A new patent application filed by Apple explores the possibilities of flash re-directors and improved imaging sensors on its next generation of digital cameras.

The filing, which has been dissected by technology blog Patently Apple, reveals designs for an advanced camera flash system.

The patent relates to improvements such as flash re-directors and new imaging sensors. It states that the system could be integrated in to a wide variety of Apple products, from its range of desktop and laptop computers through to devices based on its iOS operating system, and even a stand-alone Apple camera.

The flash re-directors would work by selectively illuminating certain areas of a scene, rather than providing blanket lighting for the whole picture. The patent allows for a movable light source, a lens that redirects a fixed light source, or multiple flashes, which can either be automatically aimed at certain elements of the picture, or controlled by the photographer.

Apple recently improved the photographic capabilities of its iPhone range with the release of the iOS 4.1 software update, which added high dynamic range functionality to those devices. High dynamic range technology takes several versions of the same picture, automatically and subtly tweaking the exposure for each one, and then combines them in to a single image with near-perfect colour tone and balance.