Active Gimbal Stabilizer for Video Camera Angular Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera stabilization systems, particularly for miniaturized and lightweight cameras, face challenges in providing accurate and consistent stabilization control while maintaining ease of use and direct operator control, often requiring significant training and being susceptible to angular errors and external disturbances.
Innovation Solution
An active stabilizer system that applies supplemental counter torques through a gimbal, using angular motion sensing units and feedback controllers to stabilize the payload, enhancing moment of inertia without increasing weight or size, and providing dynamic and static frictional torques to maintain orientation and reduce disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If passive inertial stabilizers are used for lightweight cameras, then angular stability is reduced, but device complexity and training requirements remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active feedback control by sensing angular deviations from a level horizon reference and applying corrective torques through torque generators. The system continuously monitors orientation using inertial sensors and adjusts stabilization in real-time, replacing the need for operator skill with automated control feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical inertial stabilization with an active electronic control system. Instead of relying on physical moment of inertia and mechanical damping, the system uses electronic sensors, processors, and torque generators to achieve stabilization, reducing the need for complex mechanical structures and operator training.
2Weight of moving object
If miniaturized cameras are used, then moment of inertia is reduced, but stabilization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous feedback from inertial sensors to detect and correct angular deviations. By maintaining a level horizon reference and applying real-time corrective torques, the system compensates for the reduced moment of inertia of lightweight cameras, maintaining stabilization accuracy independent of camera mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from passive mechanical inertia to active electronic torque control. The system adjusts stabilization characteristics dynamically through electronic control, allowing precise stabilization of lightweight cameras by controlling torque application rather than relying on fixed mechanical properties.
3Ease of operation
If active stabilization is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer system operates autonomously without requiring operator intervention for stabilization control. The system self-regulates by sensing deviations and applying corrective torques automatically, freeing the operator to focus on composition and operation while the stabilization function manages itself through embedded control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact system: orientation sensing, level horizon reference maintenance, torque generation, and active control all within one stabilizer unit. This multi-functionality achieves ease of operation similar to conventional tripods while accommodating various camera types without requiring separate systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fluid-damped pan-tilt heads are used, then inherent level horizon is achieved, but adaptability to body-carried operation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stabilization that adapts to the operator's body movements. Instead of fixed mechanical level references, the system uses active sensors and control to maintain level horizon while accommodating the dynamic, mobile nature of body-carried operation, enabling stabilization in positions and movements impossible for conventional tripods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves improved angular stability and reduced operator effort, maintaining orientation even when unbalanced or disturbed, with the operator unaware of active stabilization, similar to a conventional fluid-damped pan-tilt head, using compact electronics and algorithms for real-time stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
an angular motion sensing unit measuring and providing angular rates and orientation motions of the balanced component assembly about three substantially mutually orthogonal axes
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of torque generators coupled to the balanced component assembly... applying each of the supplemental torque signals to a respective torque generator
Implementation Method 3
comparing using a signal processor the measured angular rates and orientation motions to the modeled angular rates and orientation motions... generating a supplemental torque signal... to form a feedback loop
Data Source
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AI summary
A payload stabilizer suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal while remaining responsive to direct operator control.