Frame Grabber Synchronization and Parallel Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional frame grabbers face issues with synchronization between different processors, real-time data handling, reliable image data transfer, and optimal lighting control, which hinder complex image-based operations and high system performance.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of additional counters for synchronization, ring memory for reliable data transfer, and simultaneous image acquisition with adjustable lighting conditions to support parallel operation and reduce processing time, enabling efficient image data handling and post-processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional synchronization means are added between the frame grabber and different processors, then parallel operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel operation capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization means complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame grabber is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a traditional image acquisition device and a synchronization controller for multiple processors. The device generates synchronization signals that can coordinate operations between the main image processor and additional processors, eliminating the need for separate synchronization hardware and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame grabber serves as an intermediary device between video cameras and multiple processors. It centralizes the synchronization function, mediating between the camera's frame rate and the processing requirements of multiple processors, thereby simplifying the synchronization architecture compared to implementing distributed synchronization between all processor pairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the frame grabber waits for whole framed image acquisition before accepting interruption, then data integrity is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frame data is segmented into multiple parts that can be transferred independently. The frame grabber can accept interruptions during frame acquisition and transfer completed segments to the main image processor immediately, rather than waiting for the entire frame. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different frame portions, reducing total processing time while maintaining data integrity through proper segment management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame grabber performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and segmenting frame data during acquisition. It prepares data segments in advance and makes them available for transfer before the complete frame acquisition is finished, allowing the main image processor to begin work on available segments without waiting for full frame completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If DMA transferring is used for image data transfer, then transfer speed is improved, but data reliability deteriorates due to potential transfer failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoiddata transfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame grabber implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the status of DMA transfers and frame acquisition. When a transfer failure or interruption occurs, the system receives feedback about the incomplete transfer and can take corrective actions such as retransmitting the affected data segments or adjusting transfer parameters, thereby maintaining data reliability while preserving the high-speed DMA transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Use of energy by moving object

If on-off control of lighting is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to insufficient contrast

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting energy consumptionVSAvoidimage contrast quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system employs periodic action by pulsing the light source at specific intervals synchronized with the frame acquisition cycle. Instead of continuous on-off control, the lighting pulses periodically during the exposure period, providing enhanced contrast for specific objects while maintaining lower average power consumption. This periodic illumination strategy improves image quality compared to simple on-off control while still being more energy-efficient than continuous lighting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS7405755B2Frame grabber

Publication Date: 2008.07.29 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A frame grabber comprising image signal decoders to convert the analog image signal to digital image data, a multiplexer to select the image data stream sent from the image signal decoders, frame memories and a memory controller to control the digital image data in a unit of frame data to be transferred to an external main image processor unit further has a pulse generator, a pulse counter, a bus controller for transferring the frame data and a time stamping code generator to consolidate the same time base between the in-frame image data and other data used for robot controlling.