GB2530536A

GB2530536A - Photography accessory

Info

Publication number: GB2530536A
Application number: GB1416929.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Garrard
Original assignee: Trained Eye Ltd
Current assignee: Trained Eye Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-25
Filing date: 2014-09-25
Publication date: 2016-03-30
Also published as: GB201416929D0; WO2016046767A1

Abstract

A remotely-operable flashgun positioning apparatus comprises a tilting unit 7 and a panning unit 5. A flashgun can be to the tilting unit via a connecting portion 11. A motor operates the pan and tilt via remote control. The apparatus may also be attachable to a tripod.

Description

PHOTOGRAPHY ACCESSORY

The present invention relates generally to a photography accessory, in paitcular, although not exclusively, remotely positioning a photography flashgun.

Manual photography flashgun positioning means often compnse a connection unit for connecting a photography flashgun thereto, and a mounting point for connecting to a camera tripod or light stud. Often, known flashgun positioning means allow adjustment of only one degree of freedom; that is, rotation about a horizontal axis, as rotation about a vertical axis can be achieved by moving (e.g. rotating) the tripod on which it is mounted about a vertical axis. Alternative manual photography flashgun positioning means enable adjustment of rtvo degrees of freedom, namely full rotation substantially within a hemisphere, by using a ball-and-socket joint to mediate between the connection unit and the mounting point.

During professiotal photography sessions, such as weddings, portrait photography and in studios, it is often desirable for small adjustments to the position (in particular the orientation) of the flashgun to be made between photographs, in order to optimise lighting of the subjects. in particular, it is desirable for a photographer to be able to adjust the orientation of the flashgun without hiavnig to leave the location frorri which he/she is taking photographs.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remotely-operable flashgun positioning apparatus, for use with a photography flashgun.

the apparatus comprising: a base;apanning unit pivotilly coupled to the base, the panning unit configured to be rotitable about a pimning iLxis with respect to the base; a tilting unit pivotally coupled to the panning unit, the tilting unit configured to he rotatable with respect to the panning unit about a tilting axis, the tilting ax-is being substantially non-parallel to the pamitg axis; a connection unit located on the tilting unit, for releasably connecting a photography flashgun to the tilting unit; at least one motor configured to move the panning unit and/or the tilting unit about their respective axes; a wireless receiver configured to generate a control signal in response to wirelessly receiving a wireless signal from a user; a controller operably coupled to the wireless receiver, the controller configured to control operation of the at least one motor in response to receiving the control signal from the wireless receiver; and a power source configured to supply power to the controller.

In this way, adjustment of the position of a flashgun attached to the apparatus may he made by a user remote from the apparatus.

The power source may comprise an e]ectrochemtcal cell. Alternatively (or additionally), the power source may compnse a solar cell or some other form of renewable energy source. As a further alternative, the power source may comprise a connecting lead for drawing power from an external power supply, such asa mains socket, generator, or vehicle battery.

The pover source may comprise a battery pack, which may comprise a plurality of electrochemical cells, the battery pack may comprise a case in which a plurality of electrochemical cells are provided, the case may be removably inserted into the panning unit and/or the tilting unit such that at least one of the plurality of electrochemical cells is located on an opposite side of the at least one motor from at least one further one of the plurality of electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cell(s) may be AA batteries. The battery pack may comprise four AA batteries. Tn this way, the power source may be arranged so as to minimise the size (for instance the volume and/or surface area) of the apparatus.

The base may comprise a plate; for instince. a substantially flat and/or planar surfacc having a thicknicss of bctxvccni approximately 2 and 1 Drum, in particuhtr between approximately 3 and 8mm, more particularly between approximately 4 and 6mm.

The base may comprise an upper surface and the panning unit may comprise a lower surface adjacent to the upper surface of the base, and spaced from the upper surface of the base. The base may be spaced from the panning unit by between approximately 0.1 and 5mm, in particular between approximately 0.2 and 2mm, more particularly between approximately 0.3 and 0.8mm, for instance 0.3mm. In this way, friction between the base and the panning unit may he minimised.

