Variable Translucency Filter for Trailing Motion Blur
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photographers face challenges in capturing a trailing motion blur effect without the use of flash, especially in situations where flash is not suitable or appropriate, such as outdoor settings or when the subject is too far away.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a variable light-transmissive filter positioned in front of the image sensor, where the filter's light-transmissive property is initially lower to create a blurred image of moving objects, then increases towards the end of exposure to produce a clearer image, or using dual shutters with different sensitivities and shutter speeds to achieve the desired effect, or employing image processing methods to combine multiple images taken in rapid succession.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a slow shutter speed is used to capture motion blur, then the motion blur effect is improved, but the clarity of the stationary objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exposure process is segmented into multiple distinct phases: a first exposure period capturing motion blur, and a second exposure period capturing a sharp image. This segmentation allows each phase to serve its specific function - the first phase captures the trailing motion blur while the second phase captures the clear image of the object at its final position, resolving the contradiction between motion blur and clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter operates periodically with distinct time intervals - remaining open during a first period to capture motion blur, then opening again during a second period to capture a sharp image. This periodic action with different exposure parameters at different time points enables both motion blur and clarity to be captured in the same photograph.
2Illumination intensity
If flash is used to achieve rear-curtain sync motion blur, then the trailing motion blur effect is improved, but the suitability for certain settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using flash to create the sharp image at the end of exposure, the invention captures a separate sharp image during a second exposure period and combines it with the motion blur image. This copying approach replicates the visual effect of flash-synchronized rear-curtain sync without requiring actual flash, thereby maintaining adaptability for outdoor and bright lighting conditions where flash would be inappropriate.
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
The camera system effectively produces a trailing motion blur effect without the need for flash, providing a clear image of moving objects with a blurred trail, while also allowing for user-adjustable settings to customize the effect based on the speed of the action.
Implementation Method 1
a variable light-transmissive filter is positioned in front of an image sensor. While the light-transmissive property of the filter is lower, the blurred image of the object in motion is produced during a longer period of exposure. The light-transmissive property of the filter is increased toward the end the exposure in order to produce a clearer image of the object at the end of the exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system and method provide a trailing motion blur effect without the use of a flash. In one embodiment, a variable light-transmissive filter is positioned in front of an image sensor. While the light-transmissive property of the filter is lower, the blurred image of the object in motion is produced. The light-transmissive property of the filter is increased during the exposure in order to produce a clearer image of the object. In a method, a plurality of images taken in rapid succession are combined to produce a clear image of the object with a trailing blurred image of the object.