Abstract:
A control device for a focusing system of a compact disk (CD) reader is provided. The control device uses fuzzy logic incorporated to the audio data processing system of the CD reader which is adapted to detect and segregate a light beam reflected by the surface of the compact disk from an incident light beam to the surface. The fuzzy logic control device receives a focus error signal and a derivative of the focus error. It then calculates, using appropriate membership functions, output signals to provide to a focusing servo-system of the CD reader to adjust the distance of the focal plane from the light beam detecting circuitry.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a control device for a Compact Disk (CD) reader focusing system using fuzzy logic, and more specifically relates to a control device adapted to detect and segregate a light beam reflected by the surface of the compact disk from an incident light beam to the surface. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention, particularly but not exclusively, relates to a focusing control device for a source of monochromatic light in an audio data processing system of a CD reader, and the description which follows will cover that field of application for convenience of explanation. 
     Each CD reader contains two primary systems: an audio data processing system and a control servo-system. A CD reader is shown schematically at  1  in FIG.  1 . The CD reader  1  has a data input terminal IN, a servo-control output terminal O 1 , and first O 2  and second O 3  data output terminals. 
     An audio data processing system  2  is connected between the data input terminal IN and the data output terminals O 2  and O 3 , and includes a series of a buffer  4 , an error corrector  5 , an interpolation-muting (or concealment) and demultiplexing circuit  6 , a digital filter  7 , D/A converters  8  and  8 ′, and analog output filters  9  and  9 ′. 
     The audio data processing system  2  also includes a storage device  10 , such as a RAM, which is connected bi-directionally to the error corrector  5  and adapted to store the data during the audio data de-interleaving phase. 
     The input terminal IN of the CD reader  1  is connected to a series of a bit detection device  11 , itself connected to the servo-control output terminal O 1  via a control servo-system  3 , and a demodulator  12 . The CD reader  1  further includes a control/display subsystem  13  coupled to the demodulator  12  and to the buffer  4  of the audio data processing system  2 . The control/display subsystem includes a series of a decoding block  14 , a function controlling device  15 , and a display  16 . 
     The control servo-system  3  and the control/display subsystem  13  are to control the mechanical operations of the CD reader  1 , including auto-tracking, auto-focus, and user&#39;s interface functions. 
     The data reading system  2  uses a semiconductor laser, the light beam of which must be kept on focus for tracking Pit. A motor is used for turning the disk at a constant linear velocity, as well as to change its speed according to the position of the pickup on the surface of the compact disk. The information supplied in the data is used for establishing the appropriate rotational rate and keeping the output data stream constant. 
     Finally, the CD reader  1  includes a clock signal generator block  17 , having its input connected to the output of the bit detection device  11  and including a clock signal regenerator  18  connected to an elementary clock signal generator  19  which may be provided with a piezo-electric crystal  20 . 
     As said before, the optical system of the CD reader  1  employs a monochromatic light source, specifically an output laser  21  (FIG.  2 ), which requires stabilization since it is a basically regenerative device with a temperature tied to the level of the output. 
     Thus, in order to extract an audio data signal, the audio data processing system  2  should be capable of segregating the reflected light beam from the incident light beam. This separation can be obtained essentially in either of two manners, schematically illustrated by FIGS. 2A and 2B. In FIG. 2A, a half-mirror  22  directs the light beam reflected from a disk  23  onto a light sensor  24 . This known system is not very efficient because some of the light is lost along the direct transmission path. 
     FIG. 2B illustrates the combined use of a polarizing prism  25  and a quarter-wave plate for segregating the incident light beam from the reflected beam, this combination improves the system performance. 
     Both systems shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B employ a focusing laser lens LF as a means to focus the light beam. 
     The frequency response of a CD audio channel and the amount of crosstalk are functions of the spot size, that is to say, they are basic variables tied to the device optics. 
     The performance of a CD reader  1  is dependent on the detection and focusing of the light beam on the informational layer of a compact disk. 
     Devices effective to keep under control the system response to disturbance of large amplitude, by means of an algorithm based on binary logic, have been known, but such devices are complicated and low in efficiency. 
     Therefore, a major problem of the prior art CD readers is that the focusing systems cannot adequately control the system response to a disturbance of large amplitude in a simple and efficient manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Presented is a focusing system controller for a Compact Disk reader that uses fuzzy logic to control a focus error signal, and for driving a focusing servo-system of the Compact Disk reader to adjust the distance of the focal plane from the light beam reflected from the surface of the Compact Disk. 
     Embodiments of the invention can be practiced with other hardware devices without deviating from the inventive aspects. For instance embodiments can be adapted to work with Digital Video Disks (DVD). Further applications can be envisaged for a fuzzy controller used as herein in a Hard Disk (HD) or a Mini Disk (MD) control. Applications of this invention can extend to any system where a reading head must be kept within a given distance from another device to operate properly 
     The features and advantages of a controller according to the invention will be apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limitative example with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the structure of a conventional CD reader, incorporating an audio data processing system and a control servo-system. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating first and second schemes for segregating a reflected light beam from an incident light beam, according to the prior art. 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a photodiode type of optical mechanism. 
     FIG. 4 is a theoretical plot of a focus error signal. 
     FIG. 5 shows a simulation setup for the PD (Proportional-Derivative) controller. 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs that show results of a simulation of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a block diagram that shows a simulation setup for obtaining a fuzzy controller from the PD controller of FIG.  5 . 
     FIGS. 8A,  8 B and  9  are graphs that show membership functions found from the setup of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 10A is a block diagram that shows a further simulation setup for the fuzzy controller according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 10B is a graph that shows the results of the simulation of FIG.  10 A. 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram that shows the structure of a fuzzy controller according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIGS. 12A and 12B are graphs that show the membership functions of a parallel fuzzy controller. 
     FIG. 13 is a block diagram that shows a simulation setup for an embodiment of the parallel fuzzy controller. 
     FIG. 14 is a chart that shows the results of the simulation of FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 15 is a graph that shows the results of comparing the performance of a conventional controller with that of a fuzzy controller according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a block diagram that illustrates a fuzzy development system of the fuzzy controller according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIGS. 17A and 17B are graphs that show the results of a simulation at with oscilloscope signals obtained with the fuzzy controller of an embodiment of this invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a graph that shows the result of a simulation carried out on a further embodiment of the fuzzy controller according to the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As mentioned above, the performance of a CD reader  1  is affected by the detection and focusing of the light beam on the informational layer of an optical disk or CD. Bends in the CD platter itself and the depth of its surface uneveness cause the focal plane to shift, so that a focusing servo-system must be used. The accuracy of this servo-system should be adequate to keep the focal plane at optimum range within an error of ±1 nμm. 
     Simulations have been carried out by the Applicant on a CD-ROM 8× reader whose characteristics are as specified by the Red Book standard, as is known in the art. This reader affords fast radial access and can operate within a wide range of temperatures. 
     In embodiments of this invention, a Single Foucault method is used for determining a focus error signal (Focus Error), i.e., a signal which enables the position of the focal point to be found. A photodiode type of optical mechanism  27 , comprising five photodiodes, is shown in block form in FIG.  3 . The photodiode optical mechanism  27  has two outboard diodes (D 1 , D 5 ), referred to as the satellite diodes, which are used solely for tracking purposes, and three middle diodes (D 2 , D 3 , D 4 ) which are used for determining the focus error signal (Focus Error). 
     FIG. 4 is a theoretical plot of the focus error signal (Focus Error) as suitably normalized according to the following expression: 
     
