Abstract: A method of using a light diffusion balloon to image a subject is shown and described. The balloon is inflated with a balloon gas that is lighter than air and is placed between a source of light such as the sun and a subject to be imaged. When inflated, the balloon has a length, width, and thickness, and the thickness is less than both the length and the width. The balloon gas has a molecular weight less than that of air, and in one example is helium.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body, a camera positioned in the main body, a fill-in light emitting unit positioned in the main body adjacent to the camera, and an optical lens positioned between the fill-in light emitting unit and outside of the main body. The optical lens includes an incident surface facing the fill-in light emitting unit, a light emitting surface opposite to the incident surface, and a plurality of elongated V-shaped ridges formed on the incident surface. The elongated V-shaped ridges are substantially parallel to each other and symmetrical about a central portion of the optical lens. Vertex angles between symmetric elongated V-shaped ridges progressively increase along a direction away from the fill-in light emitting unit.

Abstract: A small illumination apparatus including an optical member less affected by heat from a light source is disclosed. The illumination apparatus has a light source and an optical member closer to a light irradiation side than the light source and having an entrance surface formed as a refractive surface. The entrance surface has a first area receiving a first light component emitting from the light source at an angle smaller than a first angle with respect to an irradiation optical axis and a second area receiving a second light component emitting at an angle larger than the first angle with respect to the irradiation optical axis. The second area is positioned closer to the light source than the first area in the irradiation optical axis direction. Each of the first and second areas is formed a flat surface or a curved surface having a concave shape facing the light source.

Abstract: A device for controlling projected light beam from an electronic flash, this invention consists of a tube of elastic material such as neoprene or polyurethane (4), with a light side (6) and a dark side (5). The shape and elasticity of this device allow its configuration to change by rolling the snoot over on itself. Rolling the snoot partially upon itself, changing its length, will thereby change the size of the projected light beam. Rolling the snoot inside out will select a different interior reflectivity, thus a different quality of projected light.

Abstract: An adjustable camera flash unit is provided, including a camera flash unit, and an adjustable light filter affixed in a light path of said camera flash unit. The adjustable light filter may be electronically adjustable when coupled to an appropriately configured electronic controller, and may be adjustable along a continuous range of color temperatures. By adjusting the adjustable light filter to a desired setting prior to discharging said camera flash unit, a flash of a desired color temperature is produced.

Abstract: A ring flash adapter of the flash uses a clamping device attached to the external flash of the camera, and using the lightguide (1) the, light can be transmitted from the flash into circular body. The lightguide has a flat circle and a head with an incidence surface and a reflecting surface. The lightguide also has an even number of separate, parallel, inter-connected shaped belt segments inserted in the head. The foreside of the circle forms an emission surface; the rear side is provided with a system of “V” shaped teeth to reflect light on the emission surface.

Abstract: A light guide adapter for a camera stroboscopic illuminator, comprising a removable mounting adapted to adhere to an unmodified on-camera stroboscopic illuminator; and at least one flexible light guide, connected to the mounting, having an entrance aperture positioned to receive light from the stroboscopic illuminator, each light guide having a self-supporting, independently positionable exit aperture distal from the entrance aperture.

Abstract: A lens includes an incidence surface and an emission surface. The emission surface includes an effective area and a non-effective area around the effective area. The non-effective area includes a first effective area located at the center of the effective area and a second effective area around the first effective area. The first effective area is three fifths of the effective area. A number of recesses formed on the surface of the first effective area and substantially over the entire first effective area.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus for an image-gathering device, includes a light frame supporting a plurality of light emitting diode lamps configured to emit light at a tungsten balanced color temperature, and a support member that defines a filter tray aperture to accommodate a filter tray. The light frame defines a circular aperture to enable the light frame to be located around the barrel of a camera lens, and the filter tray aperture is visible within said circular aperture of said light frame. A manually adjustable filter clamp is provided for holding a filter tray in place once located with respect to the filter tray aperture. Lighting apparatus arranged to accommodate a plurality of filter trays.

Abstract: A light fixture shining light upward has a mast with a base or is attached to room or furniture systems. In order to improve the acoustics or a room, structure of a room, and/or for the indirect lighting of workplaces, a canopy element including a textile canopy and a frame stretching the textile canopy has at least one shaft-like element of the frame located eccentrically relative to the canopy, and is attached to the light-fixture mast or another part of the light fixture shining light upward.

