Methods of compensating for play and for initializing a position encoder in an actuation system (2) including an actuated system (8) comprising an elastic element, and an actuator (4) with a stepper motor (12) having at least one electrical phase.

A method and system for automatically adjusting an iris opening in an imaging system. The method includes an iterative process that continues to adjust the camera's iris opening until an algorithm stopping condition is met. More particularly, a processor determines a brightness for the image at the current aperture setting. The processor classifies the image according to one of at least two brightness regime classifications. Based on the classifying step, the processor selects a pre-set optimal brightness parameter. The processor compares the brightness value of the image to the pre-set optimal value. The camera's iris opening is automatically adjusted based on a formula that takes into account, the current f-stop setting, the current brightness value, and the optimal brightness value. The iterative process continues until an algorithm stopping condition is met.

A Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM) assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a stator with a plurality of stator poles with a coil wounded on each stator pole. Each of the plurality of stator poles comprises a plurality of sub-poles integrally formed therewith, and the plurality of sub-poles provide the closest interface between the stator and the rotor. Further, two coils of an opposing pair of stator poles are energized during an excitation phase which is configured to create a flux path between each of the plurality of opposing sub-poles of the energized stator poles. The rotor of the assembly comprises a plurality of poles extending from a surface to provide the closest interface between the rotor and stator. Further, the plurality of stator sub-poles and the plurality of rotor poles are arranged to provide a commutation angle for the SRM assembly less than 15 degrees.