Gimbal Soft-Stop Feedback for Motion-Constrained Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stabilized imaging systems face limitations in range of motion due to being either over-constrained, which prevents capturing the system itself, or under-constrained, leading to undesirable footage, and often lack effective stabilization features, especially for gimbals used in unmanned air vehicles (UAVs, where vibrations and noise interfere with stability.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a control mechanism for image stabilization, which determines a soft stop based on device settings and configurations, and transmits alerts to users via signals when approaching a hard stop, allowing for dynamic soft stop generation and feedback to maintain optimal range of motion and prevent undesirable captures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the stabilization mechanism reduces speed dynamically when approaching soft stop, then image quality is improved and sudden stops are avoided, but the system complexity increases due to dynamic parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the stabilization mechanism's speed based on real-time position feedback relative to the soft stop boundary. The control system modifies operational parameters (speed reduction) when approaching the soft stop zone, transforming a static constraint into a dynamic control process that prevents mechanical impacts while maintaining smooth operation throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the control system continuously monitors the stabilization mechanism's position and compares it against the predefined soft stop boundary. When the mechanism approaches the soft stop zone, the system provides feedback signals to reduce motor speed, ensuring smooth deceleration before reaching the boundary. This closed-loop feedback prevents sudden stops and maintains image stability.
2Loss of information
If the system provides user feedback signals when approaching hard stop, then user awareness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional alert mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control system generates and transmits feedback signals to the user when the stabilization mechanism approaches the soft stop boundary. These signals (visual, auditory, or haptic) provide real-time information about the system's proximity to operational limits, enabling users to adjust their input or be aware of approaching boundaries without adding complex mechanical indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary feedback layer between the mechanical stabilization mechanism and the user. Instead of directly mechanical indicators, the control system acts as an intermediary that processes position data and translates it into user-friendly alert signals, providing information about soft stop proximity without requiring direct mechanical coupling between the mechanism and user interface.
3Length of moving object
If the stabilization mechanism operates closer to hard stop boundaries, then range of motion is improved, but the risk of capturing obstructions and undesirable footage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system preemptively defines soft stop boundaries that are positioned within the mechanical hard stop limits, creating a safety margin before the actual physical constraints are reached. This preliminary action establishes virtual boundaries that prevent the imaging device from entering positions where obstructions (such as the UAV body or gimbal components) would appear in the field of view, ensuring reliable image capture throughout the authorized range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements preliminary anti-action by reducing motor speed and generating alert signals before the imaging device reaches positions that would cause obstructions or undesirable footage. This preemptive measure counteracts the potential harm of approaching hard stop boundaries, allowing the system to operate closer to physical limits while maintaining image quality and preventing obstructions from entering the frame.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes systems and methods for a stabilization mechanism. The stabilization mechanism may be used in conjunction with an imaging device. The method may be performed by a control system of the stabilization mechanism and includes obtaining a device setting from an imaging device. The method may also include obtaining a configuration of the stabilization mechanism. The method includes determining a soft stop based on the device setting, the configuration, or both. The soft stop may be a virtual hard stop that indicates to the stabilization mechanism to reduce speed as a field of view of the imaging device approaches the soft stop. The method may also include setting an image stabilization mechanism parameter based on the determined soft stop.