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(U.S. Patent 7,642,741, additional patent pending)

In the field of motion picture photography, camera stabilization devices are used to isolate the camera from the natural body movements of the operator, while providing fluid maneuverability across a set. The purpose of this project is to design, build and optimize a low cost, compact gyro-based servo stabilization device for a professional handheld motion picture camera.

This device uses MEMS based rate gyro sensors mounted to a gimbaled camera rig to measure the angular rate of the camera’s rotation. The gyro signals are amplified to drive DC servo motors coupled to the camera’s rotational axes.  As a gyro measures the cameras rotation about an axis, the corresponding servo motor applies an opposing torque on the platform to oppose camera rotation.

The camera is mounted to a yaw and pitch gimbaled structure, adjustable so that the rotational axes can run through the cameras center of mass, thus minimizing the torque and power required to stabilize the camera. 

Each gyro rate signal is amplified by a proportional gain amplifier. An integrator circuit acting on each rate signal, helps ensure that the rig does not drift due to extraneous forces. A pair of high current, high power operational amplifiers drive each servo motor from the sum of the proportional and integrated rate signals.

Dynamic tests confirm that the gyro stabilization dramatically and consistently decreases the peak yaw rotation and peak pitch rotation relative to the clamped configuration. Further enhancements include the addition of a third axis and the use of geared motors. Experimental results are validated with a MATLAB/Simulink simulation.

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For more information please contact Dr.Nimit Chomnawang , Email: sut.mems@gmail.com

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The objective of this semester was the “Tug-of-Wars of the designed Heatuators”. Heatuator is a kind of actuators using thermal expansion by generated Joule’s heating when current is applied to Si microstructure. The students designed and analyzed MEMS devices using “Coventor” software under the following regulations.

Dimensions
- Die size no more than 0.5 mm x 0.3 mm
- Anchor size no less than 0.1 mm x 0.1 mm
Mechanism
- Electro-thermal compliant linear in-plane actuator
Goal of the Tug-of-War
- Pull an opponent device by a minimum of 8 um and hold for at least 1 min.
- Do not overheat the device!
- Maximum voltage from power supply is 100V.

This movie was created by Taku Wakita and Dr. Yoshikazu Hirai at Kyoto University, JAPAN.

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