Counter Synchronization Control for Stable Camera Timing Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication terminals controlling cameras with low-accuracy internal clocks can lead to gradual shifting of synchronization signals, making it difficult to maintain synchronized image capturing, especially when re-synchronization with a reference time is not promptly executed.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a first counter synchronized with a reference time and a second counter, where a correction unit adjusts the second counter's value step-by-step to match the first counter's value, ensuring synchronization signal accuracy by calculating and correcting differences within a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the second counter is corrected directly to match the first counter when error exceeds threshold, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but the synchronization signal may shift by a predetermined amount causing image capturing disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The correction method dynamically adapts based on the error magnitude. When error is within threshold, direct correction is applied; when error exceeds threshold, step-by-step correction is used. This dynamic adjustment of correction strategy resolves the contradiction between achieving synchronization accuracy and maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively detects when the error is approaching the threshold and switches to step-by-step correction before the error causes synchronization signal shift. This prior cushioning prevents the harmful effect of synchronization disruption while gradually reducing the error.
2Reliability
If step-by-step correction is used when error exceeds threshold, then continuous image capturing is maintained, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to gradual correction
Solution Approach 1:
When error exceeds threshold, the system applies partial correction (step-by-step) rather than full correction. This partial action maintains continuous operation while gradually reducing error. Once error falls within threshold, full correction is applied to achieve precise synchronization, thus balancing reliability and accuracy.
3Reliability
If self-operating mode is used when error exceeds threshold, then synchronization signal shift is prevented, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to accumulated error
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the error between first and second counters and provides feedback to adjust the correction strategy. When error exceeds threshold, feedback triggers step-by-step correction instead of self-operating mode, maintaining both signal stability and synchronization accuracy through continuous adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a first counter configured to synchronize with a reference time, a second counter configured to synchronize with the first counter, a generation unit configured to generate a synchronization signal each time when a value of the second counter is incremented by a predetermined number, a correction unit configured to correct the value of the second counter toward a value of the first counter, and a control unit configured to control the correction unit to cause the correction unit to calculate a difference between the value of the first counter and the value of the second counter and, in a case where the calculated difference is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the correction unit to correct the value of the second counter step by step.