Camera Network Synchronization via Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Different types of cameras, such as point and shoot and single lens reflex cameras, often have distinct operation characteristics, making real-time synchronous photography challenging due to variations in time base and frame rate, which hinders simultaneous synchronized capturing of images or videos.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a camera network that involves communicating with cameras to determine and synchronize operation parameters like time base and frame rate, using wireless communication links to adjust clock times and frame rates to minimize differences, ensuring synchronized capture of multimedia data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of cameras are used to capture images simultaneously, then the coverage and versatility of the camera network is improved, but the synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to different operation characteristics and time bases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the time base and frame rate parameters of each camera to achieve synchronization. The control device modifies these parameters based on communication signals exchanged between cameras, allowing different camera types to operate with unified timing parameters while maintaining their individual operational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where cameras transmit communication signals containing their operational status and timing information to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to calculate time differences and adjust each camera's time base and frame rate accordingly, creating a closed-loop synchronization system that adapts to different camera types.
2Measurement precision
If the time base and frame rate of each camera are synchronized to a common reference, then the synchronization accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional communication and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control device that can manage multiple cameras of different types through a unified communication protocol. The control device performs multiple functions including receiving communication signals from all cameras, calculating time differences, determining synchronized time bases and frame rates, and controlling each camera's operation, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture despite the complexity of synchronizing diverse devices.
3Measurement precision
If communication signals are transmitted to determine transmission time differences, then the synchronization precision is improved, but the time consumption increases due to additional communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having cameras transmit communication signals containing their operational status and timing information before the actual synchronized capture operation. The control device calculates time differences and determines synchronized parameters in advance, allowing the cameras to be ready for immediate synchronized operation without additional time consumption during the capture moment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a camera network having a plurality of cameras, comprising the steps of: communicating with the plurality of cameras to determine one or more operation parameters for each of the plurality of cameras; synchronizing the one or more operation parameters for each of the plurality of cameras; and coordinating a capture of multimedia data using the plurality of cameras with the one or more synchronized operation parameters.