• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    21 Abstract A flash apparatus comprising at least tWo flash tubes and at least tWo energy storage unitsis presented, Wherein each of said at least two energy storage units is being arranged to beconfigured to strictly correspond to one of the at least two flash tubes for a flash. The flashapparatus is configured to control the amount of energy provided by the at least tWo energystorage unit(s) to their corresponding flash tube and control the flash duration of thecorresponding flash tube dependent of each other, respectively for each flash tube, so as toobtain substantially the same colour temperature from each flash tube for a flash. A method and a computer program product for use in the flash apparatus are also presented. Fig. 3
    公开号:SE1050817A1
    申请号:SE1050817
    申请日:2010-07-20
    公开日:2012-01-21
    发明作者:Anton Falk；Ulf Carlsson；Bo Dalenius；Mar N Goeran
    申请人:Profoto Ab；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    2 shown in Fig. 1B, a particular charge voltage V and a discharge cut-off time t, can be found so that the amount of energy supplied to the flash tube is Edes and the color temperature T, is approximately the same as Tdes, i.e. T1 = Tdes. Thus, in case a single flash tube is used, it is possible to provide a desired amount of energy Edes to the flash tube and still achieve the desired color temperature Tdes of the resulting emitted light, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 1A.
    A second method of controlling the amount of energy provided to a single flash tube and the color temperature of the emitted light from the single flash tube is to have a set or bank of different energy storage sources, e.g. C1-C3, which are arranged to supply energy to the single flash tube for the flash. This is illustrated in Figs. 2A-2B. A given energy storage source, e.g. G3, with a particular energy storage magnitude charged to a particular charge voltage V3, corresponding to an energy level Es, will generate a particular color temperature Tdes of the emitted light when supplied to a single flash tube at a flash time. Here, if a different amount of energy is desired to be supplied to the flash tube for the flash, while maintaining the color temperature Tdes of the emitted light, any of the different energy storage sources C1-C3 can be used separately or combined to provide the desired amount of energy. However, since the number of energy storage sources C1-C3 in the set is finite, due to the inherent implementation and economic considerations of having a large amount of capacitors, only a finite number of discrete energy levels, e.g. E1, Ez, Eg, E1 + E2, E1 + E3, E2 + E3, E1 + E2 + E3, to be possible for the desired color temperature Tdes.
    However, in the case of having a flash device which includes more than a single flash tube, there are disadvantages to both methods described above. For example, by using the first method described above with respect to Figs. 1A-1B in the case where there is more than one single flash tube, the amount of energy EC can be arranged to be divided between between two flash tubes, e.g. one flash tube may be arranged to receive Edes and another flash tube may be arranged to receive E ”. However, the light from the flash tube which is determined to receive the lower amount of energy, e.g. E *, from the energy source C than the second flash tube always to include a color temperature T2 lower than the color temperature T1 of the light from the second flash tube determined to receive the higher amount of energy Edes from the energy source C.
    Therefore, the emitted light from a flash device comprising more than one flash tube and using the first method will include substantially different color temperatures when emitted from more than a single flash tube. Furthermore, it is not a scalable or cost-effective solution to achieve a desired color temperature Tdes for a continuous, non-discrete range of energy levels E according to the second method, even for a single flash tube. Thus, the second method is not a feasible solution for a flash device which comprises more than a single flash tube.
    SUMMARY It has been recognized by the inventor that it is highly desirable to provide a flash device comprising at least two flash tubes capable of emitting light from the at least two flash tubes having substantially the same color temperature during a flash.
    To this problem arises a device comprising at least two flash tubes and at least two energy storage units, each of the at least two energy storage units being arranged to be configured to strictly correspond to one of the at least two flash tubes for a flash, the flash device being configured to control the amount of energy provided by at least two energy storage units to their corresponding flash tubes and control the flash time of the corresponding flash tube depending on each other, for each respective flash tube, so that substantially the same color temperature from each flash tube for a flash is obtained.
