the front surface side in an annular shape. When the light source is positioned on the local reflection unit side, the light output from the light source is reflected by the local reflection unit and emitted in a concentrated manner from only the portion on the front surface side of the light guide unit.