Abstract: An image acquiring and transforming apparatus having a uniform light source is provided. The image acquiring and transforming apparatus includes a housing, a compensatory light source, an image acquiring unit and a light uniforming member. The light uniforming member is dome shaped. The dome shaped light uniforming member has an inner wall configured with a light reflective surface adapted for uniforming a light illuminated thereon. The compensatory light source is disposed inside the housing. The compensatory light source, the light uniforming member and the image acquiring unit are disposed in the housing in that order. When the compensatory light source projects a light onto the light uniforming member, the light is uniformly reflected to uniformly illuminate an object positioned at a predetermined position. In such a way, the image acquiring unit can clearly acquire the image of the object, and transform the acquired image into a digital file for saving.

Abstract: A flash assembly includes a circuit board unit, a flash unit, and a housing. The circuit board unit includes a circuit board and two connecting members electrically disposed on the circuit board. Each connecting member defines a gap. The flash unit includes a reflector and a flash tube received in the reflector and electrically connected to the reflector. The flash tube includes two power electrodes received in the corresponding gaps and electrically connected to the circuit board by the connecting members. The flash unit and the circuit board unit are received in the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for capturing images of the face of an individual comprising: an image capture device (110) having a line of sight (112) directed towards the place from where the individual arrives, and two illumination devices (102, 104) disposed symmetrically with respect to the line of sight (112) and at a distance therefrom, each comprising means of generating a light flux intended to illuminate the face of the individual as he moves and whereof the illumination lobe (106, 108), representative of the luminance in a horizontal plane, has a maximum, the two lobes (106, 108) being symmetrical with each other with respect to the line of sight (112), the capture system (100) being characterised in that the generation means are such that each lobe (106, 108) is asymmetric with respect to the straight line bearing said maximum and has, from this maximum, a first front (122) curved towards the image capture device (110) and a second front (120) that is substantially plane and extending

Abstract: A flash photography reflector system is mounted on a camera of the type wherein the camera's flash unit is positionable above the camera's accessory shoe. A pair of reflectors are mounted on a support strut which engages the accessory shoe. The reflectors are in spaced apart positions and mutually facing with the flash unit positioned between them. The flash beam is directed at a first one of the reflectors, which then directs the flash beam to a larger one of the reflectors, which, in turn, directs the flash beam outwardly toward the subject of the photograph. The first and second reflectors expand the beam so that the final outgoing flash beam is many times broader then the beam that would proceed from the camera's flash unit alone.

Abstract: An illumination device for a video presenter includes a light source and an optical lens. The light source radiates light beams incident on a stage where an object to be photographed is placed and arranged inclined at an acute angle with respect to a surface of the stage. The optical lens is arranged between the light source and the stage and inclined to be more parallel to the stage than the light source.

Abstract: A universal lighting system for use with a computer web camera including a digital computing device fitted with a web camera for capturing images of a subject for transmission over a worldwide communication network. A base clamping mechanism is affixed to the computing device. A light array is adjustably connected to the base clamping mechanism for illuminating the subject positioned before the web camera. A diffuser lens is flexibly connected to the base clamping mechanism and sealingly positioned over the web camera for diffusing received light for creating a clear image of the illuminated subject prior to transmission over the communication network.

Abstract: A multiparameter light is disclosed, which incorporates an LED (light emitting diode) tracking ring surrounding a main output lens. The LED tracking ring is capable of additive color mixing and in turn can simulate the color of the main projected light projecting from the main output aperture or output lens of the multiparameter light.

Abstract: A multiparameter light is disclosed, which incorporates an LED (light emitting diode) tracking ring surrounding a main output lens. The LED tracking ring is capable of additive color mixing and in turn can simulate the color of the main projected light projecting from the main output aperture or output lens of the multiparameter light.

Abstract: Skins for light reflecting umbrellas. and for methods of using light reflecting umbrellas. The invention includes skins with a series of panels in stripes of alternating colors, in a shifted configuration, in a checkered shift configuration, in a half and half configuration, in a modified half and half configuration with a center portion having a separate color combination, in a tricolor configuration, in a shifted tricolor configuration and in a center black configuration.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus having a structure which can make the inside of the apparatus hard to be seen from the outside without deterioration of light distribution, and is applicable to illumination apparatuses having an optical member utilizing total reflection. The illumination apparatus comprises a light-emitting tube extending in a first direction; and an optical member including an entrance portion where a luminous flux from the light-emitting tube enters and an exit portion where the luminous flux exits. The exit portion includes a plurality of surfaces arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the surfaces being orthogonal or inclined with respect to the optical axis direction, and located at different positions in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for attenuating unwanted aspects of lighting from a luminaire which is disposed to illuminate an object or objects being photographed. A light attenuating mask is disposed between the luminaire and the object or objects. The light attenuating mask may diffuse, obstruct, or otherwise modify projected light such that light intensity is diminished, unwanted reflections of the luminaire are suppressed, or other aspects of the light are altered. The mask may attach to the luminaire or may be free standing and separate therefrom.