    By controlling the amount of energy delivered to a specific flash tube, by e.g. vary the number of energy storage units dedicated thereto and their charging voltages, and control the flash time of the specific flash tube depending on each other and for all of the at least two flash tubes, then substantially the same color temperature can be obtained from all of the at least two flash tubes for a complete flash. This is a highly desirable feature of a flash device from a photographer's point of view because it enables a more predictable and reliable flash when a photo is taken using more than one flash tube or lamp.
    Another advantage of the flash device is that it provides a true asymmetric, multi-output flash generator which enables a mixing of several different types of flash tubes or lamps.
    A further advantage of the flash device is that it provides a more practical and cost-effective solution, as it allows a photographer to freely choose between a larger amount of variables (eg which flash tube or lamp to use, the amount of energy to be used by each flash tube or lamp, etc.) and can also reduce the amount of necessary components used in a flash device. The flash time for each flash tube can further be determined by the flash device based on a desired amount of energy to be provided by the respective energy storage unit to their corresponding flash tube and the color temperature. This allows, for example, a photographer to independently determine the amount of energy he wants to provide to each of the plurality of flash tubes to achieve his desired flash light, without having to risk having different color temperatures of the light emitted by each of the plurality of flashlights. lightning rods.
    Furthermore, the amount of energy from each of the energy storage units supplied to their corresponding flash tubes can be controlled by the flash device by determining the charging voltages of each of the energy storage units and modifying the output of the corresponding energy storage units to each of the flash tubes.
    Since the energy storage units can comprise different maximum charging voltages and / or are charged to a specific charging voltage below their maximum charging voltage, and the outputs from one or more of the energy storage units can be selectively combined in a variety of ways to supply energy to a specific flash tube. desired amounts of energies are provided to the at least two flash tubes for each flash. This can be further implemented by using a charging voltage setting means in the flash device which is arranged to charge the corresponding energy storage units for each of the flash tubes up to the determined charging voltage. The charging voltage setting means may be arranged to be connected to or included in a single charging unit. This enables an easy and simple way to supply the right amount of energy to each of the corresponding energy storage units to be used for a flash.
    The flash device may further comprise a flash time length control means arranged to control each of the flash tubes to be activated according to the determined flash times by selectively connecting and disconnecting the inputs of each of the flash tubes from the outputs of the corresponding energy storage units. This enables an easy and simple way to ensure that the correct flash time is achieved for each of the flash tubes.
    Furthermore, the amount of energy to be supplied from each of the corresponding energy storage units to each of the flash tubes in the flash device may be based on the discharge characteristics of the flash tubes actually used, the impedance of the capacitors of the corresponding energy storage units and / or further impedances contained in the flash device. This can further improve the equivalent of the substantially same color temperature of the at least two flash tubes. Additionally, each of the at least two flash tubes may be replaceable flash tubes or lamps which include an impedance, size and / or shape which are different from each other. This can provide a photographer with expanded options in choosing the types of flash tubes to use in flash photography in a photograph.
    According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of use in a flash device comprising at least two flash tubes and at least two energy storage units, each of the at least two energy storage units being arranged to be configured to strictly correspond to one of the at least two flash tubes for a flash. the method comprising the steps of: controlling the amount of energy provided by at least two energy storage units to their corresponding flash tubes and controlling the flash time of the corresponding flash tube in succession, for each respective flash tube, so that substantially the same color temperature from each flash tube for a flash is obtained.
    According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product for use in a flash device comprising at least two flash tubes and at least two energy storage units, each of the at least two energy storage units being arranged to be configured to strictly correspond to one of the at least two flash tubes for a flash. The computer program product comprises computer readable code means which, when run in a control unit of the flash device, causes the flash device to perform the steps of: controlling the amount of energy provided by at least two energy storage units to their corresponding flash tubes and controlling the flash time of the corresponding flash tube. each other, for each respective flash tube, so that substantially the same color temperature from each flash tube for a flash is obtained.
    Further advantageous embodiments of the method or computer program product are further described in the dependent claims and correspond to the advantageous embodiments already described with reference to the previously mentioned flash device.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Objects, advantages and effects as well as features of the invention will be apparent in more detail from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1A and 1B are schematic graphs illustrating a first method of controlling the amount of energy to and the color temperature of the emitted light from a single flash tube according to a prior art example.
