External shutter and flash for rolling shutter camera

摘要

Methods and apparatus for providing an external flash and a global shutter for a device with an integrated rolling shutter camera entail synchronization of the external flash and shutter with the rolling shutter. Responsive to an indication from the device associated with the capture of one or more images, the external flash and shutter are controlled so that exposure is completed before the rolling shutter readout of the camera sensor begins. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow for high quality flash photography not previously possible with such cameras, commonly found in mobile devices, or the like.

主权项

1. A method of exposing, with an image exposure apparatus, an image to be captured with a device having a camera integrated therewith, the image exposure apparatus being external to the device and including a light emitter and a global shutter, the method comprising:
initiating an image capture procedure to be performed by the device, the image capture procedure having an exposure phase and a readout phase after the exposure phase; receiving, at the image exposure apparatus, an indication from the device; activating the light emitter after receiving the indication and before the end of the exposure phase; de-activating the light emitter; and closing the global shutter before the readout phase.