Camera Shutter Detector for Synchronization Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate synchronization between a mechanical shutter and other camera functions in modular camera systems is challenging due to variations in shutter closing speed, making it difficult to achieve predictable and accurate exposure times.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves a lens unit with a detector to measure the speed of a mechanical shutter's opening and closing, generating a data signal that compensates for variations in shutter speed by adjusting the electronic shutter's timing, ensuring accurate exposure times through communication with other camera units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical shutter is used to control exposure time, then high quality images can be obtained, but accurate synchronization with electronic shutter and flash becomes difficult due to tolerances in opening and closing times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by detecting the actual opening and closing times of the mechanical shutter and using this information to adjust the timing of the electronic shutter and flash. The detection circuit measures the mechanical shutter's timing characteristics, and this detected information feeds back to the control circuit, which then synchronizes the electronic components accordingly, resolving the synchronization reliability issue while maintaining exposure accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical timing control with a hybrid system that uses optical or electromagnetic detection to measure mechanical shutter timing. Instead of relying solely on mechanical precision, the system substitutes mechanical timing measurement with detection circuits that optically or electromagnetically sense the shutter's position, enabling more accurate synchronization of electronic components
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular camera systems are used with mechanical shutter in one unit and digital image sensor in other units, then system flexibility is improved, but synchronization between camera units becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection circuit and control signal system that acts as a mediator between the mechanical shutter unit and the digital image sensor unit. The detection circuit in one unit measures the mechanical shutter timing, and this measurement is communicated through control signals to the other unit, enabling synchronized operation across modular boundaries without compromising system flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle both mechanical shutter control and electronic shutter synchronization. It can detect mechanical shutter timing characteristics and automatically adjust electronic component timing based on these detections, making the system adaptable to different modular configurations while maintaining reliable synchronization
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 enables predictable and accurate exposure times by compensating for mechanical shutter speed variations, improving synchronization between camera units and ensuring high-quality image capture.
Implementation Method 1
a detector (103) arranged with the mechanical shutter for detecting motion of the light blocking means (111)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for improving synchronization between a mechanical shutter and other camera functions such as the timing of an electronic shutter in a way so that timing compensates for variations of the closing speed of the shutter. In that way predictable and accurate exposure times can be generated. The invention further relates to obtaining such improved synchronization between connectable camera units in a modular camera system by enabling communication of a data signal which contains information about the shutter speed.