    Figs. 2A and 2B show schematic graphs illustrating a second method for controlling the amount of energy to and the color temperature of the emitted light from a single flash tube according to an example from the prior art.
    Fig. 3 illustrates a flash device comprising two or more flash tubes according to an embodiment of the invention.
    Fig. 4 shows a schematic graph illustrating the operation of the flash device in Fig. 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.
    Fig. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the invention.
    Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to another embodiment of the invention.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 3 illustrates a flash device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The flash device 1 may comprise a control unit 4, a charging unit 8, a charging voltage setting means 5, an energy storage means 3, an output modifying means 6, a flash time control means and two or more flash tubes 2. These parts of the flash device 1 may be provided as individual modules or connected to each other. as a single, discrete unit, as shown in Fig. 3.
    The charging unit 8 is arranged to be connected to the mains, an electric generator or similar energy source to receive an input voltage. The input voltage can be a DC voltage or AC voltage, and can supply a single-phase, two-phase or three-phase electrical power supply. The charging unit 8 is also configured to be connected to the charging voltage setting means 5. The charging unit 8 is configured to convert the received input voltage into an output voltage and provide the output voltage to the charging voltage setting means 5. The output voltage 8 can be determined by the control unit. arranged to receive control signals.
    The charging voltage setting means 5 may comprise a number of charging switches 5A, 5N. Each of the charging switches 5A, 5N may be arranged to receive an output voltage from the charging unit 8. Each of the charging switches 5A, 5N may be configured to connect or disconnect the output voltage from the charging unit 8 to an input of an energy unit , 3N. This can be done in response to the control signals received from the control unit 4.
    The energy storage means 5 may comprise may comprise a n number of energy storage units 3A, 3N. The energy storage units 3A, 3N may be arranged to receive output voltages from the charge switches 5A, 5N. The energy storage units 3A, 3N may be capacitive elements which are arranged to be charged upon receipt of the output voltage from the charge switches 5A, 5N. The charging voltages of the energy storage units 3A, 3N, referred to herein, may be the charged voltage levels of the capacitive elements. These capacitive elements can typically be capacitors with defined capacitances of different sizes. As described below, the energy storage units 3A, 3N can be selected for each of the two or more flash tubes 2 by the control unit 4 to provide the best possible combinatorial effect with respect to color temperature, flash duration and energy level. Thus, each of the energy storage units 3A, 3N may be configured to provide an output voltage to a corresponding output switch 6A, 6N in the output modifier 6.
    The output modifier 6 may comprise a n number of output switches 6A, 6N.
    The output switches 6A, 6N may each be configured to receive an output voltage from a corresponding energy storage unit 3A, 3N. Each of the output switches 6A, 6N may include individual outputs to each of a plurality of lightning duration switches 7A, 7M in the flash duration control means 7. Each of the output switches 6A, 6N may be arranged to connect or disconnect the power supply from the output circuit. , 3N to any of the individual outputs to each of the m plurality of flash duration switches 7A, 7M of the flash duration controller 7. This may be done in response to control signals received from the controller 4. The flash duration means 7 may include a m number of flash time switches 7A, 7M, wherein mz 2. The flash time switches 7A, 7M may each be configured to receive an output voltage from one or more of the output switches 6A, 6N of the output modifier 6. Each of the 7 flash time switches may be to connect or disconnect the output voltage from a or several of the output switches 6A, 6N of the output modifier 6 to a corresponding one of the at least two flash tubes 2A, 2M. This can be done in response to control signals received from the control unit 4. The flash tubes 2 may also comprise m number of flash tubes 2A, 2M, whereby m 2 2. It should be noted that the flash duration means 7 can also be placed on the other side of its corresponding one of the at least two flash tubes 2A, 2M in Fig. 3, that is, placed between their corresponding one of the at least two flash tubes 2A, 2M and the connection to ground (GND).
