Camera Latency Measurement via Controlled Light Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring transmission time between a camera sensor and a screen are not accurate and reliable, as they fail to account for latency and are influenced by increasing light intensity and ambient light, which affects the measurement results.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a light source, such as an LED, or an object with distinct properties to generate an image signal, ensuring the light source or object is switched on for a duration longer than the inverse frame rate of the camera, and using phototransistors to measure the signal transmission time, while shielding the camera from ambient light to isolate the light source's influence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light source is used to generate an image signal for latency measurement, then the measurement can be performed, but increasing light intensity during switching on influences the measurement result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatency measurement accuracyVSAvoidincreasing light intensity influence
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temporal parameters of the light source by switching it on for a duration longer than the inverse frame rate of the camera. This ensures the light is continuously present throughout the entire scanning process, eliminating measurement errors caused by increasing light intensity during the switching-on phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If ambient light is present during measurement, then the measurement setup is simpler, but ambient light influences the measurement results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement setup simplicityVSAvoidlatency measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful ambient light from the measurement system by introducing a light shield between the camera and the environment. This isolation measures only the light from the controlled light source, eliminating ambient light interference while maintaining measurement simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The light shield acts as an intermediary element that selectively blocks ambient light while allowing the measurement light to pass through. This mediator creates a controlled optical environment without complicating the overall measurement setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the light source is switched on for a short duration, then energy consumption is reduced, but the light signal cannot be detected due to camera scanning characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight source energy consumptionVSAvoidlight signal detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by switching the light source on for a duration that exceeds the minimum required (inverse frame rate). This excessive duration ensures the light is present throughout the entire scanning process, guaranteeing reliable detection while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for precise and reliable measurement of transmission time by eliminating the influence of increasing light intensity and ambient light, providing accurate latency measurements that are independent of camera scanning positions.

Implementation Method 1

a light sensor, in particular a phototransistor... the light sensor being positioned in front of the screen... the light source can be positioned directly in front of the light sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3483617B1Latency measurement method
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 EYYES GMBH
  • EP3483617B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3483617B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3483617B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Method for measuring a transmission time between the generation of an image signal in front of a camera sensor of a camera (2) and the display of the image signal on a screen (6), wherein an image signal is transmitted between the camera (2) and the screen (6), wherein a light source (1) is arranged in front of the camera sensor to generate an image signal and the light source (1) is switched on at a switching time for a switching duration and/or an object is arranged in front of the camera sensor to generate an image signal at an arrangement time for a positioning duration, wherein the switching duration or the positioning duration is greater than or equal to the frame rate of the camera, and a display time at which the image signal is displayed on the screen (6) is detected by means of a light sensor.