公开(公告)号：US08446475B2

公开(公告)日：2013-05-21

申请号：US12525906

申请日：2008-02-11

Applicant: Richard Topliss ,  Dominic George Webber ,  Robert John Leedham ,  Anthony Hooley ,  David Charles William Richards ,  Thomas Matthew Gregory

Inventor： Richard Topliss ,  Dominic George Webber ,  Robert John Leedham ,  Anthony Hooley ,  David Charles William Richards ,  Thomas Matthew Gregory

IPC: H04N5/228 ,  H04N5/225 ,  G03B13/00

CPC classification number: G03B3/10 ,  F03G7/065 ,  H04N5/2254 ,  H04N5/23212

Abstract: A miniature camera lens actuation apparatus comprises a support structure, a camera lens element supported on the support structure by a suspension system; and an SMA actuator connected between the support structure and the movable element to drive movement of the camera lens element. The control circuit may include a drive circuit and a sensor circuit which have separate electrical connections to the SMA actuator to reduce the impact of the resistance of the electrical connections on the sensing. The control circuit may vary the drive signal in response to a temperature signal indicative of the ambient temperature. An endstop limits movement to prevent extension of the SMA actuator in its unheated state beyond a maximum length which is at or below the length corresponding the local maximum resistance of the resistance-length curve. Control of position is effected using resistance of the SMA actuator as a measure of position. The control employs a ‘ratcheting’ method to prevent a failure condition and an initial calibration step to derive a range of target resistance values. In manufacture, the position of a lens holder is adjusted relative to a carrier to provide focussing on the image sensor of an image of an object at a distance in the range from infinity to the hyperfocal distance when the SMA actuator is heated to a predetermined temperature greater than ambient temperature.

Abstract translation: 微型相机镜头致动装置包括支撑结构，通过悬挂系统支撑在支撑结构上的照相机镜头元件; 以及SMA致动器，其连接在所述支撑结构和所述可移动元件之间，以驱动所述相机透镜元件的移动。 控制电路可以包括驱动电路和传感器电路，其具有到SMA致动器的分离的电连接以减少电连接对感测的电阻的影响。 控制电路可以响应于指示环境温度的温度信号来改变驱动信号。 止挡限制运动，以防止SMA致动器在其未加热状态下延伸超过对应于电阻长度曲线的局部最大电阻的长度或以下的最大长度。 使用SMA致动器的电阻作为位置的度量来控制位置。 控制采用“棘轮”方法来防止故障条件和初始校准步骤导出目标电阻值的范围。 在制造中，相对于载体调整透镜保持器的位置，以便在将SMA致动器加热到预定温度时，在从无穷远到超焦距离的范围内距离处的物体的图像的图像传感器上聚焦 大于环境温度。

公开(公告)号：US20100060776A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-11

申请号：US12525906

申请日：2008-02-11

Applicant: Richard Topliss ,  Dominic George Webber ,  Robert John Leedham ,  Anthony Hooley ,  David Charles Wilson Richards ,  Thomas Matthew Gregory

Inventor： Richard Topliss ,  Dominic George Webber ,  Robert John Leedham ,  Anthony Hooley ,  David Charles Wilson Richards ,  Thomas Matthew Gregory

IPC: H04N5/225 ,  F03G7/06 ,  G03B3/10

CPC classification number: G03B3/10 ,  F03G7/065 ,  H04N5/2254 ,  H04N5/23212

Abstract: A miniature camera lens actuation apparatus comprises a support structure, a camera lens element supported on the support structure by a suspension system; and an SMA actuator connected between the support structure and the movable element to drive movement of the camera lens element. The control circuit may include a drive circuit and a sensor circuit which have separate electrical connections to the SMA actuator to reduce the impact of the resistance of the electrical connections on the sensing. The control circuit may vary the drive signal in response to a temperature signal indicative of the ambient temperature. An endstop limits movement to prevent extension of the SMA actuator in its unheated state beyond a maximum length which is at or below the length corresponding the local maximum resistance of the resistance-length curve. Control of position is effected using resistance of the SMA actuator as a measure of position. The control employs a ‘ratcheting’ method to prevent a failure condition and an initial calibration step to derive a range of target resistance values. In manufacture, the position of a lens holder is adjusted relative to a carrier to provide focussing on the image sensor of an image of an object at a distance in the range from infinity to the hyperfocal distance when the SMA actuator is heated to a predetermined temperature greater than ambient temperature.

