Actuator Control Circuit Induced Voltage Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The settling time of linear actuators in imaging systems is prolonged due to induced electromotive force (EMF), which affects the ability to reach the desired position quickly for autofocus and image stabilization.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit with an induced voltage detection circuit and calibration circuit is used to generate a calibration code, which calibrates the actuator control system to reduce the settling time by detecting and compensating for induced voltage, thereby improving the actuator's positioning speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If linear actuators are used for lens positioning in imaging systems, then the actuator can achieve precise lens movement for autofocus and image stabilization, but the settling time is prolonged due to induced electromotive force (EMF)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens positioning precisionVSAvoidsettling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control circuit continuously monitors the actuator's position and adjusts the drive signal accordingly. The control circuit receives position information from the image sensor and generates appropriate drive signals to move the lens to the target position, continuously adjusting until the lens reaches the desired position to minimize settling time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the actuator by applying different voltages and currents controlled by the control circuit. By dynamically adjusting the drive signal parameters (voltage magnitude, pulse width), the system optimizes the balance between movement speed and positioning precision, reducing settling time while maintaining accurate lens positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the actuator operates with induced voltage, then the actuator can generate the necessary force for lens movement, but the induced electromotive force (EMF) prolongs the settling time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator forceVSAvoidsettling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit uses feedback to monitor the actuator's response and adjusts the drive signal in real-time. By detecting the induced EMF effects through position feedback from the image sensor, the control circuit compensates for the settling time extension by dynamically adjusting the voltage and current applied to the actuator, maintaining force while reducing settling time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit applies periodic or pulsed drive signals to the actuator rather than continuous voltage. This periodic action allows the actuator to build up necessary force in pulses while minimizing the continuous induced EMF effect, thereby reducing settling time while maintaining sufficient force for accurate lens positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution effectively reduces the settling time of the actuator, allowing it to reach the desired position more quickly and improving the overall image stabilization and autofocus performance in imaging systems.

Implementation Method 1

the settling time of the actuator may be greater than desired due to a voltage that may be induced (induced electromotive force (EMF)) by the actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10587794B2Methods and apparatus for actuator control
Publication Date: 2020.03.10 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC
  • US10587794B2 patent drawing
  • US10587794B2 patent drawing
  • US10587794B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise methods and apparatus for actuator control. The methods and apparatus may comprise a control circuit adapted to generate a control signal and various signal processing functions to generate a calibration code that is used to calibrate the control circuit. The apparatus for actuator control may comprise an induced voltage detection circuit to detect an induced voltage and a calibration circuit to generate the calibration code, which is used to calibrate the induced voltage detection circuit.