Wireless Camera Synchronization via Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-camera systems for synchronized photography face challenges such as complex installation, inconvenience of use, and higher production costs due to the need for additional cables and complex connections.
Innovation Solution
A photographing synchronization method and device that uses network broadcasting to acquire and control multiple cameras wirelessly, determining transmission delays, and generating synchronization instructions for frame synchronization, eliminating the need for physical cables and simplifying the setup and operation of multi-camera systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated I/O ports and cables are used for camera synchronization, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Specifically, it uses Wi-Fi direct peer-to-peer communication between cameras to transmit synchronization signals, eliminating the need for physical I/O ports and cables while maintaining synchronization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables cameras to perform multiple functions: they can operate independently as standalone devices or connect wirelessly in peer-to-peer mode for synchronized photography. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring dedicated synchronization infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If additional cables and plugs are used for camera connections, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cable connection with automatic wireless pairing. Cameras automatically discover each other through peer-to-peer Wi-Fi direct connection, eliminating the need for users to manually connect cables and plugs, thereby significantly improving ease of setup while maintaining synchronization accuracy through precise timestamp recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization calibration by having cameras capture test images of a public feature point before actual synchronized photography. This preliminary action allows the system to calculate and compensate for transmission delays, ensuring accurate synchronization without requiring complex manual setup.
3Reliability
If high quality cables are used for multi-camera synchronization, then synchronization performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for specialized high-quality synchronization cables by using standard Wi-Fi direct wireless communication. This substitution removes the cost of premium cables and their connectors while achieving comparable or superior synchronization performance through software-based timestamp calibration and delay compensation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software-based synchronization protocols that replicate the functionality of expensive hardware synchronization systems. By copying the timing and coordination functions into software running on standard camera processors, the system achieves professional-grade synchronization performance without requiring specialized hardware components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a photographing synchronization method for performing a synchronous photographing operation on a plurality of cameras using any one of cameras in a multi-camera system. The method comprises: obtaining all cameras in a current synchronous network by means of network broadcast; obtaining signal transmission delays between the cameras; generating a synchronous photographing instruction of each camera according to the signal transmission delays between the cameras; and sending the synchronous photographing instructions to particular cameras over a wireless network.