Abstract translation: 微型相机镜头致动装置包括支撑结构，通过悬挂系统支撑在支撑结构上的照相机镜头元件; 以及SMA致动器，其连接在所述支撑结构和所述可移动元件之间，以驱动所述相机透镜元件的移动。 控制电路可以包括驱动电路和传感器电路，其具有到SMA致动器的分离的电连接以减少电连接对感测的电阻的影响。 控制电路可以响应于指示环境温度的温度信号来改变驱动信号。 止挡限制运动，以防止SMA致动器在其未加热状态下延伸超过对应于电阻长度曲线的局部最大电阻的长度或以下的最大长度。 使用SMA致动器的电阻作为位置的度量来控制位置。 控制采用“棘轮”方法来防止故障条件和初始校准步骤导出目标电阻值的范围。 在制造中，相对于载体调整透镜保持器的位置，以便在将SMA致动器加热到预定温度时，在从无穷远到超焦距离的范围内距离处的物体的图像的图像传感器上聚焦 大于环境温度。

公开(公告)号：US20070216796A1

公开(公告)日：2007-09-20

申请号：US10594125

申请日：2005-03-23

Applicant: Ursula Lenel ,  Anthony Hooley

Inventor： Ursula Lenel ,  Anthony Hooley

IPC: G03B13/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/23212 ,  H04N5/2251 ,  H04N5/2356 ,  H04N5/272

Abstract: A digital camera comprises an image sensor for capturing an image, a lens arrangement arranged to focus light onto the image sensor and providing a variable focus, and a memory for storing images captured by the image sensor. Focusing is achieved by a series of images having differing focus provided by the lens arrangement being captured by the image sensor and stored in the memory. Analysis of the images stored in the memory to determine the quality of the focus of the images is used to derive an in-focus image from the series of images. This avoids the complication of employing autofocusing control of the lens arrangement. Movement of the lens arrangement may be driven by movement of a button operable by a user which avoids the need for an actuator for the lens arrangement.

Abstract translation: 数码相机包括用于拍摄图像的图像传感器，布置成将光聚焦到图像传感器上并提供可变焦点的透镜装置，以及用于存储由图像传感器捕获的图像的存储器。 通过由图像传感器捕获并存储在存储器中的透镜布置提供的不同焦点的一系列图像来实现聚焦。 使用存储在存储器中以确定图像的焦点的质量的图像的分析从该系列图像导出对焦图像。 这避免了采用自动对焦控制镜头装置的复杂性。 透镜装置的移动可以由用户可操作的按钮的移动来驱动，这避免了对用于透镜装置的致动器的需要。

公开(公告)号：US20050279566A1

公开(公告)日：2005-12-22

申请号：US10528106

申请日：2003-09-17

Applicant: Anthony Hooley ,  Simon Longbottom

Inventor： Anthony Hooley ,  Simon Longbottom

IPC: H04R7/04 ,  H04R7/12 ,  H04R17/00 ,  H04R7/00 ,  G10K13/00

CPC classification number: H04R17/00 ,  H04R7/04 ,  H04R7/045 ,  H04R7/12 ,  H04R2217/01

Abstract: A loudspeaker is described with two closely spaced diaphragms simultaneously driven by the two ends of an actuator. By balancing the impedance load of both diaphragms on the actuator both diaphragms radiate in phase and hence improve sound reproduction and efficiency of operation.

