Camera Projector Synchronization via Dynamic Blanking Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing cameras and projectors in 3D image creation struggle to maintain high frame rates, especially when their frame rates are not equal or integer multiples of each other, leading to reduced performance in synchronized operations due to the need for pipeline triggering, which is costly and limited to higher-end cameras.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the blanking intervals between camera frames based on the synchronization signal from the projector to match the phase and frame rates of both devices, using a control circuit to compare and adjust the blanking intervals dynamically to ensure synchronization without requiring pipeline triggering mode, allowing for higher frame rates in both low-cost and high-end cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pipeline triggering mode is used to maintain high frame rates in synchronized operation, then the camera can achieve high frame rates (60 Hz), but the camera cost increases two to three times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the blanking interval length based on the phase difference between camera and projector frame rates. By making the blanking interval variable rather than fixed, the system can synchronize frame rates without requiring expensive pipeline triggering hardware, thus achieving high frame rates in triggered mode while keeping camera costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of blanking interval length to resolve the synchronization issue. By adjusting this temporal parameter dynamically according to phase differences, the system achieves frame rate matching without changing the fundamental camera architecture or requiring pipeline triggering capability.
2Reliability
If triggered operation is used instead of free running mode, then synchronization with projector is achieved, but the frame rate drops from 60-69 Hz to 20-30 Hz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the blanking interval dynamic by adjusting it based on phase differences between camera and projector. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high frame rates (60-69 Hz) even in triggered operation mode, overcoming the traditional limitation where triggered operation forced frame rates down to 20-30 Hz.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous high frame rate operation by dynamically managing the blanking interval to maintain synchronization. This prevents frame rate drops and maintains continuous useful action at high frequencies, unlike traditional triggered modes that forced interruptions at lower frequencies.
3Ease of operation
If fixed blanking interval is used, then camera operation is simple, but phase synchronization between camera and projector cannot be achieved when frame rates are not equal or integer multiples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed blanking interval to a dynamic one that adjusts based on phase differences. This dynamic approach enables reliable phase synchronization between camera and projector even when their frame rates are not equal or integer multiples, while adding only minimal complexity through phase detection and adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing a camera that has an image sensor with a projector that can generate a synchronization signal which corresponds to the projector frame rate. The projector is operated with a frame rate (F2), and the camera is operated with a frame rate (F1). A blanking interval is formed between individual images, and the synchronization signal of the projector is provided for controlling the camera. In order to match a phase (P1) of the frame rate (F1) of the camera to a phase (P2) of the frame rate (F2) of the projector and/or in order to match the frame rate (F1) of the camera to the frame rate (F2) of the projector, one or more blanking intervals between the individual images of the camera are varied dependent on the synchronization signal of the projector. For this purpose, a control circuit carries out a comparison between the phase (P1) of the frame rate (F1) of the camera and the phase (P2) of the frame rate (F2) of the projector and/or between the frame rate (F1) of the camera and the frame rate (F2) of the projector, wherein the trigger input of the image sensor is not activated for the matching process.