Multi-Camera Exposure Center Synchronization for Blur-Free Image Synthesis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging using multiple cameras, misalignment of exposure centers can lead to blurred images and reduced image quality when synthesizing images.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that synchronizes exposure centers by receiving a signal indicating the timing of exposure center from another sensor and using this timing to generate a synchronization signal for frame readout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple imaging apparatuses perform imaging independently without synchronization, then each apparatus can operate autonomously, but the centers of exposure become misaligned causing image blur and reduced quality
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization signal serving as an intermediary is introduced between multiple imaging apparatuses. This signal carries timing information that enables each apparatus to adjust its exposure timing independently while maintaining alignment with others, thus achieving synchronization without direct complex inter-apparatus coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having each imaging apparatus adjust its exposure timing based on received synchronization signals. The apparatus compares its own timing with the reference timing from the signal and makes real-time adjustments to maintain center of exposure alignment, creating a closed-loop synchronization system.
2Reliability
If multiple imaging apparatuses synchronize their exposure timing, then image quality is maintained during synthesis, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization signal acts as a mediator that simplifies the control architecture. Instead of each apparatus needing to communicate and coordinate with every other apparatus, they all reference the same intermediary signal, reducing control complexity while maintaining synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The master imaging apparatus generates synchronization signals that are copied and distributed to slave apparatuses. Each slave apparatus receives and uses this copied timing information to align its exposure, eliminating the need for complex bidirectional communication and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the center of exposure timing is not synchronized, then each sensor can operate independently with simpler control, but image blur occurs when synthesizing images from multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization signal serves as an intermediary that enables independent operation of each sensor while ensuring quality results. Each sensor independently processes the received timing information and adjusts its own exposure accordingly, maintaining both independence and synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The master apparatus performs preliminary action by generating and distributing synchronization signals before imaging begins. This advance timing information allows all slave apparatuses to pre-configure their exposure timing, ensuring synchronized operation without requiring complex real-time coordination during actual imaging.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging method, and a program which, in the case of imaging using a plurality of imaging apparatuses, allow imaging in which the centers of exposure of the respective imaging apparatuses synchronize with each other and allow acquisition of a synthesized image in which a blur is suppressed. An imaging apparatus includes a receiving section which receives a signal indicating a timing at which imaging by another sensor has reached the center of exposure and a setting section which sets, by employing a clock time at which the signal is received as the basis, a clock time at which a synchronization signal to make an instruction to start readout of a frame is generated. The center of exposure is located at the center in the horizontal direction in a picked up image and is located at a freely-selected position in the vertical direction. The present technology can be applied to an imaging apparatus in the case of performing imaging by a plurality of imaging apparatuses.