EMS supports next generation of photogrammetry systems

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Czech photographer Miroslav Tichy once said that photography is simply painting with light. Light Revolution, a lighting and camera system manufacturer for the film, photography and photogrammetry industry has taken the concept of painting with light straight into the 21st century.   

Developed by founder Patrick Llewelyn-Davies, Light Revolution provides creative lighting systems for the film, photography and photogrammetry industry that use long exposure techniques to manipulate lighting in product imagery. 

Initially facing the challenge of finding a suitable motor system, Light Revolution approached electronic motor specialist Electro Mechanical Systems Ltd (EMS) for advice. EMS' partnerships with leading drive system manufacturers, including FAULHABER, were crucial in enabling Light Revolution to achieve their ambitious design. Read the full case study here. 

Delving into base system design 

Light Revolution’s base system is comprised of fifteen main components. Taking just minutes to assemble, the system is ideal for quick set-up to capture photos in an instant.  

The system features a central hub, which is responsible for rotating the arms and powering the lights. Three adjustable legs provide support to the hub and ensure a flat surface for the photo subject. The circular tabletop has a diameter of 1000mm, suitable for close range photogrammetry. 

Light Revolution's system can provide smooth 360-spin product photography and videos. As a result, it's ideal for those working in e-commerce for detailed product shots. 

It's also been used for artefact photography. The combination of the lights with the arm control means it's possible to illuminate even the smallest nooks and crevices in a variety of historical artefacts. With Light Revolution's system, it's possible to capture the depth of each object for a more detailed image. 

And the entire base system can be packed neatly into two cases, allowing for a highly portable system that requires minimal space to operate.  

When developing the system, Llewelyn-Davies recognised the need for high quality motors. These would be responsible for rotating the arms as well as the turntable.  In order to capture the required level of detail in imagery, these rotations must be smooth, accurate and operate with precise timing. A selection of electronic motors is used to drive the rotating arms in the system. As a result, the accuracy and precision of these motors is crucial in order to achieve clear, high-resolution content. 

Initial test simulations with various motor and gearbox combinations didn’t offer the fine control needed to match the high-quality system developed by Light Revolution. Eventually, Llewelyn-Davies was led to FAULHABER, a world-leading manufacturer of drive system components for high-precision industries, including photography. 

Selecting the right DC motor 

As the sole supplier of FAULHABER products to the UK and Ireland, EMS was able to provide in-depth consultation to identify the ideal drive system solution. Dave Walsha, sales manager at EMS Ltd worked closely with Llewelyn-Davies to source and deliver the best option for the Light Revolution system. 

“When considering the options for Light Revolution, I immediately identified that the FAULHABER brushless motors would be the ideal solution,” Walsha explained. “The controllability and overall longevity of the FAULHABER brushless motors give a level of performance that was perfect for this application. 

“The biggest challenge for the system was the need for the turntable to spin smoothly, with extremely high levels of precision, while also maintaining the portability and light weight of the equipment as a whole. 

“The FAULHABER brushless motors provide a high power, precision and are also a light-weight option, making them perfect for this use. The range of FAULHABER motors I initially suggested — the BX4 family — can control speed while providing extremely accurate levels of movement.” 

Exploring the BX4 brushless motor series

Operating via electronic commutation, the lack of brushes in these brushless DC motors allows for precise speed control. This makes the BX4 motor series ideal for high-precision applications, including photogrammetry. And improved control of the armature allows for a range of lighting effects, resulting in high-quality, detailed photographs. 
  
“Opting for a family of motors, such as the BX4, allowed for flexibility in the final solution,” added Walsha. “If the first motor suggested wasn’t powerful enough, or if Light Revolution later decided to create larger or more intricate system designs, we would be able to scale up the power of the motor without a change to any of the core equipment.”  

“When you’re trying to introduce new technology into a well-established industry, like the photography and cinematography sector, you need to ensure that the equipment provided is up to scratch from the outset,” explained Llewelyn-Davies. “The FAULHABER BX4 motors that EMS supplied have given us the accuracy and reliability we were looking for from a motor, all while being powerful enough to turn the system with ease. 

“As these DC motors are used across critical industries such as aerospace and nuclear power, I knew they would supply the level of precision and reliability needed for our system. The support that EMS provided was second to none. Being a small developer, having a direct point of contact with a member of the team that was able to suggest exactly the right motor for our system was invaluable.” 

The Light Revolution system is now being used by companies that specialise in 360-degree photography and beyond. A number of renowned museums across the UK are interested in using the system to photograph artefacts and items from their collections, while universities across the country are also enquiring about the possibilities.  

“There is a huge amount of potential for the system, both across the UK and globally,” Llewelyn-Davies said. “With its portable nature, it is possible to transport the system from one site to another relatively easily, meaning that there’s no need to rent expensive equipment on location or on film sets. Our system gives image capturing experts the ability to paint with light at the touch of a button. 

“The support from EMS provided has been critical for the success in developing the system, which is vital for the rapidly growing and innovative industry that we are working in. We see a lot of opportunities coming up that mean we’ll continue to use FAULHABER motors from EMS for the foreseeable future.” 

More information about the Light Revolution system can be found on the website.  

Partnered with leading drive system manufacturers, EMS offers several types of DC motor to cater to the needs of any application. Find out more about our brushless and brushed DC motor offering by getting in touch with the team today.