The panning unit may be rotatable about the panning axis by up to approximately 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and/or 360 degrees.

The apparatus may further comprise a panning axle upon which the panning unit is mounted, such that the panning unit may rotate about the panning axis. The axle nay be integrally fonned with the base and/or the panning unit. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may further comprise a bearing arrangement upon which the panning unit is mounted, for instance a thrust hearing, such that the panning unit may rotate about the panning axis.

The base may comprise a tripod mount or light stand mount, for instance a threaded reset for receiving a threaded bolt therein. Alternatively or additionally, the base may comprise at least one attachment point for connecting a tnpod, legs and/or feet thereto. The apparatus may further comprise a removably attachable tripod. legs and/or feet, for instance, clip on legs ard/c)r high friction feet. Tn this way, the stand the apparatus may be fixed and/or secured such that accidental and/or unintentional movement is avoided. In addition, placement of the apparatus may be optimized for photographic purposes.

The tilting unit may be rotatable about the tilting axis by an angle substantially less than the angle about which the panning unit may be rotatable about the panning axis. The tilting unit may be rotatable about the tilting axis by up to approximately 30, 60. 90, 120, 130. 140. 130 and/or 180 degrees.

The apparatus may he configured such that a flashgun attached thereto projects substantially away from the panning and tilting units and/or axes. Tn this way, the 1 5 flashgun so attached overhangs so that flashgun accessories (such as bounce cards or diffusers) can be coupled to the flashgun without inhibiting movement of the apparatus.

the tilting unit may be disposed on the panning unit substantially asymmetrically. For instance, the tilting unit rriay bc corihgurcd to hold the flashgun off-ccnitrc.

The connection unit may comprise a hot shoe and/or a cold shoe mounting point, for instance, for the mounting of a flashgun thereon (specifically. by receiving a foot of the flashgun within the shoe). in particular connection unit may fall within ISO 518:1977 and/or 5i8:2006 Photography -Camera accessory shoes. with and without electrical contacts, for photoflash lamps and electronic photoflash units, which specifies the dimensions of camera accessory shoes, with and without electrical contacts, for photoflash lamps and electronic photoflash units. The dimensions given are basic for a solid shoe; however, in arrangements in which an accessery shoe is equipped with or other devices for holding the accessory foot tightly or maintaining good electrical contact (such as clips, tabs or screws), the dimensions of the shoe can be changed within a range in which their interchangeability and functions will not be affected. The shoe of the present invention may comprise devices for holding the flashgun foot within the shoe, such as springs, clips, tabs, screws or magnets.

Alternatively or additionally, the connection unit may comprise an adjustable strap such that different sizes of flashguns may be used. the apparatus may comprise a removably attachable adapter component for engaging with the connection unit and a predetermined alternative mounting device, for instance a camera tnpod mounting device, such as a screw-threaded recess.

Tn some embodiments, the at least one motor may comprise a servomotor, servomechanism and/or servo. TTowever, in preferred embodiments, the at least one motor comprises a DC electric motor, such as a brushed or brushless DC motor and/or a stepper/step motor. the at least one motor may comprise a 6V motor. the motor may be configured to have a maximum output torque of between approximately 0.01 and 10Nm, in particular between approximately 0.1 and 5Nmm more particularly between approximately 1 and 4Nm, for instance approximately 2Nm or 3Nm. in this way, a weight of the flashgun (e.g. up to approximately 1.5kg, in particular up to approximately 1.2kg. more particularly up to approximately 1kg. for instance up to approximately 700g may he held in position. The motor may comprise a gearbox, which may be in the ratio of up to approximately 1:1000, in particular approximately 1:500, more particularly approximately 1:400. in some alternative embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a counterbalanced system and/or a resiliently biases component (e.g. a torsion spring) to counter movement of an attached flashgun.

I'he apparatus mTiay further comprise at least one mrieciianiismri for tranisruittirig movement of the motor to movement of the panning and/or tilting unit. The at least one mechanism may comprise gears, in particular bevel gears, and/or belts and/or rollers. the at least one mechanism may comprise metal. in this way. a weight of the flashgun may be held in position without damage to the mechanism.

