17934491. Adaptive-Flash Photography, Videography, and/or Flashlight Using Camera, Scene, or User Input Parameters simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

Adaptive-Flash Photography, Videography, and/or Flashlight Using Camera, Scene, or User Input Parameters

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Bosheng Zhang of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Angelo M. Alaimo of San Jose CA (US)

Noah D. Bedard of Los Gatos CA (US)

Kathrin Berkner Cieslicki of Los Altos CA (US)

Tongbo Chen of Los Gatos CA (US)

Paul M. Hubel of Mountain View CA (US)

Farhan A. Baqai of Fremont CA (US)

Nicolas Pierre Bonnier of Mountain View CA (US)

Bryan Dang of San Francisco CA (US)

Adaptive-Flash Photography, Videography, and/or Flashlight Using Camera, Scene, or User Input Parameters - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17934491 titled 'Adaptive-Flash Photography, Videography, and/or Flashlight Using Camera, Scene, or User Input Parameters

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a light source module that includes an array of illumination elements and a projecting lens. The module can adjust the illumination elements and the lens to control the emitted light field. The controller for the module determines the light field pattern based on various parameters.

• The light source module includes an array of illumination elements and a projecting lens.
• The module can receive or generate a control signal to adjust the illumination elements and the lens.
• The adjustment of the illumination elements controls the emitted light field.
• The module can also adjust the lens based on objects in the illuminated scene and the field of view of an imaging device.
• The controller determines the light field pattern based on parameters such as the field of view of the imaging device, illumination sensitivity model, depth, ambient illumination, and reflectivity of objects.
• The controller can also consider configured illumination priorities, including ambient preservation, background illumination, and direct/indirect lighting balance.

Potential Applications

This technology has potential applications in various fields, including:

• Lighting systems for photography and videography.
• Smart lighting systems for homes and buildings.
• Automotive lighting systems for adaptive headlights and interior lighting.
• Entertainment lighting systems for stage and event lighting.
• Industrial lighting systems for precise illumination control in manufacturing processes.

Problems Solved

This technology solves several problems related to light source modules and lighting systems, such as:

• Inefficient or limited control over the emitted light field.
• Inadequate adaptation to different objects and scenes.
• Lack of flexibility in adjusting lighting priorities.
• Difficulty in achieving desired lighting effects.
• Inconsistent lighting quality due to varying ambient conditions.

Benefits

The use of this technology offers several benefits, including:

• Enhanced control over the emitted light field for precise lighting effects.
• Improved adaptation to objects and scenes through adjustment of the lens and illumination elements.
• Flexibility in setting illumination priorities based on specific requirements.
• Consistent lighting quality regardless of ambient conditions.
• Energy efficiency through optimized illumination control.

Original Abstract Submitted

A light source module includes an array of illumination elements and an optional projecting lens. The light source module is configured to receive or generate a control signal for adjusting different ones of the illumination elements to control a light field emitted from the light source module. In some embodiments, the light source module is also configured to adjust the projecting lens responsive to objects in an illuminated scene and a field of view of an imaging device. A controller for a light source module may determine a light field pattern based on various parameters including a field of view of an imaging device, an illumination sensitivity model of the imaging device, depth, ambient illumination and reflectivity of objects, configured illumination priorities including ambient preservation, background illumination and direct/indirect lighting balance, and so forth.