       
           FEn =2*Error. 
       
     
     As is apparent from FIG. 4, the focus error signal (Focus Error) is a function of the displacement of the light beam focusing means, specifically, the focusing laser lens LF shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B which illustrate the state of the art. 
     On the graph of FIG. 4, the origin point of the axis z corresponds to the lens setting when the laser is properly focused. 
     From the pattern of the focus error signal FE, a controller CF of the audio data processing system  2  can be determined which is operative to keep the laser light source focused onto the compact disk surface. The design specifications for this controller CF come in two major classes: those covering the behavior of the controlled system in the steady-state or asymptotic condition; and those covering the behavior of the controlled system in the transient range, in response to canonical input signals. 
     In the instance considered, the controlled system is asymptotically stable. It should be further noted that the steady-state error is not required to be zero, because it will be sufficient for the system to have the laser lens set such that the light beam is focused within an error of 1 μm. 
     As for the behavior in the transient range, it is important to obtain a sufficiently large phase margin for the frequency response of the controlled system. 
     In particular, an acceptable minimum value for that margin may be 60°. In this way, the optical system can produce a prompt response, that is, will react quickly to stimuli. 
     In order for the system to be the quicker to respond, a rise time of less than 0.01 seconds in the frequency response is to be preferred. 
     Thus, the specifications for the photodiode optical system  27  can be itemized as follows: a steady-state error which need not be zero; a phase margin mφ=60°; and a rise time ts≦0.01 sec. 
     The above specifications should be converted into useful parameters to synthesize the focusing system controller CF; in particular, once the phase margin and rise time have been decided upon, the corresponding values of the dampening factor and the cut-off frequency can be determined. The last-mentioned parameter can be useful to a synthesis method based on frequency response.                m                 ϕ     =       Π   2     -     arctg                1   +     4        ξ   4           -     2        ξ   2             2      ξ                   (   1   )                                
     then, 
     