The apparatus, in particular the motor and/or the mechanism(s), may be configured to provide rotation of the panning and/or tilting units of between approximately 1 and 10 degrees per second, in particular between approximately 3 and 8 degrees per second, more particularly between approximately 4 and 7 degrees per second, for instance approximately 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and/or 9 degrees per second.

The apparatus, in particular the motor and/or mechanism, may be configured to provide rotation of the panning and/or tilting unit at a plurality of rotational speeds (for instance 2 or 3 speeds), which may be selectable by a user.

The apparatus may comprise at least one stop to limit movement of the panning and/or tilting unit. the stops may he physical stops. switches, optical stops, and/or any other form of stop.

The appanitus may he contigured such that a user may physically move at least one of the panning and/or tilting unit in the absence of a control signal from the wireless receiver.

The wireless receiver may be configured to receiving an infrared and/or radio frequency signals. The wireless receiver may be configured to receive signals compatible with Bluetooth (RIM), the. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), ZigBee (Rilvi) Z-Wave (Rt_\I) and/or DECT. the wireless receiver may be configured to receive signals over a plurality of channels. The channels may be arranged over respective frequency ranges. Alternatively, the channels may be encoded. The wireless receiver may be configured to communicate with a remote control device and/or a plurality of remote control devices. Communication bertveen a selected remote control device and the wireless receiver may he secure. In some embodiments, prior to use, a remote control device may require pairing with the wireless receiver.

The apparatus may further comprise a photography umbrella attachment mechanism; for instance a clamp or clip, in particular a hose clamp, spring clamp or jubilee clip, or other form of circular clamp.

The controller may comprise a circuit board, for instmnce a printed circuit board or PCB.

The apparatus may comprise injection moulded components and/or bent sheet metil components. Alternatively, the apparatus may be, at least partially, 3D printed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remotely-operable flashgun positioning system, comprising the apparatus of the first aspect and a remote control device configured to communicate with the \vireless receiver.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided A method of positioning a photography flashgun, the method comprising the steps of: providing a remotely-operable flashgun positioning apparatus in accordance with the first aspect; releasably connecting a photography flashgun to the tilting unit, with the connection unit; the wireless receiver \virelessly receiving a wireless signal from a user; the wireless receiver generating a control signal in response to said wirelessly receiving; the power source supplying power to the controller; the controller controlling operation of the at least one motor in response to receiving the control signal from the wireless receiver; and the at least one motor moving the panning unit and/or the tilting unit about their respective axes.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the ie invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. this description is given for the sake of example only, xvithout limiting the scope of the invention. the reference figures quoted below refer to the attacli ed drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is cutaway side view of an apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 3a is a cutaway perspective viexv of an upper part of an apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 3l is a cutaway perspective view of a lower p' of an apparatus according to the presetit invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a power pack according to the present invention.

Ihe present uivcnitioni will be describcd with rcspeet to certai i drawings hut the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the dra\vings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. the dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking (Jr in any other manner. It is to be understood that the tenns so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the tenns top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to he understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under 2ipprOpri2ite circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

Tt is to be noticed that the tenu "compnsing" used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. it is thus to he interpreted as specifying the presetce of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or componen, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. it means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Similarly. it is to he noticed that the term "connected" used in the description, should not he interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device connected to a device B" should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. it means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more clcrucnts arc either in dircct physical or clcctrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features. stnictures or characteristics of any embodiment or aspect of the invention tnay be combined in any suitable maimer, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this

disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single emlmdiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure. however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily he considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. thus, the claims follo\ving the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while sonic embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will he understood by those skilled in the art. For example. in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can he used in any combination.

Tn the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

Tjowever, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. Tn other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shoxvn in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of

this description.

Tn the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying beveen the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term "at least one" tnay mean only one in certain circumstances.