    The flash tubes 2A, 2M may each be configured to receive an output voltage from a corresponding one of the flash duration switches 7A, 7M of the flash duration means 7. The flash tubes 2A, 2M may comprise replaceable flash tubes or flash lamps. Each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M may comprise different individual impedances, have different individual sizes and / or have different individual shapes in relation to each other. Each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M may also be arranged to discharge the received output voltage into the flash tube upon ignition by an igniter 12A, 12M included therein. Thus, the flash tubes 2A, ..., 2M are arranged to empty the corresponding energy storage units 3A, 3M which are selectively connected to each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M by the output modifier 6 and the flash duration 7 when ignited. The ignition of the flash tubes 2A, 2M by the igniters 12A, 12M can be performed in response to control signals received from the controller 4. Thus, energy will flow from the corresponding energy storage units 3A, 3M to each selectively connected flash tube 2A, 2M until they corresponding to the energy storage units 3A, 3M have been emptied or until the flash time switch 7A, 7M disconnects the output voltage of one or more of the output switches 6A, 6N of the output modifier 6 from each flash tube 2A, 2M.
    The control unit 4 may be communicatively connected to and arranged to send control signals to the charging unit 8, the charging voltage setting means 5, the output modifying means 6, the flash duration means 7 and the at least two flash tubes 2. It should be noted that the control unit 4 can be provided as a single central unit, e.g. data processing unit (CPU) or data processor. The control unit 4 may also comprise data processing means or logic for performing the necessary calculations for the functionality of the flash device 1. This can be implemented in part by means of a software or a computer program. The control unit 4 may also comprise a readable storage medium, such as a memory unit, for storing such computer programs and also a data processing unit, such as a microprocessor, for executing the computer program stored in the readable storage medium. Alternatively, the memory unit may be separated from, but connected to the control unit 4. When, in the following, it is described that the control unit 4 performs a certain function or operation, it should be understood that the control unit 4 may use the data processing means or logic contained therein to perform a certain part of the computer program which is stored in the memory device.
    The control unit 4 may also be arranged to receive input signals 9 and a synchronizing signal 10. The input signals 9 and the synchronizing signal 10 may, for example, be provided by a camera device connected to the flash device 1, or a control interface of the flash device 1 and / or become an actuator 1. can be controlled by an operator of the flash device 1.
    The synchronizing signal 10 may indicate for the control unit 4 to start discharging the charged energy of the energy storage units 3A, 3N through their corresponding flash tubes 2A, 2M, that is, to initiate and generate a flash through the flash device 1 - the input signals 9 may include input parameters and energy parameters. desired color temperature setting. The control unit 4 may also include default values of the input parameters such as desired amounts of energy and a desired color temperature setting. The desired amounts of energy indicate the desired amount of energy to be delivered to each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M. The desired amounts of energy may, for example, be individually set for each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M, or be a single energy amount setting for all flash tubes 2A, 2M. The two desired amounts of energy can be indicated by an operator in, for example, F-stops, Joules (J) Wattseconds (VVs) or any other suitable energy scale.
    Based on the desired amounts of energy and the desired color temperature setting, the controller 4 is configured to determine the total capacitance size of each of the at least two flash tubes 2A, 2M (that is, which and how many of the energy storage units 3A, 3M are needed and which should be used for each of the at least two flash tubes 2A, 2M), to determine the input voltages Vop, for each of the at least two flash tubes 2A, 2M, and to determine the discharge cut-off times peak, for each of the at least two flash tubes 2A, 2M.
    Thus, the control unit 4 can determine, depending on each other, a specific amount of energy to be supplied to a first flash tube 2A and a specific flash time length for the first flash tube 2A so that the desired color temperature of the light emitted from the first flash tube 2A for a flash instance is provided; while also determining, depending on each other, a specific amount of energy to be supplied to a second flash tube 2M and a specific flash duration of the second flash tube 2M so that the desired color temperature of the light emitted from the second flash tube 2M is achieved for the same flash instance. This is illustrated in more detail in Fig. 4. Thereby, substantially the same color temperature from each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M can be obtained for a flash in the flash device 1.
    It should also be noted that in determining the total capacitance magnitude, the input voltages Vooj, and the discharge cut-off times too, the control unit 4 may also take into account the discharge characteristics of the current flash tubes 2A, 2M actually used in the flash device 1, the impedances 3A capacitor 3N, and / or other impedances accompanying the circuit of the flash device 1.