Abstract translation: 用两个紧密间隔的隔膜描述扬声器，同时由致动器的两端驱动。 通过平衡执行器上两个隔膜的阻抗负载，两个隔膜同相辐射，从而改善声音再现和操作效率。

公开(公告)号：US06373955B1

公开(公告)日：2002-04-16

申请号：US08930360

申请日：1997-09-30

Applicant: Anthony Hooley

Inventor： Anthony Hooley

IPC: H04R906

CPC classification number: H03K7/08 ,  H04R1/005 ,  H04R1/227 ,  H04R1/403 ,  H04R3/12 ,  H04R27/00 ,  H04R2203/12 ,  H04R2430/20

Abstract: A loudspeaker has a digital input signal port connected to a digital interpolator to increase the effective sampling rate whose output is fed to a signal delay and magnitude detector after which the short-term dynamic range of the input signal is possibly reduced before application of a unary encoder which encodes the digital input signal into a plurality of unary signals which are then differentially delayed and pulse shaped before application to a plurality of substantially identical acoustic transducers via transducer drivers whose average power drive levels may be controlled by signals derived from the magnitude detector and from a human operator to alter the sound volume produced.

Abstract translation: 扬声器具有连接到数字内插器的数字输入信号端口，以增加其输出被馈送到信号延迟和幅度检测器的有效采样率，之后输入信号的短期动态范围可能在应用一元 编码器，其将数字输入信号编码为多个一元信号，然后经由换能器驱动器应用于多个基本上相同的声换能器之前差分延迟和脉冲形，其平均功率驱动电平可由来自幅度检测器的信号控制， 从人类操纵者改变产生的音量。

公开(公告)号：US20090161880A1

公开(公告)日：2009-06-25

申请号：US12391375

申请日：2009-02-24

Applicant: Anthony Hooley ,  Paul Thomas Troughton ,  Angus Gavin Goudie ,  Mark George Easton ,  Irving Alexander Bienek ,  James Davies ,  Damon Thomas Ryan ,  Paul Raymond Windle

Inventor： Anthony Hooley ,  Paul Thomas Troughton ,  Angus Gavin Goudie ,  Mark George Easton ,  Irving Alexander Bienek ,  James Davies ,  Damon Thomas Ryan ,  Paul Raymond Windle

IPC: H04R5/00

CPC classification number: F41H13/0081 ,  G10K15/04 ,  H04R1/26 ,  H04R1/403 ,  H04R3/12 ,  H04R2201/401 ,  H04R2203/12 ,  H04R2205/022 ,  H04S1/002 ,  H04S3/00 ,  H04S3/002

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for taking an input signal, replicating it a number of times and modifying each of the replicas before routing them to respective output transducers such that a desired sound field is created. This sound field may comprise a directed beam, focused beam or a simulated origin. In a first aspect, delays are added to sound channels to remove the effects of different travelling distances. In a second aspect, a delay is added to a video signal to account for the delays added to the sound channels. In a third aspect, different window functions are applied to each channel to give improved flexibility of use. In a fourth aspect, a smaller extent of transducers is used top output high frequencies than are used to output low frequencies. An array having a larger density of transducers near the center is also provided. In a fifth aspect, a line of elongate transducers is provided to give good directivity in a plane. In a sixth aspect, sound beams are focused in front or behind surfaces to give different beam widths and simulated origins. In a seventh aspect, a camera is used to indicate where sound is directed.

Abstract translation: 本发明一般涉及一种用于取得输入信号的方法和装置，在将它们复制到各自的输出换能器之前将其复制多次并修改每个复制品，使得产生期望的声场。 该声场可以包括定向光束，聚焦光束或模拟原点。 在第一方面，将声音添加到声道以消除不同移动距离的影响。 在第二方面，将延迟添加到视频信号以解释添加到声音通道的延迟。 在第三方面，将不同的窗口功能应用于每个通道以提供改进的使用灵活性。 在第四方面，使用较小程度的换能器用于比用于输出低频的顶部输出高频。 还提供了在中心附近具有较大密度的换能器的阵列。 在第五方面，提供一系列细长的换能器以在平面中给出良好的方向性。 在第六方面，声束聚焦在表面的前面或后面，以提供不同的光束宽度和模拟的来源。 在第七方面中，使用相机来指示声音的定向。

公开(公告)号：US20070177860A1

公开(公告)日：2007-08-02

申请号：US10593100

申请日：2005-03-14

Applicant: Anthony Hooley ,  David Richards ,  James Allan ,  Robert Leedham ,  Mark Shepherd