The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features of the invention. Tt is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus I according to the present invention, the apparatus I comprises a substantially circular base plate 3, upon which is

S

rotatably mounted a substantially cylindrical panning unit 3. The shape of the substantially circular base plate 3 and the substantially cylindrical panning unit 5 has been chosen such that for a predetermined internal volume, the surface area of the panning unit S may he minimised, with the additional constraint that a sleek (i.e. substantially convex) external profile of the base 3 and panning unit S. A tilting unit 7 is located on top of the panning unit 5, and is in the form of a substantially rectangular arch having a spanning part and tvo side legs. the side legs are each pivotally attached to respective brackets 9 formed on the panning unit 5.

On a central portion of the spanning part of the tilting unit 7 is located a shoe 11 for connecting a foot of a dash gun (not shown) thereto. Arrows 13 on the tilting unit 7 indicate the direction in which a foot of such a flash gun should be inserted into the shoe 11.

In the curved side of the panning unit S is inserted a power source case 13, which may be removed by pulling grips 17 located on the case IS. Slots adjacent to each grip 17 enable the grips 17 to be depressed with a gentle force applied by a user, releasing a catch to allow removal of the case IS from the panning unit S. As shown in this figure, rotation of the panning unit S about a substmntially vertical axis witl rcspcct to tlc basc 3, arid rotation of the tilting unit 7 about a substantially horizontal axis with respect to the panning unit S (taI)les a Hash gun attached by the shoe Ii to be pointed in substantially any direction over a complete hemisphere.

Figure 2 is cutiway side view of the apparatus 1. The base plate 3 has a substantially flat underside, but includes a central projection 21 provided with a threaded internal bore 23 for connection of a tripod thereto. Such a tripod @ot shown) may have a co-operating threaded shaft for insertion into the bore 23. The central projection 21 is optional, as the threaded internal bore 23 could in some embodiments be made directly in the plate 3; however, in this embodiment, extra strength is provided to ensure that a strong connection may be made onto a tripod. Optional feet and or grips could be provided on the underside of the base plate 3; however, these have been omitted for clarity.

An upwardly projecting support 23 is located around the centre of the base plate 3. upon which the panning unit5 rests, mediated by bearings 27. A central pin 29 conneclE the base plate 3 to the panning unit 5 to prevent accidental disconnection.

The pin 29 may he a screw, bolt, or some other form of connecting piece.

A motor 31 is provided within the panning unit 5 for driving an axle 33 onto which a gear 35 is located. The gear 35 is arranged to mesh with a corresponding toothed ring 37 affixed to the base plate 3, such that activation of the motor 31 causes the gear 35 to rottte on axle 33, which pushe.s the panning unit 5 around the. central pin 29 on the bearings 25 due to engagement with the toothed ring 37.

A second motor 41 is provided within the panning unit 5 above the first motor 31 for driving a respective axle 43 onto which a tilting gear 45 is located. fle tilting gear 45 is arranged to mesh with a corresponding gear 47 (not shown in figure 2) affixed to a leg of the tilting unit 7. In this way, activation of the second motor 41 causes the tilting gear 45 to rotate on axle 43, which moves the tilting unit about the horizontal axis.

A circuit board 49 controls operation of the first motor 31 and second motor 41.

Figure 3a is a cutaway perspective view of the upper part of the apparatus 1.

Additional detail of the mechanism relating to movement of the tilting unit 7 is shown.

the brackets 9 and uppcr pofliri of the panrung unit 5 casing having bcen rciriovcd for clarity. The horizontal axis about which the tilting unit 7 is pivotable is shown as substantially parallel to, and spaced from, the is' about which the axle 43 and tilting gear 45 rotate. the corresponding gear 47 that meshes with the tilting gear 45 is shown clearly. Both gears 45 and 47 are shown without teeth, for clarir. In some alternative embodiments, the gears 45 and 47 may have no teeth, and merely engage by friction.

Figure 3h is a cutaway perspective view of the lower part of an apparatus 1, with the portion above the circuit hoard 49, and the outer casing of the panning unit 3, removed so that the first motor 31, first gear 35 and power source case iS can he seen clearly. In addition to the view shown in figure 2, it can be seen from figure 31) that the first gear 35 and the corresponding toothed ring 37 are bevel gears As in figure 3a, the gears are shown without teeth, for clarity.