       
         ξ=0.61  (2) 
       
     
     and since,                t   s     =       1     ω   n              1       1   -     ξ   2                [     Π   -     arctg            1   -   ξ       ξ         ]                 (   3   )                                
     then, 
     
       
         ω n =295 
       
     
     
       
         ω n =293  (4) 
       
     
     Therefore, a focusing system controller CF capable of implementing the above method should have the following transfer function:                R        (   s   )       =       1.5      1     +       0.0044      s       1   +     0.000317      s                   (   5   )                                
     It can be at once appreciated that the s term in the denominator is so much smaller than 1 that it can be safely ignored, and the transfer function of a conventional PD (Proportional-Derivative) controller becomes: 
     
       
           R ( s )=1.5(1+0.0044s)  (6) 
       
     
     A final consideration to be made about the controller just found concerns the controller capability to keep the system focused while the plant, i.e. the mechanical system and the lens, is subjected to vibration, which represents a major source of disturbance to a CD reader. For the purpose, the behavior of the control system in reverse feedback was simulated, with the addition of a noise input to the plant to simulate real vibration. The scheme adopted for this simulation is illustrated by FIG. 5, and the result of the simulation is reported in FIGS. 6A and 6B. 
     In particular, FIG. 5 shows in block form a controller  50  having the transfer function R(s) given by expression (6) above. 
     The controller  50  has its output connected to a summing node  51  which receives in parallel a signal representing the noise, schematically illustrated by a noise block  52  outputting a vibration signal S 1 . The summing node  51  is cascade connected to a plant block  53  which has an output fed back to the controller  50  input and arranged to supply a focus error signal S 2 . 
     The signal shown in FIG. 6A represents the noise S 1  at the system input. 
     FIG. 6B shows that the focus error signal S 2  is virtually zero even as the system is subjected to vibration. 
     In embodiments of this invention, based on the parameters yielded by this simulation, a fuzzy controller for the focus control system of the CD reader is provided by “fuzzifying” a standard controller R(s). 
     For the purpose, a special neuro-fuzzy system, and an associated algorithm developed by the Applicant and designated AFM, has been used giving a fuzzy model of a system to be generated from a measurement of its input/output data. 
     The first step of this process is the taking of measurements on the system to be modelled. To this aim, the Simulink toolbox of Matlab has been utilized which, based on the scheme shown in FIG. 7, allows the input data (error and error derivative) to the fuzzy controller and its output to be measured. 
     The scheme in FIG. 7 includes a controller  70  having its output connected to a summing node  71  which receives in parallel a signal representing the noise, schematically illustrated by a noise block  72  outputting a vibration signal S 3 . The summing node  71  is cascade connected to a plant block  73  which has an output fed back to the controller  70  input and arranged to supply a focus error signal S 4 . 
     The plant block  73  is also connected with its output to a differentiation block  74  adapted to supply a signal S 5  being a derived function of the error S 4 . Also, a control output signal S 6  is picked up from the controller  70  output. 
     Using the AFM software, the fuzzy controller membership functions and rules have been obtained for the CD reader focusing system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are the membership functions Mbfs relating to the focus error signal (Focus Error) and its derivative signal (derror), respectively. FIG. 9 shows the membership function relating to the control output signal S 6 . 
     The fuzzy controller of this embodiment is defined by the following fuzzy inference rules: 
     IF error IS Neg AND derror IS Neg THEN du is a 
     IF error IS Neg AND derror IS Null THEN du is b 
     IF error IS Neg AND derror IS Pos THEN du is c 
     IF error IS Null AND derror IS Neg THEN du is d 
     IF error IS Null AND derror IS Null THEN du is e 
     IF error IS Null AND derror IS Pos THEN du is f 
     IF error IS Pos AND derror IS Neg THEN du is g 
     IF error IS Pos AND derror IS Null THEN du is h 
     IF error IS Pos AND derror IS Pos THEN du is h 
     where: 
     Neg, Null and Pos denote negative, zero, and positive values, respectively, for the membership functions (MF in FIGS.  8 A and  8 B); and a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h and i denote the results to be applied to the control output signal shown in FIG.  9 . 
     To carry out simulations by Matlab of the fuzzy controller thus defined, a Matlab file has been created according to the scheme shown in FIG.  10 A. The result of the simulation is shown in FIG.  10 B. 
