Multi-Camera System Shared Data Bus Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating multiple cameras into electrical devices like smartphones and drones increases hardware costs and board space due to the need for additional processor interfaces and components to handle and process data from multiple cameras effectively.
Innovation Solution
A camera system design that includes a processor, a first camera, a second camera, and a data bus, where the processor transmits trigger signals to both cameras to enable simultaneous data transmission over a shared data bus, allowing the cameras to operate in parallel and reducing the need for multiple processor interfaces by using a high impedance state to share the data bus after data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are integrated into an electrical device, then more information such as multiple field of view, resolution, and depth of focus can be obtained, but hardware cost and board space increase due to the need for additional processor interfaces and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera data transmission paths into a single shared data bus. The first and second cameras both connect to the processor through the same data bus, eliminating the need for separate data interfaces for each camera. This combining approach reduces the number of processor interfaces required, thereby reducing hardware cost and board space while maintaining the capability to capture multiple fields of view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through sequential triggering of cameras. The processor triggers the first camera to capture an image, then triggers the second camera to capture an image at a different position. By alternating between cameras in periodic intervals, the system achieves multi-field-of-view functionality using a single shared data bus, avoiding the need for simultaneous data transmission that would require multiple interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are integrated into an electrical device, then more information such as multiple field of view, resolution, and depth of focus can be obtained, but board space increases due to the need for additional processor interfaces and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera data transmission paths into a single shared data bus. The first and second cameras both connect to the processor through the same data bus, eliminating the need for separate data interfaces for each camera. This combining approach reduces the number of processor interfaces required, thereby reducing board space while maintaining the capability to capture multiple fields of view
Solution Approach 2:
The shared data bus serves multiple functions: it transmits image data from the first camera, transmits image data from the second camera, and can be controlled to accept data from either camera sequentially. This multi-functional use of a single data bus reduces the overall number of components needed, thereby reducing board space
3Device complexity
If a shared data bus is used for multiple cameras, then hardware complexity is reduced, but data transmission timing must be carefully managed to avoid overlapping transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through sequential triggering of cameras. The processor triggers the first camera to capture an image, then triggers the second camera to capture an image at a different position. By alternating between cameras in periodic intervals, the system manages data transmission timing systematically, ensuring that data from different cameras is transmitted at different times without overlap, even though they share the same data bus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the processor monitors the data transmission status from the first camera before triggering the second camera. The system waits for the first camera's data transmission to complete or enter a high-impedance state before initiating the second camera's data transmission. This feedback-based timing management ensures conflict-free shared bus usage while maintaining simple hardware architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system is provided and includes a processor, a first camera, a second camera, and a data bus. The processor transmits a first trigger signal to the first camera to enable the first camera outputting first data to the processor through the data bus. The first camera transmits a second trigger signal to the second camera to enable the second camera outputting second data to the processor through the data bus.