    Based on the determined total capacitance magnitudes and the determined input voltages Vooj, the control unit 4 can send control signals to the charging voltage setting means 5 indicating which of the energy storage units 3A, 3M are selected to be charged and how much each of these selected energy layers 3 is charged. . This can be done, for example, by the control unit 4 by sending signals indicating for each of the charge switches 5A, 5M when to connect and disconnect. The control unit 4 can then continuously measure and monitor the charging voltages of the energy storage units 3A, 3M, e.g. the charged voltage levels of the capacitive elements. Furthermore, the control unit 4 can send control signals to the output modifying means 6 which indicate which individual output each of the selected energy storage units 3A, ..., 3M is to be connected to. This can be done, for example, by the control unit 4 by sending control signals to each of the output switches 6A, 6N indicating the individual outputs to which each of the output switches 6A, 6N is to be switched and connected. This can be done before or upon receipt of the synchronization signal 10 in the control unit 4 indicating the initiation and generation of the flash. Note that for a single flash or flash instance, an energy storage unit 3A, 3M can only be connected so as to supply energy to one of the flash tubes 2A, 2M.
    The control unit 4 may further be configured to send control signals to the charging unit 8 indicating a desired output voltage and when the desired output voltage is to be supplied to the charging voltage setting means 5. Further, based on the determined discharge interruption times and for each, for the at least two flash tubes 2A, 2M, the controller 4 may be configured to send control signals to the flash duration means 7 indicating to each of the flash duration switches 7A, 7M when to connect and disconnect. Before or upon receipt of the synchronization signal 10, the control unit 4 may send control signals to each of the flash duration switches 7A, 7M to connect. The control unit 4 can then initiate the discharge to the flash tubes 2A, 2M by sending a control signal to the ignition circuits 12A, 12M of the flash tubes 2A, 2M indicating that ignition is to be activated. When each determined discharge interrupt time too, for each of the at least two flash tubes 2A, 2M is reached, the control unit 4 may be configured to selectively send control signals to each of the flash duration switches 7A, 7M, to be disconnected, respectively.
    Fig. 4 shows schematic graphs illustrating an operation of the flash device 1 comprising two or more flash tubes 2A, 2M according to an embodiment of the invention. The desired color temperature of the light emitted from a first and a second flash tubes 2A and 2M for a flash or flash instance is denoted as Tooo, and the desired amount of energy to be supplied to the first and second flash tubes 2A and 2M for the flash is denoted as EA and EM.
    Based on the desired amount of energy EA for the first flash tube 2A and the desired color temperature setting Tooo, a total capacitance CAA for the first flash tube 2A can be determined. The total capacitance CAA may comprise one or a combination of the energy storage units 3A, 3N. Furthermore, based on the desired color temperature setting Tooo and the conditions shown in Fig. 1B, a combination of an input voltage Voo, for the first flash tube 2A and a discharge cut-off time too, for the first flash tube 2A can be determined depending on or based on each other. The input voltage Voo, for the first flash tube 2A, is here the sum of the charging voltages of the single or combination of energy storage units 3A, 3N included in the determined total capacitance CAA. The combination of the input voltage Vom and a discharge interrupt time too, can be determined so that the input voltage Voo, corresponds to an amount of energy EA + E'A. Thus, an interruption of the discharge of energy of the first flash tube 2A at the discharge interruption time too results in the amount of energy E'A being cut off and not discharged by the first flash tube 2A, and that the remaining amount of energy EA has a color temperature which is substantially the same. as the desired color temperature Tooo. Similarly, based on the desired amount of energy EM for the second flash tube 2M and the desired color temperature setting Tdes, a total capacitance CM for the second flash tube 2M can be determined. The total capacitance C3M may comprise one or a combination of the energy storage units 3A, 3N, but not any of the energy storage units 3A, 3N used for the total capacitance CM of the first flash tube 2A or any other of the energy storage units 3A, 3N used by another flash tubes for the flash. Furthermore, based on the desired color temperature setting Tdes and the conditions shown in Fig. 1B, a combination of an input voltage Vopj the second flash tube 2M and a discharge discharge time double for the second flash tube 2M can be determined based on each other. The input voltage Vom for the second flash tube 2M is here the sum of the charging voltages of the single or combination of energy storage units 3A, 3N included in the determined total capacitance CaM. The combination of the input voltage Vom and a discharge interruption time peak. can be determined so that the input voltage Vop, corresponds to a quantity of energy EM + E'M. Thus, an interruption of the energy discharge of the second flash tube 2M at the peak discharge time peak, results in the amount of energy E'M being cut off and not discharged by the second flash tube 2M, and that the remaining amount of energy EM has a color temperature which is substantially the same. as the desired color temperature Tdes.
