Patent Application
20060093344
The present embodiments relate to cameras that utilize a ring flash to create a very soft shadow or shadow less type lighting that is optimum for most macro photography.
Current built in flash units create a type of flash that causes a very harsh lighting effect. The harsh lighting effect creates a difficult lighting solution for some applications, such as medical lighting. In the past medical lighting has relied on a type of flash that encircles the lens. Using a flash that encircles the lens creates a very soft shadow or shadow less type. This type of lighting is an easy light for use in dental procedures and in surgery because the lens is close and allows the practitioner to place the light inside the body cavity being photographed. Using a flash that encircles the lens provides the type of lighting needed for most macro work, such a dental photography, surgical photography, and close-up nature work.
The problem with using a flash that encircles the lens is that the current systems are difficult to use since the current systems require accessory items with cables that are typically cumbersome and difficult to direct at a subject.
A need exists for an improved ring flash type for use with close-up photography (macro photography) of a subject. A ring type of flash unit having an annular flash illumination surface is capable of being disposed around the periphery of a lens may be used so that a small subject can be photographed on an enlarged scale in the state of being illuminated with the light emitted from the flash unit.
A need exists for a soft, shadowless light that enables doctors and others to use off the shelf cameras with sufficient lighting, but without concern that the flash units will fall off the camera into the body cavities of the patient.
The problem to be solved by the present embodiments is that higher quality light with more precision is provided in an all-in-one unit without accessory cables.
A camera with a light source and a lens with an imaging axis include a flash device, a light transferring device, and a flash dispersion structure. The flash device is located on the housing of the camera and provides light via a flash to a light-transferring device. The light-transferring device directs the light from the flash to the flash dispersion structure. The flash dispersion structure direct the light onto an object of interest, wherein the light is projected around the imaging axis of the lens to produce soft and directed light
The present embodiments are advantageous over the prior are because the ring flash is constructed using a preexisting flash structure for two benefits in one device.
In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.
Before explaining the present embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the particular descriptions and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.
The present embodiments create a ring flash by utilizing an existing flash as a light source. A translucent ring at the front of the lens in the location of the bezel directs light from a camera's flash into a chamber near the translucent ring. The light from a camera's flash fills the translucent ring with light the progressively escapes around the lens to form a ring flash.
Many dentists and doctors are using digital cameras, typically bought off the shelf, for use in the medical practice. The present embodiments provide a type of lighting, a ring flash lighting, which the doctors and dentist need in their practice. The embodied device becomes an integral part of the camera and is, therefore, unlikely to fall off into the body cavity during use.
The present embodiments provide a ring flash that creates a very soft shadow or shadow less type lighting that is optimum for most macro photography work, such as dental photography, surgical photography, and close-up nature work.
The embodied ring flash provides soft and precisely directed light that is particularly usable by surgeons and dentists that need to take pictures of very specific body parts. The ring flash provides an even, shadowless light that yields a better overall image, especially for macro photography.
The present embodiments relate to a system when a ring light flash is incorporated onto the lens barrel of a camera, which can be digital or non-digital camera. Alternatively, lights or other LEDs can be used instead of a ring light flash around the barrel lens of the camera. The ring light flash does not have to be continuous and can include a series of lights placed around the barrel of the lens.
The embodied ring flash uses fewer parts than other ring flashes while providing a popup light flash.
With reference to the figures,
The flash device 10 is typically disposed on the housing of the camera 8. An example of a flash device 10 is a cobra flash available from Eastman Kodak. The flash device 10 can be a hinged flash or a moveable pop-up unit. The flash device 10 can be affixed on the housing 18, can be integrated into the housing 18, or can be a removable flash unit.
In an alternative embodiment depicted in
An electrical circuit 28 with a controller 30 can be used to control the light from the flash devices per a user's preferences. The electrical circuit 28 can typically be connected to the flash devices 10 and 11 via connections, either direct connections or wireless connections.
Returning to
In an alternative embodiment, the flash dispersion structure 14 can include LEDs 32a, 32b, and 32c that form a light pattern as depicted in
In yet another alternative embodiment, the flash dispersion structure 14 can have a ring shape with apertures placed over a complete ring flash to form a light pattern.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the digital flash dispersion structure 14 can be rotatably mounted around the imaging axis of the lens so the user can adjust the lighting for optimum effect.
The entire lens attachment device can be solid with clear plastic to transfer the light and can be covered with an opaque material to control the light path and prevent the light from escaping. Alternatively, the flash dispersion structure can be internally mirrored to prevent the light from escaping. The ring can be black as well to prevent the light from escaping. The ring portion of the lens attachment can be solid or can have openings or apertures to allow the controlled distribution of the light. The exterior of the lens attachment device can have a finish or coating that prevents light leakage along the path of light transference pipe.
In another embodiment, the lens attachment can have a coating on the lens to limit the wavelength of light coming from the ring flash. The coating can filter the light leaving the camera and can change the shape of the light from the front of the camera, thereby altering the quantity of light falling on the object of interest.
The camera, movie camera, or video camera embodiments can utilize a flexible conduit for the light-transferring device, such as a fiber optic or other tube.
The light source can be a steady projecting, constant provision of light. The device can engage, in a “Y” configuration or similar bifurcated configuration, both a light source that is constant from a video camera or external unit and a flash that is instantaneous. The ability to engage both a constant light source and a flash provides the advantage of flexibility and versatility. The embodied attachment can be used to preview an image for composition prior to using a flash.
In an alternative embodiment, the camera can include an electrical circuit that selectively energizes the flash device, the flash dispersion structure, or combinations of both simultaneously.
Embodiments herein are deemed to apply to cameras, digital cameras, video cameras, movie cameras, and other such image recording devices. The embodiments can be used for digital or analog cameras without flashes that simply use steady light sources. The lens attachment can be secured to such a camera to move light from the light source to the ring portion to illuminate the subject. This embodiment is particularly useful when pulsed light is needed, such as strobe effect lighting used for studying objects in motion.
The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.
