Camera Controller Timing Alignment for Multi-Module Systems

Solution Overview

Problem

In camera systems with multiple camera modules, timing deviations in frame synchronization signals lead to image capture and data reception timing differences between modules, requiring increased buffer capacity to absorb these differences, which in turn increases the controller's area and cost.

Innovation Solution

A controller that outputs adjustable frame synchronization signals to camera modules based on measured time differences between frame and transmission synchronization signals, allowing for alignment of image capture timings without the need for large buffers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the buffer capacity is increased to absorb timing differences between frame data from multiple camera modules, then the timing alignment problem is solved, but the controller area and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming alignmentVSAvoidcontroller area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary timing measurement by comparing the frame synchronization signal timing with the transmission synchronization signal timing for each camera module. Based on these measurements, the frame synchronization signal timing is adjusted in advance to compensate for path delay differences, thereby aligning image capture timing across all camera modules without requiring increased buffer capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures the actual timing difference between the frame synchronization signal and the transmission synchronization signal for each camera module, uses this feedback information to calculate the required timing adjustment, and then adjusts the frame synchronization signal timing accordingly to achieve synchronized image capture across all camera modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the buffer capacity is increased to absorb timing differences between frame data from multiple camera modules, then the timing alignment problem is solved, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming alignmentVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary timing measurement by comparing the frame synchronization signal timing with the transmission synchronization signal timing for each camera module. Based on these measurements, the frame synchronization signal timing is adjusted in advance to compensate for path delay differences, thereby aligning image capture timing across all camera modules without requiring increased buffer capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures the actual timing difference between the frame synchronization signal and the transmission synchronization signal for each camera module, uses this feedback information to calculate the required timing adjustment, and then adjusts the frame synchronization signal timing accordingly to achieve synchronized image capture across all camera modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11451697B2Camera system, controller thereof, automobile, and deserializer circuit

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 ROHM CO LTD

AI summary

A controller controls multiple camera modules, and processes video images captured by the multiple camera modules. The controller is configured: (i) to output a frame synchronization signal FSYNC to each of the multiple camera modules; (ii) to receive frame data and a transmission synchronization signal SYNC that is synchronized with the frame data; (iii) to process the multiple items of frame data thus received; and (iv) to acquire a time difference between the corresponding frame synchronization signal and the corresponding transmission synchronization signal for each camera module, so as to adjust the timing of the frame synchronization signal according to the time difference.