Optical system image stabilizer employing electromechanical torque sensors
First Claim
1. A stabilizing mechanism for an optical system comprising an electromechanical torque sensor affixable to the optical system to detect vibration of the optical system about an axis and generate an electrical signal related to the detected vibration,an electric motor affixable to the optical system and capable of rotating a free flywheel mass about said axis, anda controller which measures the electrical signal from the electromechanical torque sensor and directs the motor to rotate the free flywheel mass so as to counteract the vibration detected by the electromechanical torque sensor.
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Abstract
An image stabilizer for optical systems is disclosed as are its use with optical systems and its combination with such systems. The stabilizer measures the torque applied to the visual system about an axis and applies a reactive countertorque. More than one such device can be employed to stabilize along more than one axis.
36 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A stabilizing mechanism for an optical system comprising an electromechanical torque sensor affixable to the optical system to detect vibration of the optical system about an axis and generate an electrical signal related to the detected vibration,
an electric motor affixable to the optical system and capable of rotating a free flywheel mass about said axis, and a controller which measures the electrical signal from the electromechanical torque sensor and directs the motor to rotate the free flywheel mass so as to counteract the vibration detected by the electromechanical torque sensor.
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7. A stabilized optical system comprising an optical system in combination with a stabilizing mechanism, which mechanism comprises an electromechanical torque sensor affixed to the optical system to detect vibration of the optical system about an axis and generate an electrical signal related to the detected vibration,
an electric motor affixed to the optical system and capable of rotating a free flywheel mass about said axis, and a controller which measures the electrical signal from the sensor and directs the motor to rotate the mass so as to counteract the vibration detected by the electromechanical torque sensor.
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14. A method of stabilizing an optical system against vibration about an axis comprising the steps of
a. detecting with an electromechanical torque detector vibration of the optical system about the axis and generating an electrical signal related to the detected vibration, b. measuring the electrical signal, and c. directing an electric motor affixed to the optical system with its shaft parallel to the axis to rotate a free flywheel mass so as to counteract the vibration detected by the sensor.
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15. A stabilizing mechanism for an optical system comprising a meter movement electromechanical torque sensor affixable through a frame to the optical system to detect vibration of the optical system about an axis and generate an electrical signal related to the detected vibration,
an electric motor affixable to the optical system through said frame and capable of rotating a free flywheel mass about said axis, and a controller which measures the electrical signal from the electromechanical torque sensor and directs the motor to rotate the free flywheel mass so as to counteract the vibration detected by the electromechanical torque sensor.
Specification