    It should be noted that although described only for a first and a second flash tube 2A and 2M above, this can be similarly implemented for any number of flash tubes 2A, 2M included in the flash device 1.
    Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, the energy level EA supplied to the first flash tube 2A may be different from the energy level EM supplied to the second flash tube 2M. This advantageously enables the flash device 1 to select different desired energy levels for the different flash tubes 2A, 2M. This can, for example, be advantageous when using flash tubes of different types with accompanying different properties.
    Fig. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the invention. In step S51, the control unit 4 in the flash device 1 may obtain a desired color temperature Tdes for a flash or a predetermined color temperature, for example, as a default value in the control unit 4 or received as an input parameter by the control unit 4. In step S52, the control unit 4 in the flash device 1 control the amount of energy to be supplied by at least one of the energy storage units 3A, 3M to the flash tube 2A and control the flash duration of the flash tube 2A depending on each other. This can be done for each of the respective flash tubes 2A, 2M and to obtain substantially the received color temperature for each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M for a flash.
    Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to another embodiment of the invention. In step S61, the control unit 4 in the flash device 1 can receive input signals 9 including input parameters. The input parameters may include at least a desired color temperature Tdes for the flash and a desired energy level or energy levels for the flash tubes 2A, 2M. The input parameters may further include the discharge characteristics of the current flash tubes 2A, 2M actually used in the flash device 1, the impedances of the capacitors of the energy storage units 3A, 3M, and / or other impedances accompanying the circuit of the flash device 1. The input parameters may also be parameter parameters. in the flash device 1.
    In step S62, the controller 4 can calculate appropriate total capacitance magnitudes, input voltages Vom, and maximum discharge times peak, for each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M based on at least the desired energy level, or energy levels, and the desired color temperature Tdes. In addition, the calculation can further be based on and take into account any combination of the previously mentioned input parameters.
    In step S63, the control unit 4, based on the calculated suitable total capacitance magnitudes and the input voltages Vop., Can select which and how many capacitors 3A, 3N are to be used for each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M, respectively. It should be noted that a single capacitor or energy storage unit 3A, 3N can only correspond to and supply energy to a single flash tube 2A, 2M for a particular flash. In step S64, the control unit 4 can switch on the charge switches 5A, 5N corresponding to the selected capacitors 3A, 3N, i.e. switch the selected charge switches 5A, 5N to an active or closed position. This can be done by the control unit 4 by sending control signals to the charging voltage setting means 5. In step S65, the control unit 4 can control the charging unit 8 to start supplying an output voltage to the selected capacitors 3A, 3N. This can be done by the control unit 4 by sending control signals to the charging unit 8. In step S66, the control unit 4 can measure the capacitor voltages for each of the selected capacitors 3A, 3N and selectively disconnect the selected charging switches 5A, 5N, i.e. switch the selected charge switches 5A, 5N to an inactive or open position, when capacitors 3A, 3N reach an energy level corresponding to the respective calculated input voltage Vom. This can be done by the control unit 4 by sending control signals 10 to the charging voltage setting means 5, and will charge the selected capacitors 3A, 3N to appropriate energy levels.
    In step S67, the controller 4 may receive the synchronizing signal 10. The synchronizing signal 10 may indicate to the controller 4 to initiate the flash, that is, to begin discharging the charged energy of the selected capacitors 3A, 3N through their corresponding flash tubes 2A, 2M.
