Camera Platform Motion Prediction for Signal Delay Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote control camera platforms require separate expensive position detection mechanisms and are affected by signal delays, limiting their applicability and accuracy in synchronizing photographed and computer graphic images, especially in applications with long distances or variable connection delays.

Innovation Solution

A camera platform system with a CPU that calculates motion prediction positions and outputs accurate position information without a separate position detection mechanism, using open-loop control and backlash correction to manage motor operations and account for signal delays, allowing for precise synchronization of camera movements and image synthesis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an encoder-based position detection mechanism is added to the lens device, then measurement precision of position information is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical encoder-based position detection system with an electronic calculation system. The CPU calculates motion prediction position information based on drive control signals and predetermined delay time, eliminating the need for physical position detection mechanisms on the lens device. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If an encoder-based position detection mechanism is added to the lens device, then measurement precision of position information is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates expensive encoder hardware and replaces it with software-based position calculation in the CPU. The system computes motion prediction position information using drive control signals and delay time parameters, avoiding the need for costly position detection mechanisms. This approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the required measurement precision for image synthesis synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If delay factor compensation is implemented in the operation device, then reliability of position signal is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition signal accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements delay time compensation by calculating the motion prediction position information in advance, considering the predetermined delay time between drive control signal issuance and actual lens movement. The CPU proactively adjusts the position calculation to account for this delay, ensuring accurate synchronization without requiring complex real-time compensation mechanisms in the operation device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If the imaging system uses conventional remote control camera platform with separate position detection mechanism, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the position detection function into the existing CPU and control system of the camera platform. Instead of using a separate encoder mechanism on the lens, the system integrates position calculation within the CPU by analyzing drive control signals and applying delay time compensation. This integration eliminates the need for separate position detection hardware, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2383979B1Camera platform system and imaging system
Publication Date: 2016.09.28 CANON KK
  • EP2383979B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2383979B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2383979B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The camera platform system (20) of the present invention operates at least one function selected from zoom/focus/tilt/pan/iris of a mounted camera (23) or lens (22) in response to an operation instruction output from an operation device (10). The camera platform system (20) includes a drive control unit (213a, 213b, 215, 216) configured to convert an operation instruction output from the operation device (10) into a drive control signal corresponding to any one motion of the zoom/focus/tilt/pan/iris; a motion prediction position calculation unit (211) configured to calculate a motion prediction position of any one of the zoom/focus/tilt/pan/iris based on the drive control signal converted by the drive control unit (213a, 213b, 215, 216); and a motion prediction position output unit (217) configured to output the motion prediction position, which has been calculated by the motion prediction position calculation unit (211), as motion prediction position information.