The interior of the panning unit 5 includes internal vertical-wall supports Si, for example shown at 51. These provide additional rigidity to the panning unit 5, such that it is able to support the weight of the flash gun thereon.

Figure 4 perspective view of the power pack case (i.e. the power source case) 15. The power pack case 1 s comprises two battery units 53, each configured to contain two AA-type batteries, respectively. The batteries may be inserted into each battery unit 53 through an open side wall when the power pack case Is is removed from the panning unit 5. The batteries may be contained within one of the battery units 53 in a conventional manner, for instance by the coil springs shown. it is to be appreciated that other sizes of battery, such as AAA, C or 4.5V are also envisaged.

The battery units 33 are connected together by a removable exterior Lice 35 of the panning unit 5, and rigidity of the power pack case 13 is enabled by a horizontal flange 37 running around a lower edge of the exterior face 55 and each battery unit 33.

tim fku-ige is further supported by a series of supporting ribs 59.

In this figure. tabs 61 can he seen coupled to the grips 17. Each tab 61 has a respective lip 63 at an end of the tab 61 opposite the grip 17. In this way, pressing on a grip 17 causes the tab 61 tc move inward, such that the lip 63 may be disengaged from an interior portion of the panning unit 3. in this way, the power pack case 15 may be securely held within the panning unit 5 case, and yet he easily removable when desired. Ii

Claims

(:LAIMS 1. A remotely-operable flashgun positioning apparatus, for use with a photography flashgun, the apparatus comprising: a base; a panning unit pivotully coupled to the base, the panning unit configured to be rotatable about a panning axis with respect to the base; a tilting unit pivotally coupled to the panning unit, the tilting unit configured to be rotatable with respect to the panning unit about a tilting axis, the tilting axis being substantially non-parallel to the panning axis; a connection unit located on the tilting unit, for releasably connecting a photography flashgun to the tilting unit; at least one motor configured to move the panning unit and/or the tilting unit about their respective axes; 1 5 a wireless receiver configured to generate a control signal in response to wireless]y receiving a wireless signal from a user; a controller operably coupled to the wireless receiver, the controller configured to control opcratioit of the at least one motor in response to receiving the control signal from the wireless receiver; and a power source configured to supply power to the controller.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the power source comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells and a case, the case being removably insertible into the panning unit and/or the tilting unit adjacent to the motor, such that at least one of the plurality of electrochemical cells is located on an opposite side of the at least one motor from at least one further one of the plurality of electrochemical cells.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 (Jr claim 2, in which the base is spaced from the panning unit.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, in which the base further comprises at least one attachment point for connecting a tripod, legs and/or feet thereto.
3. The apparatus of any preceding claim, in which the apparatus is configured such that a flashgun attached thereto project substantially away from the mutg and tilting units.
6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one mechanism for transmitting moveme.nt of the motor to movement of the panning and/or tilting unit.
7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, in \vhich the apparatus is configured to provide rotation of the panning and/or tilting units ata plurality of rotational speeds.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim. ffirther comprising at least one stop to limit movement of the panning and/or tilting units.
9. A remotely-operable flashgun positioning system, comprising the apparatus of any preceding claim and a remote control device configured to communicate with the wireless receiver.to. A method of positioning a photography flashgun, the method comprising the steps of: providing a remotely-operable flashgun positioning apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8; releasably connecting a photography flashgun to the tilting unit, with the connection unit; the wireless receiver wirelessly receiving a wireless signal from a user; the wireless receiver generating a control signal in response to said wirelessly receiving; the power source supplying power to the controller; the controller controlling operation of the at least one motor in response to receiving the control signal from the wireless receiver; and the at least one motor moving the panning unit and/or the tilting unit about their respective axes.11. A remotely-operable flashgun positioning apparatus substantially 115 hereinl)efOre described with reference to the accompanying drawings.