    In case the synchronizing signal 10 is received in step S67, the control unit in step S68 can switch on the output switches 6A, ..., 6N for each of the selected capacitors 3A, 3N so that the selected capacitors 3A, 3N for each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M are connected to the flash duration switch 7A, 7M which is associated with their corresponding flash tubes 2A, 2M. This can be done by the control unit 4 by sending control signals to the output modifier 6. In step S69, the control unit 4 can switch on the flash time switches 7A, 7M for each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M, and send control signals to the ignition circuits 12A, 12M which activate respectively the flash tubes 2A, 2M. Thus, the charged energy of the selected capacitors 3A, 3N will begin to be discharged through their corresponding flash tubes 2A, 2M which generate the flash of the flash device 1. In step S610, the controller may selectively disconnect each flash duration switch 7A, 7M associated with each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M, i.e. switch each flash duration switch 7A, 7M to an inactive or open position, when each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M reaches its respective calculated maximum discharge time even. Thereby, substantially the same color temperature from each of the flash tubes 2A, 2M can be obtained for the flash in the flash device 1.
    Alternatively, in case the synchronizing signal 10 is not received in step S67, the control unit 4 in step S611 may monitor and check if there has been any change of the input parameters. If a change is detected by the control unit 4, the control unit 4 can return to step S61 to receive a new input parameter or new input parameters.
    According to another alternative, if the synchronizing signal 10 is not received in step S67, in step S612, the control unit 4 may again measure the capacitor voltages of each of the selected capacitors 3A, 3N. If the measured capacitor voltages in step S612 correspond to the calculated input voltages Vom, the control unit 4 in step S613 can return to step S67. However, if any of the measured capacitor voltages in step S612 has dropped below or substantially below its calculated input voltage Vom, which may occur, for example, if the synchronization signal 10 is not received for a longer period of time, then the controller 4 may return to step S63 to select whether and recharging the capacitors 3A, 3N. It should be noted that step S611 and / or steps S612-S613 described above are optional alternatives to the embodiment described by steps S61-S610.
    The above description is the principal preparation currently contemplated for carrying out the invention. The description is not intended to be limiting but is made for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be determined only with reference to the issued claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (1)
    [1] 1. . A flash apparatus (1) comprising at least tWo flash tubes (2A, ..., 2M) and at least two energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N), each of said at least two energy storage units(3A, ..., 3N) being arranged to be configured to strictly correspond to one of the atleast tWo flash tubes (2A, ..., 2M) for a flash, Wherein said flash apparatus (1) isconfigured to control the amount of energy provided by the at least tWo energy storageunit(s) (3A, ..., 3N) to their corresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) and control theflash duration of the corresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) dependent upon eachother, respectively for each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M), so as to obtain substantially thesame colour temperature of the light from each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) for theflash. . A flash apparatus (1) according to claim 1, Wherein the flash duration for each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) is deterrnined based on a desired amount of energy to berespectively provided by the energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) to theircorresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) and the colour temperature. . A flash apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Wherein the amount of energy from the energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) provided to their corresponding flash tube(2A, ..., 2M) is controlled by deterrnining charging voltages for each of the energystorage units (3A, ..., 3N) and modifying the output of the energy storage units(3A, ..., 3N) to each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M). . A flash apparatus (1) according to claim 3, comprising charge voltage setting means (5A, ..., SN) configured to charge the energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) foreach flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) up to the deterrnined charging voltages. . A flash apparatus (1) according to claim 4, Wherein said charge voltage setting means (5A, ..., SN) is configured to be connected to or incorporated in a single charging unit (8). 6. 10. 