Wireless Lens Motor Control With Daisy-Chained Power and Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera lens control systems are clumsy due to wired connections, limiting flexibility and precision in motor rotation and position control.

Innovation Solution

A wireless camera lens control system with handles equipped with circuitry for wireless communication with control motors, allowing users to control focus, zoom, and aperture via input devices such as scroll wheels and joysticks, while reducing the need for physical wiring through a daisy chain power and control signal connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections are used to control lens motors, then system reliability is improved, but flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The remote controller transmits control signals wirelessly to the lens control system, eliminating the need for physical wired connections between the operator and the camera rig. This substitution maintains control reliability through wireless protocol implementation while dramatically improving system flexibility and ease of operation by allowing free movement without cable constraints.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If wired connections are used for lens control, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsystem adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system replaces the fixed mechanical connection structure, enabling the camera rig to be adapted to various shooting positions and configurations. The wireless control allows the system to work in environments where wired connections would be impractical, such as when the camera is mounted on moving vehicles or positioned in hard-to-reach locations, thereby significantly improving system adaptability while maintaining connection stability through reliable wireless communication protocols.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional lens control motors are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmotor rotation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the lens control motors that provide real-time information about motor position and rotation status to the control system. This feedback enables precise control and measurement of motor rotation, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple motor manufacturing. The feedback loop allows for continuous adjustment and correction, ensuring accurate lens positioning without requiring extremely complex motor designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3407130B1Wireless camera lens control system
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 TILTA INC
  • EP3407130B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3407130B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3407130B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera lens control system that has improved flexibility and lens control precision in various configurations. The camera lens control system has a handle that is wirelessly connected to a control motor for controlling focus, zoom, or aperture of a lens. In addition, the handle is used to maneuver the camera during shooting. The camera lens control system includes one or more control motors that can be connected in series to share power and control signals.