     The scheme shown in FIG. 10A provides for a summing node  101  to receive in parallel a signal representing the noise, schematically illustrated by a noise block  102  outputting a vibration signal S 7 . The summing node  101  is cascade connected to a plant block  103  having an output for supplying a focus error signal S 8 . 
     The plant block  103  is also connected with its output to a differentiation block  104 , itself connected to a multiplexer  105  which is input the focus error signal S 8  as well. The multiplexer  105  is further connected to a Matlab simulation block  106  representing the functions of the fuzzy controller according to an embodiment of the invention and being in turn connected to the summing node  101 . 
     The fuzzy controller thus obtained is shown schematically in FIG.  11  and generally referenced CF. In particular, the controller CF is constructed around a central communications bus  110  which is connected bi-directionally to a transceiver block  111  connected with its input to a transmit terminal Tx and a receive terminal Rx; a parallel input/output (I/O) port  112  connected with its input to first PV and second READV terminals and connected bi-directionally to a data bus  113 ; an 8-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter connected with its input unidirectionally to another data bus  115 ; and a storage device  116 , which in a preferred embodiment is specifically a 2-kbyte EPROM. 
     The central communications bus  110  is also connected bi-directionally to: a drive block  117  connected to first MAIN 1  and second MAIN 2  supply terminals, as well as connected to a drive terminal TRIACOUT; and a timer  118  connected to first TCTRL, second TRES, third TCLK and fourth TIMEROUT timing terminals. 
     The fuzzy controller CF includes a calculation subsystem  119  which is connected bi-directionally to the central communications bus  110  and includes: a control unit  120  acting on a first set of peripheral registers  121 , a second set of input registers  122 , a third set of signalling registers  123 , a fourth set of storage registers  124 , and a fifth set of formatting registers  125 ; a central calculation unit (ALU)  126 ; and a fuzzy device  127 . 
     The fuzzy controller CF further includes: a power supply  128  connected to first VDD, second VPP and third VSS power supply terminals; an oscillator  129  connected to an input terminal OSCin and an output terminal OSCout; and a reset circuit  130  connected to a reset terminal RESET. 
     An important problem with conventional CD reader focusing systems is a loss of the focal point position in the presence of very strong disturbance. In fact, conventional controllers are unable to prevent such loss of the system focus. 
     Advantageously in embodiments of this invention, this problem is obviated through the use of fuzzy logic. Thus, a parallel controller is provided with a fuzzy algorithm that, as explained hereinafter, is quite simple, yet efficient. 
     The fuzzy model of the parallel controller is to generate, upon the main fuzzy system losing control, a ramp tending to restore the system to its previous condition. 
     For the purpose, an algorithm has been devised which can determine whether the lens has been moved away from or closer to the disk, and accordingly increase or decrease a variable for generating a ramp with the appropriate sign. During the time when this parallel controller is not required to operate, the fuzzy algorithm holds its output at zero level. 
     This algorithm is implemented with a single input variable, the error signal, three membership functions, and an output variable having one of three possible values: −1 to increase the variable; 0 when not required to act; and +1 to decrease the variable. 
     Shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B are the fuzzy sets of the variables corresponding to the error signals and the output signal, respectively. The rules of the fuzzy algorithm for the parallel controller of this invention are the following: 
     IF error IS Neg THEN out IS ml 
     IF error IS Pos THEN out IS pl 
     IF error IS Zero THEN out IS xl 
     where: 
     error is the membership function relating to the error signal input to the parallel controller; 
     out is the membership function relating to the output signal from the parallel controller; 
     Neg, Zero and Pos denote negative, zero and positive values, respectively, for the functions considered; and 
     ml, pl and xl denote the results to be applied to the parallel controller output signal. 
     The Simulink scheme used is illustrated by FIG.  13 . It provides a summing node  131  which receives in parallel a signal representing the noise, schematically illustrated by a noise block  132 . The summing node  131  is cascade connected to a plant block  133  which has an output arranged to supply a focus error signal S 9 . The summing node  131  input is connected to a switch  134 . 
