Composite Sync Genlocking for Multi-Camera Video Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video camera systems in multi-view environments face challenges in synchronizing multiple video sources effectively, particularly in generating and transmitting synchronization pulses to ensure accurate genlocking of left and right frames or sensors, which can lead to issues like page tearing and latency in video conferencing and broadcasting.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a codec with an internal reference oscillator to generate horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses, creating a composite synchronization pulse, and transmitting it to video sources via a communication link, allowing for the generation of a pixel clock signal and effective genlocking of video sources, ensuring synchronized operation of multiple cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple video cameras are used to capture stereoscopic video, then the quality of stereoscopic video output is improved, but synchronization issues such as page tearing and latency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple video sources into a single composite synchronization signal that is distributed to all cameras. The switching circuit merges horizontal and vertical sync pulses into one composite signal, simplifying the synchronization architecture while maintaining reliable synchronization across multiple video sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a codec with an internal reference oscillator as an intermediary device that generates and distributes synchronization signals to multiple video sources. This intermediary ensures all cameras reference a common clock signal, resolving synchronization issues without requiring direct camera-to-camera communication.
2Reliability
If genlocking technique is used to synchronize video sources, then video synchronization is achieved, but page tearing and latency issues persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates synchronization pulses in advance using the internal reference oscillator before video data capture begins. By pre-establishing the timing reference and distributing sync pulses to all cameras beforehand, the system eliminates latency that would otherwise occur during runtime synchronization adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses generated at regular intervals by the reference oscillator. This periodic timing structure ensures consistent frame rates and eliminates jitter, preventing page tearing while maintaining predictable timing without excessive latency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video sources are synchronized using separate synchronization signals, then each video source can be independently controlled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal composite synchronization signal that can be distributed to any number of video sources through a single communication link. This multi-functional approach allows the same sync signal to serve multiple cameras simultaneously, maintaining their independence while simplifying the distribution infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the synchronization signal into horizontal and vertical components that are separately generated but combined into a composite signal. This segmentation allows independent control of timing parameters while the combined composite signal simplifies transmission, balancing versatility with reduced complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for synchronizing a plurality of video signals received from one or more video sources is provided. The method includes providing one or more video sources and providing a codec including an internal reference oscillator. The method also includes generating a plurality of horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses based on the reference frequency of the internal reference oscillator, generating a composite synchronization pulse based on the plurality of horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses, and transmitting the composite synchronization pulse to the one or more video sources via a communication link. The method further includes separating the composite synchronization pulse back into the plurality of horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses, generating a pixel clock signal for the one or more video sources based on one or more of the plurality of horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses, and genlocking the one or more video sources based on the generated clock signal.