Angular Velocity Sensor Amplifier Switching for Small and Large Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion sensors face challenges in accurately detecting both small and large motions with minimal noise and low power consumption, particularly in applications like digital cameras where camera shake needs to be corrected, while also handling intentional user motions.
Innovation Solution
A motion sensor design featuring a sensor element and sensor circuit with a switchable sensor-element-signal amplifier that operates in both normal and low-noise modes, allowing it to detect small and large motions with reduced noise and power consumption, using a single sensor element and adjusting bias currents to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional motion sensor uses a single amplifier for both small and large motion detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision for small motions deteriorates due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal amplification function into two separate amplifiers: a first amplifier for small-range motions and a second amplifier for large-range motions. This segmentation allows each amplifier to be optimized for its specific function, with the first amplifier having higher gain for detecting small camera shake motions without being overwhelmed by large motion signals, while the second amplifier handles large motions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between amplifiers based on motion magnitude. The controller monitors the output from the first amplifier and switches to the second amplifier when the motion exceeds a predetermined threshold. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal measurement precision across the full range of motion magnitudes while managing noise and signal saturation issues.
2Measurement precision
If a low-range motion sensor operates continuously to detect small motions, then the measurement precision for small motions is maintained, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic monitoring where the controller checks the output signal from the first amplifier at intervals and switches to the second amplifier when large motion is detected. This periodic action allows the system to maintain high precision for small motions during normal operation while temporarily suspending the operation of the first amplifier during large motions, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the output signal from the first amplifier itself to control the switching to the second amplifier. This self-service mechanism allows the motion detection system to automatically adapt its power consumption based on the actual motion conditions without requiring external control inputs, maintaining precision when needed while saving power during large motion events.
3Measurement precision
If a motion sensor uses a high-gain amplifier for small motion detection, then the measurement precision for small motions is improved, but the device generates more noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the amplification function into two dedicated amplifiers with different gain characteristics. The first amplifier is designed with high gain for detecting small camera shake motions, while the second amplifier has lower gain appropriate for large motions. This segmentation isolates the high-gain noise-prone operation to only when small motions are present, preventing noise from overwhelming the system during large motion events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gain parameter of the amplification stage based on motion magnitude. By switching between amplifiers with different gain settings, the system optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio for each operating condition. The high-gain first amplifier is used only when small motions are detected, minimizing noise impact, while the low-gain second amplifier handles large motions where noise would be less problematic.
4Measurement precision
If separate small-range and large-range motion sensors are used, then the measurement precision for both small and large motions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate small-range and large-range motion sensors into a single motion sensor unit. By using one sensor element with two amplifiers having different gain settings, the system achieves the measurement precision benefits of separate sensors while avoiding the complexity of maintaining two independent sensor systems, including their respective signal processing chains and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motion sensor unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both small and large range motion detection. The sensor element itself is universal, and the dual-amplifier configuration allows it to perform both small-motion high-precision detection and large-motion detection, replacing what would traditionally require two separate specialized sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
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 motion sensor effectively senses small motions caused by camera shake and large intentional motions with high accuracy and low power consumption, enhancing the functionality of portable electronic devices by correcting image blur and executing various functions based on motion inputs.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric material 120 disposed on the lower electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A motion sensor includes a sensor element that outputs a sense signal in response to a motion applied thereto and a sensor circuit that senses the motion based on the sense signal. The sensor circuit includes a sensor-element-signal amplifier that receives the sense signal. The sensor-element-signal amplifier operates switchably between at a normal mode and at a low-noise mode that consumes a larger electric power and produces a smaller noise than the normal mode. This motion sensor senses a small motion and a large motion accurately.