Camera Module Sampling Clock Period for Image Sensor Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensor communication systems face challenges in efficiently encoding and decoding data sequences due to synchronized sending and receiving data sequence rates, leading to potential flicker issues and reduced effectiveness in applications like indoor navigation and digital signage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a camera module captures frame portions with an exposure time at a sampling clock period different from the duration of the data sequence, allowing for a second data sequence to be obtained by cycling through the first data sequence, using techniques like pulse width modulation or differential phase shift keying to encode data into signal pulses, while maintaining a high pulse rate to suppress flicker for human eyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the camera module captures frames at a sampling clock period different from the data sequence duration, then data transmission efficiency is improved and flicker is suppressed, but the synchronization between sending and receiving becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rate adaptation where the receiving end can operate at different frame rates (first frame rate matching sender, second frame rate for display) and dynamically switches between them. The system adjusts the sampling clock period based on whether to capture complete data sequences or to cycle through them for flicker suppression, making the synchronization adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of frame capture by introducing a sampling clock period that differs from the data sequence duration. This parameter change allows the receiver to sample at optimal intervals for both data completion and flicker suppression, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and synchronization complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a high pulse rate is used to suppress flicker, then visual comfort is improved, but the data sequence duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic sampling at the second frame rate that is synchronized with the high pulse rate light source. By capturing frames at intervals that are multiples of the data sequence duration, the system ensures complete data sequences are captured while the high pulse rate maintains flicker-free visual output. The periodic nature allows the receiver to accumulate data over multiple cycles if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous data transmission at the high pulse rate for flicker suppression, while the receiver continuously samples at the second frame rate. The useful action of data transmission never stops, and the receiver can accumulate and process data continuously, ensuring both visual comfort and complete data capture.
3Measurement precision
If the exposure time corresponds to the duration of one signal pulse, then the timing precision is improved, but the total capture time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame capture into multiple frame portions, where each frame portion captures a specific time window with exposure time matched to signal pulse duration. This segmentation allows precise timing measurement for individual pulses while the total capture time spans multiple frames to accumulate complete data sequences, resolving the contradiction between precision and total time.
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 enables effective data encoding and decoding, even with low frame rate cameras, suppressing flicker and enhancing data transmission efficiency in image sensor communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
using techniques like pulse width modulation or differential phase shift keying to encode data into signal pulses
Implementation Method 2
using techniques like pulse width modulation or differential phase shift keying to encode data into signal pulses
Implementation Method 3
a camera module captures frame portions with an exposure time at a sampling clock period. The frame portions correspondingly reflect a predetermined number of first signal pulses periodically generated by a light source
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes: causing a camera module to capture a plurality of frame portions with an exposure time at a sampling clock period. The frame portions correspondingly reflect a predetermined number of first signal pulses periodically generated by a light source. The exposure time corresponds to a duration of one of the predetermined number of first signal pulses. A first data sequence is encoded into the first signal pulses. The sampling clock period is different from a duration of the first data sequence such that a second data sequence is obtained from cycling through all of the first data sequence.