Inventor： Anthony Hooley ,  David Richards ,  James Allan ,  Robert Leedham ,  Mark Shepherd

IPC: G02B7/02 ,  G11B7/00 ,  G03B17/00

CPC classification number: G02B7/08 ,  G03B13/36 ,  H04N5/23212

Abstract: A camera comprises an image sensor arranged to generate an image signal, and a lens arrangement, which focuses an image onto the image sensor, the focus being variable in accordance with a control signal applied thereto. In the case that a piezoelectric actuator experiencing hysteresis is used to drive movement of the lens arrangement to vary the focus of the image, autofocusing is achieved by applying a control signal to the piezoelectric actuator with a value at an extreme of a predetermined range and subsequently changing the control signal monotonically across the predetermined range to determine a position at which the focus quality is at an acceptable level. Thus, this position may be returned to despite the hysteresis. In the case that an encoder is arranged to encode the image signal from the image sensor into an encoded signal compressed form, the encoder is operated in two modes in which different spatial frequency components are encoded preferentially, the amount of data in one of the modes being used as the basis for autofocusing. To assist in autofocusing the position of the lens arrangement may be determined using a light source and an optical element which is fixed to and movable with the lens arrangement, the optical element being arranged so that movement of the lens arrangement causes variation in the light incident on the image sensor.

Abstract translation: 相机包括被配置为产生图像信号的图像传感器和将图像聚焦到图像传感器上的透镜装置，所述焦点可根据施加到其上的控制信号而变化。 在使用经历滞后的压电致动器来驱动透镜装置的移动以改变图像的焦点的情况下，通过将控制信号施加到具有预定范围的极端处的值的压电致动器来实现自动聚焦 在预定范围内单调地改变控制信号，以确定聚焦质量处于可接受水平的位置。 因此，尽管有迟滞，仍可能返回这个位置。 在编码器被配置为将来自图像传感器的图像信号编码成编码信号压缩形式的情况下，编码器以两种模式操作，其中不同的空间频率分量被优先编码，在一种模式中的数据量 被用作自动对焦的基础。 为了帮助自动对焦，可以使用光源和固定到透镜装置并可移动的光学元件来确定透镜装置的位置，光学元件布置成使得透镜装置的移动导致光入射的变化 在图像传感器上。

公开(公告)号：US07215788B2

公开(公告)日：2007-05-08

申请号：US11207110

申请日：2005-08-18

Applicant: Anthony Hooley

Inventor： Anthony Hooley

IPC: H03F21/00

CPC classification number: H03K7/08 ,  H04R1/005 ,  H04R1/227 ,  H04R1/403 ,  H04R3/12 ,  H04R27/00 ,  H04R2203/12 ,  H04R2430/20

Abstract: A digital pulse-width-modulation (PWM) generator comprising: an n bit digital magnitude comparator having first and second n bit inputs and an output indicative of the relative values of the signals applied at the first and second inputs; a first n bit digital up/down counter having a count direction input coupled to receive a sign bit of a digital unary input signal, an n bit parallel binary count output connected to the first n bit input of the magnitude comparator, and a clock input; a second n bit counter having a clock input coupled to receive a constant rate clock signal and an n bit parallel binary count output connected to the second n bit input of the magnitude comparator; an AND gate having a first input coupled to receive the constant rate clock signal in frequency divided form and a second input coupled to receive a magnitude portion of the digital unary input signal, and further having an output connected to the clock input of the first counter; and wherein the comparator continually generates an output signal indicative of the relative magnitudes of the counts of the first and second counters, whereby said output signal is a PWM output signal with an average value representing a ramp voltage having a slope determined by magnitude portion of the digital unary input signal with a direction of a slope of the output signal being determined by the polarity of the sign bit.