18 A flash apparatus (1) according to any one of the claims 1-5, comprising outputmodification means (6A, ..., 6N) configured to modify the output of the energystorage units (3A, ..., 3N) to each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) by selectivelyconnecting the outputs of the energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) to inputs of eachflash tube (2A, ..., 2M). A flash apparatus (1) according to any one of the claims 2-6, comprising flashduration control means (7A, ..., 7M) configured to control each of the flash tubes(2A, ..., 2M) to be activated according to the deterrnined flash durations byselectively connecting and disconnecting the inputs of each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M)from the outputs of the energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N). A flash apparatus (1) according to any one of the claims 1-7, wherein the amount ofenergy to be provided from the energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) to theircorresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) is further based on the dischargecharachteristics of the flash tubes (2A, ..., 2M) actually used, the impedance ofcapacitors in the corresponding energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) for each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M), and/or further impedance elements present in the flash apparatus (1). A flash apparatus (1) according to any one of the claims 1-8, wherein each of the atleast two flash tubes (2A, ..., 2M) are exchangeable flash tubes which comprise an impedance, a size and/or a shape that is different in respect to each other. A method for use in a flash apparatus (1) comprising at least two flash tubes (2A,..., 2M) and at least two energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N), each of said at least twoenergy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) being arranged to be configured to strictlycorrespond to one of the at least two flash tubes (2A, ..., 2M) for a flash, saidmethod comprising the step of: - controlling the amount of energy provided by the at least two energy storageunit(s) (3A, ..., 3N) to their corresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) andcontrolling the flash duration of the corresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M)dependent of each other, respectively for each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M), so as to 19 obtain substantially the same colour temperature from each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) for a flash. 11. A method according to claim 10, fiarther comprising the steps of:- deterrnining the flash duration for each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) based on adesired amount of energy to be respectively provided by the energy storageunits (3A, ..., 3N) to their corresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) and the colour temperature. 12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising the step of: - controlling the amount of energy from each of the energy storage units (3A, ...,3N) provided to their corresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) by deterrniningcharging Voltages for each of the corresponding energy storage units (3A, ...,3N) and modifying the output of the corresponding energy storage units (3A,..., 3N) to each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M). 13. A method according to any one of the claims 10-12, further comprising the step of:- modifying the output of the corresponding energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) toeach flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) by selectively connecting or disconnecting theoutputs of the corresponding energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) to inputs of eachflash tube (2A, ..., 2M). 14. A method according to any one of the claims 11-13, fiarther comprising the step of:- controlling each of the flash tubes (2A, ..., 2M) to be actiVated according to thedeterrnined flash durations by selectively connecting or disconnecting of theinputs of each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) from the outputs of the energy storageunits (3A, ..., 3N). 15. A computer program product for use in a flash apparatus (1) comprising at leasttwo flash tubes (2A, ..., 2M) and at least two energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N),each of said at least two energy storage units (3A, ..., 3N) being arranged to beconfigured to strictly correspond to one of the at least two flash tubes (2A, ..., 2M) for a flash, said computer program product comprising computer readable code means, Which When run in a control unit (4) in the flash apparatus (1) causes said flash apparatus (1) to perform the step of: - controlling the amount of energy provided by the at least tWo energy storageunit(s) (3A, ..., 3N) to their corresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) and 5 controlling the flash duration of the corresponding flash tube (2A, ..., 2M) dependent of each other, respectively for each flash tube (2A, ..., 2M), so as toobtain substantially the same colour temperature from each flash tube (2A, ...,2M) for a flash. 10 16. A computer program product according claim 15, comprising computer readablecode means, Which When run in the processing unit (4) in the flash apparatus (1)causes said the flash apparatus (1) to further perform the steps according to claim 11 to 14. 15 17. A computer program product according claim 15 or 16, Wherein said code means is stored on a readable storage medium.
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    同族专利:
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    WO2012011863A1|2012-01-26|
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    法律状态:
    2021-03-02| NUG| Patent has lapsed|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    SE1050817A|SE535271C2|2010-07-20|2010-07-20|A flash device and a method for controlling the color temperature of the light in a flash|SE1050817A| SE535271C2|2010-07-20|2010-07-20|A flash device and a method for controlling the color temperature of the light in a flash|
    PCT/SE2011/050942| WO2012011863A1|2010-07-20|2011-07-11|A flash apparatus and method for controlling the colour temperature of light in a flash|
    US13/811,245| US20130230305A1|2010-07-20|2011-07-11|Flash apparatus and method for controlling the colour temperature of light in a flash|
    DE112011102408T| DE112011102408T5|2010-07-20|2011-07-11|Flash and method for controlling the color temperature of the light in a flash|
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