Camera Synchronization Circuit for Sub-Microsecond Frame Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributed camera systems suffer from poor image synchronization due to independent operation of master clock signals and frame synchronization signals, leading to temporal discrepancies between image frames that exceed 16 milliseconds, resulting in errors.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization circuit within each camera, comprising an input interface module, detection control module, main control chip module, master clock and frame synchronization signal transmission modules, and output interface module, which ensures synchronized operation by generating and transmitting master clock and frame synchronization signals based on connection status with a synchronization line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If master clock signals and frame synchronization signals operate independently in each camera, then each camera can function autonomously, but temporal discrepancies between image frames exceed 16 milliseconds causing synchronization errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the master clock signal generation and frame synchronization signal generation into a unified synchronization system. A master clock signal is generated centrally and distributed to all cameras, while frame synchronization signals are coordinated based on this common master clock, ensuring temporal alignment across all cameras while maintaining operational autonomy through the distributed architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The master clock signal acts as an intermediary that mediates between independent camera operations and synchronized image capture. By introducing this central timing reference that all cameras follow, the system achieves precise temporal synchronization (within 0.8 microseconds) while allowing each camera to independently process and transmit images through existing communication channels
2Measurement precision
If a synchronization circuit is introduced to coordinate master clock and frame synchronization signals across cameras, then temporal synchronization precision improves to within 0.8 microseconds, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization circuit is segmented into distinct functional modules: a master clock signal generation module that produces the base timing signal, distribution modules that propagate this signal to all cameras, and frame synchronization modules that coordinate image capture timing. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to achieve precise synchronization without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization circuit is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall complexity. The same master clock signal serves multiple purposes: timing for image sensor exposure, synchronization for frame capture coordination, and reference for transmission timing. This universal timing reference eliminates the need for separate synchronization mechanisms for different functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining high precision
Data Source
AI summary
In a synchronization circuit, a detection control module outputs a first control signal, a detection signal and a second control signal. In a case where the detection signal is received, the main control chip module generates a master clock signal and a frame synchronization signal. In a case where the first control signal is received, the master clock signal transmission module transmits the master clock signal to the output interface module, and the frame synchronization signal transmission module transmits the frame synchronization signal to the output interface module. In a case where the second control signal is received, the master clock signal transmission module transmits the master clock signal to the output interface module, the frame synchronization signal transmission module transmits the frame synchronization signal to the output interface module, and a camera module acquires a picture based on the frame synchronization signal and the master clock signal.