Method and apparatus for controlling a remote light source
US5974273A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B2215/056
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for activating a remote light source in synchronization with an indication provided from a camera. A transducer is coupled to the external electrical connector of a conventional camera in order to convert the electrical signals that are output from the camera into an alternative form (e.g., optical signals). A different transducer is coupled to the external electrical connector of a remote light source, such as a photographic strobe. The light source transducer receives the signal from the camera transducer and converts the signal back into one or more conventional electrical signals to activate the remote light source. A light source activation signal and a light source modulation signal are multiplexed onto a single communication channel. A first indication is provided on the communication channel to activate the remote light source (i.e., cause the light source to emit light). A second indication is preferably provided on the communication channel in response to signals generated by a photo-detector within the camera. The second indication causes the remote light source to modulate its emission of light. The multiplexing camera transducer and demultiplexin…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.