     The scheme of FIG. 13 further provides a Matlab simulation block  135 , representing the functions of the ramp-generating parallel controller, itself connected via a selection block  136  (shown in phantom lines to indicate discontinuity of connection) to the switch  134 , and connected to a further summing node  137 , itself connected with its input to a series of a differentiation block  138 , a multiplexer  139  and a second Matlab simulation block  140  representing the function of the inventive controller, in turn connected to the summing node  137 . 
     Finally, the input of the switch  134  is connected to yet another summing node  141 , itself connected with its input to first  142  and second  143  relay blocks. The two relay blocks  142  and  143  are used to determine, in simulated form, the signal that in actual practice would be supplied by the system hardware. 
     Finally, the output from the plant block  133  is fed back to the differentiation block  138 , and fed forward to the multiplexer  139 , the relay blocks  142  and  143 , and the first Matlab simulation block  135 . 
     FIG. 14 shows the results of the simulation. 
     Thus, the resultant fuzzy controller can solve the problem of the system responding to disturbance of large amplitude, in a simpler and more efficient manner than by utilizing an algorithm based on binary logic. 
     To confirm the improved performance brought about by the fuzzy controller of the invention, this has been tested in comparison with a conventional PD (Proportional-Derivative) controller. 
     The comparative test concerned the response of the system controlled by the fuzzy controller (not the parallel controller) to an input having an amplitude step of 0.05. The test result is as shown in FIG.  15 . 
     Although the PD (Proportional-Derivative) controller gives a faster response, the fuzzy controller of this embodiment of invention has proved more efficient in determining the focal point position. In fact, the final position error is approximately 0.005, corresponding to a 3.25 μm deviation from true focus position for the PD (Proportional-Derivative) controller, and approximately 0.001, corresponding to a 0.65 μm deviation from true focus position for the fuzzy controller. 
     It should be noted that a zero error is not needed, i.e. the lens is not required to be set exactly, and that it is enough for the error to be held within ±1 μm of the true position. It seems safe to conclude, therefore, that unlike the PD (Proportional-Derivative) controller, the fuzzy controller fills this demand by a good margin. 
     For testing on the real system, a previously designed fuzzy adjuster has been implemented on a microprocessor sold by the Applicant as brand ST52, using the Fuzzystudio 3.0 development system. 
     The fuzzy development scheme thus obtained for the controller of this embodiment of the invention is illustrated by FIG.  16 . This scheme provides in particular a fuzzy block, Fuzzy 0 , whereinto the rules and fuzzy sets of the algorithm to be implemented are placed. 
     To best demonstrate the results of a fuzzy controller thus formed, three signals have been displayed on the oscilloscope, namely: a focus error signal (Focus Error), a focusing signal (CASUM (Central Aperture SUM)), and a digital information signal (Hf), as plotted in FIGS. 17A and 17B. 
     The proper operation of the controller is confirmed by the focus error signal (Focus Error) being held around a zero value and the focusing signal (CASUM) held at a high level. 
     As a further confirmation, the digital information signal Hf, from which signal the digital information is extrapolated, shows to be other than zero, and more precisely a varying signal. It should indeed be considered how a major feature of the signal Hf is that, when the system is out of focus, it would be at a zero level, whereas with the system focused—as it happens to be in this case—it would be other than zero or otherwise vary. 
     Advantageously in embodiments of this invention, the fuzzy controller can be optimized by means of genetic algorithms. 
     In particular, the fuzzy controller described hereinabove has been optimized by varying its parameters within ±10% of the interpolated value, and using for disturbance a pulse having the following characteristics: step time=0.001; initial value=0.3; final value=0. The results of the simulation are reported in FIG.  18 . 
     It can be seen that the error value changes from 1.823e-5 (heavy line) for the standard fuzzy controller, to 6.204e-6 for the optimized version. Additional simulations have been carried out at different disturbance inputs, which all gave satisfactory results. 
     As described in the foregoing, the use of fuzzy logic effectively overcomes the problem of the focus control system response to disturbance of large amplitude, in a simpler and more efficient way than by using an algorithm based on binary logic. 
     Also noteworthy is that the fuzzy control described above in connection with the focusing system would be equally applicable to other systems, e.g. to auto-tracking. 
     Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all methods and devices that are in accordance with the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined by the following claims.