GPS Timing for Video Frame Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate timekeeping in image capture devices leads to synchronization issues among video frames captured by different devices, causing inaccuracies in timing and synchronization.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a GPS receiver in image capture devices to determine accurate timing by calculating the difference between broadcast and reception times of GPS signals, allowing for precise synchronization of video frames using GPS time, which can be backtracked to determine times for earlier frames based on a fixed capture rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receiver is integrated to determine accurate timing, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS receiver is integrated into the image capture device to serve multiple functions: providing accurate timing information for video frame synchronization, determining geographic location, and establishing a common time reference across multiple devices. This multi-functional integration resolves the contradiction by making the additional hardware component justify its presence through multiple benefits rather than solely for timing precision.
2Measurement precision
If GPS time is used for all video frames, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system obtains GPS timing information in advance and uses it to pre-calculate accurate timestamps for all video frames during capture. By establishing the GPS time reference beforehand and applying it systematically to frame timing, the patent avoids complex real-time synchronization processing while maintaining high timing accuracy across all frames.
3Device complexity
If internal clock is used for timing, then device complexity is reduced, but timing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces GPS timing signals as an intermediary reference that mediates between the simple internal clock and the requirement for high timing accuracy. The internal clock continues to operate for basic timing functions, while GPS signals provide periodic corrections and synchronization references, combining the simplicity of the internal clock with the accuracy of atomic-clock-based GPS timing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device may receive GPS data during capture of video frames. GPS data may be used to increase accuracy of GPS time of the image capture device. GPS time of the image capture device at a later moment in the capture duration may be used to determine the times of earlier captured video frames.