Camera Timestamp Synchronization Under Jitter and Clock Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera synchronization methods face challenges in achieving accurate synchronization due to network jitter, delay fluctuations, and differing system clocks among multiple cameras, leading to inconsistent timestamp alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining frequency and time differences between cameras, synchronizing their frequencies and times to ensure accurate operation by adjusting camera frequencies and times based on calculated differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trigger instruction-based trigger manner is used, then camera operation coordination is enabled, but network jitter and delay fluctuation cause synchronization accuracy to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/instruction-based trigger system with a timestamp-based synchronization system. Instead of relying on trigger instructions transmitted through the network that suffer from jitter and delay, each camera independently records timestamps based on its own system clock when capturing data frames. The synchronization is achieved by comparing these timestamps at the data processing end, eliminating the synchronization errors caused by network transmission variability.
2Reliability
If signal line trigger manner is used, then synchronization control is improved, but differing system clocks among cameras cause timestamp synchronization to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data processing end (centralized processing system) as an intermediary to handle timestamp synchronization. Instead of requiring cameras to have perfectly synchronized system clocks, the data processing end receives data frames from multiple cameras along with their respective timestamps and performs centralized synchronization processing. This intermediary coordinates the timestamps from different cameras, resolving the synchronization issue caused by clock differences without requiring complex inter-camera clock synchronization mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing synchronization methods are used, then camera cooperation is enabled, but network jitter and delay cause timestamp alignment to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the network-based trigger instruction mechanism with a timestamp recording and comparison mechanism. Each camera records the exact timestamp when a data frame is generated based on its local system clock, and these timestamps are transmitted along with the data frames to the data processing end. The synchronization is then achieved through software-based timestamp comparison and adjustment, eliminating the impact of network jitter and delay on synchronization accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure may relate to systems and methods for camera synchronization. A method may include determining a frequency difference between a first frequency of a first camera and a second frequency of a second camera. The method may also include synchronizing the second frequency of the second camera to the first frequency of the first camera based on the frequency difference. The method may further include directing the first camera and the second camera to execute camera operations under synchronized frequency.