Camera System Communication Delay Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems struggle to maintain consistent communication delay across multiple Camera Head Units (CHUs) and adjust delays when the number of CHUs changes, leading to variations in image timing and processing challenges.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a communication controller that determines whether a new CHU can join the network based on its influence and adjusts communication delays to ensure all CHUs have a consistent system delay, either by matching the existing delay or adjusting it when CHUs disconnect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of CHUs in the camera system is increased, then the system can capture images from more locations, but the communication delay varies and synchronization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem scalabilityVSAvoidcommunication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic delay adjustment where the receiving device automatically modifies the communication delay parameter based on the number of active CHUs. When CHUs are added or removed, the system dynamically recalculates and applies the appropriate delay value to maintain synchronization, resolving the contradiction between system scalability and communication delay consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the communication delay is adjusted for each CHU, then synchronization is maintained, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoiddelay management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the delay management function into a single centralized component - the receiving device. Instead of each CHU independently managing its own delay, all delay adjustments are consolidated at the receiving device, which uniformly applies the calculated delay to all CHUs. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving device autonomously performs delay calculation and adjustment without requiring manual intervention or complex coordination between CHUs. The system self-adjusts by having the receiving device monitor the number of active CHUs and automatically apply the appropriate delay parameter, simplifying the synchronization mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system accommodates dynamic addition/removal of CHUs, then the system becomes more flexible, but the processing load on the receiving device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCHU dynamic configurationVSAvoidprocessing load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing delay adjustment only when necessary - specifically when the number of active CHUs changes. The receiving device monitors CHU status and performs delay recalculation only upon detection of addition or removal events, rather than continuously adjusting. This event-driven approach maintains system flexibility while minimizing unnecessary processing load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9014050B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an information processing apparatus including a communication controller for determining, based on an influence of a second communication device on a communication network connected to one or more first communication devices, whether joining of the second communication device in the communication network is accepted.