Image Stabilization Control Circuit with Vibration Abnormality Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image stabilization control circuits in imaging devices face challenges in processing speed and size minimization, while also needing a function to detect abnormality in vibration detection elements like gyro sensors during manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

The proposed image stabilization control circuit incorporates an analog-to-digital converter to digitize signals from vibration detection elements, a logic circuit to generate control signals for optical components, and a judgment circuit to assess the normal functioning of these elements, utilizing a high-pass filter, pan and tilt judgment circuit, gain adjustment, integration, and centering processor circuits to minimize circuit area and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If an analog-to-digital converter circuit is introduced to digitize vibration detection signals, then processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the analog-to-digital converter, judgment circuit, and control signal generation functions into an integrated circuit unit within the image stabilization control circuit. This merging approach enables digital processing of vibration detection signals while avoiding the complexity of separate discrete components, thus improving processing speed without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces analog signal processing mechanisms with digital processing using an analog-to-digital converter. This substitution enables faster and more precise processing of vibration detection signals while allowing for compact integration of processing functions, resolving the contradiction between processing speed and device complexity.

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

2Volume of moving object

If the circuit is minimized for compact imaging devices, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit sizeVSAvoidcircuit fabrication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image stabilization control circuit into functional modules including the analog-to-digital converter, judgment circuit, and control signal generation unit. This segmentation allows for optimized layout and routing that minimizes overall circuit area while maintaining manufacturability through standardized design patterns and modular integration techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the control circuit with multi-functional components that perform multiple operations within shared hardware structures. For example, the judgment circuit uses the digitized vibration signals for both abnormality detection and image stabilization control, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits and thereby minimizing overall circuit size without compromising manufacturing precision.

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

3Reliability

If a judgment circuit is added to detect abnormal vibration detection elements, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-diagnostic function where the judgment circuit uses the vibration detection signals to monitor the health of the vibration detection elements themselves. The system automatically detects abnormalities in the detection elements without requiring external testing equipment or additional sensor arrays, thereby improving reliability while adding minimal circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The judgment circuit continuously monitors the vibration detection signals and provides feedback about the operational status of the detection elements. This feedback mechanism enables real-time abnormality detection and allows the system to adjust or alert operators about potential failures, improving reliability through a relatively simple added circuit that leverages existing signal paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This configuration enhances processing speed, reduces circuit size, and allows for effective vibration correction while enabling the detection of abnormal vibration detection elements, ensuring high-quality image stabilization and efficient manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one analog-to-digital converter circuit which converts an output signal of a vibration detection element which detects vibration of the imaging device into a digital signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the vibration detection element 106 detects vibration of the imaging device and outputs the result of the detection to the image stabilization control circuit 100

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

The vibration detection element 106 generates an angular velocity signal corresponding to the vibration applied to the imaging device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngular velocity signal generation:

Implementation Method 4

A voice coil motor may be used as the lens driving element 104. The image stabilization control circuit 100 controls a position of a movable coil of the voice coil motor, that is, a position of the lens with respect to an optical axis which forms a reference, by adjusting the value of the voltage to be applied to the lens driving element 104

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation:

Implementation Method 5

A hall element may be used as the position detection element 102. The hall element produces an inductive current corresponding to an absolute position of the lens and outputs a voltage signal to the image stabilization control circuit 100

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8570385B2Image stabilization control circuit and imaging device having image stabilization control circuit
Publication Date: 2013.10.29 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC
  • US8570385B2 patent drawing
  • US8570385B2 patent drawing
  • US8570385B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A image stabilization control circuit is provided which comprises at least one analog-to-digital converter circuit which converts an output signal of a vibration detection element which detects vibration of an imaging device and an output signal of a position detection element which detects a position of an optical component, into digital signals, and a logic circuit which generates a control signal which drives the optical component based on the output signal of the vibration detection element which is digitized by the analog-to-digital converter circuit and the output signal of the position detection element which is digitized by the analog-to-digital converter circuit, wherein an abnormality of the vibration detection element is judged based on an amplitude of the output signal from the vibration detection element which is converted into the digital signal by the analog-to-digital converter circuit.