Abstract: A photographic light diffuser for mounting to a camera with a hot shoe and an internal flash including a light diffuser and a diffuser mount removably attachable to the light diffuser. The diffuser mount is adapted to attach to the hot shoe while permitting operation of the internal flash.

Abstract: A multiparameter light is disclosed, which incorporates an LED (light emitting diode) tracking ring surrounding a main output lens. The LED tracking ring is capable of additive color mixing and in turn can simulate the color of the main projected light projecting from the main output aperture or output lens of the multiparameter light.

Abstract: Presented is an auxiliary lighting device that is incorporated in a camera and is disposed at a position apart from an optical axis of a photographic lens for capturing a subject. The device includes a light emitting member with a cylindrical shape to emit light for irradiating a subject, a circumferential wall reflector disposed behind the light emitting member to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting member toward the subject, a first sidewall reflector with a surface that intersects a longitudinal axis of the light emitting member, and which is disposed at a first position near to the optical axis of the photographic lens, and a second sidewall reflector with a surface that intersects the longitudinal axis of the light emitting member, and which is disposed at a second position far from the optical axis of the photographic lens.

Abstract: A light diffusion arrangement, for a photographic device having a flashlight, includes a diffuser housing, a plurality of diffracting mesh members, and a plurality of light diffusing elements. The diffuser housing has a light-admissible surrounding sidewall radially extended from a base portion to define a light diffraction cavity. The diffracting mesh members are integrally formed on an inner side surface of the surrounding sidewall of the diffuser housing, while the light diffusing elements are integrally formed on an outer side surface of the surrounding sidewall of the diffuser housing, wherein the diffracted light is arranged to impinge on the light diffusing elements from the light diffraction cavity, in such a manner that each of the light diffusing elements is adapted to diverge the diffracted light for diffusing the diffracted light, so as to provide a uniform light diffusion effect as an optimal lighting effect for the photographic device.

Abstract: A multiparameter light is disclosed, which incorporates an LED (light emitting diode) tracking ring surrounding a main output lens. The LED tracking ring is capable of additive color mixing and in turn can simulate the color of the main projected light projecting from the main output aperture or output lens of the multiparameter light.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus is disclosed in which its efficiency as an optical system can be improved by effectively utilizing the luminous flux that was not used in conventional illumination apparatuses, and the positional relationship between a light source and an optical member can be set with accuracy. The illumination apparatus comprises a light source, and an optical member having a refractive surface on a side closer to an irradiation range than the light source. The optical member includes a holding portion which holds the light source.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an imaging optical system, an image sensor, an image signal processing section and a light-amount characteristic giving section. The imaging optical system has a distortion in such a way as to form an image whose center part is stretched, and whose peripheral part is squeezed. The image sensor has a light reception surface at which a subject image is formed through the imaging optical system, and converts the formed subject image into image signals. The image signal processing section performs an image processing for correcting the image signals with respect to the distortion. The light-amount characteristic giving section gives the subject image a characteristic in which the amount of light at a center part of the subject image formed at the light-reception surface of the image sensor is larger than that at a peripheral part of the subject image.

Abstract: An illuminating system for a camera that can illuminate an area according to an angle of view of the camera for stroboscopy is provided. The illuminating system includes: a light source emitting light; and an illuminating lens arranged in an optical path of the light emitted from the light source and having a fly-eye lens surface with a plurality of lens cells thereon and an aspherical or spherical lens surface opposite to the fly-eye lens surface.

Abstract: In an illumination apparatus, an optical element has an exit surface in which an inclination to a perpendicular to an irradiation optical axis in a first area is greater than that of a second area, and the inclination of the first area gradually increases in order from the irradiation optical axis, an intermediate part and a periphery of the exit surface. The first and second areas are defined as those divided by an interface surface that includes an irradiation optical axis and is orthogonal to a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the light source. A first reflective surface reflects first light to the intermediate part in the first area. A second reflective surface reflects second light to the periphery in the second area.

