Adaptive Camera Motor Control via Dynamic Parameter Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex motor control systems, such as those in camera lenses with auto-focus mechanisms, require precise timing and positioning, but existing motor controllers often lack the sophistication to adapt to different operational modes and external stimuli effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a motor driver circuit, memory for storing parameters, and a control logic module that determines and applies sets of parameters based on camera operation mode, motor position changes, and distance to optimize motor control, using a combination of PID controllers and digital filters to adjust coefficients for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex control algorithms like PID controllers are used to achieve precise motor control, then manufacturing precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor positioning precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different control algorithms (PID, PI, PD, P) based on real-time operational conditions such as focus distance, operation mode (still image or video), and external stimuli. The control logic module continuously monitors system state and selects the most appropriate algorithm, making the control system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by providing high precision when needed while allowing simpler control when precision requirements are reduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts control parameters including algorithm selection, coefficient values (Kp, Ki, Kd), and filter characteristics based on operational conditions. Different sets of parameters are stored and selected according to focus distance, operation mode, and external stimulus detection. This allows the system to optimize precision for each condition without requiring maximum complexity continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control algorithms and parameters are implemented to handle different operational modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control parameter space into distinct categories: different control algorithms (PID, PI, PD, P), multiple coefficient sets, various filter types, and condition-based modes (still image, video, external stimulus response). Each segment is independently optimized and stored in memory, allowing the system to select only the necessary segment for each operational condition rather than maintaining all complexities simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control logic module serves multiple functions: it monitors operational conditions, selects appropriate control algorithms, adjusts parameters, applies digital filters, and handles external stimuli. This single multi-functional module replaces what would otherwise require separate dedicated circuits for each function, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise timing and positioning control is implemented for camera lens focusing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to complex control processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus positioning accuracyVSAvoidcontrol processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal control parameters, coefficient sets, and filter characteristics in memory for various operational conditions. When a focusing operation is initiated, the control logic module quickly retrieves the appropriate pre-configured parameters based on current conditions rather than calculating them in real-time. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces processing time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic sampling and updating of motor position and operational conditions, using discrete control cycles to adjust parameters. This periodic approach allows the system to maintain precise control through regular updates without requiring continuous complex processing, thereby reducing overall processing time while preserving positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9291876B2System and method for controlling a motor
Publication Date: 2016.03.22 ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS LLC
  • US9291876B2 patent drawing
  • US9291876B2 patent drawing
  • US9291876B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for controlling a motor may include a motor driver circuit for driving a camera motor. A memory capable of storing a plurality of parameters for controlling the camera motor may also be included. A set of parameters from the memory may be chosen to be applied to driving the motor. A motor control module may receive a signal from the control logic module, apply the chosen set of parameters to driving the camera motor, and command the motor driver circuit to drive the motor in accordance with the applied set of parameters. The parameters may be chosen based on desired behavior of the system and various other stimuli.