Abstract translation: 一种数字脉宽调制（PWM）发生器，包括：具有第一和第二n位输入的n位数字幅度比较器和指示在第一和第二输入处施加的信号的相对值的输出; 具有耦合以接收数字一元输入信号的符号位的计数方向输入的第一n位数字上/下计数器，连接到幅度比较器的第一n位输入的n位并行二进制计数输出和时钟输入 ; 第二n位计数器，其具有耦合以接收恒定速率时钟信号的时钟输入和连接到幅度比较器的第二n位输入的n位并行二进制计数输出; 与门，其具有耦合以接收频率分频形式的恒定速率时钟信号的第一输入端和耦合以接收数字一元输入信号的幅度部分的第二输入，并且还具有连接到第一计数器的时钟输入的输出 ; 并且其中所述比较器连续地产生指示所述第一和第二计数器的计数的相对大小的输出信号，由此所述输出信号是PWM输出信号，其平均值表示具有由所述第一和第二计数器的大小部分确定的斜率的斜坡电压 具有输出信号的斜率方向的数字一元输入信号由符号位的极性决定。

公开(公告)号：US07068930B2

公开(公告)日：2006-06-27

申请号：US10480664

申请日：2002-06-19

Applicant: Gareth McKevitt ,  Anthony Hooley ,  James Allan ,  David Henry Pearce ,  Ursula Ruth Lenel

Inventor： Gareth McKevitt ,  Anthony Hooley ,  James Allan ,  David Henry Pearce ,  Ursula Ruth Lenel

IPC: G03B3/10

CPC classification number: G02B7/023 ,  G03B17/00 ,  H04N5/2254

Abstract: A camera (30) uses an electro-active device (11) to position a movable lens. The electro-active device (11) comprises an electro-active structure in the form of a continuous electro-active member (12) curving in a helix around a minor axis (13) which is in itself curved for example in a helix around a major axis (14). The continuous member (12) has a bender construction of a plurality of layers (21 and 22) including at least one layer of electro-active material so that it bends, on activation, around the minor axis (13). Concomitantly with the bending, the electro-active structure twists around the minor axis. Concomitantly with that twisting, relative displacement of the ends (16) of the device (11) occurs due to the combination of the twisting around the minor axis (13) and the fact that the minor axis (13) is curved. This structure of the electro-active device (11) is compact and provides for linear displacement, thereby making it suitable for positioning the lens of the camera (30).

Abstract translation: 相机（30）使用电动装置（11）来定位可移动透镜。 电活性器件（11）包括呈短轴弯曲的连续电活性部件（12）形式的电活性结构，短轴（13）本身例如以螺旋形弯曲 长轴（14）。 连续构件（12）具有包括至少一层电活性材料层的多个层（21和22）的弯曲结构，使得其在启动时绕短轴（13）弯曲。 伴随着弯曲，电活动结构围绕短轴扭转。 伴随着扭转，由于围绕短轴（13）的扭转和短轴（13）弯曲的事实的组合，发生装置（11）的端部（16）的相对位移。 电活动装置（11）的这种结构是紧凑的并且提供线性位移，从而使其适合于定位相机（30）的透镜。

公开(公告)号：US08594350B2

公开(公告)日：2013-11-26

申请号：US10540255

申请日：2004-01-19

Applicant: Anthony Hooley ,  Paul Thomas Troughton ,  David Charles William Richards ,  David Christopher Turner

Inventor： Anthony Hooley ,  Paul Thomas Troughton ,  David Charles William Richards ,  David Christopher Turner

IPC: H04R5/02

CPC classification number: H04S7/301 ,  H04R1/403 ,  H04R3/12 ,  H04R2203/12 ,  H04R2205/022

Abstract: An example set-up method for a loudspeaker system capable of generating at least one directed beam of audio sound includes emitting directional beams of set-up sound signals from the loudspeaker system into a room, registering at least one reflection of the emitted signals at one or more locations within the room, and evaluating the registered reflected signals to obtain data for use in configuring the surround sound system.

Abstract translation: 能够产生至少一个定向声音声音的扬声器系统的示例性设置方法包括：从扬声器系统向室内发射建立声音信号的定向波束，将发射信号的至少一个反射记录在一个 或更多的位置，并且评估所登记的反射信号以获得用于配置环绕声系统的数据。