Abstract: A lighting unit includes a device for an attachment of a softbox, wherein the device for the attachment of the softbox has at least three hollow cylinders serving as receptacles of one softbox rod, wherein each of the at least three hollow cylinders is slidable in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the respective hollow cylinder, each of the at least three hollow cylinders acting in concert with a locking device to be manually settable in a locked position and an adjustable position without additional tools, wherein in the locking position, the locking device locks the hollow cylinder into at least one position, and in the adjustable position, the hollow cylinder is slidbale in the direction of the longitudinal axis to a different position.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus applies uniform light beams having a fixed angle distribution as illumination light to obtain illumination having a uniform light distribution. The illumination apparatus includes a light source and an optical member having an incidence surface on which light is made incident and an emission surface through which the light made incident on the incidence surface is emitted as illumination light. The optical member further has a light direction conversion surface disposed so as to face the emission surface for, while regulating a traveling direction of light made incident on the incidence surface within the optical member, and guiding the light to the emission surface. The optical member also has a plurality of prism-like portions each having a total reflection surface and a reincidence surface continuously formed in the light direction conversion surface.

Abstract: A light diffusion device permits a single light source to serve as both direct lighting and fill lighting for a photographic, theatrical or cinematographic subject. The light diffusion device partially reflects light emitted from a light source away from the subject, using a translucent panel. Additional translucent panels permit the reflected light to escape from the light diffusion device into the surrounding environment. The escaped light reflects from the surrounding environment, thereby creating fill light around the subject, thus reducing or eliminating undesirable shadowing.

Abstract: The present example provides a flexible and compact system for diffusing light in multiple levels when taking photographs. An adapter capable of coupling many types of flashes is fitted to a first diffusion device. The diffusion device may be fitted inside a light box fitted with a diffusion lens so that additional light dispersion is provided. The light box may be substituted with a black box that tends to direct diffused light for further control over exposure. Various filters may also be used in the system allowing for further flexibility in setting exposure. And finally a system of reflectors and shields allow further control of lighting effects.

Abstract: A compact or thin lighting system is provided. Light fluxes emitted from an arc tube 22 are made to enter from a light reception face c1 of an optical member 24 from a reflector 24 and to emit from a light emission face c3 orthogonal to the light reception face c1. Light fluxes entering the light emission face c3 at a small angle are reflected and turned to a main reflection face c2, and then emitted from the light emission face c3. By using total internal reflection of the light emission face, the size and thickness can be decreased.

Abstract: A light-source cover for controlling transmission of light from a light source mounted in a portable device is made of an optical material. The front surface of the light-source cover has a knurl finish composed of linear grooves and the back surface thereof has a spin finish composed of ripple grooves. Alternatively, both the front and back surfaces of the light-source cover have knurl finishes composed of linear grooves. Still alternatively, only the back surface of the light-source cover has a knurl finish or a spin finish.

Abstract: Provided are a flash apparatus and a portable terminal having the same. The flash apparatus includes a main body, a light emitting diode, a lens, a lens housing, and a lens transfer part. The main body has an opening part, and the light emitting diode is disposed in the opening part. The lens is disposed on a light emitting path of the light emitting diode. The lens housing is disposed in the inside of the opening part to fix the lens, and the lens transfer part moves the lens housing in one of an upper direction and a lower direction.

Abstract: A photographic light diffusing device is provided. A flexible, transparent cowl is adapted to be mounted on a photographic light source, the cowl including a plurality of ribs and an opening through which the photographic light source is visible when the cowl is mounted on the photographic light source. The cowl elastically deforms to fit onto the photographic light source. A removable, flexible cover is placed over the opening of the cowl.

Abstract: A light-emitting device is disclosed which enables efficient use of luminous flux and achieves a desired light emission characteristic. The light-emitting device has an optical member which has an emergence surface and a plurality of optical portions, each of the optical portions including a first surface which directs light incident thereon to the emergence surface. The plurality of first surfaces are inclined on the same side with respect to the emergence surface. The light-emitting device also has a light guiding member which directs light from a light source to the plurality of optical portions from one side of a direction in which the plurality of optical portions are arranged.

Abstract: A light diffuser for a camera used in macro photography, the diffuser formed from a prism having a body that includes an opening to accommodate the camera lens such that the body is positioned adjacent the camera flash unit for receiving and redirecting light throughout the body to exit a front face thereof around the lens and illuminate the subject in a desirable manner. Ideally the body is a unitary transparent material having facets formed thereon to provide internal reflection. One or more filter elements aid in conditioning the light processed in the diffuser body, such as diffusing, adding color to, and focusing the light.

Abstract: A foldable lighting system may include a light housing having a light source. The foldable lighting system may also include a base panel, a back panel, and two side panels. The back panel may be pivotally coupled to the light housing and foldable relative to the light housing. Each of the two side panels may have at least two sections, a first section pivotally coupled to the light housing, and a second section pivotally coupled to the base panel. The first section and the second section of each of the side panels may be pivotally coupled to each other.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising: a diffuser defining a camera lens hole in a top portion of said diffuser, said diffuser adapted to receive at least one set of low angle lights; and a plurality of lights mounted on said diffuser in proximity to said camera lens hole.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method comprising: from an angled first end region of a substantially cylindrical beam splitter, reflecting incident light striking from any of a first set of predefined directions and to substantially transparently convey through said beam splitter and to a camera lens incident light traveling in any of a second set of predefined directions, the beam splitter defining a longitudinal central axis.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method comprising: from an angled first end region of a substantially cylindrical beam splitter, reflecting incident light striking from any of a first set of predefined directions and to substantially transparently convey through said beam splitter and to a camera lens incident light traveling in any of a second set of predefined directions, the beam splitter defining a longitudinal central axis.

Abstract: A photographic light diffusing device is provided. A flexible, transparent cowl is adapted to be mounted on a photographic light source, the cowl including a plurality of ribs and an opening through which the photographic light source is visible when the cowl is mounted on the photographic light source. The cowl elastically deforms to fit onto the photographic light source. A removable, flexible cover is placed over the opening of the cowl.

Abstract: A photographing assisting apparatus is used when a subject is photographed using a photographing apparatus. The photographing assisting apparatus has a planar light source that, while in a state covering a to-be-photographed area on the subject, shines light on the to-be-photographed area on the subject and that is translucent in the direction pointing from the to-be-photographed area on the subject to the photographing apparatus, and a support portion that supports the photographing apparatus such that the distance between the subject and the photographing apparatus is kept fixed. The photographing assisting apparatus permits the subject to be illuminated with more evenly distributed brightness and permits a given illumination condition of the subject to be obtained stably.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a light emitting head for use with an electronic camera. The light emitting head is preferably formed as an array of red, green, and blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) provided on the sides of a light guide member, preferably a polygonal prism. A reflecting mirror is arranged on the bottom of the prism, and reflecting elements are provided on the sides of the prism that are not in contact with the LEDs such that, in operation, light from the LEDs is emitted through the top of the prism and prevented from leaking through the sides. A diffusion plate is provided on the emission surface, and the number of green LEDs is larger than the number of red and blue LEDs to produce a white light. In other embodiments, the light guide member is a cylinder or formed entirely as a diffusion plate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and teaches a new and improved photographic flash attachment, light reflecting apparatus that is lightweight, flexible, easily attached and/or detached from a camera flash and conveniently stored in a rolled or folded configuration. The disclosed flash reflector is configured from a thin, flexible, planar preform of polyurethane foam material, or any other suitable material, into an adjustable, generally concave configuration whereby adjusting the reflectors shape adjusts the power of the light it reflects to balance with the existing natural light or bounce off a ceiling thereby eliminating and/or reducing shadows about the photographic subject.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. Lenses and/or filters are adjusted in distance from the light elements, by for example moving the lenses/filters into different slot positions of the frame, to alter characteristics of the emitted light. Focal lenses, diffusion lenses, and color filters may be used individually or in combination. A compound lens includes lens elements having different characteristics arranged in a pattern. Through groupwise control of the intensity of the light elements, the different characteristics are emphasized or de-emphasized. The light panel may have an integrated battery, and may be be mounted on a stand. The panel may be modular, allowing larger panels to be constructed from smaller panels.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus for an image-gathering device, includes a light frame supporting a plurality of light emitting diode lamps configured to emit light at a tungsten balanced colour temperature, and a focussing frame comprising a plurality of light focussing lenses configured to focus light emitted from said light frame into an elliptical beam. The focussing frame is configured to focus light into an elliptical beam to complement a subject illumination area frame having a ratio 16:9. The light emitting diode lamps are configured to emit light at a colour temperature of 3200 Kelvin or 5600 Kelvin, and to emit light having a colour rendering index of 90. The focussing frame is releasably mountable to the light frame.